The General Auto Insurance Review 2025: Is This High-Risk Specialist Worth Your Money?

Introduction

Denied coverage by traditional insurers? You’re not alone. Nearly 13% of American drivers struggle to secure affordable car insurance due to past violations, poor credit, or coverage lapses. That’s where The General steps in but with average premiums around $3,069 annually for full coverage, is this Nashville-based insurer truly your best option, or are you paying a premium for accessibility?

This comprehensive 2025 review examines everything from The General’s pricing structure and customer satisfaction ratings to its unique SR-22 filing services and mobile app capabilities. Whether you’re recovering from a DUI or simply comparison shopping, here’s what you need to know before signing on the dotted line.

What Makes The General Different From Traditional Insurers?

Specializing in High-Risk Coverage Since 1963

The General (originally Permanent General Agency) has carved out a unique niche in the non-standard auto insurance market. Unlike State Farm or GEICO, which primarily serve low-risk drivers, The General actively welcomes customers with:

• Multiple speeding tickets (3+ violations in five years)
• At-fault accidents on their driving record
• DUI or DWI convictions
• Suspended or revoked licenses
• Poor credit scores (below 600)
• Recent insurance lapses or cancellations

This specialization explains why The General’s rates exceed national averages by approximately 28% ($3,069 vs. $2,399 annually). However, for drivers unable to secure coverage elsewhere, these rates often beat competitors serving the same high-risk market.

Company Ownership and Financial Strength

As of January 2025, The General operates under Sentry Insurance following its acquisition from American Family Insurance. The company maintains an A (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best, indicating a strong ability to pay claims and meet policyholder obligations.

The General underwrites policies through several entities, all rated A by AM Best:

• Permanent General Assurance Corporation
• Permanent General Assurance Corporation of Ohio
• The General Automobile Insurance Company, Inc.
• Old American County Mutual Fire Insurance Company

The General Auto Insurance Cost Breakdown (2025 Rates)

Average Premium Comparison

Understanding what you’ll actually pay requires examining multiple driver profiles. Here’s how The General’s 2025 rates stack up:

Key Insight: The General’s DUI rates are notably 37% lower than the national average ($3,300 vs. $5,287), making it particularly competitive for drivers with major violations.

Age-Based Premium Variations

Your age significantly impacts what you’ll pay:

Teen drivers pay approximately 138% more than 40-year-old drivers with The General, though this gap narrows compared to industry standards.

State-by-State Rate Variations

Geography matters. Here’s what drivers pay across key states:

The General offers competitive rates in Ohio, Iowa, and New Mexico, where premiums actually fall below state averages for liability coverage.

Coverage Options: What The General Offers (And What It Doesn’t)

Standard Coverage Types

The General provides essential coverage options required in most states:

Liability Coverage:

• Bodily injury liability (required in 48 states)
• Property damage liability
• Available limits vary by state requirements

Optional Full Coverage Add-Ons:

• Collision Coverage: Repairs your vehicle after accidents, regardless of fault
• Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against theft, vandalism, weather damage, and animal strikes
• Gap Insurance: Covers the difference between your car’s value and remaining loan balance (available in select states)
• Accidental Death Coverage: Provides beneficiary payments in fatal accidents (state-specific)

Specialized Offerings for High-Risk Drivers

SR-22 Filing Services: The General files SR-22 certificates in all states where required. This proof-of-insurance form is mandatory after:

• DUI/DWI convictions
• Multiple traffic violations
• Driving without insurance
• License suspension or revocation

Filing typically costs $15-$25, with the requirement lasting 3-5 years depending on your state and violation severity.

Non-Owner Car Insurance: Don’t own a vehicle but need coverage? The General offers non-owner policies providing liability protection when driving borrowed or rental cars.

What’s Missing?

Compared to full-service insurers like Progressive or State Farm, The General lacks:

• ✗ Usage-based insurance (telematics) beyond basic Safe Driver Discount program
• ✗ Accident forgiveness programs
• ✗ New car replacement coverage
• ✗ Custom parts and equipment coverage
• ✗ Rental car reimbursement (though roadside assistance available through Nation Safe Drivers)

The General Discounts: How to Lower Your Premium

The General offers fewer discounts than competitors but still provides meaningful savings opportunities:

The Double Deductible Strategy

New customers can opt for The General’s Double Deductible discount, which lowers premiums if you agree to pay double your deductible for the first 45 days of coverage. This works best if you’re confident you won’t file a claim immediately after policy activation.

Pro Tip: Always ask your agent which discounts apply in your specific state availability varies significantly by location.

Customer Experience: What Real Users Say in 2025

Third-Party Ratings Overview

The Red Flag: Complaint Volume

The General’s NAIC Complaint Index of 3.14 is particularly concerning. This means The General receives over 3 times more complaints than the expected number for an insurer its size. Common complaint themes include:

• Billing disputes and unexpected rate increases
• Claim processing delays
• Difficulty canceling policies
• Customer service accessibility issues

Positive Customer Feedback

Despite complaint concerns, many customers report satisfaction with:

✓ Accessibility: “I got my insurance lowered from $230 to $100 a month by switching to The General.” — Judy Lynn, Ohio (December 2025)

✓ Acceptance: “No other company would insure me after my DUI. The General got me legal again in 48 hours.” — Verified Trustpilot user

✓ Mobile App: 4.7/5 stars on both iOS and Android, with users praising payment ease and digital insurance cards

Negative Customer Feedback

Recent complaints highlight persistent issues:

✗ High Costs: “Our experience has been somewhat okay. However, it is very expensive. If I had the time, I’d look for something else.” — Maria, Texas (November 2025)

✗ Claims Problems: “Customer service has been poor since my accident a week ago. I have barely heard anything back, and my questions haven’t been answered.” — Britney, Missouri (November 2025)

✗ Cancellation Difficulties: Multiple Reddit users report requiring written documentation, manager escalation, and 3+ months to successfully cancel policies.

Mobile App and Digital Tools

Highly-Rated Mobile Experience

The General’s mobile app earns 4.7/5 stars across both major platforms, offering:

• One-Touch Payments: Schedule recurring payments and set custom due dates
• Digital Insurance Cards: No more searching for paper proof of insurance
• 24/7 Claims Filing: Submit photos and documentation directly through the app
• Policy Management: View coverage details, add vehicles, update driver information
• Quick Quote Access: Compare policy options without calling an agent
• Live Chat Support: Connect with representatives via chat, email, or phone

Website Functionality

The General’s website provides:

• 2-minute online quotes (no obligation)
• Comprehensive FAQ database
• State-specific minimum coverage requirements
• Louisiana residents: 13 physical office locations for in-person service

The General vs. Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?

Direct Comparison with Major Insurers

When The General Makes Sense

Choose The General if you:

• ✓ Have been denied coverage by 2+ standard insurers
• ✓ Need SR-22 filing after serious violations
• ✓ Have a DUI/DWI on your record (competitive DUI rates)
• ✓ Live in Ohio, Iowa, or New Mexico (rates below state averages)
• ✓ Value flexible payment dates and low down payments

Consider alternatives if you:

• ✗ Have a clean driving record (you’ll overpay significantly)
• ✗ Want telematics-based discounts (Progressive Snapshot, State Farm Drive Safe)
• ✗ Need robust coverage options (accident forgiveness, new car replacement)
• ✗ Prioritize customer service (NAIC complaint index is concerning)

How to Get the Best Rate from The General

5 Proven Strategies to Lower Your Premium

1. Bundle Multiple Vehicles Adding a second car to your policy typically saves 10-25%. If your household has multiple drivers, consolidating coverage maximizes discounts.

2. Improve Your Credit Score The General charges drivers with poor credit 27% more on average ($3,895 vs. $3,069). Even modest credit improvements (600 → 650) can reduce premiums by hundreds annually.

3. Choose Higher Deductibles Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can reduce collision and comprehensive premiums by 15-30%. Only select this option if you can afford the higher out-of-pocket expense.

4. Take a Defensive Driving Course: State-approved courses (typically $25-$50) can qualify you for ongoing discounts. Check your state’s requirements at your DMV website.

5. Compare Quotes Annually The General’s rates increase faster than competitors for high-risk drivers. 42% of customers who switch save $400+ annually by shopping around after their first policy term.

Payment Flexibility Options

The General understands high-risk drivers often face financial constraints:

• Low down payments starting around 20% of premium
• Custom payment dates aligned with your paycheck schedule
• Monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly payment plans
• Cash payment options at select retail locations (Louisiana)

The Cancellation Process: What to Expect

How to Cancel Your Policy

The General requires written cancellation requests, which has drawn criticism from customers. Here’s the official process:

Step 1: Call customer service at 1-844-328-0306 to discuss cancellation

Step 2: Submit written cancellation request to:

The General
2636 Elm Hill Pike, Suite 100
Nashville, TN 37214

Step 3: Include:

• Full name and policy number
• Cancellation effective date
• Reason for cancellation
• Proof of new insurance (if applicable)

Cancellation Fees

Be aware: There is a 10% penalty on unused premiums in many states if canceling mid-policy. If you paid $1,200 for six months but cancel after three months, expect a $60 fee deducted from your $600 refund.

States without cancellation penalties: Contact your local agent to verify if your state prohibits mid-term cancellation fees.

Reddit User Warning

“This is the most excruciating place to cancel service to… You will need to ask for a manager like a Karen and demand they cancel it right away.” — Reddit user, January 2025

Pro Tip: Before canceling, secure new coverage first. Gaps in insurance history can raise future premiums by 20-40% and may trigger SR-22 requirements in some states.

Additional Insurance Products from The General

While specializing in auto insurance, The General partners with third-party providers to offer:

• Homeowners Insurance (through partner companies)
• Renters Insurance
• Motorcycle Insurance
• Boat and Personal Watercraft Insurance
• Motorhome and RV Insurance
• Commercial Auto Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Pet Insurance

Bundling multiple policies can unlock additional multi-policy discounts, though coverage quality varies by partner provider.

Is The General Right for You? Final Verdict

The Bottom Line

The General serves a critical market niche: drivers who can’t access traditional insurance due to past mistakes or circumstances beyond their control. For this specific audience, The General provides a lifeline to legal driving.

However, this accessibility comes with trade-offs:

Strengths:

• ✓ Accepts high-risk drivers other insurers reject
• ✓ Competitive DUI rates (37% below national average)
• ✓ Strong financial stability (AM Best A rating)
• ✓ Excellent mobile app (4.7/5 stars)
• ✓ Flexible payment options
• ✓ SR-22 filing in all required states

Weaknesses:

• ✗ Premiums 28% above national average
• ✗ 3x expected complaint volume (NAIC Index: 3.14)
• ✗ Limited coverage customization
• ✗ No telematics/usage-based programs
• ✗ Difficult cancellation process
• ✗ Mixed customer service reviews

Who Should Choose The General?

Ideal Candidates:

• Drivers with DUIs, multiple violations, or accidents
• Anyone needing SR-22 certification
• Residents of Ohio, Iowa, or New Mexico (competitive rates)
• Drivers rejected by 2+ standard insurers

Better Options Exist For:

• Clean-record drivers (overpay by $600+ annually)
• Customers prioritizing customer service quality
• Drivers wanting telematics discounts or advanced coverage features

Take Action Today

Car insurance rates increase 3-5% annually on average. If you’re currently uninsured or paying excessive premiums elsewhere, getting quotes from multiple providers, including The General, is essential.

Next Steps:

1. Get The General quote (takes 2 minutes online)
2. Compare with 3+ competitors (Progressive, GEICO, State Farm)
3. Verify discount eligibility with each provider
4. Check complaint histories on NAIC Consumer Information Source
5. Read policy documents carefully before signing

Frequently Asked Questions About The General Auto Insurance

Is The General a legitimate insurance company?

Yes. The General is a legitimate insurer with nearly 60 years of operation, an A (Excellent) AM Best financial strength rating, and A+ BBB accreditation. It’s a subsidiary of Sentry Insurance as of January 2025 and underwrites policies through multiple highly rated carriers.

Why are The General’s rates so high compared to competitors?

The General specializes in non-standard (high-risk) auto insurance, serving drivers with poor credit, violations, accidents, or coverage lapses. These customers statistically file more claims, so premiums reflect higher risk. Compared to other high-risk specialists like Bristol West or Good2Go, The General’s rates are often competitive.

Does The General offer coverage in my state?

The General operates in 46 states plus Washington, D.C. It’s not available in:

• Alaska
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• Michigan

Coverage may also be limited in large metropolitan areas like Miami, New York City, and parts of New Jersey. Enter your ZIP code on The General’s website to verify availability.

How quickly can I get insured with The General?

Most customers receive instant quotes online in under 2 minutes. After approval, coverage can begin the same day, with immediate digital insurance cards available through the mobile app. SR-22 filings are typically processed within 24-48 hours.

What is an SR-22, and does The General file them?

An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility, not an insurance policy itself. It proves to your state’s DMV that you maintain minimum required liability coverage. The General files SR-22s in all states where required, typically for $15-$25, after violations like DUIs, driving without insurance, or license suspensions.

Can I add a teen driver to my General policy?

Yes. Adding a teen as a secondary/occasional driver (if they use your vehicle infrequently) may qualify for lower premiums than listing them as a primary driver. Teen drivers with good student discounts (B average/3.0 GPA) save up to 10% on premiums.

How do I file a claim with The General?

File claims three ways:

• Mobile app (fastest method)
• Phone: 1-800-280-1466 (24/7 availability)
• Email: Claims@thegeneral.com

Include your policy number, photos of damage, police report (if applicable), and witness information. Claims representatives are available around the clock.

Does The General offer roadside assistance?

Yes, through partner Nation Safe Drivers (NSD). Coverage includes:

• Towing services
• Tire changes and repairs
• Battery services and jump-starts
• Fuel delivery
• Lockout assistance
• Rental car reimbursement (in some states)

Add this coverage during the quote process or policy modification.

What happens if I miss a payment?

The General offers flexible payment schedules, but missing payments can result in policy cancellation. You typically receive:

• Notice: 10-15 days before cancellation
• Grace period: Varies by state (usually 10-30 days)
• Reinstatement fee: $25-$50 to restore canceled policies

Set up automatic payments through the mobile app to avoid lapses, which can increase future premiums by 20-40%.

Why does The General have so many customer complaints?

The General’s NAIC Complaint Index of 3.14 indicates over 3 times the expected complaints for its size. Common issues include:

• Billing disputes
• Rate increases without notice
• Claim processing delays
• Difficulty canceling policies

However, over 90,000 Trustpilot reviews average 4.7/5 stars, suggesting experiences vary widely. Always read your policy documents carefully and document all interactions with customer service.

How does The General compare to Good2Go or Bristol West?

All three specialize in high-risk coverage:

• The General: Best mobile app (4.7/5), widest state availability (46 states), competitive DUI rates
• Good2Go: Advertises lowest minimum coverage rates, but outsources to multiple carriers
• Bristol West: Fewer discounts, below-average ease of use, high complaint volume

The General typically offers more consistent coverage since it underwrites directly rather than brokering to other carriers.

Can I get a discount for having previous insurance?

Yes. The General’s “Recent Auto Insurance” discount applies if you maintained coverage with any carrier during the past five years before switching. Provide proof of prior insurance (usually a declarations page) to qualify.

What credit score do I need for The General insurance?

The General accepts drivers with poor credit scores (below 600), though premiums increase significantly. Drivers with poor credit pay an average of $3,895 annually compared to $3,069 for those with good credit, a 27% premium. Note: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan prohibit credit-based insurance pricing.

Does The General offer accident forgiveness?

No. The General does not currently offer accident forgiveness programs, where your first at-fault accident doesn’t increase premiums. After an accident, expect rates to increase to approximately $4,332 annually (+41% from the base rate).

How do I change my coverage or add a vehicle?

Three methods:

1. Online: Log into My Policy portal at thegeneral.com/mypolicy
2. Mobile app: Navigate to policy management section
3. Phone: Call 1-800-280-1466 to speak with Customer Experience Specialist

Changes typically take effect the same day or can be scheduled for future dates. You’ll receive updated quotes before finalizing modifications.

Ready to Compare Rates? Start Here

Don’t leave money on the table. The average American driver who comparison shops saves $416 annually on car insurance. Whether The General is your best option depends on your unique situation.

Take 2 minutes to: 

✓ Get your personalized General quote.
✓ Compare with Progressive, GEICO, and State Farm.
✓ Verify discount eligibility.
✓ Check complaint histories.

Remember: Rates change daily based on claims data and risk assessments. The quote you get today might not be available tomorrow.

Have questions about The General or other high-risk insurance options? Drop them in the comments below!

In another related article, Root Auto Insurance Review 2026: Is App-Based Insurance Worth It for Safe Drivers?