The General Insurance Review
For more than five decades, The General Automobile Insurance Services, Inc. (The General®), a branch of PGC and a member of the American Family Insurance group, has been offering insurance services across the U.S. It specializes in high-risk driver coverage, including those with multiple accidents, traffic violations, or poor credit. As a result, The General’s policies are typically more expensive and offer less coverage, often focusing on liability or specific damages and injuries.
With a significant online presence, The General simplifies the insurance process, frequently eliminating the need for vehicle inspections and requiring only basic vehicle information. This approach is particularly convenient for individuals seeking quick insurance solutions or seasonal coverage, making The General an attractive option for those working to improve their driving records. Additionally, The General offers SR-22 insurance for drivers needing to legalize driving after serious violations despite the higher costs associated with these policies.
When customers purchase a policy online with The General, they can expect:
- Insurance for high-risk drivers, including those with multiple accidents, traffic violations, or poor credit.
- Simplified policy maintenance with various payment options and easy policy cancellation.
- Excellent customer service.
Currently, this insurance provider does not extend its services to Canadian drivers, but speculation exists about a potential expansion into the Canadian market. Like other American insurers, it offers international coverage, ensuring that the process for filing a claim in Canada would mirror that in the United States. As a major player in the U.S. insurance industry, The General’s entry into Canada could significantly shake up the competition among existing market leaders. However, The General’s offerings are currently exclusively available to the American market, with no coverage options for Canadian residents.
A Brief Company History
Originally established in 1963 as Permanent General Insurance, the company underwent a rebranding to become known as The General Automobile Insurance Services, Inc., or The General, in 1997. With its headquarters in Nashville, The General has expanded its reach across the United States, boasting a network of offices and agents dedicated to customer support.
Acquired by American Family Insurance in 2012, The General remains a subsidiary of PGC Holdings Corp., maintaining its unique brand identity. The General is recognized for its focus on auto insurance, particularly catering to “high-risk” drivers facing higher premiums. Throughout its history, starting from its initial days as Permanent General Agency to its rebranding efforts culminating in the unified brand name “The General” in 2012, the company has established a significant presence with physical stores in Louisiana and offices across various states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and Texas.
The General’s commitment to excellence in advertising was acknowledged in 2012 when it received three Telly Awards for its animated television commercials. Moreover, in 2019, The General earned the certification of a “Great Place to Work,” highlighting its dedication to its customers and creating a positive work environment for its employees.
Why Choose The General Car Insurance
The General Insurance provides auto insurance primarily for customers across the United States, catering to those who may find it challenging to secure coverage elsewhere. Their specialized approach is designed to accommodate high-risk drivers, ensuring they can obtain the legally required coverage and optional enhancements.
The insurer offers essential coverage options alongside options for comprehensive, collision, and policies tailored for drivers needing SR-22 documentation. These offerings are accessible through The General’s extensive online platform, simplifying the process for policyholders to manage their insurance needs efficiently. Key features of The General Insurance include:
Extensive Online Services
The General excels in providing a robust online platform that allows customers to quickly obtain insurance without the traditional vehicle inspection requirement. This option is especially advantageous for those desiring quick coverage or who favour managing their insurance matters electronically.
Specialization in High-Risk Coverage
The General is known for its willingness to insure drivers who are categorized as high-risk. This includes drivers with a history of accidents, multiple traffic tickets, poor credit scores, or other risk factors. By offering insurance to this demographic, The General provides a pathway for high-risk drivers to obtain necessary coverage and work towards improving their driving records.
Comprehensive Claims Service
The General strongly emphasizes customer service, especially during the claims process. Recognizing the stress associated with vehicle accidents and damage, the company strives to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience, ensuring that customers receive the support they need during challenging times.
Ease of Policy Management
The General simplifies the insurance experience by offering multiple payment methods, including online payments, payments via the insurer’s app, phone payments, or traditional mail payments. This versatility ensures that policyholders can manage their policies to suit their lifestyle, including the ability to easily cancel policies and reapply after improving their driving history.
Transparent Payment Plans
The General is committed to financial transparency, offering payment plans sensitive to budget constraints. By verifying driver and vehicle information at purchase, customers are assured of no unexpected costs, allowing for better financial planning and peace of mind.
Pros and Cons of Buying The General Car Insurance
Exploring the details of The General Insurance, we uncover a mix of specialized offerings and strategic solutions tailored for the contemporary motorist. Here is a summary of the advantages, disadvantages, and other factors to consider when selecting The General for your car insurance requirements. This analysis assesses how closely The General matches your insurance needs and expectations.
- Strong Online Presence: Offers convenient online insurance services, allowing for quick policy acquisition without vehicle inspection.
- Seasonal Coverage Option: Suitable for individuals needing insurance only during specific times, like winter.
- High-Risk Driver Acceptance: Specializes in insuring high-risk drivers, including those with multiple accidents, traffic violations, or poor credit.
- Policy Management Ease: Simplifies policy maintenance with various payment options and easy policy cancellation for drivers, improving their records.
- Reputable: Highly rated on Trustpilot and associated with J.D. Power’s award-winning parent company, American Family Insurance.
- Affordable Initial Payments: Provides low down payment options for drivers with a history of violations, lapses in insurance, or less-than-perfect credit.
- Convenient Payment Plans: Offers budget-friendly payment plans with transparent costs and electronic driver and vehicle information verification.
- Quality Claims Handling: Committed to a positive customer experience with hassle-free claims service.
- SR-22 coverage: This insurance company provides SR-22 coverage, catering to individuals involved in at-fault accidents, DUI incidents, or those who have had their licenses revoked. While these policies may come at a higher cost, they represent a necessary option for certain drivers to legally operate their vehicles.
- Limited Benefits and Discounts: Offers fewer benefits and discounts due to its smaller size than larger companies.
- Higher Coverage Costs: Policies are generally more expensive, particularly for good drivers, due to the focus on high-risk individuals.
- Limited Coverage Options: Often provides less comprehensive coverage, potentially limiting policies to liability or specific damages and injuries.
- Slow Claims Process: Experiences delays in claims handling.
The General Auto Insurance Discounts
If you qualify, you might get the following discounts from The General:
Good Student Discount
Rewards students maintaining a B average or higher with savings.
Defensive Driver Discount
Offers reductions for drivers completing an approved driver training course.
Multi-Car Discount
Provides savings for insuring multiple vehicles with The General.
Safety Features Discount
Grants lower rates for vehicles equipped with airbags and passive restraint systems.
Double Deductible Discount
Offers rate reductions for opting to double your deductible during the first 45 days of the policy.
Safe Driver Discount
The General offers reduced rates to drivers who have maintained a clean driving record over the last three to five years.
Previous Insurance Discount
Offers savings to those who have maintained insurance with another company for five years.
Pay-In-Full Discount
Provides a cost reduction for drivers who pay their premium in full upfront.
The General Insurance App
The General Insurance App allows cash payments alongside its flexible payment methods, including multiple, split, and scheduled options, complemented by timely alerts and the innovative cash payment feature.
Key Features
- Effortless Login: Choose from various sign-in methods such as Touch ID, email, policy number, Facebook, or Google for easy access.
- Diverse Payment Methods: Offers a range of payment options, including the ability to pay in cash, with notifications to keep you informed.
- Digital ID Cards: Access your insurance ID card digitally, available in both portrait and landscape orientations for your convenience.
- Streamlined Claims Process: Easily initiate a new claim or track existing ones, upload photos, and submit details all within the app.
- Comprehensive Support: Access support on-demand via chat, email, phone, request a callback, or browse through FAQs directly through the app.
- Efficient Quote Generation: Leveraging location services and pre-populated forms, obtaining insurance quotes from The General is quicker and more straightforward than ever.
Making a Claim on The General App
To file a claim using The General App, just launch the app to view existing claims or initiate a new one. Capture photos of the incident, fill in the required information, and submit your claim directly through the app.
Additional Insurance Services Provided by The General
Beyond car insurance, The General extends its services to a variety of property insurance options, catering to different needs:
Policies for homeowners insurance are offered from a large variety of providers tailored to your location. The company offers basic liability and comprehensive coverages by default, typically offering you the cheapest home insurance in your area.
Dairyland offers The General’s motorcycle insurance policy program and can give you similar coverage to the car insurance plan. The company offers auto and motorcycle plans, so you can go with the company if you are trying to get an auto and motorcycle bundle.
According to The General, their policies will cover your rental home in the case of theft, weather damages, accidents in the home, and personal belongings. Several insurance providers can offer their policies as they try to match you with the best one for you. Typically, the suggested companies include Lemonade and Toggle, some of our top picks.
Progressive offers all RV insurance policies for The General and can cover all motorhomes or trailers.
There are many life insurance options you can get plans from with The General. You’ll typically have term and whole-life insurance plans regardless of your chosen provider. Some providers offer other plans, which include variable life insurance, burial/final expense insurance, and mortgage life insurance.
Health insurance from the general is offered by various providers tailored to your particular area and needs. Government health programs are also included in their matching service. Quotes are easily accessible online; all you need is your zip code.
Like RV insurance, The General’s boat insurance provider is Progressive, and their plans can cover boats, yachts, jet skis, and trailers for marine vehicles. Like our RV insurance rankings, Progressive is our top pick for boat insurance coverage due to its many discounts, options, and benefits. Their pricing for boat policies also makes it one of the cheapest boat insurance companies.
Hartville provides The General’s pet insurance program, which comes in two varieties: accident-only and complete coverage. All plans can cover up to $15,000, between $100-$500 for deductibles and up to 90% reimbursement for costs.
The General’s range of insurance products is designed to meet the diverse needs of American policyholders, providing comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.
How To Submit A Claim With The General Insurance
The Geneeral customers can file a claim through one of the following options.
Commonly Asked Questions About The General Insurance
Where are The General’s offices located?
The General’s corporate headquarters are in Nashville, TN, with regional call centers in Ohio, Arizona, and Louisiana. For local insurance expertise, you can visit our local insurance agent page.
How long has The General been providing insurance?
The General has been offering high-quality insurance since 1963, marking over 60 years of service to Americans.
Is insurance from The General worth it?
While The General may not always offer the most cost-effective option for car insurance, it is a viable choice for high-risk drivers seeking coverage.
Who owns The General insurance?
The General is owned by PGC Holdings, an affiliate of American Family Insurance, and has been a subsidiary since its acquisition in 2012.
What types of insurance does The General offer?
Primarily focusing on car insurance, The General also offers policies for RVs and motorcycles and homeowners, renters, pet, health, and life insurance.
How do you make payments to The General insurance?
Payments can be conveniently made online via The General’s website or mobile application.