4.2/5
Service Evaluation
Key Takeaway: The General (Expert Score: 4.2/5.0)
The General earns a BestGuide Expert Score of 4.2/5.0, establishing it as a primary option for high-risk drivers. The company’s highest-scoring criterion is Affordability for subprime drivers (90%), reflecting its focus on providing accessible coverage for individuals with challenging driving records, poor credit, or those needing fast SR-22 filings.
In this The General review, we provide a data-driven analysis of one of the most recognized names in non-standard auto insurance. The General earns an Expert Score of 4.2/5.0 from BestGuide, a rating derived from a comprehensive evaluation of expert opinions across customer service, claims processing, and cost-effectiveness. While it may not compete with premier carriers on coverage breadth, our analysis indicates its value proposition is extremely strong for its target demographic of high-risk drivers.
BestGuide’s expert panel examined numerous The General reviews and found that the company provides essential liability and physical damage coverage, meeting state requirements for drivers who might otherwise be denied. This service is crucial for the roughly 34% of drivers with a subprime credit score or a spotty driving record who often face limited insurance options. For those with a clean driving record and good credit, other insurers will almost certainly offer more comprehensive policies at a significantly lower rate.
How The General Auto Insurance Works
The General simplifies the process of obtaining car insurance for drivers who are often considered high-risk. The company specializes in providing state-minimum liability coverage and SR-22 certificates, which are required for drivers with serious violations like DUIs. The entire process, from quote to coverage, can often be completed online in under 15 minutes.
Getting a The General Insurance Quote
To get a quote, prospective customers visit The General’s website and provide standard information, including their name, address, vehicle details, and driving history. The online system is designed to provide a rate almost instantly, even for drivers with multiple accidents or violations. According to company data, over 95% of online applicants receive a quoted premium immediately.
Purchasing and Managing a Policy
Once a quote is accepted, customers can purchase the policy with a low down payment, a key feature for budget-conscious drivers. Policy management is handled primarily through The General’s mobile app or online portal. These digital tools allow policyholders to make payments, view ID cards, and make minor policy changes 24/7 without needing to speak to an agent.
Who The General Is Best For
Based on BestGuide’s analysis, The General auto insurance is best for drivers who fall into non-standard or high-risk categories. This includes individuals with a history of at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or a DUI conviction. It is also an ideal choice for drivers who require an SR-22 or FR-44 filing to reinstate their license, as The General can typically process these forms within 24 hours. Drivers with poor credit or a lapse in previous coverage will find The General far more accommodating than many standard carriers.
The General Standout Features
The General’s service is defined by several key features designed for its specific customer base. These differentiators address common pain points for high-risk drivers:
- SR-22 and FR-44 Filings: The General specializes in providing proof-of-insurance certificates required by the state after serious driving offenses. The company handles the filing directly with the DMV, a process that over 80% of their customers with this need complete on the same day they purchase a policy.
- Flexible Payment Options: Recognizing the financial constraints of its customers, The General offers low down payments and accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. This makes it more accessible than insurers who require large upfront payments, with initial payments often as low as $50-$100 to start a policy.
- Mobile App Functionality: The General’s mobile app holds a rating of 4.7 stars on the Apple App Store across more than 200,000 reviews. It allows users to manage their policy, make payments, and access digital ID cards, providing a level of self-service that is highly competitive with larger, standard insurance carriers.
The General Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accepts High-Risk Drivers: Provides coverage for drivers with DUIs, at-fault accidents, or poor credit, a segment denied by over 30% of standard insurers. | High Complaint Volume: The company has a complaint index with the NAIC that is consistently above the national median for insurers of its size. |
| Fast SR-22 Filings: Can electronically file SR-22 and FR-44 forms directly with state DMVs, often within one business day. | Limited Coverage Options: Lacks many endorsements like new car replacement or comprehensive gap insurance offered by top-tier carriers. |
| Low Down Payments: Allows policies to be started with a minimal initial payment, making it financially accessible for more drivers. | Expensive for Good Drivers: Premiums can be up to 25% higher for drivers with clean records and good credit compared to standard insurers. |
Is The General Legit?
Yes, The General is a legitimate insurance company with deep financial backing. The General Automobile Insurance Services, Inc. has been in business since 1963. In a major industry move at the end of 2024, Sentry Insurance acquired The General from its previous parent company, American Family Insurance. Sentry is one of the largest and most financially secure mutual insurance companies in the U.S., holding an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best. This backing confirms The General’s status as a highly secure, legitimate provider.
Answering the common search query, ‘is the general and national general the same,’ they are not. They are separate and competing entities, though both focus on the non-standard auto insurance market. The General’s long history and robust backing ensure its credibility in the marketplace.
The General BBB Rating and Accreditation
As of 2026, The General has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has been an accredited business since 1994. This rating indicates the BBB’s confidence that the company operates in a trustworthy manner and makes a good faith effort to resolve customer concerns. Over the last 12 months, the company has closed over 400 complaints through the BBB platform. While the A+ rating is positive, prospective customers should note that the customer review score on the BBB website is significantly lower, averaging around 1.1 out of 5 stars, which highlights a disconnect between the company’s complaint resolution process and overall customer satisfaction.
The General Cost: What You Should Expect to Pay
The cost of a policy from The General varies significantly based on your driving record, location, vehicle, and coverage selected. Based on BestGuide’s analysis, The General is most cost-effective for high-risk drivers. For an individual with a recent DUI or major lapse in coverage, The General’s rates can be 15-30% lower than the average premium from a standard carrier for the exact same profile.
However, for a driver with a clean record and good credit, The General’s rates are often 10-25% higher than competitors like Geico or Progressive. For example, a minimum liability policy for a high-risk driver might range from $120-$250 per month, whereas a similar driver with a clean record might find rates closer to $60-$90 per month from a standard insurer. The cost for an SR-22 filing is a one-time fee, typically between $15 and $25. This pricing structure places The General in the lower range for its target market, but firmly in the upper range for standard drivers.
Final Verdict: The General Review
The General earns an Expert Score of 4.2/5.0 from BestGuide, positioning it as a solid, highly functional choice for a specific niche: the high-risk driver. Its greatest strength is accessibility. The company provides a vital service by insuring drivers who would otherwise be unable to legally operate a vehicle, excelling with fast SR-22 filings and low down payments. This focus is reflected in its high Affordability score of 90% for its target demographic.
However, this The General review would be incomplete without acknowledging its weaknesses. The company’s high volume of customer complaints and limited coverage options are significant drawbacks. Drivers with clean records will almost certainly find better value and more comprehensive policies elsewhere. After analyzing dozens of The General reviews, our verdict is clear: it is a legitimate and valuable option for those with few alternatives, but it is not a competitive choice for the average insurance consumer.
Frequently Asked Questions About The General
What do experts say about The General?
Experts, as synthesized by BestGuide, rate The General an average of 4.2 out of 5.0. They acknowledge its critical role in serving high-risk drivers with features like SR-22 filings and low down payments, but note its higher-than-average complaint ratio and limited coverage options compared to standard carriers.
Is The General worth it in 2026?
For drivers with a DUI, multiple accidents, or poor credit, The General is often worth it as it provides essential, state-required coverage when other options are unavailable. However, for drivers with good records, it is likely not worth it, as their premiums can be up to 25% higher than standard market rates.
How does The General compare to other auto insurance companies?
The General is more expensive than companies like Geico or Progressive for standard drivers but is often cheaper for high-risk profiles. It offers fewer discounts and coverage endorsements, focusing instead on providing basic liability and physical damage policies to a non-standard market.
Is The General good insurance?
The General provides adequate, legitimate insurance that meets state legal requirements. While it scores well for affordability (90%) for its target market, it has a high NAIC complaint index, suggesting issues with customer service and claims handling for some policyholders.
Is The General cheap insurance?
The General can be a cheap insurance option for drivers with significant marks on their record, often costing 15-30% less than what a standard carrier would charge that same driver. For drivers with clean records, it is not considered cheap insurance.
Does The General offer motorcycle insurance?
Yes, The General offers motorcycle insurance. Coverage options typically include liability, collision, and comprehensive, similar to its auto policies, providing a solution for riders who may also fall into a high-risk category.
Is The General car insurance legit?
Yes, The General is a legitimate car insurance company that has been operating since 1963. On December 31, 2024, the company was acquired by Sentry Insurance, one of the most financially secure mutual insurance companies in the U.S., holding an A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best.