General Auto Insurance: Good Or Bad?

The General Insurance is a good option for high-risk drivers, including those with poor credit, extensive driving records, or DUIs, who may struggle to find coverage elsewhere. The company offers auto insurance in 46 states and is owned by PGC Holdings, a subsidiary of American Family Insurance.

The General provides solid car insurance coverage options for high-risk drivers, but has somewhat high premiums for most drivers and a below-average customer service reputation. It has more customer complaints than other auto insurance companies of a similar size, with a high volume of complaints about rate increases and slow claims processing.

The General offers all required state minimum coverage options, plus additional coverage, and has a range of discounts available. However, drivers with clean records can likely find better rates and more coverage options elsewhere.

The General's customer service

Some common complaints about The General's customer service include issues with billing, rate increases, and slow claims processing. There have also been reports of poor communication between policyholders and company employees, with some customers stating that they received little to no response from The General's customer service team.

On the other hand, positive reviews highlight The General's easy quotes process, great service, and affordable rates. The company's mobile app has also received positive feedback, with high ratings on the App Store and Google Play.

Overall, while The General's customer service has received mixed reviews, the company's commitment to providing support through various channels, including digital tools, may be a positive factor for potential customers.

The General's insurance rates

The General Insurance is a licensed insurance sales subsidiary of Permanent General Assurance Corporation (PGC Holdings) and an affiliate of American Family Insurance. The company is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and has been offering coverage since 1963. The General caters to high-risk drivers, including drivers who need an SR-22 form, and has more customer complaints than average when compared to other insurers of its size. The General offers auto insurance policies in all states except for Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey.

The General's car insurance rates are based on a driver's location, age, driving record, vehicle, and coverage choices. The company does not offer multi-policy discounts but has an array of other car insurance discounts, including:

• Homeowners discount
• Multi-car discount
• Double deductible discount
• Paid-in-full discount
• Vehicle safety features discount
• Defensive driving discount
• Good student discount

The General's insurance coverage

The General offers standard car insurance coverage types, including:

• Bodily injury liability: Covers another driver’s injuries if the accident is your fault.
• Property damage liability: Covers other parties’ car/property damage if you are at fault.
• Medical payments: Covers your own medical bills in case of an accident.
• Personal injury protection: Covers medical and other expenses, such as wage loss.
• Comprehensive coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle caused by other sources, such as weather.
• Collision: Covers your vehicle’s damages after an accident.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Covers costs if the at-fault motorist is uninsured or underinsured.

The General also offers some unique perks like Mexico tourist auto insurance policies and custom parts coverage.

The General has more than 60 years of experience and a strong industry reputation. It is in great standing with many industry leaders, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and AM Best. The company has an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB, as well as a financial strength rating of “A” from AM Best.

However, The General has a higher-than-average number of complaints, mostly in regard to claims processing and rate increases. It also has a high National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index, indicating that some customers are not satisfied with the level of service they receive.

The General's insurance perks

The General auto insurance policies can be customized with add-ons, like:

24/7 roadside assistance, including battery jump start and gas delivery

This includes services such as battery jump start and gas delivery.

Towing coverage (up to 15 miles)

The General offers towing coverage for up to 15 miles.

Rental car reimbursement for up to 5 days (amounts depend on vehicle)

Depending on the vehicle, The General offers rental car reimbursement for up to 5 days.

The General's insurance reviews

The General Insurance is a licensed insurance agency based in Nashville, Tennessee, that provides auto insurance to high-risk drivers at competitive prices. It is a subsidiary of PGC Holdings Corp. (PGC) and is owned by American Family Insurance. The General has been in business since 1963 and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

The General Insurance Reviews:

The General Insurance has received mixed reviews from its customers. While some appreciate its relatively affordable prices, easy-to-use website, and good customer service, others have criticised the company for its costly premiums and poor communication. Here is a more detailed breakdown of The General Insurance reviews:

Pros:

• The General Insurance caters to high-risk drivers who may not be able to get insurance elsewhere. This includes drivers with poor credit, moving violations, accidents, or lapses in insurance coverage.
• The company provides various discount opportunities, such as good student discounts, defensive driver discounts, multi-car discounts, and homeowners discounts.
• The General has a strong online presence and a user-friendly website, making it convenient for customers to obtain quotes and manage their policies.
• The General offers a wide range of coverage options, including bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, and personal injury protection.
• The company has a solid financial standing, with an "A" rating from AM Best for financial strength.
• The General offers Mexico tourist coverage and custom parts coverage, which are unique perks not always available from other insurers.

Cons:

• The General has received a high volume of customer complaints, particularly regarding rate increases and slow claims processing. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the company has received more complaints than the average car insurance provider.
• The General's customer service has been described as below average, with some customers reporting issues with communication and a lack of transparency.
• The company's coverage options, benefits, and discounts are limited compared to larger insurers. They also lack a telematics insurance program, which can provide discounts for good driving.
• The General's rates are considered high, especially for good drivers. Their full coverage rates are significantly higher than the national average, making them one of the most expensive providers.
• The claims process has been described as slow, and there have been issues with communication during the claims handling process.
• The General is not rated by J.D. Power for customer service or claims satisfaction studies, which may be a concern for potential customers.

Overall, The General Insurance is a good option for high-risk drivers who may struggle to find coverage elsewhere. They offer competitive rates for this demographic and provide the necessary coverage options. However, for drivers with clean records, other insurance companies may provide better rates, more comprehensive coverage, and superior customer service. It is always recommended to compare quotes and reviews from multiple insurance providers before making a decision.

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