Is The General a Good Insurance Company? Reviews From Over 1,502 Customers

The General has an overall score of 3.6 out of 5. Customer reviews mention friendly agents who are quick to answer questions, and note that the insurer’s coverage can be useful for drivers with complex driving histories.

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4.7 / 518K reviews
MacKenzie Korris
Writer: MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Copy Editor

Qualifications:
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 21630969


MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.

Photo of an Insurify author
Editor: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor

Qualifications:
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519


Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

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The General Insurance: Rated 3.6 out of 5 by customers

Category
Average Score
Overall experience rating3.6
Customer service3.4
Value3.3
Claims handling3.4
Coverage options3.2
Discounts3.2
Policy transparency3.5
Policy flexibility3.5
Quick Facts
  • The General overall user rating: 3.6 out of 5

  • Insurify Quality (IQ) Score for The General: 7.1 out of 10

  • NAIC complaint index: 4.68 (Above average)

  • Average monthly premium from The General: $216

Our take on The General insurance

Insurify gives The General a quality score of 7.1 out of 10. Overall, customer reviews of The General are largely mixed. Customers who are happy with The General describe a timely claims process with helpful support. But customers dissatisfied with The General highlight a lack of available discounts and frustration around policy changes, with rate increases that offset any potential savings.

Insurify’s customers with policies through The General give the company an overall customer service rating of 3.4 out of 5.

The General customer service reviews: Rated 3.4 out of 5

Insurify customers with policies from The General rate the insurer 3.4 out of 5 for its customer service. Customers who left positive reviews mention prompt service from knowledgeable agents. But customers leaving negative reviews for The General’s customer service commonly highlight difficulties getting issues resolved quickly and customer service that can seem unfriendly at times.

Below are reviews from The General customers that highlight both positive and negative experiences with the insurer.

View The General customer service reviewsexpand/collapse
Tilether
Verified Review
Review this
Middle of the road is a good way to describe my experience with this insurance company. They’re as helpful and courteous as anyone in a service-based industry should be.
Amanda
Verified Purchase
Excellent
They are great and will send friendly reminders to pay your premium.
Keyla
Verified Review
Average insurance company
It's good insurance and the customer service is great. I'm just tired of the rates hiking every year.
Melonie
Verified Review
I like the General. They are reliable and very easy to get a hold of if you have any questions, problems, or claims. I would and have recommended them to people.
I like the General. They are reliable and very easy to get a hold of if you have any questions, problems, or claims. I would and have recommended them to people.
Joycelyn
Verified Review
Wonderful service.
So far, the experience has been good.
William
Verified Purchase
Limited Interaction
I only used them for the couple of months I was in AZ, but I didn't have any interaction with them other than signing up and canceling.
Grace
Verified Review
Cost Effective Budget Wise
Very accommodating.
Daniel
Verified Purchase
Excellent Service!!!
Very accommodating and communicative, a great staff and experience overall.
Austin
Verified Review
The General: "Steal my money" company
The worst. I was late on my payment because of an issue with my bank. When I noticed, I paid them. They took my money but didn’t turn my policy back on. Instead, they’re canceling my policy. They didn’t even say thank you; they just set a cancellation date.
Amy
Verified Review
Good, but not if you ever find yourself in a tough situation.
I was happy initially. However, when life hit and I was struggling to pay my bill, they offered no help or support.
Donetta
Verified Review
Poor Service
I like them. They listen to me. I get paid on the third, and they let me pay on that day. The General wouldn’t do that.
Ray
Verified Review
Not Customer Friendly
The General is very difficult to communicate with and get an understandable answer from. Their online communications in my account are incomplete and confusing. Getting a detailed answer to a question, either online or over the phone with customer service, needs a lot of improvement to be customer-friendly. Trying to respond to a communication they said was issued is impossible to complete since half the time the letter did not show up in my online account, and the other half the time my responses were not transmitted, with error codes continuously rejecting the submission. They need to hire at least one competent IT person since the evidence suggests they have none at this time.
James
Verified Review
Make sure you double-check with your finance company that they will accept The General car insurance before you pay for the policy. Trying to cancel and get a refund gets nowhere.
Make sure you double-check with your finance company that they will accept The General car insurance before you pay for the policy. Trying to cancel and get a refund gets nowhere.
Jovan
Verified Review
Horrible
They overcharged me for insurance, but my premium dropped by $275 after I complained about it.
Quorey
Verified Purchase
Generally Speaking
Having The General for a few months was a pain. The app is barely functional. I was canceled twice. The first time was for a signature, a task that had not been done well. The second time was for having two "garage" addresses. The only positive note is that customer service over the phone was nice and as helpful as they could be.
Robert Adam
Verified Purchase
Great company, but unhelpful customer service
I was double charged, and it was the next day before I realized it. I called for a refund of over a hundred dollars and was told I'd have to wait and that I should have called them to fix it when it happened. Apparently, it was my fault that they took over 200 dollars and my fault I didn't have the money needed to buy groceries, pay for gas, and rent. I took screenshots of the conversation because I am going to send a letter and complain about being told it's my own fault they took an extra 108 dollars out of my account and it's my own fault that they can't fix it.

The General customer service ratings vs. AAA and USAA

The General holds a customer service rating of 3.2 out of 5, trailing both AAA and USAA. Insurify customers give a customer service rating of 4.5 out of 5 to AAA and 4.9 out of 5 to USAA.

USAA customers applaud the insurer’s service-first approach. AAA scores similarly to USAA, though customers mention that service quality can sometimes depend on who you talk to. The General trails both insurers, with its customers mentioning that agents are often either hard to reach or offer little in terms of solutions.

Below, you can see how real Insurify customers rate these companies for customer service.

Company
Average Score
The General3.4
AAA4.5
USAA4.9

The General discounts reviews: Rated 3.2 out of 5

Insurify customers with coverage through The General give the insurer a rating of 3.2 out of 5 for its available discounts. Positive reviews note how The General’s discounts can provide an attractive price point for new customers. Negative reviews for The General’s discount offerings focus on a lack of meaningful savings and increasing rates that negate any initial discounts.

Below are reviews from The General customers about the insurer’s available discounts. Read about both positive and negative experiences.

View The General customer reviews for discountsexpand/collapse
Tracey
Verified Review
Affordable car insurance
Great prices and discounts.
Cassie
Verified Review
Don't waste your time
I was paying $238 a month for two cars and two people. I dropped a car because I no longer had it, and they wanted me to pay more. My policy was paid in full, and I had 50 days left on my policy. They claimed that losing my multi-car discount was why I owed more. I owed more even though I had paid for 6 months on the two cars and had 50 days left on my policy. So what happens to the money I’d already invested in my other car's insurance?
Dale
Verified Purchase
Fair
Check out discounts and competitive rates.
Anthony
Verified Review
New customer discounts not for existing customers
Cheap insurance. They treat new customers with discounts that existing customers can't get.
Ryan
Verified Review
Not bad. Don't expect rate drops.
It worked for me at the time. They gave me a second chance when others wouldn't. However, they didn't offer me a discount in the 10 years I was with them. I would advise shopping around a couple times a year, as there may be cheaper rates and/or better insurance available.
Jon
Verified Review
The General Let Me Down
When I wanted to make a policy change, I was not able to do so. I switched to a different company, and they offer discounts.
Karen
Verified Review
Average
It's too expensive. There are no bonuses for no claims and longevity.
Douglas
Verified Review
I'm not getting the discount I was supposed to after taking my point class
The payments are too high.
Nicole
Verified Review
Everything was good except I thought I should have received some form of discount for needing house insurance, which they didn't offer.
Everything was good except I thought I should have received some form of discount for needing house insurance, which they didn't offer.

The General discounts ratings vs. AAA and USAA

Insurify customers with policies through The General give the company a discount availability rating of 3.2 out of 5, ranking behind both AAA and USAA. AAA and USAA both score well for discounts. AAA has a discount availability rating of 4.5 out of 5, and USAA has a rating of 4.9 out of 5.

Reviews for AAA and USAA highlight each insurer’s savings potential, especially through its bundling and loyalty discounts. Customers of The General say the insurer’s few discounts do little to reduce their bills.

Company
Average Score
The General3.2 
AAA4.5
USAA4.9

The General claims handling reviews: Rated 3.4 out of 5

The General has an overall claims handling rating of 3.4 out of 5, according to Insurify reviews, and its claims handling reviews are mixed. Customers with a positive experience with The General’s claims handling highlight a timely claims process with helpful support from agents along the way.

But negative reviews are more common, and other customers of The General mention unexpected delays and gaps in communication that leave them feeling in the dark.

Below, you can read real claims handling reviews from Insurify customers with policies through The General.

View The General customer reviews for claims handlingexpand/collapse
Jennifer
Verified Review
Great Insurance
They are great and affordable. When another driver totaled my car, they covered some of my medical bills. The website is easy to navigate, and it’s also easy to get ahold of an actual person.
Sandra
Verified Review
Helpful
The General has been very helpful in handling both of my daughters' claims.
Brittni
Verified Review
Good customer service, excellent claim handling yet expensive coverage
The coverage is very expensive.
Zenaida
Verified Review
Accident Handling
I felt like I was with a good insurance company when it came to handling my accident.
Wilbert
Verified Review
Good
They were okay with my claim.
Curtis
Verified Review
Excellent
They are outstanding, quick on claims, and have great customer service.
Debra
Verified Review
Never Again
I had The General for the better part of three years and never had a claim. Recently, a rock hit my windshield and I needed to file a claim to get it fixed. I wasn’t given a choice of where I could get the repair. They then denied the claim and left me on the hook for an $1,100 repair. Never again.
Melissa
Verified Review
User-friendly app but costly rise in rate
I appreciate the ease of access to my documents and card. I don’t have much experience with them, but the only reason I’m looking to gain a new policy is that I was just recently rear-ended, which left me with no vehicle, and it is taking much longer than expected to get reimbursed. I am required to carry SR22 while I battle the legal issues from that, so they do provide a no-auto, SR22 policy but with higher rates. I could understand if the accident was my fault, but why penalize me again for something I had no control over? I’ve been unable to work, I have injuries and no vehicle, but must carry this SR22. I was nearly complete with my 3 years and ended up with a 2-week gap, so it’s started over.
Shavon
Verified Review
Cheap coverage and you get what you paid for, nothing more
I'm unhappy and feeling cheated. They denied a claim for no coverage on the date of loss, yet I was covered and confirmed this with their own customer service.
Bradly
Verified Review
Don't Do It
We had an accident, and no claim adjuster ever showed up or took our situation seriously. After literally a month of dealing with inconsistency and no contact with our original adjuster, our claim was closed with no discretion, and we were only paid $972 on a $3,100 appraisal for the accident. They did nothing to fight the fact that we were not at fault and simply allowed the other company the right to claim innocence when clearly the semi driver clipped our Tahoe in a turning lane exchange.
Benjamin
Verified Review
Claim Service
My experience is good, but the claim was very poorly handled. After hitting a deer and experiencing a total loss, it's been almost 3 weeks and I still haven't received my payment for a new car.
Diana
Verified Purchase
Poor roadside assistance
I spent over two hours in 100° heat waiting for them to provide roadside assistance, and I still haven’t heard anything about the money I had to pay out for someone to come and change my tire.
Jane
Verified Review
Monthly payment increases
I've been with The General for several years. They handled one claim, which was about average. However, the monthly payment for two vehicles has increased quite a bit, almost reaching $600 per month.
Jessi
Verified Review
It's Insurance
Good service, other than a 'not at fault' damage claim has me way overpaying.

The General claims handling ratings vs. AAA and USAA

The General customers give the insurer a rating of 3.4 out of 5 for claims handling, ranking behind both AAA and USAA.

AAA and USAA score similarly in terms of claims handling.

USAA customers often highlight how the claims experience can make them feel even more loyal to the insurer. AAA ultimately scores a little lower than USAA, with some customers mentioning that the claims handling process can feel inefficient at times. The General trails both, with customers often mentioning disappointing support along the way.

Here’s how the three companies compare for claims handling.

Company
Average Score
The General3.4
AAA4.4
USAA4.9

The General value for money reviews: Rated 3.3 out of 5

Insurify customers with policies through The General give the insurer a value-for-money rating of 3.3 out of 5. Overall, its customer reviews on value skew negative, with many customers finding The General’s coverage to simply not be worth the price.

Below are real reviews about The General’s value for money from Insurify customers with coverage from the insurer.

View The General customer reviews for value for moneyexpand/collapse
Bruce
Verified Review
Overall Good Value
Seems like a decent price, better than I can find elsewhere.
Patience
Verified Purchase
Saving Galore
I was very pleased. They saved me $800 per month on my car insurance.
Janice
Verified Review
It was great until they switched to Dairyland
Currently paying the same amount for three vehicles that I was paying for one.
Megan
Verified Review
It's a Must Try at Least Once!
It's actually a good value for the price. It's the cheapest insurance company that has everything I'm legally required to have, and they are so nice and helpful!
Leonis
Verified Review
Best insurance policy
They gave me low monthly insurance payments.
Roger
Verified Review
Great & Easy to Start New Policy
I just got my first policy a year ago this month, and my premium is a great price. I've seen others say they have lower prices, but down the road, it's never true. So, to me, I'm satisfied.
Adonis
Verified Purchase
Best
Price and coverage.
Kristina
Verified Review
Affordable for Low Budget Income
They have been affordable for me. I haven't had any accidents or claims to know much about them.
Arlissa
Verified Review
Feeling cheated and overpaying
It’s horrible. It doesn’t help having car insurance on Social Security income—being on a fixed income makes it hard to pay $215.17 a month when all the other bills are high. And I have never had a DUI or a car accident, so why is it so high? This makes me want to drop the insurance because I just can’t afford it.
Zenia
Verified Review
Just Switch
I did switch to Geico and saved $175.
Valerie
Verified Review
Not Happy!!!
I don’t even have full coverage, and you raised my insurance by $47. That’s not a savings. I’m retired and living off Social Security, and I only drive a couple of times a week. Is that the best you can do?
Tammy
Verified Review
I’m getting ripped off. I’m looking into changing insurance companies now as I fill out this survey. My car isn’t even worth what they want me to pay every month—absolutely insane.
I’m getting ripped off. I’m looking into changing insurance companies now as I fill out this survey. My car isn’t even worth what they want me to pay every month—absolutely insane.
Everett
Verified Review
Have to have insurance if you want to own a car
Straightforward service and the best price. I hope it will go down as time goes by.
Bill
Verified Review
$70 a Month Too Much for State Minimum
I was paying $50 a month. I canceled over last winter, got another policy, and now I'm paying $70 a month for state minimum. Not happy. :(
Katie Lynn
Verified Review
The General is outrageously expensive
I found it over $200 cheaper for the same policy with GEICO.
Arlissa
Verified Review
Unsatisfied
Horrible! I have never had a DUI or been in a car accident, but I am paying $259.75. If it's a late payment, then there's an additional $10 charge.

The General value for money ratings vs. AAA and USAA

The General has a value-for-money rating of 3.3 out of 5, which trails both AAA and USAA. Insurify customers rate USAA 4.9 out of 5 on its value for the money, while AAA earns a value-for-money rating of 4.5 out of 5.

AAA scores just behind USAA in terms of value, with some customers mentioning that they’ve been tempted to comparison shop due to the insurer’s rate increases at policy renewal. USAA customers largely find the coverage to be worth the price. Customers of The General typically mention feeling as if they’re not getting much value.

Company
Average Score
The General3.3
AAA4.5
USAA4.9

The General policy transparency reviews: Rated 3.5 out of 5

The General earns a policy transparency rating of 3.5 out of 5 from Insurify customers. Overall, The General’s reviews on policy transparency tend to skew negative, with customers expressing frustration around payments, fees, cancellations, and changes. Positive reviews mention a predictable billing schedule and clear explanations around coverage.

Below, you can read real reviews about policy transparency from Insurify customers with auto insurance policies through The General.

View The General customer reviews for policy transparencyexpand/collapse
Leon
Verified Review
The price that they quoted me online didn't change when I signed up. Many of the other companies I looked at gave one quote online, but when I went to sign up, they changed the price by at least $50.00 to $70.00. This was different from the online quote.
The price that they quoted me online didn't change when I signed up. Many of the other companies I looked at gave one quote online, but when I went to sign up, they changed the price by at least $50.00 to $70.00. This was different from the online quote.
Daniel
Verified Review
Excellent
They have never overcharged me and have given me my money back if I paid too much on my payments.
Victoria
Verified Review
Bad news rip-offs
I switched back to Geico after they tried to raise my rate after the 4-point accident dropped off my record. They charged me another $110 to leave and told me they only received half the money I paid for coverage from the agent.
Tim
Verified Review
Disappointed
Good in the beginning, but after you’re hooked, they jack up the rates.
Brodie
Verified Review
Poor to Quite Poor
Their cheap introductory price should have been a red flag.
Christopher
Verified Review
Bittersweet Experience with The General
Every year, The General charges me as much as they can at renewal time, and they do it a month earlier than my contract date states. Then I show them my low mileage, we argue, and I usually lose, so The General charges more than I should be paying.
Deana
Verified Review
Rip-off
They doubled my rate compared to what I was quoted because our car was stolen. Even though the insurance company never paid anything, they still doubled the premium. They were also going to charge me for my ex-husband, even though he doesn’t have a license.
Rebecca
Verified Review
Mixed
2/10. I got a quote from them for around sixty-something dollars. When I went to actually buy it based on that price, it nearly doubled, and I’m now paying over $100 for liability insurance only. Their staff has been decent to deal with, which keeps this rating from being a complete 0, but I don’t appreciate what felt like a bait-and-switch on pricing.
Shawn
Verified Review
Horrible experience
Towing is done by a third party, and if anything happens, The General doesn't accept responsibility, nor does the third party. Even if you have roadside assistance, you also have to get towing to ensure you're covered on everything.
Stacy
Verified Review
I like the bi-weekly payments, although there should not be a fee if more time is needed. Customer service is okay, and I think it would be worth it to provide renewal rates at least a month before renewal.
I like the bi-weekly payments, although there should not be a fee if more time is needed. Customer service is okay, and I think it would be worth it to provide renewal rates at least a month before renewal.

The General policy transparency ratings vs. AAA and USAA

The General’s policy transparency rating of 3.5 out of 5 trails both USAA and AAA. USAA has a rating of 4.9 out of 5, and AAA has a rating of 4.4 out of 5.

USAA customers are largely happy with the insurer’s policy transparency. AAA scores behind USAA in value, with customers noting a lack of transparency about what leads to rate increases at policy renewal. Customers of The General often mention feeling surprised and frustrated about policy changes and payments.

Here’s how the three companies compare for policy transparency.

Company
Average Score
The General3.5
AAA4.4
USAA4.9

The General customer reviews: Read what over 1,502 Insurify customers have to say about The General

Below, you can view more than 1,502 reviews about The General from real Insurify customers from the last 12 months.

Christopher
Verified Review
Too Expensive
I've never had any issues with them. It's expensive, and I've never needed to use it.
Brandie
Verified Purchase
I Like The General
It has been good so far. I had it before, and I’m glad to be back with them! I love the few extra days you can get as long as you pay your bill, because life is hectic from time to time.
Annmarie
Verified Review
Great Company
Good. I just looked for better prices.
Dennis
Verified Purchase
Awesome
Awesome.
Robert
Verified Review
Good
It went up a little too much for the amount that I drive.
Arlita
Verified Purchase
Excellent
I would, and have, recommended The General.
Rita
Verified Review
Review Insurance
Haven't had any problems with The General.
Brandon
Verified Purchase
Great experience, would use again
Very good—no issues yet.
Michael
Verified Review
The General
My rate goes up every renewal, but nothing on my end changes. I have a 2005 car, but I feel like I’m paying 2026 prices.
Margaret
Verified Review
Too Expensive
Too expensive.
John
Verified Review
Too Much
OK, it’s just too expensive.
William
Verified Review
50% Rate Increase
Unhappy. They raised my premium by 50%. I’ll be going elsewhere.
Scott
Verified Review
The General
Not good. I got a new vehicle, and they raised my rate by $65 a month.
Rodney
Verified Review
I just want basic insurance
They got me, then they raised the prices.
Deann
Verified Review
Poor Experience
It was going well, then they raised my premium.
Derrick
Verified Review
Price Way Too High
Shop around more before choosing them.

The General vs. AAA, USAA, and GEICO

Overall, The General earns mixed ratings from Insurify customers with policies from the insurer. But it’s still worth seeing how it compares to its competitors.

Below, you can see how The General stacks up against other top car insurance companies.

The General logo
CSAA logo
USAA logo
GEICO logo
Average price
$152/mo*
Average price
$198/mo*
Average price
$77/mo*
Average price
$111/mo*
Overall rating
Overall rating
Overall rating
Overall rating
Value for money
Value for money
Value for money
Value for money
Customer service
Customer service
Customer service
Customer service
Claims handling
Claims handling
Claims handling
Claims handling
Special highlight
AI-generated from 1502 user reviews
High-risk drivers
Special highlight
AI-generated from 2994 user reviews
AAA members
Special highlight
AI-generated from 4359 user reviews
Members of the military community
Special highlight
AI-generated from 21164 user reviews
Teen drivers
Data in this table has been sourced from Insurify’s users who have indicated they are insured with the listed providers
User Review Collection and Methodologyexpand/collapse

Insurify collects reviews from users on its platform who have successfully compared quotes, as well as users who have purchased a policy through Insurify. These users complete an optional survey asking them to review their experience with their current insurance company and to rate the company on factors like customer service, claims handling, coverage availability, discounts, policy flexibility, policy transparency, and value for money. These ratings and reviews are then compiled and cleaned by our data team to bring you company-level insights from over 85,000 Insurify users.

MacKenzie Korris
Writer: MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Copy Editor

Qualifications:
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 21630969


MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.

Photo of an Insurify author
Editor: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor

Qualifications:
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519


Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.