The General Auto Insurance

The General Auto Insurance Reviews

Our promise. We provide a buying advantage with verified reviews and unbiased editorial research.

Overall Rating3.8 out of 5
See all 561 reviews & ratings

About The General Auto Insurance

The General specializes in auto coverage policies for drivers who are high risk or who have poor credit scores. It offers affordable car insurance with low down payments and is geared toward those who might struggle to find policy providers. The General writes auto policies in 44 states.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Caters to high-risk drivers
  • Low down payments

Cons

  • Penalty for canceling early
  • Limited info on website

Bottom Line

The General caters to high-risk drivers and those with poor credit. It offers auto insurance policies with low down payments and SR-22 filing, and its coverage is widely available throughout the U.S.

Featured Reviews

Verified
San Jose, CA

I found their website to be very easy to use. They were very helpful and very efficient in starting my policy. The woman I worked with online was very helpful and patient in helpi...

Read full review
Verified
Minneapolis, MN

No other insurance company would help me... I didn't think I was going to be able to drive again until I called The General and they told me they would help me get back on the roa...

Read full review

What is The General car insurance?

The General is a subsidiary of PGC Holding Corporation, which is an affiliate of American Family Insurance. The company provides auto insurance policies ideal for high-risk drivers and those with poor credit. Its coverage includes collision, comprehensive, liability, personal injury protection and roadside assistance options. It also offers SR-22 filing. Its coverage is available in 44 states.

How does The General work?

The General is known for its quick, easy and affordable online quotes, which help potential policyholders save time and money. It offers various policy and service options to suit drivers’ needs.

With the General, you can choose your desired coverage limits. Its restricted plans limit coverage to those specifically listed on your policy, and its medical payments insurance covers medical expenses for you or your family members affected by an automobile accident. Its additional protection options include uninsured motorist coverage and rental car insurance.

The General quotes and rates

With The General, you should be able to avoid surprise policy fees. It combines payment plans with electronic verification of your info and details about your vehicle when you purchase a policy. The company offers low down payments and affordable rates, and it accepts payment via credit card and electronic checks. It also provides split payment options.

Note that 10 percent of your unearned premium might be deducted if you cancel your policy early — however, this varies from state to state.

The General FAQ

Does The General have full coverage insurance?
Yes, The General does offer full coverage options. Each policy is different, though, so it's important to check the details of your plan if you need full coverage.
What states does The General cover?
The General writes policies in 44 states.
Does The General offer rental car coverage?
Yes, The General offers rental car coverage. Contact customer support to verify your policy includes this coverage.
Does The General do windshield repair?
Yes. The General offers windshield repair as part of its comprehensive coverage.

Is The General car insurance good?

Auto coverage from The General is a good option for high-risk drivers and those with low credit. Its plans are affordable, and you can get fast and easy quotes online. It also offers low down payments and split payment options. The General also provides full coverage, rental car, medical, personal injury protection and uninsured motorist insurance, among other policy options.

The General Auto Insurance Reviews

ConsumerAffairs has collected 561 reviews and 2,688 ratings.

Recent
  • Recent
  • Oldest
  • Most helpful
Any
  • Any

A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.

How do I know I can trust these reviews about Permanent General Auto Insurance (PGAC)?
  • 4,346,800 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
  • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
  • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
Verified purchase
Customer ServiceCoveragePrice

Reviewed Oct. 6, 2023

I purchased the policy before all insurance companies could get me a quote. In less than 24 hours another company gave me a cheaper quote. I called the next morning (still not even 24 hours later) to cancel the policy. Their underwriting department, still had not reviewed my information. I have been driving for over 20 years. Over 30 days and several calls out of my day; to be told because I was “under contract” I was responsible for 10% of the entire policy. Let’s take a wild guess what amount would be. Before purchasing any policy with them, please ensure you received all quotes and you’re comfortable with what you’re about bro do.

Thanks for your vote! Report
Customer ServiceCoverageSales & MarketingStaff

Reviewed Sept. 20, 2023

Called TWICE to cancel car insurance policy. They apparently don't know how to do their job probably and STILL charged me and now want me to pay for insurance I didn't not consent to, or it will go on my credit. Way to bully the little people General. Not only did I have to pay for my new car insurance with a better company, but I have to pay for something I asked to cancel. Be VERY careful when picking a car insurance agency. These people are nothing but a scam. They are now threatening to put this on my credit, which I've been working hard to build. I shouldn't be bullied into paying for insurance I do not need. I've recently read hundreds of other people's reviews who are saying the same thing. Don't go with the General for car insurance if you don't want a lifetime hassle and obligation!

Thanks for your vote! Report

Not sure how to choose?

Get buying tips about Car Insurance delivered to your inbox.

    By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Thanks for subscribing.

    You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

    Customer ServiceClaims HandlingCoverageStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 14, 2023

    My vehicle was hit from behind by a vehicle insured by The General. The driver admitted liability and the investigating police officer agreed verbally and in his written report that The General insured driver was solely at fault. I filed a claim with The General and the assigned claims representative was essentially nonresponsive for over 2 months. Thus, I had to go to the troubles of getting an estimate, $4,706.19, and traveling about 30 miles to the county where the accident occurred to file a lawsuit against The General insured driver, who also lives far away from the courthouse where the trial will take place. Such defendant, The General insured driver, stands to be found liable for my damages and another $181.00 in costs that I had to advance.

    I heard nothing for 27 days after filing the lawsuit. Then, I received a voicemail from The General claims representative telling me to take photos of my damaged vehicle and send them to him so that an estimate could be prepared. I left him a responsive voicemail that he should not expect photos and I would see their insured, the defendant, in court! This explains my opinion that The General auto insurance is awful!

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed July 3, 2023

    Sending threatening letters to cut off insurance for a vehicle when we already paid it. Very rude over the phone, can't understand customer service people because they don't speak English. AMFAM is much better than The General Insurance.

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Claims HandlingCoverageStaff

    Reviewed April 17, 2023

    They deserve 0 stars, the agents are not helpful, they do anything they can to avoid paying, and the rates are ridiculous! Our rate went from $54 a month to $274, and we didn’t have any accidents or claims. The agent had no explanation. They also refuse to tell you what your premiums are before the insurance renews, they just want your money. I would avoid this company unless you have no other options.

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Customer ServiceClaims HandlingCoverageStaff

    Reviewed Feb. 6, 2023

    ZERO STARS. I am a, or was an insured driver of The Gen, a BMW to be exact, was stolen the day after XMas of 2022. I had spoken with on adjuster, then another one contacted me, asking for my bank statements and my call logs. I am still confused on what the reason is for them. However, the adjuster told me that the insurance policy wouldn't cover my claim due to a lapse. Then told me my business insurance would cover or should cover some expenses. So due to the 70% of my revenue is tax season, I am overloaded with work to do, can't continue to argue, call and go back and forth with two people, on top of gather all the things they were asking for, I was out of town when the adjuster called. I have already been set back.

    However, the lady insisted on emailing me, demanding documents, that I believe are unnecessary if the claim was denied. Then she says it is not denied, then I get a letter stating that there is a lapse and receive another email the same day as the letter, from this "Michelle" adjuster, saying "You need to get me the documents". I am an adult, not some child, her offensive verbiage and word choices were very demanding, rude and just disrespectful. I am the one without a vehicle, getting Uber to travel over 160 miles twice a week, rt, over 300. Paying out of pocket, how are you upset. I am frustrated, missing money, dealing with these Sheriffs who could care less. And the adjuster, might I add, said call the city cops. I had to tell her numerous times, I am outside the city limits, I didn't pick a specific one, I just dialed 911. But then they tried to cancel my policy mentioning my 10 year old, as a driver that I didn't tell them. It's like, really??

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Claims Handling

    Reviewed Nov. 1, 2022

    I got into a accident, hit by a women running a stop sign. This at the Beginning of September. The General did less than nothing to help. Now they are telling me they are dropping the claim and closed the case. They discouraged me from getting a attorney, told me insurance doesn't have to pay for storage and to disregard a witness. Way to go General! I did more to resolve my case than they are. They just gave up! Do yourself a favor and bypass them all together. There is a reason they say The General is not a real insurance company.

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 15, 2022

    Beware of this sleazy scammy terrible customer service company. If you want to be scammed and sent a bill years after your policy ends go with this company. This company sent me to collections a year and a half after I switched companies. They claim I owed them money for something that wasn't agreed to in my policy. They never sent a bill, email or phone call. Just sent it to a collection agency. Absolutely absurd to send a bill to someone a year and a half after they are finished using their services. This company refused out of good business to remove the charge. Even after acknowledging that they should be better about contacting people about bills and that they needed to change that policy.

    Even after explaining the miscellaneous charge I still feel they are sleazy and misleading. When I called to confront them about the bill that was sent to me from collections they gave me a different amount than what the collection agency had sent me a bill for. When I called The general insurance company they added another $50 on top of the miscellaneous bill sent to me. I then got a hold of the customer service manager and she said oh that was a mistake... Yeah the collection bill is the right amount. I'm sure they would have taken the amount with the extra $50 if I didn't have the other amount right in front of me. Company refused to waive a miscellaneous fee that they send a year and a half later.

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Customer ServiceClaims HandlingStaff

    Reviewed May 25, 2022

    The guy who totaled my car in January has insurance from the General. They contacted me to file the claim on their side. The claims rep has refused to accommodate my expressed communication needs and has FLAT OUT ARGUED with me SINCE JANUARY. After I requested contact information for his manager/supervisor (which he refuses to provide), he FINALLY sent over six simple questions he needed answered within a minute of me informing him of my intention to escalate and provide documentation to his supervisor.

    I've not held back in informing him of how unprofessional and completely unacceptable his behavior has been these last FIVE AND A HALF MONTHS. His last communication flatly said, "I'm sorry that I'm trying to help you." His behavior is disgusting and I'm absolutely appalled at this entire experience. I've had AAA for a while now, and they've always been phenomenal. When I called to file my claim that evening, the people I spoke with were extremely compassionate and beyond helpful. They had the claim completed and a check to me within days. They didn't hesitate to accommodate and respect my needs/requests and certainly weren't argumentative. I'm sure some will say I shouldn't be surprised with the General, and I'm not, but this experience with them is worth documenting and sharing. If I could give this review zero stars, I would.

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Customer ServiceClaims Handling

    Reviewed May 22, 2022

    I've been a customer for about 7 years, and I got into my first accident five months ago (the other party was at fault). I've received minimal contact from The General (basically all I was told is "you're not at fault so we closed out the claim on our side"), and they're difficult to get a response from when I've reached out. A couple of months of not hearing anything, I contacted my claims adjuster about getting my car fixed, and I was told to get a repair quote and send it to the claims department if I wanted The General to pay for it. I did so. I just got an email (several weeks after sending in a quote) stating The General can't do anything to help me and if I want my car fixed, I need to pay out of pocket or contact the other party's insurance company. Which I naively assumed had already happened after I initially placed the claim.

    I spoke with the other party's insurance company this past Friday, and The General hasn't even attempted to handle this claim with them. Because they didn't send over my statement, USAA held me 100% liable. USAA has helped me more with this than my own insurance company. Long story short, The General will do anything to avoid doing the work you pay them to do.

    Thanks for your vote! Report
    Loading more reviews...

    The General Auto Insurance Company Information

    Company Name:
    Permanent General Auto Insurance (PGAC)
    Website:
    www.thegeneral.com