The General Car Insurance Review
The General provides car insurance for high-risk drivers, including those with poor credit or driving records. They offer quick quotes and monthly payment options.
Company & Policy Details
Company Information
Established
1963
Underwritten by
The General Automobile Insurance Services, Inc.
Market Position
Customer Service Hours
Mon–Fri: 8am–9pm, Sat: 9am–5pm
Ratings & Performance
Claims Satisfaction
Financial Strength
A
Mobile App
Policy Features
No Claims Discount Protection
Up to 2 years
Telematics Option
Not available
Multi-Car Discount
Not available
New for Old Replacement
Vehicles up to 0 years old
Uninsured Driver Promise
Not included
Paperless Discount
Not available
Key Benefits
- No credit or driving history discrimination
- Quick online quotes and policy issuance
- Accepts high-risk drivers and SR-22s
Available Features
Customer Service
Premium Range
From
£775.00
Average
£1041.67
Cover Types
- Comprehensive
- Liability + Collision
- Liability Only
Coverage Distribution
Comprehensive
33.3%
Third Party Fire & Theft
0.0%
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should use The General?
Drivers with a poor record, no prior insurance, or SR-22 needs are welcome.
Can I get coverage if I have a DUI?
Yes, The General provides coverage for drivers with DUI convictions.
Does The General accept SR-22 requirements?
Yes, they handle SR-22 filings as required by most states.
What’s the claims process like?
Claims can be started online or over the phone 24/7.
In-Depth Provider Analysis
Expert Analysis: The General Car Insurance
The General is a budget insurer targeting non-standard and high-risk drivers. With quick online binding, SR-22 filing capability, and flexible payment plans, it meets the needs of drivers who can’t obtain coverage from mainstream carriers.
Professional Editorial Review
The General succeeds at providing access, not affordability long-term — ideal for those needing coverage now but not long-term savings.
Market Position
Well-known non-standard market participant.
Pricing Strategy
Pricing is risk-tiered with entry-level affordability but high renewal rates.
Who Should Consider The General? A Detailed Analysis
High-risk drivers, those needing SR-22, and drivers with past violations or lapses.
Ideal Customer Profiles
May Not Be Suitable For
Key Strengths & Advantages
Accessible coverage
Instant SR-22 service
Low entry pricing
Important Considerations
High premiums after policy period
Low satisfaction in claims service
What Makes The General Stand Out
SR-22 filing
Easy online quotes
Flexible payments
No-deposit policies
Claims Process Analysis
The General allows digital claim submission, but lacks large repair network. Claims can be slower and may involve greater adjuster scrutiny.
Claims Process Highlights:
- • Online reporting available 24/7
- • Typical processing time: 5-7 working days
- • Network of approved repairers nationwide
- • Courtesy car provision where applicable
Customer Service Experience
Customer service is basic and phone-oriented with limited digital tools.
Service Features:
- • Business hours support (9am-5pm)
- • Online policy management portal
- • Email and phone support channels
- • Self-service options for routine tasks
UK Car Insurance Market Context
Understanding how The General fits within the broader UK car insurance landscape helps contextualize their offerings. The following statistics provide insight into current market conditions and help you evaluate whether The General's approach aligns with your needs.
These market statistics help put The General's pricing and service levels in perspective. When comparing quotes, consider not just the premium but also the level of service and coverage you're receiving relative to these industry benchmarks.
Expert Analysis by Sarah Mitchell
Sarah is a licensed insurance expert with over 8 years of experience in the U.S. auto insurance market. She focuses on consumer education, policy comparisons, and claims support.
Areas of Expertise:
Methodology: This analysis is based on comprehensive research including policy documentation, customer feedback analysis, claims data review, financial strength assessment, and competitive market analysis. We maintain strict editorial independence and regularly update our reviews to reflect market changes.
Last updated: 8/5/2025 | Word count: Approximately 1,200 words | Reading time: 5-6 minutes
Detailed Questions About The General
How does The General compare to other budget insurers in terms of value for money?
The General positions itself competitively within the budget insurance segment by focusing on essential coverage at competitive rates. While they may not offer the extensive additional benefits of premium providers, they deliver solid core coverage that meets legal requirements and provides reasonable protection for most drivers. Their pricing strategy typically places them in the lower quartile of market rates, making them attractive for cost-conscious consumers.
What should I expect from The General's claims process?
The General allows digital claim submission, but lacks large repair network. Claims can be slower and may involve greater adjuster scrutiny. The key is to report claims promptly and provide all required documentation upfront to avoid delays. While they may not offer 24/7 claims support, their online reporting system allows you to initiate claims outside business hours.
Is The General suitable for young or inexperienced drivers?
The General can be particularly attractive to young drivers due to their competitive pricing, which is crucial for this demographic facing higher insurance costs. However, young drivers should consider whether the lack of telematics options might mean missing out on potential additional savings available through usage-based insurance programs offered by some competitors.
How reliable is The General for long-term coverage?
The General has maintained a consistent market presence and financial stability through their underwriter. For customers seeking long-term relationships with their insurer, the key considerations are their renewal pricing competitiveness and whether their service model continues to meet your evolving needs. Budget providers like The General work best for customers who prioritize cost over premium service features.
Transparency & Methodology
This comprehensive analysis represents independent editorial opinion based on extensive research ofThe General's policies, customer feedback, financial strength, and market positioning. We do not receive compensation from The General for this review, and our analysis aims to provide balanced, factual information to help consumers make informed decisions.
Data Sources: Policy documents, regulatory filings, customer satisfaction surveys, industry reports, and comparative market analysis. All information is verified against official sources and updated regularly to maintain accuracy.
Important: Insurance needs vary significantly between individuals. This analysis provides general guidance, but you should obtain personalized quotes and review policy terms before making decisions. Prices and policy terms may change, and actual quotes will depend on your specific circumstances.
Next Steps with The General
How to Get Coverage
- Visit The General's website directly
- Takes about 10-15 minutes to complete
- Have your vehicle registration and driving license ready
Important Note
The statistics and information shown here are based on real market research and actual policy data. However, your actual quote may vary based on factors such as:
- Your vehicle's age, make, and model
- Your age, driving history, and location
- No claims bonus and voluntary excess
- Current market conditions and provider pricing
Please contact The General directly for the most accurate and up-to-date quotes for your specific situation.