Are The General insurance rates competitive?

The General insurance rates go up by an average of 32% after an accident. Even though an accident will cause The General to raise your car insurance premium when you renew your policy, the added cost will only be temporary. An accident will usually affect your The General premium for just ... read full answer3-5 years.

The exact amount that The General premiums go up after an accident depends on a few factors, including who was at fault, how much damage was caused, the policyholder’s driving and claims history. In general, at-fault accidents or severe accidents that lead to expensive insurance claims increase rates more than minor or not-at-fault wrecks. Additionally, premiums increase more for drivers who have had previous accidents or moving violations.

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s complete review of The General car insurance, as well as our guide to how much insurance goes up after an accident.

The cost of car insurance typically goes down the most between the ages of 18 and 19, when rates drop by about 25% on average. Car insurance premiums generally continue to go down each year until age 25, when rates begin to level off for the next few decades. When drivers turn 25 years old, they can expect a discount of about 14%.... read full answer

When Car Insurance Rates Go Down the Most

Note: The table above shows average annual rates for minimum coverage across all 50 states.

Around middle age, rates may begin to creep back up. This is because middle-aged drivers tend to insure newer, nicer cars and begin to add their children to the policy, increasing the average rate for this age range overall. Individual rates also start to go up again between the ages of 65 and 75 because senior drivers have a higher risk of accidents than middle-aged drivers.

Why Age Affects Car Insurance

Age affects car insurance rates because it’s an indicator of a driver’s risk to an insurance company. Young drivers are statistically more likely to get into a car accident than older, more experienced drivers. As a result, they’re considered high-risk and are more expensive to insure.

The risk for the insurer and the cost for the insured then generally decline as drivers age and gain experience. Once drivers pass the age of 65, however, their risk starts to go up again. Not only are senior drivers more likely to get into an accident than middle-aged drivers, but they’re also more likely to be injured as a result.

States Where Age Does Not Affect Rates

Although most people in the U.S. will find their prices change according to this timeline, there are a few states in which insurers can’t use age to determine your rate. In California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, age won’t have a direct effect on how much you pay for car insurance. Other factors will still have an impact, though. Your driving record, credit score, and marital status can all affect your final premium.

You can lower your car insurance with The General by taking advantage of discounts, opting for a higher deductible, and reducing your coverage, among other things. The General considers a variety of factors when calculating your premium, though some – like your age and location – are out of your control. Fortunately, you can take steps to influence other factors in order to lower your rate.... read full answer

How to Lower the Cost of Car Insurance from The General

Use The General’s auto insurance discounts

The General offers a wide variety of discounts that can help you lower your overall car insurance bill. For example, drivers can get a discount if their policy covers a college or high school student who maintains at least a "B" average Or you can save on your premium if you pay in-full for your policy.

Raise your car insurance deductible

Opting for a higher deductible on any of your insurance policies from The General can lower your premium. But if you decide to go this route, it’s important that you choose a deductible amount that you can still afford if you suddenly need to file a claim. Otherwise, you might not be able to use the coverage that you have.

Reduce your car insurance coverage

Most states require a certain amount of bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage. But there are other coverage options (like comprehensive, collision, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist) that you may not have to purchase, depending on your state.

Less coverage usually means lower premiums, but it could also lead to higher costs in the long run, so it’s important to approach coverage decisions with caution.

Improve your driving record

Practicing safe driving habits and avoiding moving violations can help you qualify for lower rates from The General long-term. You may also be able to attend traffic school in order to remove a violation or points from your record, depending on your state. The General even offers a discount to drivers who take an approved defensive driving course.

Build and improve your credit

Because your credit history is correlated with your likelihood of filing an insurance claim, The General uses your credit data to calculate your premium in states where it is legal. As a result, having good credit makes you less of an insurance risk, which will reduce your rates over time.

Drive less

Whether you can shorten your commute to work, use more public transportation, or even ride a bicycle more, driving fewer miles each year could lower your premium with The General.

Drive an insurance-friendly car

Expensive cars, sports cars, and cars with high rates of theft are considered to be riskier to insure than cheaper, more practical vehicles. Before you buy a new car, get a new quote from The General to see how it will affect your rate. If the cost is out of your budget, then you should probably choose a different car.

Finally, if you’re struggling to afford your policy with The General, you should consider switching insurers. Even if you’re not actively looking for a new policy, it’s generally a good idea to compare quotes from three different companies every 6-12 months. To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to switching car insurance companies.