The General is rated 1.9 out of 5 by WalletHub’s editors, based on factors such as customer reviews and watchdog-group ratings. For example, The General has a rating of 5.96 from he National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), meaning it has more customer complaints than the average insurer its size.
You should switch your car insurance to a different company when you can find a cheaper rate for the same amount of coverage without sacrificing in terms of things like customer service. It’s actually best to compare quotes and consider switching insurance companies every 6-12 months in order to minimize costs. It’s also worth checking prices anytime you have a change in circumstance that will affect your rate, such as insuring a new car or adding a new driver.... read full answer
When to Consider Switching Car Insurance Companies
When You Add a New Driver
Adding a teenager to your insurance policy costs 140% to 160% extra, on average. On the other hand, adding an experienced driver could increase or decrease your premium, depending on the exact scenario. As a result, it’s well worth shopping around before simply accepting a new rate from your current insurer.
When You Reach a Threshold for Age or Experience
Car insurance rates vary dramatically by age, with particularly sharp drops when a driver turns 19 and 21 years old. Similarly, when a driver has been on the road for at least five years, they will usually be able to get a lower rate.
When You Add or Replace a Car
The cheapest insurer for an older car might not be the cheapest for a brand new car or a specialty vehicle, since each insurer calculates rates differently. If you’re adding a vehicle, you should also factor in any multi-car discounts that are available from different companies.
When Your Driving Record Changes
If you were recently cited for a moving violation, each insurer will adjust your rates by a different amount, so switching could make sense. Similarly, some insurance companies will look back at only three years of your driving history, while others will evaluate a longer period. As a result, it’s a good time to shop around for a better price when violations or claims reach the three-year milestone. Getting a copy of your driving record and your CLUE Report can help you time things right.
When Your Credit Score Improves
Your credit score can be a major factor in car-insurance pricing. If it has improved, let your current insurer know and then see if other companies can beat your insurance company’s price.
When Your Insurance Needs Change
Financing a new car or paying off a loan may change the coverage types you need to carry. You may also want to reevaluate your policy limits and deductible.
When Your Marital Status Changes
Married drivers usually pay less for car insurance than single drivers, so make sure to notify your insurance provider about your nuptials. You should also take the opportunity to see if another insurer will offer a lower premium.
When You Become a Homeowner
Your status as a homeowner rather than a renter can affect your premiums. Insurers often charge lower premiums to homeowners, and you can also get a multi-policy discount if you insure your home and car with the same company.
When Your Education Level or Employment Changes
Earning a college degree will lower your rates with some insurers more than others. Some companies also offer a low-mileage discount, which could benefit you if you get a new job with a shorter commute.
The General is cheap because the company sells directly to consumers and keeps overhead costs low. Not having agents means there are no commissions to pay, and the company lowers operating costs by offering basic coverage options and limited customer support online. The General ranked 4th overall in WalletHub’s cheap car insurance review, partly because it offers discounts for good students and military service members. Plus, The General rewards customer loyalty with discounts for insuring more than one car or bundling multiple policies, such as home and auto.... read full answer
The General is especially cheap for high-risk drivers in particular. That’s because The General has special savings opportunities for drivers in this category, such as discounts for taking a driver training course or being continuously insured. But even though The General is among the cheapest car insurance companies, the only way to confirm you’ve found the lowest price is to compare quotes from multiple companies. Your final premium is based on a variety of factors, like your driving record, insurance history, the type of car you drive, and more, and all insurance companies can’t offer the same rate.
To get a personalized quote from The General, you can speak to a representative by calling 1 (866) 519-7422.
The General's main NAIC number is 13703. The General’s NAIC number is the five-digit code given by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), which assigns numbers to authorized insurance providers in order to track customer complaints and ethics violations across state lines.
With The General’s NAIC number, anyone can learn more about the company’s financial data, the kinds of complaints that have been filed by customers, and any enforcement actions taken against the company. Customers will need The General’s NAIC number to report fraud or file an insurance claim, as well.... read full answer
Although The General's main NAIC number is 13703, the NAIC has assigned a separate code for each of The General’s affiliate companies, which are listed below. You can find the number that applies to your particular policy on your insurance card from The General.
The General NAIC Numbers
Company Name
NAIC Number
The General Automobile Insurance Company Incorporated
13703
Permanent General Assurance Corporation
37648
Permanent General Assurance Corporation of Ohio
22906
The General’s NAIC number is not the same thing as the three-digit code assigned by each state’s department of motor vehicles. These numbers, issued by state insurance commissioners, are given to the companies that have been authorized to sell insurance policies in a particular state. However, they are not standardized across state lines, like NAIC numbers are.
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