How Much Does The General Car Insurance Cost?

There isn’t one “average” price that applies to everyone. The General sets rates based on risk and location, so two drivers can receive very different quotes even in the same city. In general, The General is often priced higher than standard-market insurers for low-risk drivers—but it may be more accessible for drivers who have limited options.

The General can be a practical option if you’ve been declined elsewhere, if you’ve had trouble keeping continuous coverage, or if you need an SR-22 form and want an insurer that can handle the filing process.

Situation	How The General Typically Fits	What To Consider
You need state-minimum liability quickly	Often offers straightforward minimum-limit options (state rules apply)	Minimum limits may not cover serious injuries or your own vehicle—review limits carefully.
You’re a non-standard / higher-risk driver	May be more willing to insure drivers other companies price out or decline	Higher risk usually means higher premiums until your record improves.
You’re a low-risk driver with strong insurance history	May be less competitive than standard-market insurers	It’s worth comparing multiple carriers if you have a clean record and stable coverage history.

The General Charges Higher Rates for Higher Risk

Auto insurance pricing is built around expected claim risk. When an insurer takes on drivers with a greater likelihood of filing claims—or with higher potential claim severity—it typically charges more to offset that risk.

That’s why drivers with recent violations, at-fault accidents, or coverage lapses often pay more than drivers with a clean driving record. Over time, consistent safe driving and stable insurance history can improve your rating profile and open up cheaper options.

Car Insurance Coverages Available Through The General

The General is widely associated with minimum coverage auto insurance, but available coverages can vary by state and by driver. Some policyholders purchase only what’s required to drive legally, while others add physical damage coverage or other protections when eligible.

Coverage Type	What It Typically Covers	When It Matters Most
Liability Coverage	Helps pay for injuries and property damage you cause to others, including bodily injury liability and property damage liability.	Required in nearly every state and essential for protecting your finances after a serious crash.
State-Required Coverages	Depending on the state, this can include uninsured/underinsured motorist, personal injury protection, or medical payments coverage.	Important for meeting legal requirements and limiting out-of-pocket medical costs after an accident (rules vary by state).
“Full Coverage” Options	Often means adding collision coverage and comprehensive coverage on top of liability. Learn more about buying full coverage auto insurance.	Commonly required by lenders/lessors and helpful if you can’t afford to replace your vehicle after a loss.
Non-Owner Coverage	Non-owner car insurance can provide liability protection if you drive but don’t own a vehicle (availability varies by state).	Helpful for drivers who borrow or rent cars often, or who need to maintain continuous liability coverage.

Depending on your state, you may also see optional add-ons and special protections (availability varies). For examples of common extras and what they do, see additional coverage options and add-ons.

Factors That Impact the Price of Car Insurance with The General

Your quote may be higher or lower than what another driver pays. The General (like most insurers) prices policies using a combination of personal rating factors, location-based risk, and coverage selection.

Pricing Factor	Why It Changes Your Rate	What You Can Do
Driving History	Violations, accidents, and serious offenses increase expected claim risk.	Understand how driving history affects insurance rates, and avoid new incidents when possible.
ZIP Code and Garaging Location	Rates reflect local crash frequency, theft risk, weather losses, and repair costs.	Even small moves can change price—see why ZIP codes affect auto insurance rates.
Coverage Limits and Deductibles	Higher liability limits and lower deductibles usually increase premiums; minimum limits can be cheaper but riskier.	Choose limits that protect your income/assets and deductibles you can actually afford after a claim.
Age and Other Rating Factors	Newer drivers tend to cost more to insure; other factors can vary based on state rules.	Add experienced drivers correctly, avoid unnecessary “high-risk” vehicle choices, and re-shop over time.
Credit-Based Insurance Score	Where allowed, insurers may use credit-based insurance scoring as one pricing input.	See how credit affects car insurance rates and ask what rules apply in your state.
State Insurance Laws	Minimum coverage requirements and mandatory benefits vary by state, which affects the base price of “legal minimum” policies.	Review your state’s required coverages carefully—some states mandate special protections like glass coverage.

The General Car Insurance Discounts

The General may offer fewer discounts than some standard-market insurers, but savings can still be available depending on your state and eligibility. For the most common options, see The General car insurance discounts.

Discount Type	Common Examples	How to Maximize It
Policy and Payment	Paid-in-full, prior insurance	Ask whether paying in full avoids installment fees and whether proof of prior coverage is needed.
Household and Vehicles	Multi-car, homeowners	Confirm all eligible vehicles are listed and your household details are accurate.
Student and Education	Good grades/academic achievement, defensive driving (where eligible)	Ask what documentation is required and whether the course must be state-approved.
Safety Features and Restraints	Airbags, seatbelts, passive restraints	Make sure the vehicle’s trim and safety equipment are accurately captured on the quote.
Military	Military-related savings (where offered)	Verify eligibility rules and whether the discount applies to your state.

Final Word – The General Insurance Cost

The General can be a workable option for drivers who need minimum coverage, have non-standard underwriting needs, or require specialty filings. Because it often serves higher-risk drivers, pricing may be higher than what low-risk drivers see with standard insurers.

To keep costs as low as possible, compare quotes with the same coverages, verify every eligible discount, and avoid carrying only the bare minimum limits if you have assets or income to protect. For the fastest next step, use The General customer service contact number to confirm availability, coverages, and discounts in your state.

FAQs on The General Car Insurance Cost

Is The General Usually Cheaper or More Expensive Than Other Insurers?

It depends on your risk profile and location. The General is often less competitive for low-risk drivers, but it may be more accessible for drivers with recent tickets, accidents, lapses in coverage, or other non-standard underwriting needs.

Does The General Offer Full Coverage Car Insurance?

In many cases, yes—drivers may be able to add collision and comprehensive (often what people call “full coverage”). Availability depends on your state, vehicle, and underwriting guidelines, so confirm what’s offered on your quote.

Can The General File an SR-22?

In many states, The General can help with SR-22 filings, but requirements and availability depend on your state. You’ll typically need to keep the policy active for the full filing period to avoid reinstatement issues.

What Makes My The General Quote Go Up the Most?

Recent violations, at-fault accidents, serious offenses, gaps in insurance history, high-risk ZIP codes, and higher coverage limits can all increase premiums. The combined effect of multiple factors is often what drives the largest increases.

How Can I Lower My The General Premium?

Verify every eligible discount, avoid unnecessary add-ons, choose deductibles you can afford, and consider increasing liability limits strategically rather than carrying the bare minimum. Re-quoting at renewal is also important because rates and eligibility can change over time.

Does The General Offer Non-Owner Insurance?

In some states, The General may offer non-owner policies for drivers who don’t own a vehicle but need liability coverage. Availability varies, so it’s important to confirm with the insurer based on your state and driving situation.

Should I Buy State-Minimum Coverage to Save Money?

State-minimum coverage can lower your premium, but it may leave you underinsured—especially if you cause an accident with major injuries or property damage. Many drivers choose higher liability limits for better financial protection, even if the monthly cost is higher.

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