What’s Better – The General or Progressive?
Last Updated on February 13, 2026
If you’re trying to decide whether The General or Progressive is “better,” the right answer depends on your driver profile, your insurance history, and how much coverage you actually need. Both can be a good choice—but they tend to shine for different types of shoppers.
This guide compares The General vs Progressive on the factors that usually matter most: who each company is best for, SR-22 considerations, coverage and add-ons, discounts, and what to check before you switch.
- Different Sweet Spots: The General often fits non-standard needs (lapses, violations, SR-22 situations), while Progressive often fits drivers who want broad customization and add-ons.
- Quotes Must Match: Compare the same liability limits, deductibles, drivers, and endorsements—or the “cheapest” quote may just be less coverage.
- SR-22 Details Matter: Filing eligibility, fees, and turnaround vary by state—confirm the process before you bind coverage.
- Check Before You Switch: Review the declarations page carefully and use NAIC/state insurance department tools to verify company information and complaint resources.
- Quick Comparison: The General vs Progressive
- How The General and Progressive Typically Differ
- Pricing and Discounts
- Coverage Options and Add-Ons
- Best Fit by Driver Type
- Customer Experience and Claims: What to Evaluate
- How to Choose Between The General and Progressive
- How to Compare Quotes the Right Way
- Bottom Line
- FAQs on The General vs Progressive
Quick Comparison: The General vs Progressive
| Category | The General | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Drivers with a lapse, tickets/accidents, or other non-standard rating factors | Drivers who want lots of options, strong online tools, and broad add-ons |
| SR-22 Support | Often available (state rules and eligibility vary) | Often available (state rules and eligibility vary) |
| Coverage Breadth | Core coverages + select add-ons (varies by state/program) | Wide menu of add-ons (varies by state) |
| Discount Style | Discounts may be more limited for higher-risk profiles | Many discount types + usage-based option in eligible states |
| Buying Experience | Fast online quoting and binding for many non-standard shoppers | Robust quote tools (direct and via agents) |
| Best “Better” Choice When… | You need coverage quickly after a lapse or for a non-standard profile | You want customization, bundling options, and feature-rich add-ons |
Quick tip: When comparing quotes, match the same liability limits, same deductibles, and same drivers/vehicles. A cheaper quote is often just less coverage.
How The General and Progressive Typically Differ
Most shoppers notice the biggest difference in underwriting appetite (who the company is most eager to insure) and how many optional coverages are available in their state.
The General’s Typical Sweet Spot
The General is widely known for serving drivers who may have trouble getting standard/prized rates—such as drivers with recent tickets, accidents, a lapse in coverage, or other factors that can raise premiums. If you’ve been quoted very high elsewhere (or had difficulty placing coverage), The General is often worth checking early.
Progressive’s Typical Sweet Spot
Progressive is often a strong fit for drivers who want a wide range of coverage add-ons, flexible quote tools, and a well-developed online/mobile experience. Depending on your state and eligibility, Progressive may also offer usage-based insurance programs that can reward low-risk driving—or increase rates if driving patterns look riskier.
Pricing and Discounts
There’s no universal winner on price. Auto rates are personalized and can vary dramatically by state, ZIP code, vehicle, mileage, driving record, insurance history, and other underwriting factors (including credit-based insurance scores in many states).
As a practical rule, non-standard drivers (recent violations, lapse, SR-22 requirement) often see better initial options from insurers built for that segment. Meanwhile, standard and preferred drivers may find more discount stacking and coverage customization from a large carrier with many programs and endorsements.
Read more about The General’s discounts here →
Read more about Progressive’s discounts here →
Common Discounts to Ask About With Either Company
- Multi-policy: bundling auto with renters, homeowners, or another line (where available).
- Multi-car: more than one vehicle on the policy.
- Paid-in-full or paperless: some insurers discount certain payment and delivery preferences.
- Prior insurance: continuous coverage can matter a lot in many states.
- Safe-driving programs: usage-based/telematics options may be available depending on state and eligibility.
Coverage Options and Add-Ons
Both companies generally offer the core building blocks of an auto policy: liability, comprehensive, collision, and state-dependent coverages like uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments or PIP. The biggest differences usually show up in optional endorsements and how widely those options are available in your state.
The General: Add-Ons to Look For
- SR-22 filings: often available, but state eligibility and timelines vary.
- Roadside assistance: may be offered through a membership-style plan and may not be “insurance coverage” in the strict sense.
- Rental reimbursement: commonly available when you carry comp and collision (availability varies).
- Other lines: additional products may be available through affiliated or partner carriers depending on state.
Progressive: Common Optional Coverages
- Loan/lease payoff: gap-style protection in many states (details vary).
- Rideshare coverage: may be available if you drive for a rideshare/delivery platform.
- Trip interruption: often tied to roadside assistance with specific requirements and caps.
- Deductible features: disappearing-deductible style options may be available in some states.
- Rental car reimbursement: selectable daily limits and day caps (varies).
Best Fit by Driver Type
| Situation | Often The Better Starting Point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You have a recent lapse in coverage | The General | Frequently positioned for drivers restarting coverage after a break |
| You need an SR-22 | Either (compare) | Many insurers can file SR-22s, but state rules, eligibility, and speed vary |
| You want lots of add-ons (rideshare, payoff, deductible features) | Progressive | Often offers a broader menu of endorsements in many states |
| You want strong quote and policy-management tools | Progressive | Known for robust online quoting features and customization |
| You’ve been priced out by standard carriers | The General | May be more competitive for non-standard profiles |
| You’re shopping for “the best value” overall | Quote both | The best value is the best coverage for the best price for your profile |
Quick tip: If you need an SR-22, ask two questions before you buy: (1) “Can you file it in my state?” and (2) “How fast will the filing be sent?” Then confirm how you’ll receive proof for the DMV or court.
Customer Experience and Claims: What to Evaluate
Claims satisfaction depends on your region, the repair network, and the type of claim—so don’t rely on a single review. Instead, evaluate things you can verify before you buy:
- How you file and track claims: Can you submit photos? Track repairs? Message your adjuster?
- Repair flexibility: Can you choose your own shop, and how are supplements handled?
- Regulatory complaint patterns: Check your state insurance department and NAIC resources for complaint data and company identifiers.
The NAIC Consumer Insurance Search can help you look up companies, confirm licensing, and review complaint information by state and line of business. It’s a helpful “sanity check,” especially if you’re switching insurers after a bad claims experience.
How to Choose Between The General and Progressive
Choose The General If…
- You’re rebuilding your insurance history after a lapse.
- You’ve had recent tickets/accidents and standard carriers are pricing you out.
- You need support for SR-22 filing and want a straightforward path to get insured.
- You primarily need core coverages and a policy that helps you meet your state’s requirements.
Choose Progressive If…
- You want a broad menu of optional coverages and customization (varies by state).
- You like modern tools for quoting, payments, and policy management.
- You want the option of usage-based pricing in eligible states (and you’re comfortable with the tradeoffs).
- You plan to bundle or prefer a large carrier with multiple product lines and endorsements.
How to Compare Quotes the Right Way
- Pick liability limits first. Minimum limits may not protect your assets if you cause a serious accident.
- Set comp and collision based on your car value and budget. If you couldn’t replace your vehicle quickly, consider keeping physical damage coverage.
- Match deductibles and endorsements. Compare apples-to-apples: same limits, same deductibles, same coverages, same drivers.
- Confirm SR-22 details (if needed). Ask about filing fees, how quickly it’s sent, and whether you’ll get proof.
- Review your declarations page. Before you finalize, verify vehicles, VINs, garaging address, deductibles, and listed drivers.
Bottom Line
Progressive is often the better fit if you want coverage customization, a wide menu of add-ons, and strong online tools—especially if your record and insurance history are relatively clean.
The General is often the better fit if you’re shopping from a non-standard starting point (like a lapse, recent violations, or an SR-22 requirement) and want a company that’s built around getting you insured quickly.
Rules, availability, and discounts vary by state. Always rely on your declarations page and policy contract for exact coverages, exclusions, limits, and deductibles.
