The General Auto Insurance Review

Company Overview

Many people will recognize The General Automobile Insurance Services, Inc. simply by “The General” as it has come to be known and also from its popular series of television commercials. A popular television commercial slogan of the company is “For a great low rate you can get online, go to The General and save some time!”  Three Telly Awards were presented to The General in 2012 in the animation category.

In May of 2016, Shaquille O'Neal became the first athletic spokesperson for The General. Shaquille O'neal was a customer of The General while attending and playing basketball for LSU In Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The company has its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee and has been selling auto insurance since 1963 when it was known as Permanent General Agency. The name later changed to Permanent General Assurance Corporation (PGAC). In 2012, The General Automobile Insurance Services, Inc., a subsidiary company of PGC Holdings, was acquired by American Family Insurance. Auto insurance policies are sold directly through its website although the company does have regional offices in Louisiana, Arizona and Ohio. These offices offer customer service and claims assistance. Several physical store locations are available to customers in Louisiana.  The General launched a mobile insurance application in April 2011.

Its subsidiary companies offer insurance in more than 22 states and include:

• Permanent General Assurance Corporation
• Permanent General Assurance Corporation of Ohio
• The General Auto Insurance Company, Inc.

Financial Strength

Insurance rating organization, A.M. Best, gives The General Auto Insurance Company an “A- Excellent“ rating.

While this is not the best possible rating, it is still very strong.

Customer Service Reviews

Complaints about customer service and problems with billing, claims and cancellations can be found about The General Auto Insurance Company on online customer review sites where customers can rate products and services. While there are some negative reviews, keep in mind that people who have a negative experience are more likely to post about it than customers who are satisfied with products and services.

The General Auto Insurance Company does not have a Better Business Bureau rating. However, the company did have an “A+” BBB rating under its previous name, Permanent General Companies, Inc.

Insurance Products

The General Auto Insurance Company writes auto insurance exclusively. Its auto insurance policy is known for accepting high risk drivers and may offer them more affordable rates than they would receive with a standard or preferred auto insurance carrier. The auto policy offers bodily injury liability, property damage liability, comprehensive, collision, medical payments and uninsured motorist coverage (coverage options for uninsured motorist depends on state of residence.) SR-22 insurance is available for drivers who have to file a financial responsibility filing with their state of residence showing proof of insurance coverage.

Auto insurance discounts available include:

• Defensive driving course
• Low mileage discount
• Multiple auto discount
• Pay-up-front discount (available when you pay in full rather than monthly installments)

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Acceptance of high risk drivers
• Affordable auto insurance rates for high risk drivers
• Strong financial strength rating
• SR-22 insurance filings available
• Simple online quoting and policy purchase process

Cons

• Auto insurance rates are higher for those with good driving records
• Only writes auto insurance
• Limited coverage territory
• Customer complaints regarding claims and customer service

The Bottom Line

The General Auto Insurance Company is a non-standard auto insurance carrier. If you’ve had a lapse in your auto insurance coverage, have less than perfect credit, are a high risk driver or need SR-22 insurance; The General may offer you insurance when others won’t or at a more affordable rate.