Is The General Auto Insurance Good for New York Drivers?
Last Updated on October 2, 2021
Every driver in New York should always make sure they have a reliable car insurance plan. Not only is car insurance legally required, but it will ensure that you are protected financially if you get into an accident on the road. The General is one of the hundreds of companies that offer car insurance in New York State. In this article, we’ll take a look at the car insurance The General offers in New York and whether it’s a reliable option.
About The General
The General is an insurance company that focuses on affordable coverage options. They cater to people with poor credit or poor driving records that might not normally be able to find affordable car insurance. They have been in business for over 60 years and are an affiliate of American Family Insurance. They are based in Nashville, Tennessee, but offer insurance coverage in many states around the country through their satellite offices and through independent agents. In addition to auto coverage, they also offer home, commercial, and life insurance, and even offer some forms of supplemental health coverage.
| The General Company Information | |
|---|---|
| Address | 2636 Elm Hill Pike, Suite 100 Nashville, TN 37214 |
| Phone Number | 888-333-2331 |
| Online Contact | https://www.thegeneral.com/about/contact/ |
| Website | https://www.thegeneral.com/ |
What Types of Car Insurance Does The General Offer?
The General offers insurance policies that meet New York State’s legal requirements. This includes bodily injury and property damage coverage, as well as personal injury protection to meet New York State’s unique no-fault requirement.
Additionally, The General can provide SR-22 documents for those who need them. Although NYS does not require SR-22’s, some state governments require certain drivers to have SR-22 insurance if they are considered high risk. An SR-22 document essentially proves to them that you have the legally required amount of car insurance. Some examples of people who might require SR-22 insurance are those with DUIs or those who have a history of driving without insurance.
The General does not offer many extra forms of coverage to customize your policy. They do offer comprehensive and collision coverage. Collision coverage protects you in any type of collision, including one-car collisions, regardless of who was at fault. Comprehensive coverage pays for a number of other types of damage to your car, including damage from weather or vandalism.
They also offer add-ons for rental car reimbursement or custom part replacement. The General also has a 24/7 roadside assistance program, which pays for many basic roadside services. These include things like towing, tire changes, fuel delivery, and more.
Does The General Offer Discounts?
The General does offer discounts to help you save money on your policy. When compared with many other insurers, their selection of discounts is rather limited. However, they are one of the only insurers that would offer these discounts to high-risk drivers.
One unique discount that The General offers is a discount for those who have consistently had car insurance over the past five years. They also offer more common discounts, such as homeowner discounts, good student discounts, and multicar discounts. Like many other insurers in New York, they offer discounts for those who have taken defensive driving courses.
What Are The General’s Rates Like?
One of the best things about The General is that they offer affordable rates for those that might not be able to find them elsewhere. Car insurance rates can vary widely depending on where you live, your car, your driving record, and other factors. You’ll need to get a quote to figure out exactly how much you’ll pay for coverage. However, if you already have a good driving record, you might be able to get more bang for your buck elsewhere when it comes to coverage.
What Is The General’s Customer Service Like?
The General makes it very easy for customers to manage their policies online. You can get a free quote directly on their website, and they also have a webchat option that will connect you with an agent if you need more assistance. Once you’ve signed up for a policy, you can use their website to review your policy, make changes, and get your ID cards. You can also make your payments online.
The General also has a fairly robust mobile app that contains many of the same features as the website. The app also gives you the option to file a claim, which is very convenient. If you don’t have the app, you can file a claim by calling their toll-free phone number. Their call center is available 24/7, so you can file a claim whenever you need to.
While you can get a quote and manage your policy online, The General also sells their insurance through independent agents. You can use their website to find an agent in New York. The location agent option may be better for those who aren’t tech-savvy, or who just prefer a more hands-on approach when shopping for their car insurance.
However, The General does receive an above-average number of complaints about their customer service. Many of these complaints are due to slow claims processing times. Some customers also complain of large rate increases over the years.
In terms of financial stability, The General has received an A rating from AM Best. AM Best is a firm that rates the financial stability of insurance companies and other financial institutions. While an A isn’t the highest rating possible, it does indicate that The General would be able to pay their claims regardless of the current economic climate.
Final Thoughts – Our ‘The General’ Review
While there are many positive things about The General, this insurance company isn’t going to be the best fit for every driver in New York. This insurer is best for drivers that are struggling to find affordable car insurance because of their driving record or their credit score. If you require an SR-22, have multiple at-fault accidents, or have a poor credit history, The General could be the right choice.
However, for people who have a strong driving record, The General likely won’t be the right choice. They don’t have much selection when it comes to policy add-ons, so it is difficult to fully customize your insurance policy. They also don’t have many discounts, and their rates tend to be just average for people who have good driving records. Finally, their customer service seems to be something to be desired, as their complaint record is far above average.
When shopping for car insurance, it’s always best to get quotes from multiple providers. Each provider has its own system for generating quotes, and you might be surprised by who can offer you the best deal.
