Auto-Owners vs The General
Last updated July 2026
Auto-Owners
The 'no problem' people
Advantages
- Consistently top J.D. Power scores for claims and customer satisfaction
- Diminishing deductible and accident forgiveness available on eligible policies
- Green Deductible waives up to $250 of your deductible for a claim-free year
- Strong bundling discounts with home, life, and umbrella policies
- Available in 26 states across the Midwest, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic
Drawbacks
- Quotes only through independent agents, no online purchase
- Not available on the West Coast or in the Northeast
- Digital tools trail Progressive and Geico for on-the-go management
The General
Coverage for drivers who need to get back on the road
Advantages
- Approves drivers other carriers reject, DUI, SR-22, lapses in coverage
- Instant SR-22 filing available in most states, often same-day
- Low upfront down payment options make it easy to get started
- Simple online quote and purchase, no agent required
- Payment flexibility including monthly and bi-weekly plans
Drawbacks
- Base rates are among the highest in the industry for its underwriting pool
- Coverage limits and add-ons more limited than mainstream carriers
- Customer satisfaction scores consistently trail Progressive and Geico
- Claims service reviews are mixed, expect longer resolution times
Auto-Owners and The General both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. Auto-Owners is built for drivers in Auto-Owners' 26 states who want elite service and don't mind an agent-only process. The General is built for drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Auto-Owners | The General |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $115-$170/mo before bundling | Avg $180-$300/mo for high-risk profiles |
| Quote Process | Independent agent only | Online, phone, no agent |
| Available Discounts | Multi-policy, safe driver, diminishing deductible, paid-in-full, good student | Multi-vehicle, safe driver over time, prior insurance |
| Claims Experience | 24/7 phone, agent-assisted, app for basic submission | Phone or online submission |
| Customer Support | Independent agents, phone | Phone, online, limited hours |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, gap, roadside, rideshare in some states | Liability, collision, comprehensive, SR-22 filing |
| Mobile App Quality | Basic, ID cards, payments, simple claim start | Basic, ID cards, payments, claim start |
| Bundling Options | Auto, home, life, umbrella, business, boat | Auto only, limited bundling options |
Auto-Owners Wins
Auto-Owners takes it overall (9/10 vs 6/10), but The General is still the sharper pick for drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast.
Auto-Owners's standout strength: Consistently top J.D. Power scores for claims and customer satisfaction. Its biggest drawback (quotes only through independent agents, no online purchase) is easier to live with than The General's (base rates are among the highest in the industry for its underwriting pool). The General isn't out of the running though — its own standout strength is approves drivers other carriers reject, DUI, SR-22, lapses in coverage. If you fit the profile of drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast, that alone can flip the decision.
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