Geico vs The General
Last updated July 2026
Geico
15 minutes could save you 15% or more
Advantages
- Consistently among the lowest rates for most driver profiles
- Fast online quoting, genuinely quick digital experience
- Strong mobile app for policy management, claims, and ID cards
- Military and federal employee discounts
- Wide range of discount categories to stack savings
Drawbacks
- No local agent network, all support is remote
- Bundling options are more limited than State Farm
- Customer service wait times can spike during peak periods
- Some coverage add-ons require calling in rather than self-service
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
Geico and The General both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. Geico is built for price-conscious drivers who are comfortable managing insurance digitally. 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 | Geico | The General |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | $120-$150/mo national average | Avg $180-$300/mo for high-risk profiles |
| Quote Process | Online or phone; no agents | Online, phone, no agent |
| Available Discounts | Military, federal employee, multi-vehicle, good driver, anti-theft | Multi-vehicle, safe driver over time, prior insurance |
| Claims Experience | App, phone, online; no agent option | Phone or online submission |
| Customer Support | Phone, app, online chat, no local agents | Phone, online, limited hours |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, umbrella, rideshare | Liability, collision, comprehensive, SR-22 filing |
| Mobile App Quality | -- | Basic, ID cards, payments, claim start |
| Bundling Options | Auto, renters, homeowners (through partners) | Auto only, limited bundling options |
| Financial Strength Rating | A++ (AM Best) | -- |
Geico Wins
Geico takes it overall (8/10 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.
Geico's standout strength: Consistently among the lowest rates for most driver profiles. Its biggest drawback (no local agent network, all support is remote) 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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