Liberty Mutual vs The General
Last updated July 2026
Liberty Mutual
Only pay for what you need
Advantages
- Coverage customization tool lets you drop coverages you don't want
- RightTrack telematics can drop premiums up to 30% for safe drivers
- Accident forgiveness available after four years claim-free
- Wide bundling menu across auto, home, boat, motorcycle, and umbrella
- Available in all 50 states with mixed direct and agent channels
Drawbacks
- Base rates run above average in many states
- Claims satisfaction scores are middle-of-pack in recent J.D. Power studies
- Marketing-heavy quoting funnel can feel pushy without an agent
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
Liberty Mutual and The General both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. Liberty Mutual is built for drivers who want to trim optional coverages and DIY their policy. 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 | Liberty Mutual | The General |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $160-$215/mo; discounts stack quickly | Avg $180-$300/mo for high-risk profiles |
| Quote Process | Online, phone, or captive agent | Online, phone, no agent |
| Available Discounts | RightTrack, multi-policy, homeowner, paid in full | Multi-vehicle, safe driver over time, prior insurance |
| Claims Experience | App, phone, 24/7 online submission | Phone or online submission |
| Customer Support | Phone, chat, app, captive agents | Phone, online, limited hours |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, gap, new-car replacement | Liability, collision, comprehensive, SR-22 filing |
| Mobile App Quality | Solid, RightTrack, claims, ID cards | Basic, ID cards, payments, claim start |
| Bundling Options | Auto, home, boat, motorcycle, umbrella | Auto only, limited bundling options |
Liberty Mutual Wins
Liberty Mutual takes it overall (7/10 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.
Liberty Mutual's standout strength: Coverage customization tool lets you drop coverages you don't want. Its biggest drawback (base rates run above average in many states) 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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