The General vs Progressive
Last updated July 2026
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
Progressive
Name Your Price and drive on
Advantages
- Name Your Price tool tailors coverage to a target monthly budget
- Underwrites high-risk drivers more favorably than most mainstream carriers
- Snapshot telematics can lower rates over time for consistently safe drivers
- SR-22 filing available in most states through the online quote flow
- Broad bundling with home, renters, boat, RV, motorcycle
Drawbacks
- High-risk rates still cost more than a clean-record driver would pay
- Snapshot can raise rates for drivers with rough braking or late-night driving
- Customer satisfaction ratings trail industry leaders in several regions
The General focuses on drivers who standard carriers turn away or price out, DUIs, lapses in coverage, SR-22 requirements, or a stack of tickets. Progressive is a mainstream carrier but competes hard for high-risk business through its Name Your Price tool and flexible underwriting. Your driving record and how quickly you need proof of insurance decide it.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | The General | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $180-$300/mo for high-risk profiles | Avg $115-$170/mo standard; $180-$250/mo for high-risk profiles |
| Quote Process | Online, phone, no agent | Online, phone, or independent agent |
| Available Discounts | Multi-vehicle, safe driver over time, prior insurance | Snapshot, multi-policy, homeowner, continuous insurance |
| Claims Experience | Phone or online submission | 24/7 online, app, or phone with photo estimate |
| Customer Support | Phone, online, limited hours | Phone, chat, app, independent agents |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, SR-22 filing | Liability, collision, comprehensive, rideshare, custom parts |
| Mobile App Quality | Basic, ID cards, payments, claim start | Very good, Snapshot, claims, ID cards, payments |
| Bundling Options | Auto only, limited bundling options | Auto, home, renters, boat, RV, motorcycle |
Progressive Wins
Progressive wins for almost every driver on price and service. The General earns its win when Progressive won't quote you at all or your SR-22 filing needs to move faster than a mainstream carrier can accommodate.
Get a Progressive quote first, if they'll write your policy, they'll almost always beat The General on price and service. The General is the fallback when Progressive declines, when you need SR-22 filing today, or when you're rebuilding from a serious incident like a DUI. Move back to Progressive as soon as your record allows.
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