The General SR-22 Insurance Review: The Nonstandard Specialist
- An SR-22 is a form your insurer files with the state — it is not a separate insurance policy.
- Expect a one-time filing fee (often $15–$50) plus a premium increase that reflects the underlying violation.
- You must keep the policy continuous for the state's full requirement period, usually 1–3 years.
The General (a American Family subsidiary) is a nonstandard carrier — the segment of the market built specifically for high-risk drivers, SR-22s included. Where national carriers price high-risk business as an exception, nonstandard carriers like The General price it as the core product. That shows up in three ways: they say yes to everyone, they file instantly, and their pricing at severe violations is often better than the national brands’ best offers.
How the filing works
The fastest in this comparison: bind online or by phone, filing transmitted same-day — frequently within the hour. The General’s entire operational design assumes the customer needs the DMV satisfied quickly. Filing fees are standard ($25 in most states). If your license is currently suspended and you need the certificate today to meet a reinstatement appointment, this is the carrier built for that urgency.
Pricing at severity
For single violations, The General’s quotes usually lose to GEICO, Travelers, or USAA — the national carriers’ preferred pricing beats nonstandard when they are willing to write. The crossover happens at severity: multiple incidents, prior lapses, restarted filings, required FR-44s with high limits. There, The General’s quotes are often 20–40% below what national carriers offer, if they offer at all.
The renewal picture
Nonstandard carriers re-rate aggressively as your record improves — paradoxically, The General gets more expensive as you become a better risk. The strategy: use it for the filing years, then transition to a preferred carrier the moment the SR-22 ends and violations age past three years. Staying with a nonstandard carrier after your record no longer requires one is paying specialist prices for standard coverage.
Pros and cons
- Pros: accepts nearly all records; same-hour filing; best pricing at high severity; FR-44 capable.
- Cons: mid-pack pricing for mild records; renewal rates worsen as record improves (transition out); leaner coverage extras; claims service is functional, not premium.
Who The General fits best
Drivers with severe or complicated records, suspended licenses needing same-day filings, or prior declines from national carriers — and disciplined drivers who will leave when the high-risk premium is no longer justified.
FAQ
Is The General legitimate for SR-22 filings?
Yes — it is owned by American Family Insurance and files in every SR-22 state. “The General” brand name dates to 1963; the underwriting is mainstream.