Progressive vs The General Car Insurance
Mainstream carrier against a Sentry-owned pure non-standard specialist. The honest decision isn't a direct price fight — it's about whether Progressive will even write you at acceptable terms given your profile, and if not, whether The General's bind-in-minutes posture is the right fallback. Progressive writes SR-22 drivers through its standard book with Snapshot and the broader coverage menu; The General specializes in SR-22, post-DUI, lapsed-coverage, and high-risk drivers with a 2-minute online quote-and-bind flow.
Progressive reviewed 2026-09-28; The General reviewed 2026-10-02; this comparison reviewed 2026-10-02.
Inherited freshness: The General's AM Best affirmation is 20 months old. The referenced provider reviews should be reconfirmed before publish; this comparison inherits that staleness context.
Why this comparison exists. SR-22, post-DUI, lapsed-coverage, and other high-risk shoppers comparing their two realistic options: a mainstream carrier with the broader coverage menu and the ability to write SR-22 (Progressive) against a non-standard specialist built for bind-today speed and willingness to write when standard carriers decline (The General). The comparison is honest only in this shopper scenario — a clean-record standard shopper should compare mainstream carriers to each other, not to a non-standard specialist.
At a glance
| Dimension | Progressive | The General |
|---|---|---|
| Parent / entity | The Progressive Corporation (NYSE: PGR); publicly-traded. HQ Mayfield Village, Ohio. | Sentry Insurance Group (acquired The General from American Family Insurance; sale closed December 31, 2024; announced September 12, 2024; ~$1.0-1.1B cash, ~$1.7B total transaction value). Sentry's sibling non-standard brand is Dairyland (independent-agent). |
| Category | National mass-market | Non-standard specialist |
| Distribution | Direct + independent agent | Direct-to-consumer |
| Footprint | National (all 50 states + DC) | National except AK, HI, MI |
| AM Best FSR | A+ (Superior); outlook StableTIER 1 | A+ (Superior); outlook StableTIER 1 |
| AM Best affirmation | 2026-05-01 | 2025-02-20 |
| Market share (NAIC) | 18.6% (rank 2, 2024) | 0.3% (rank 25, 2024) |
| Telematics program | Snapshot — can raise rate | None |
Where these two actually differ
SR-22 and high-risk underwriting posture
The General is a pure non-standard specialist — SR-22 filings, post-DUI, post-lapse, and multi-violation drivers are its core book, not an exception. SR-22 is delivered in minutes via the 2-minute online quote-and-bind flow. Progressive writes SR-22 drivers through its standard underwriting at higher rates with the broader coverage menu and Snapshot's standard rate-adjustment mechanics; it is not a specialist, and acceptance depends on the specifics (DUI count, time since conviction, violation history). The honest fact is that Progressive will decline many profiles The General accepts.
Hybrid direct + agent vs direct-to-consumer bind-today
Progressive runs direct (web, app, phone) PLUS a substantial independent-agent channel in parallel — one quote flow across modes. The General is pure direct-to-consumer (web, app, phone) with a 2-minute online quote-and-bind flow designed for the shopper who needs coverage today. If you are time-pressured and need SR-22 bound before a court date or reinstatement, The General's posture is the operational fit; Progressive's agent channel is slower.
Progressive breadth vs The General minimum-coverage-first
Progressive publishes a feature-rich coverage menu: Loan/Lease Payoff (gap-equivalent up to 25% ACV), Deductible Savings Bank ($50 credit per claim-free period), Pet Injury with collision ($1,000 limit), Custom Parts and Equipment up to $5,000, Trip Interruption, rideshare in select states. The General is a minimum-coverage-first product — its core customer buys state-minimum liability plus mandatory SR-22 filing. Full-coverage shopping with coverage breadth is Progressive's strength; bind-today minimum-liability with SR-22 is The General's.
The General's AM Best upgrade post-Sentry acquisition
Progressive carries AM Best A+ (Superior) / "aa" ICR, affirmed May 1, 2026. The General was upgraded to A+ (Superior) on February 20, 2025 post-Sentry acquisition (which closed December 31, 2024) — a material upgrade from the pre-Sentry rating. Both carriers now carry the same FSR letter. For a non-standard shopper that is notable context: The General's counterparty strength is no longer the differentiator against mainstream carriers.
Snapshot vs no telematics program
Progressive offers Snapshot (app or plug-in device) with published average $164 sign-up / $328 completion discounts and the explicit disclosure that "only about 2 out of 10 drivers actually get an increase." The General does not publish a telematics / UBI program — if you want to earn rate forgiveness through monitored behavior after a DUI or at-fault accident, The General does not provide that lever. Progressive's Snapshot works even for drivers in the non-standard book, though acceptance for Snapshot enrollment and its state availability may vary.
Telematics side by side
Progressive
Program Snapshot
Tracks hard_braking, acceleration, phone_use, mileage, time_of_day
Can raise rate? Yes
Enrollment max Average sign-up discount of $164 per Progressive's own Snapshot page
Renewal max Average program-completion discount of $328; usually applies at the six-month policy renewal following enrolment
State exclusions CA
Progressive itself states that "your rate may increase with high-risk driving" and that "only about 2 out of 10 drivers actually get an increase." Not available in California. The sign-up discount is not available in Hawaii or New York; Progressive excludes NC/HI/NY/MT from its Snapshot savings claims. Progressive explicitly advises drivers to "avoid driving between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. on weekends." Phone use is only considered in some states and when you choose the mobile app rather than the device.TIER 1
The General
No telematics program documented.
Financial strength
Progressive
AM Best FSR A+ (Superior)
Long-Term ICR aa (Superior)
Outlook Stable
Affirmed 2026-05-01
AM Best affirmed FSR A+ (Superior) and Long-Term ICR "aa" (Superior) of The Progressive Corporation and its members on May 1, 2026, stable outlook. The affirmation cited an increase in underwriting profit in 2025 driven by lower personal and commercial auto accident frequency, lower weather-related catastrophe losses, and favorable prior-accident-year development, with the group reporting $11.3B in net income in 2025 vs $8.5B in 2024. A+ (Superior) is one tier below A++.TIER 1
The General
AM Best FSR A+ (Superior)
Long-Term ICR aa- (Superior)
Outlook Stable
Affirmed 2025-02-20
AM Best UPGRADED The General from FSR A (Excellent) / Long-Term ICR a+ to FSR A+ (Superior) / Long-Term ICR aa- on February 20, 2025 with Stable outlook, covering Permanent General Assurance Corporation, Permanent General Assurance Corporation of Ohio, and General Automobile Insurance Company. Rationale: balance-sheet strength assessed "strongest" post-Sentry integration, inter-company quota-share agreement, and operational/financial support from Sentry.TIER 1
Coverage differences
| Coverage | Progressive | The General |
|---|---|---|
| Collision | — | Offered |
| Comprehensive and collision | OfferedOptional first-party coverages. | — |
| Comprehensive | — | Offered |
| Custom Parts and Equipment (CPE) | OfferedReimbursement for covered custom modifications, subject to $5,000 limit. | — |
| Deductible Savings Bank | Offered$50 credit toward collision or comprehensive deductible for each violation- and claim-free six-month policy period. | — |
| Gap insurance | — | Offered |
| Loan/Lease Payoff (gap-equivalent) | OfferedUp to 25% of the vehicle's actual cash value if totaled while you still owe on it. | — |
| Pet Injury Coverage | OfferedAutomatically included when you add collision; $1,000 limit for veterinary expenses if your pet is injured in a covered accident. | — |
| Renters insurance add-on | OfferedAvailable in select states to bundle renters coverage into a single policy. | — |
| Rideshare coverage | OfferedAvailable as add-on for policyholders logged into rideshare or delivery apps, offered in select states. | — |
| Trip Interruption | OfferedIn states where available: $500 daily max with $100 lodging / $50 transportation / $50 food per day. | — |
| Vehicle Protection | OfferedCovers major system repairs, minor dents/dings, and lost/stolen keys for vehicles under 7 years old also carrying liability + comprehensive + collision. | — |
| Bodily injury and property damage liability | OfferedState minimums vary; higher limits generally available. | Offered |
| Medical payments (Med Pay) | OfferedOptional in most states. | Offered |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | OfferedOffered in some states. | OfferedWhere state requires. |
| Rental Car Reimbursement | OfferedUp to policy limits during covered repairs. | Offered |
| Roadside Assistance | OfferedTowing, lock-out, tire changes, fuel/fluid delivery. | Offered |
| Uninsured / underinsured motorist | OfferedRequired or optional depending on state. | Offered |
Dated events that specifically move this matchup
Affects The GeneralThe General AM Best upgrade to A+ (Superior) post-Sentry acquisition2025-02-20
Rating action followed Sentry Insurance Group's December 31, 2024 acquisition of The General from American Family. Moves the carrier to the same FSR letter as Progressive and removes counterparty strength as a differentiator between the two carriers for non-standard shoppers.TIER 1
Affects ProgressiveProgressive AM Best affirmation A+ (Superior) / "aa" ICR; outlook stable2026-05-01
$11.3B 2025 net income (vs $8.5B 2024); affirmation cited lower auto accident frequency and favorable prior-accident-year development.TIER 1
Who should quote each
Progressive — Shoppers Progressive will write at acceptable terms
- You need SR-22 but your profile is close to standard-eligible (recent clean record, minor single violation, acceptable credit); Progressive will likely write you with the broader coverage menu.
- You want full-coverage protection with gap-equivalent (Loan/Lease Payoff), Deductible Savings Bank, or Custom Parts — standard coverage breadth matters.
- You want Snapshot's telematics lever to earn rate forgiveness after a one-time event — Progressive's standard product supports this; The General does not run a UBI program.
- You are willing to shop through an independent agent in addition to direct — Progressive supports both; The General is direct-only.
The General — Bind-today SR-22, post-DUI, post-lapse, or Progressive declines
- You need SR-22 bound TODAY — The General's 2-minute online quote-and-bind flow is purpose-built for the time-pressured reinstatement scenario.
- You have a DUI, multiple violations, lapsed coverage, or a non-standard profile that Progressive will decline or quote at acceptance-ceiling pricing.
- You are buying minimum-coverage liability plus SR-22 filing specifically — The General's core product; Progressive's broader coverage menu is not the fit.
- You want a non-standard-specialist carrier backed by Sentry's A+ (Superior) AM Best rating since the February 2025 upgrade.
Quote both — Any SR-22 or post-incident shopper
- SR-22 shoppers whose profile might be close to standard-eligible — quote Progressive first; fall back to The General if declined or priced out.
- Post-DUI shoppers — Progressive's post-DUI pricing (per independent same-profile analyses) runs dramatically lower than GEICO or State Farm, but may still exceed The General's non-standard pricing for the same filing.
- Lapsed-coverage shoppers who need to bind today for a vehicle-registration deadline.
- Multi-driver households where one driver needs SR-22 and others are standard — may need both carriers across the policy or a non-standard rider on the standard policy.
Get real quotes from Progressive and The General on your own profile.
Compare car insurance quotesCommon questions
Does Progressive write SR-22?
Yes. Progressive files SR-22 certificates for drivers in states that require them. Progressive's standard underwriting accepts a range of SR-22 profiles — single DUI, single violation, moderate time since conviction — at higher rates with the broader coverage menu. Progressive is not a non-standard specialist, however: profiles with multiple DUIs, very recent conviction, or extended lapse may be declined and will need The General or another non-standard carrier.
Does The General have telematics?
No. The General does not publish a usage-based insurance / telematics program. If you want to earn rate forgiveness over time through monitored safe driving after a DUI or at-fault accident, The General does not provide that lever. Progressive's Snapshot is available for standard-book Progressive drivers, including many SR-22 shoppers; verify state availability (Snapshot is not available in California).
Which is cheaper for SR-22?
The General is purpose-built for non-standard shoppers and typically prices below standard-market SR-22 rates. Progressive's SR-22 rates run higher but come with the broader coverage menu (gap-equivalent, Deductible Savings Bank, custom parts). The honest comparison for a non-standard shopper is minimum-coverage SR-22 at The General against standard-coverage SR-22 at Progressive — not apples to apples. Get both quotes.
Is The General's financial strength adequate?
Yes. The General was upgraded to AM Best A+ (Superior) on February 20, 2025 after Sentry Insurance acquired it in December 2024. That upgrade moved The General to the same FSR letter as Progressive. Counterparty strength is no longer a differentiator between the two carriers.
When should I go to a non-standard specialist like The General?
When a mainstream carrier declines you, when you need SR-22 bound today, or when your profile (multiple DUIs, recent conviction, extended lapse, revoked license history) makes mainstream pricing prohibitive. For single-event post-DUI or single-violation SR-22 shoppers, run Progressive first — the standard-market comparison may still be the better fit depending on your state and profile. For complex non-standard profiles, start at The General.
Should I quote both?
Yes. The time cost is small, the acceptance-vs-decline posture matters more than the headline rate, and The General provides a legitimate fallback if Progressive declines. If Progressive accepts and the SR-22 shopper fits the standard book, Progressive's coverage breadth and Snapshot lever may justify the price differential.
Sources & methodology
- TIER 1ProgressiveAM Best: AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of The Progressive Corporation and Its Subsidiaries (May 1, 2026 affirmation) (AM Best)
- TIER 1ProgressiveProgressive: Snapshot program page (behaviors tracked, published averages, state availability) (Progressive)
- TIER 1ProgressiveProgressive: Auto insurance discounts page (Progressive)
- TIER 1ProgressiveProgressive: Auto insurance coverages page (Progressive)
- TIER 3ProgressiveNerdWallet: Progressive Car Insurance Review (September 2026 modeled rates) (NerdWallet)
- TIER 3ProgressiveValuePenguin: Progressive Insurance Review (modeled full-coverage rate) (ValuePenguin)
- TIER 1ProgressiveInsurance Information Institute: Facts + Statistics: Auto Insurance (NAIC private-passenger market share, most recent year) (Insurance Information Institute)
- TIER 3ProgressiveAgency Checklists: NAIC 2025 Market Share, Top 25 Private Passenger Auto Insurers (secondary reporting of NAIC 2025 direct-premiums-earned data) (Agency Checklists)
- TIER 2ProgressiveS&P Global Market Intelligence: Progressive now No. 1 US private auto insurer for full 12 months, estimates show (May 2026, trailing 12 months ending March 31 2026) (S&P Global Market Intelligence)
- TIER 1ProgressiveThe Progressive Corporation: Form 10-K, fiscal year 2025 (SEC EDGAR) (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission)
- TIER 2ProgressiveCarrier Management: Why Progressive's Customer Scores Lag State Farm, GEICO (secondary reporting on 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study) (Carrier Management)
- TIER 2ProgressiveJ.D. Power: 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study (press release) (J.D. Power)
- TIER 2ProgressiveJ.D. Power: 2025 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study (press release) (J.D. Power)
- TIER 1ProgressiveNational Association of Insurance Commissioners: Consumer Information Source (complaint index lookup by insurer) (NAIC)
- TIER 1The GeneralAM Best upgrades The General to A+ (Superior) / aa- (February 20, 2025) (Insurance Journal (AM Best reporting))
- TIER 1The GeneralSentry Insurance: AM Best rates The General A+ post-acquisition (December 31, 2024 close) (Sentry Insurance)
- TIER 1The GeneralThe General: Homepage (2-minute online quote; app) (The General)
- TIER 1The GeneralThe General: SR-22 filing page (The General)
- TIER 1The GeneralThe General: High-risk auto insurance ("Yes when others say No") (The General)
- TIER 3The GeneralWalletHub: The General discounts summary (WalletHub)
- TIER 2The GeneralJ.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study (J.D. Power)
- TIER 1The GeneralNAIC Consumer Information Source (PGAC, PGAC of Ohio, General Automobile Insurance Company) (National Association of Insurance Commissioners)
Every pivot and matrix cell on this page traces to a source listed above, with the provider tag identifying which ProviderReviewFacts record authored the claim. Shared sources (e.g. NAIC Consumer Information Source, J.D. Power press-release landing pages) are attributed to both providers and anchor against the alphabetically-first provider's slug.