Auto Insurance Comparison
Hanover vs The General
Side-by-side comparison of Hanover vs The General auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
Hanover comes out clearly ahead The General in our overall scoring — but each carrier wins on different dimensions. See the breakdown below before deciding.
Head-to-head
Overall scores, key facts, and what each is known for.
| Hanover | The General | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.85 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.25 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | Hanover is a multi-line carrier whose personal auto sits within a broader portfolio including commercial and specialty lines | The General writes non-standard auto insurance for drivers who can't easily get coverage from mainstream carriers |
| Read full review | Hanover review → | The General review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | Hanover | The General |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 3.90 | 3.00 |
| Coverage breadth | 4.10 | 3.00 |
| Affordability | 3.60 | 3.80 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
Hanover
Full review →Pros
- Available across 38 states — broader than most regional mutuals
- Strong multi-line bundling potential including specialty coverage
- Solid claims-handling reputation
- Independent agent distribution with shop-around flexibility
Cons
- No online quoting — independent agents only
- Pricing is mid-market, not a budget option
- Customer satisfaction is solid but not standout
The General
Full review →Pros
- Strong specialization in non-standard risk — accepts drivers others reject
- Quick online quotes including SR-22 filings
- Available in 45 states, broader than most non-standard competitors
- Affordable for high-risk profiles that mainstream carriers price out
Cons
- Customer satisfaction and claims experience trend below industry averages
- Standard-risk drivers will pay more here than at mainstream carriers
- Coverage menu is intentionally minimal — limited add-on options
Coverage at a glance
What each carrier offers in standard policies.
Hanover
The General
The bottom line
Hanover
Hanover is a mid-tier option that's most attractive when bundled with home, umbrella, or specialty coverage through an independent agent. Standalone, mainstream carriers will usually beat it on price.
Read the full Hanover reviewThe General
If you've been denied by mainstream carriers or need SR-22 filing, The General is a legitimate option. If you're a standard-risk driver, you're paying for risk pooling you don't need — get quotes from GEICO and Progressive first.
Read the full The General reviewBefore you decide
Rankings are a starting point — your profile decides the rest.
These scores reflect our editorial research across cost, coverage, and customer experience. The right carrier for you still depends on your record, location, and vehicle, so read the full reviews before you commit.