Auto Insurance Comparison
State Farm vs The General
Side-by-side comparison of State Farm vs The General auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
State Farm 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.
| State Farm | The General | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.41 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.25 /5 ★★★★★ |
| National rank | #1 | — |
| Best for | State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the US with the strongest local agent network and top-tier customer satisfaction | The General writes non-standard auto insurance for drivers who can't easily get coverage from mainstream carriers |
| Read full review | State Farm review → | The General review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | State Farm | The General |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 5.00 · #1 | 3.00 |
| Coverage breadth | 4.85 · #2 | 3.00 |
| Affordability | 4.40 · #5 | 3.80 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
State Farm
Full review →Pros
- Largest network of local agents in the US (19,000+)
- Top-tier J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores year after year
- Drive Safe & Save™ telematics program with significant discounts
- Strong claims experience with personalized agent support
- Best-in-class financial strength (AM Best A++)
Cons
- Base rates higher than GEICO and Progressive for many profiles
- Online quote and self-service tools lag digital-first competitors
- Limited availability of some niche coverages by state
- Less competitive for high-risk drivers compared to specialized insurers
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.
State Farm
State Farm offers a comprehensive coverage menu typical of major car insurance carriers, with several add-ons that set it apart from competitors. The table below details the main add-ons available.
Add-on coverage
- Roadside Assistance — Towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, lockout service, and flat tire changes
- Rideshare Coverage — Personal auto coverage extended for rideshare drivers between rides
- Personal Articles Policy — High-value items like jewelry, art, collectibles, and electronics
- Car Rental and Travel Expenses — Rental car costs and travel expenses after a covered accident away from home
The General
The bottom line
State Farm
State Farm earns an overall score of 4.41/5 in QuoteYeti's car insurance provider rankings. The carrier ranks #1 nationally, with particular strength in customer experience.
State Farm is best suited for drivers who value strong customer service over the lowest price. Base rates higher than GEICO and Progressive for many profiles is the most common drawback to weigh against the strengths.
As always, compare quotes from multiple insurers before committing. The right carrier depends on your specific profile — driving record, claims history, location, and coverage needs all shift the math.
The 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.