Getting a quote from The General usually takes less than ten minutes if you have the right information on hand. That’s the draw for high-risk drivers who’ve been turned down or quoted sky-high premiums elsewhere — a short online form instead of a long wait for a callback.
This company built its whole model around drivers with DUIs, tickets, accidents, or a lapse in coverage. You don’t need a clean record to start the process, which is exactly why so many drivers end up here after striking out with a standard carrier.
Below is what to gather before you begin, the actual steps to request a quote, and what happens once you decide to buy — including how an SR-22 filing (the certificate some states require after certain violations) fits into the picture.
What you need before you start
Have your driver’s license number ready, along with the make, model, and VIN of the vehicle you want to insure. If you’re switching carriers, your current policy number speeds things up too.
You’ll also want details about your driving history: dates of any tickets, accidents, or a DUI, plus whether a court or state agency has told you that you need an SR-22 on file.
If you’re not sure yet whether The General is the right fit, Is The General good for high-risk drivers? breaks down who tends to benefit most from this carrier before you commit time to a quote.
It’s also worth knowing what else is out there. Compare Progressive for high-risk drivers and See GEICO for high-risk drivers if you want a couple of reference points before you settle on one company.
“Drivers with recent violations often assume every insurer will treat them the same way. In practice, non-standard carriers price risk differently, so getting more than one quote is usually worth the extra few minutes.”
Step-by-step: getting your quote online
The process is mostly self-guided, and most drivers can finish it without ever picking up the phone. Here’s the general flow you can expect:
- Go to the quote page and enter your ZIP code to confirm coverage is available in your state.
- Add your personal details — name, date of birth, and driver’s license number.
- Enter your vehicle information, including the VIN if you have it handy.
- Answer questions about your driving record, including any tickets, accidents, or a DUI in recent years.
- Review the coverage options presented and adjust limits or add-ons like roadside assistance.
- Confirm your down payment amount and payment method to activate the policy.
Most of this can be done from a phone in one sitting. If your situation is more complicated — say, multiple violations or a recent lapse in coverage — you may end up on the phone with an agent to finish the quote, which is normal for non-standard coverage and doesn’t mean anything went wrong.
✅ Compare Progressive’s high-risk rates →
Adding an SR-22 to your policy
An SR-22 isn’t insurance itself — it’s a form your insurer files with the state confirming you carry the state’s minimum liability coverage. Courts or state agencies typically require it after a DUI, a serious at-fault accident, or driving without insurance.
When you request your quote, there’s usually a question asking whether you need an SR-22 filed. Say yes if you’ve been told to, and the carrier generally handles the paperwork with your state on your behalf.
Filing fees tend to be modest, but they’re separate from your premium. If you want a closer look at typical costs, How much is SR-22 with The General? covers what most drivers end up paying on top of their regular policy.
Keep in mind that SR-22 requirements usually last a set number of years depending on your state and violation. Letting your policy lapse during that window can restart the clock, so consistent payments matter more than usual here.
Coverage options at a glance
What to expect after you buy
Once you complete the down payment, you should receive proof of insurance almost immediately, often by email or through an online account. Physical ID cards may follow by mail a bit later.
If you added an SR-22, the filing typically goes out to the state within a few business days of your policy starting. It’s worth double-checking with your state’s DMV that the filing shows up, especially if a court deadline is involved.
Your first bill usually arrives before your next payment is due, and setting up autopay can help you avoid a gap in coverage — which matters even more when an SR-22 is attached to your policy.
Still weighing your options? The General vs Progressive for high-risk drivers lays out how the two compare on price and SR-22 handling side by side.
✅ See GEICO’s options for high-risk drivers →
Conclusion
Getting a quote from The General is a fairly quick process once you have your license, vehicle, and driving history details ready. The steps are straightforward, and the SR-22 filing, if you need one, gets handled as part of the same application.
What matters most is being upfront about tickets, accidents, or a DUI when asked — inaccurate answers can cause issues later. From there, it’s mostly a matter of comparing the coverage options presented and picking what fits your budget.