Esurance vs. The General: Which One is the Better Choice?
As the owner of Blake Insurance Group, I often help clients compare insurance providers to find the best balance between affordability, coverage, and service. Two well-known auto insurance companies that often come up in discussions are Esurance and The General. Both cater to different types of drivers, but understanding their strengths and weaknesses can help you determine which one best fits your needs.
Below, I’ll break down the key differences between Esurance and The General in terms of coverage options, pricing, claims process, customer service, unique features, availability, and reputation.
Coverage Options
When choosing an insurance provider, having the right coverage options is crucial. While both Esurance and The General offer the standard types of auto insurance, Esurance tends to provide more customization.
Esurance Coverage Options:
- Liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage
- Personal injury protection (PIP) and medical payments (MedPay)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance
- Optional add-ons like gap insurance and custom parts/equipment coverage
The General Coverage Options:
- Liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage
- SR-22 filing for high-risk drivers
- Roadside assistance
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Esurance offers more customizable policies with additional coverage options that can be beneficial for a wider range of drivers. Meanwhile, The General specializes in providing coverage for high-risk drivers who may struggle to get approved by other insurers.
Pricing and Discounts
Both insurers have different pricing models based on driving history, location, and risk level.
Esurance Pricing & Discounts:
- Offers competitive pricing for low-risk and moderate-risk drivers
- Discounts for multi-policy, good driver, pay-in-full, and homeownership
- DriveSense® telematics program rewards safe driving with discounts
The General Pricing & Discounts:
- Designed for high-risk drivers, so rates tend to be higher
- Fewer discount opportunities compared to Esurance
- Allows monthly payment plans, making it more accessible for budget-conscious drivers
If you have a clean driving record, Esurance is generally the more affordable option due to its variety of discounts. However, if you have accidents, tickets, or need an SR-22, The General is often more willing to approve coverage.
Claims Process
A smooth claims experience is crucial when selecting an insurance provider.
Esurance Claims Process:
- Online and mobile app claims filing
- Quick claims resolution with in-app photo uploads
- Generally positive reviews for efficiency
The General Claims Process:
- Claims can be filed online or by phone
- Longer processing times reported by some customers
- Mixed reviews on claims satisfaction
Esurance tends to offer a more streamlined digital claims experience, while The General’s process may take longer, particularly for complex claims.
Customer Service
Customer support can make a big difference in the overall insurance experience.
Esurance Customer Service:
- Operates mostly online and via mobile app
- 24/7 claims support available
- Less personalized agent service
The General Customer Service:
- Provides phone-based customer service with fewer digital tools
- Mixed reviews on service quality
- Some customers report difficulty reaching representatives
If you prefer digital tools and self-service, Esurance is the better choice. However, if you need phone-based customer support, The General may be more appealing—though reviews indicate inconsistent service experiences.
Unique Features
Each company offers distinct features that cater to different types of drivers.
Esurance Unique Features:
- DriveSense® telematics program rewards safe drivers with discounts
- Strong mobile app for policy management and claims
- Offers bundling discounts with home and renters insurance
The General Unique Features:
- Approves high-risk drivers, including those needing SR-22 filings
- Flexible payment plans for budget-conscious customers
- Simple policy setup for those with prior lapses in coverage
If you’re a safe driver looking for discounts and a tech-friendly experience, Esurance is the better choice. If you’re a high-risk driver needing quick approval, The General is designed specifically for your needs.
Availability
- Esurance is available in 43 states, making it a widely accessible option.
- The General is available in all 50 states, making it the better option for nationwide availability.
The General might be your only choice if you live in a state where Esurance doesn’t operate. However, Esurance provides more comprehensive options in states where it is available.
Reputation and Reviews
Both insurers have different reputations based on their target markets.
Esurance Reputation:
- Generally receives positive reviews for its digital platform and claims process
- Some complaints about customer service wait times
- Owned by Allstate, a reputable insurance provider
The General Reputation:
- Mixed customer satisfaction ratings due to high rates and slow claims processing
- Recognized for approving high-risk drivers who struggle to find coverage elsewhere
- Heavy marketing focus but lower-rated service quality
Esurance typically has better customer satisfaction ratings and is backed by Allstate, which gives it a strong financial standing. The General is best known for its willingness to insure high-risk drivers, but its reputation for customer service and claims processing is less favorable.
Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
- Choose Esurance if you have a good driving record, want an easy digital experience, and prefer access to a wider range of discounts and coverage options.
- Choose The General if you are a high-risk driver, need an SR-22, or require flexible payment options.
Ultimately, the best insurance provider depends on your personal driving history and coverage needs. If you’re unsure which company is right for you, contact Blake Insurance Group for a free, personalized quote and expert guidance!
Esurance vs. The General - Frequently Asked Questions
Esurance tends to offer more affordable auto insurance rates compared to The General. Esurance's average 6-month premium is around $1,031, while The General is typically more expensive.
Both companies have mixed customer satisfaction ratings. Esurance received a 1.5/5 star rating on Trustpilot, while The General's ratings are not widely reported.
Esurance offers a wider range of discounts compared to The General. Some of Esurance's discounts include good student, multiple policies, anti-theft devices, and telematics programs.
Esurance is available nationwide, while The General's availability is more limited. Both companies operate in major states like Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Esurance has a "Superior" financial strength rating from A.M. Best, while The General has an "Excellent" rating.
Esurance offers a DriveSense telematics program that can save policyholders up to $100. The General provides optional Towing and Labor coverage in select states and a Roadside Assistance plan administered by Nation Safe Drivers.

Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent
Expertise: All personal and commercial line insurance, including auto, home, business, health, and life insurance.
License: 16117464
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed