Customers of The General can cancel a car insurance policy in a few ways. You can call the customer service department or request a cancellation through its online chat feature. Or you can cancel in person if you live in Louisiana.
Drivers may choose to cancel The General car insurance to get a better deal on auto insurance or when moving to a new state. To avoid a lapse in coverage, compare quotes and switch to a new insurer before canceling.
The General cancellation policy
The General doesn’t include specific instructions for canceling an auto insurance policy (or its other insurance products) on its website. But you can cancel your car insurance policy by calling customer service at 1 (844) 328‑0306 or using the online chat feature. Louisiana customers can also cancel their policy by visiting one of The General’s offices.
In some states, The General charges a penalty fee for canceling your policy before the end of the term. The fee is equal to 10% of your unused premiums. Review your policy documents or speak to an agent to see if the early cancellation fee applies in your state.
Drivers with questions about how to cancel The General car insurance should contact customer service or reach out to their car insurance agent.
Follow these steps to complete the cancellation process.
Step 1: Look up your renewal date
Check your policy documents to find your renewal date. You can typically find this information in your online insurance contract, on your insurance ID card, on your policy’s declaration page, or by calling your agent.
It’s best to cancel your car insurance policy as close to the renewal date as possible. You might have to pay a 10% penalty fee if you cancel early. In addition, canceling your policy early can lead to a lapse in car insurance, which can have a negative effect on your insurance history and future premiums.
Step 2: Compare car insurance quotes
Shop around for new car insurance quotes before canceling your car insurance with The General. The cost of car insurance varies based on factors like your location, age, credit history, claim history, vehicle type, policy limits, and deductibles. Additionally, insurance companies often charge different rates for the same coverage and offer different discounts.1
Comparing quotes from multiple auto insurance companies is the best way to find the most affordable policy for your situation and coverage needs — especially if you’re switching to save on your premium.2
Step 3: Secure a new car insurance policy
To avoid a lapse in coverage, it’s important to secure a new car insurance policy before you cancel the old one with your current insurer. Most insurance companies allow policyholders to purchase a new policy online. But some insurers require customers to call the company or an insurance agent to get a new policy.
Be prepared to provide documentation when signing up for new coverage. Your new insurer will likely also check your credit history before calculating your car insurance premium.3
Gather the following personal information before finalizing your new car insurance application:
Desired policy start date
Driver’s license number
Date of birth
Social Security number
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Payment information, like your credit card number
Car accident and traffic violation history
Once you get the new insurance policy, make sure to place your new insurance ID cards in your vehicle with your car registration. You can typically find the details of your new car insurance policy and access your ID cards through your new insurer’s website or mobile app.
Step 4: Cancel your policy with The General
Cancel your old policy with The General after securing your new policy. Contact The General directly, reach out to your agent, or visit an office. You may need to fill out a cancellation form or submit other paperwork.
Make sure that your new policy’s start date overlaps at least a few days with the old policy’s cancellation date to avoid a lapse and ensure you have continuous coverage.
Step 5: Follow up on your refund
Depending on when you change your insurance company, you might be eligible for a refund on the remaining premiums. This is typically the case when you pay your annual premium up front and in full. For example, if you pay in full and cancel six months into the policy period, you might get a refund on the six months of unused premiums.
To find out if The General owes you a refund, contact the customer service team or ask your agent. You can also ask about any potential refund when canceling your policy.
How The General quotes stack up vs. competitors
The General has higher rates compared to many of its biggest competitors. But high-risk drivers may find that The General has cheaper rates than other auto insurers, which is why it’s important to compare rates from several companies.