How to Cancel The General Car Insurance in 5 Easy Steps

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Written by Mandy Sleight Edited by Lequita Westbrooks

Updated August 28, 2024

You can cancel your car insurance policy with The General over the phone, online, by mail, or in person. No matter which method you choose, you can cancel your policy anytime and for any reason, like finding a cheaper rate with another insurer or moving out of state.

Keep reading to learn the five simple steps to take before canceling The General auto insurance. We’ll also provide details on the cancellation process and other things to consider, like when to switch companies to avoid a lapse in coverage.

5 Steps to Cancel The General Car Insurance

The General gives you several options to cancel your auto insurance policy — online, by phone, by mail, or in person. But before you do, you should consider a few things to ensure it’s the right choice.

To start, review your current policy with The General to find some key pieces of information to make the rest of the process easier.

1. Review your current policy

Before you set the cancellation process in motion, take a look at your current insurance policy. Make sure it has the most up-to-date information — the correct vehicles, coverage types and limits, and deductibles. Incorrect coverages or vehicles could mean you’re paying more than you should. You might only need to make a change to your policy instead of switching insurers.

If everything looks correct, gather the information you need to cancel your policy with The General. You’ll need your policy number and cancellation date.

If you’re canceling midterm instead of at the end of your policy period, The General may charge a 10% cancellation fee, depending on your state. For example, if you still owe $200 for the policy period, you’ll pay a $20 cancellation fee.

2. Understand what you need from your next policy

Now that you’ve reviewed your current policy, note why you’re canceling with The General. It’s common to switch because it’s too expensive, you need coverage the company doesn’t offer, or you’re unsatisfied with the customer service. Identifying service or coverage gaps lets you know what to look for in your next auto insurer.

Your new car insurance company will ensure your new policy meets your state’s minimum coverage requirements. But if you finance or lease your vehicle, you must also comply with your lender’s requirements, which may differ from the state’s.

You should also consider higher liability limits if your net worth exceeds your state’s limits, which will lower your financial risk if you cause a car accident. If you have a high-value vehicle, you can further protect yourself with full-coverage insurance to pay to fix or replace it, regardless of fault.

3. Compare quotes and purchase your new policy

You’ve identified your auto insurance needs. Now, it’s time to find a new car insurance policy. Buying new coverage with an effective date that matches your old policy expiration date will prevent a lapse in coverage. Insurance lapses can cause higher premiums and problems with your DMV and your lender — driving without insurance is illegal in all states except New Hampshire.

The best way to find the right company and policy fit is to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. You can find the best deal even faster by using a car insurance comparison site, which compares multiple quotes at the same time.

4. Contact The General’s customer service or cancel online

You can cancel your policy online or call The General at 1 (800) 280-1466 to cancel your current coverage. Have your basic information, such as your full name, address, policy number, and cancellation request date ready.

The customer service representative will likely ask questions about why you want to cancel and may try to sway you to stay with the company. They might also ask for the details of your new car insurance policy, such as its effective date and coverages.

Provide the agent with your cancellation date, or the date you want the policy to end. Ask whether you qualify for a premium refund, owe cancellation fees, or have to fill out a cancellation form.

5. Confirm your cancellation and get your refund

Before you hang up, ask how you’ll receive proof of cancellation. Most insurers will email a notification or update your online account shortly after the call. If The General mails the cancellation notice, it will take a few business days. Don’t forget to write down the representative’s name in case you need to follow up on the cancellation process or refund.

If you have automatic payments set up, ask the rep to cancel it or do so in your online account. You should receive your refund within a few days or weeks, depending on whether The General sends it by direct deposit or mailing a check.

Ways to Cancel The General Auto Insurance

The General gives you several options to cancel your auto coverage. Here are the methods to choose from.

Online

The fastest and easiest way to cancel The General car insurance coverage is online. After logging into your online account, click on the online chat feature. Click “Billing and Reinstatement Questions,” then “Refund or Policy Cancellations.” The chatbot will transfer you to a live agent if one is available.

By phone

To cancel by phone, call The General customer service department at 1 (800) 280-1466. Be sure to have your policy number available for faster service.

By mail

You can send The General a cancellation letter by mail — though this is the slowest way to cancel. Leave plenty of time to send the letter before your policy expiration date. Make sure the cancellation notice has your full name, address, policy number, and cancellation date. Mail your letter to:

The General
2636 Elm Hill Pike, Suite 100
Nashville, Tennessee, 37214

In person

The General has physical offices in Louisiana. If you live in Louisiana or purchased your policy through an independent insurance agent, you can cancel in person at the agency office or physical location.

When to Cancel Your Car Insurance Policy

Although you can cancel your car insurance policy anytime for any reason, it could cost you. Most car insurance companies won’t charge a cancellation fee if you cancel before your policy period ends, but some, like The General, do.

The insurance company’s rules include a short-rate cancellation policy in some states, meaning you’ll pay 10% of any unused premium if you cancel before your policy expires. For example, if you have two months left before your policy expires and cancel now with $300 remaining, you’ll pay a $30 cancellation fee.

Most auto insurance companies, including The General, provide six-month policy terms. It’s a good idea to check the terms and conditions of your policy to understand the limitations and whether canceling midterm will cost you money. If it will, it may be worth sticking with your current insurance company and switching at renewal.

That said, switching now and paying the early cancellation fee, if applicable, might be the best choice if you’re:

• Moving to a different state
• Selling your car
• Getting married and combining plans with your spouse
• Switching to a company with better rates
• Unhappy with The General’s service

What to Consider Before Canceling The General

Here are a few things to consider before canceling your policy with The General:

• Shop for a new auto policy: It’s important to shop around well before your cancellation date to ensure you get the best policy and have plenty of time to make the switch.
• Purchase a new policy: Make sure your start date matches your old policy’s cancellation date to avoid a lapse in coverage.
• Beware of potential fees: Find out how much it’ll cost to cancel midterm if The General’s cancellation policy applies and what you can do to avoid paying it.
• Ask about a refund: Understand the company’s cancellation process to determine if The General owes you a refund.
• Consider discounts: If your car insurance policy is part of a bundle of other insurance products, like homeowners insurance, you might lose multi-policy discounts on your other policy — and your other premium may increase.
• Set a reminder: Be sure to check on your cancellation to ensure it processes correctly with the right date and you get your refund.

The General Car Insurance Premiums vs. the Competition

Take the time to compare multiple car insurance quotes before buying a new auto policy. It’s the best way to get a cheaper policy that fits your coverage needs and company expectations.

The table below shows how The General’s average car insurance costs compare to its competitors and the industry average, according to Compare.com data.

The General might be a great option for high-risk drivers, but you could be paying higher rates than necessary. The average cost of car insurance with The General is $185 per month, which is higher than the national average, according to our data. State Farm is the cheapest, averaging just $85 per month.

Canceling The General Insurance FAQs

We answered some common questions about how to cancel The General car insurance.

Can you cancel your coverage with The General at any time?

Yes, but depending on where you live, you might have to pay an early cancellation fee. For example, if you still owe $250 on your policy before it expires and you cancel now, The General may charge you $25 to cancel. But you can usually avoid the cancellation fee if you wait until closer to the policy renewal date.

Does The General charge a cancellation fee?

Yes, in some states if you cancel The General auto insurance before the term ends, you may owe a 10% cancellation fee. It’s a good idea to check the insurance company’s rules in your state to determine when it’s best to cancel your policy.

How do you cancel your current car insurance?

The General provides multiple methods to cancel your current car insurance policy — online by logging into your account or the mobile app, or you can call your agent or customer service. You can also cancel in person at the agency or The General location in Louisiana, or by mail.

Can you cancel your auto policy with The General online?

Yes. The General has a chatbot feature that allows you to connect to a live agent to process your request online. You’ll need to log into your account on the website or the mobile app to access it. After logging in, click “Billing and Reinstatement Questions,” then “Refund or Policy Cancellations” to start the cancellation process.

Sources:

1. Insurance Information Institute, “10 questions to help assess your changing insurance needs,” accessed August 17, 2024.

Mandy Sleight Auto Insurance Writer

Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She is a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications. She uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content to help readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.