The General Begins Offering Online Quoting, Purchasing in California

A new Internet-based service, created by The General Automobile Insurance Services Inc., is enabling consumers in California to obtain quotes and purchase nonstandard automobile insurance online.

The new online service has completed its first month of online operation, and it will eventually be extended to the other states where The General does business, said Steven Mason, chairman of the Ingram Insurance Group.

The General is owned by Permanent General Companies Inc., which in turn is owned by Ingram Industries Inc.

The new website, located at www.thegeneral.com, enables customers in California to obtain price quotes and purchase automobile insurance coverage online. “Our site has focused in particular on the special needs of the nonstandard auto customer and emphasizes speed and ease of use,” Mason said.

Drew Martin, Vice President of Internet Development for Ingram Insurance Group, said the company’s goal is to empower its customers with information and products they want and need. “We are now in the process of bringing up the remaining states we operate in, after which we will begin seeking select carrier partners to offer at our site,” Mr. Martin explained. “Our goal is to offer a comparative auto insurance shopping experience, offering a broad range of insurance products, but particularly targeted at the needs of the nonstandard auto insurance customer. We feel strongly that we have an established brand with this customer and can effectively focus on this segment of the market.”

In addition to California, The General also does business in Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana and Wisconsin representing both Permanent General products and third-party insurance products. Permanent General has been providing automobile insurance for over 30 years and today serves over 100,000 customers.

Topics California