Our top pick: Metromile
- Start with low rates at $29/month, plus pennies per mile
- Mileage over 250 in a day is free
- Intuitive app that helps with claims, ID cards and car health updates
- 24/7 customer support for help around the clock
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Metromile vs. The General: Discounts, quotes, and comparison
Metromile vs. The General
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Though Metromile and The General both offer insurance, they serve different markets.
Metromile’s claim to fame is pay-by-mile insurance. Essentially, you’ll pay a flat monthly rate as well as a per-mile rate. This means you may pay very low premiums if you drive sparingly.
The General, on the other hand, caters to drivers whom other insurers may classify as “high risk.” The company claims to provide affordable premiums, even though insurance for riskier drivers tends to be more expensive. In contrast to other high-risk insurance providers, The General maintains a stellar rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Who do we recommend?
While Metromile is only available in 7 states, this company offers great rates for safe drivers. Your premiums are based on your actual driving risk, not your age, gender or other factors. Consider Metromile if you qualify for its coverage area and usage-based insurance.
|
|
|
|---|---|
| Pay only for the miles you drive, plus enjoy app services you won’t find everywhere like claims and car health updates. | Snag affordable coverage for high-risk drivers, a marketing claim backed by our rate analysis which showed premiums less than $80 a month. |
| AZ, CA, IL, NJ, OR, PA, VA, WA | All states except Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan and New Jersey |
| Optional | Optional |
| Yes | No |
| No | No |
| No (they used to offer the service but they are no longer accepting new applications) | No |
| Yes |
Yes |
| Online Phone |
Phone App |
| monthly |
12 months monthly |
| Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes |
| No | Yes |
| No | Yes |
| Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes |
| Yes | No |
| No | No |
| No | Yes |
| Yes | No |
|
|
|
Bottom line
The General promises low prices, but it’s always worth shopping around to see if you’ll get a better deal elsewhere.
If you’re set on pay-by-mile insurance, Metromile is one of your few options. Other insurers offer a variation of pay-by-mile coverage; however, they deliver savings based mostly on how safely you drive, rather than calculating your rate based on mileage.
The General wins in states served. It covers 46 US states, while Metromile only operates in eight.
Compare your car insurance options to find the best insurance company for you.
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