Safe driving is about more than finding the right car insurance. That’s why The General® makes education about car insurance—and beyond—part of our mission to keep covered drivers safe.

The Importance of Third-Party Resources

It’s important to think critically about where your information comes from—especially when you’re doing research online. While we offer plenty of great car insurance tips and information ourselves, we’ve compiled a list of third-party auto insurance resources where you can find all the important facts and figures about the industry. You don’t have to take our word for it when it comes to your insurance options—explore the following third-party resources below, for additional tips and info about car insurance-related topics.

Auto Insurance Industry Resources

It’s important to understand how the broader insurance industry functions. When you understand how the industry works, you have a better chance of making good choices with your purchasing power. Check out these insurance resources for information and tips about car, homeowner’s, renter’s, and other kinds of insurance.

  • M. Best. Founded in 1899, this global credit agency, news publisher, and data analytics provider provides independent ratings of insurance companies and other useful car insurance industry resources.
  • Insurance Information Institute. Also known as Triple-I, this organization of insurance providers offers research studies and other helpful information to consumers to help them make informed decisions. In addition to car insurance, they offer insights into other types of insurance providers.
  • National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This organization provides insurance regulators and standards setters valuable insights into the industry at large so they can make consumer-protecting choices.

Car Purchasing Resources and Tips

When you’re shopping for a new or used car, use the following sites to help you make your decision. They have plenty of tips on most, if not all, makes, models, and years of cars so you can choose the right one for your family. When you’ve made your choice, you can get your new—or new-to-you—car insured with us.

  • Consumer Reports. Known for their rigorous testing of consumer products, Consumer Reports has been testing cars and other vehicles for over 85 years. With them you can find helpful purchasing tips as well as valuable info for extending the life of your vehicle.
  • IntelliChoice Awards. Use MotorTrend magazine’s IntelliChoice Awards results to compare vehicles for each year. They evaluate cars and trucks based on fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, financing forecasts, and more.
  • Kelley Blue Book. A trusted source in the auto industry for pricing new and used vehicles. They’ve been around since 1926, so you know that their info about what your current—or future—car is trustworthy.

Automobile Recall Resources

Government regulatory bodies help ensure products like cars and trucks follow safety standards, which means either the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) must issue a recall for parts or other equipment. The manufacturer must then repair it, replace it, offer a refund, or even repurchase the vehicle.

While several places offer recall lookup resources, that info always comes from the Safety Issues and Recalls from the NHTSA. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a list of recalled vehicles. Input your VIN to see if your car needs repairs based on a recall. You can also use this page to check for additional concerns around vehicle safety, car seat safety, tire safety, or equipment safety.

Car Safety Resources

Whether you’re a new driver or you’ve been on the road nearly your whole life, it’s important to review safety information. Check out these sites to understand the rules of the road:

  • AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Find research and other resources that promote safe driving practices. Founded in 1947, this nonprofit focuses on research and education that prevents traffic collisions (and reduces injury when collisions do occur).
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Beyond car recall information, the NHTSA provides vehicle safety ratings, tips to avoid risky driving, road safety tips, and more.
  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). MADD offers resources to help prevent drunk and drugged driving as well as support for victims and their families.
  • Car Seat and Child Passenger Safety. There are several third-party resources out there to help you keep your littlest passengers safe on the road. Here is a selection of the most trustworthy:

When you arm yourself with information, you set yourself up for consumer success. Whether you’re looking for insight into the insurance industry or want resources for keeping your car running safely, you’ll be ready to roll using these third-party resources in tandem with the first-hand tips and tricks straight from The General. Familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of car insurance, then come back to The General to find the best insurance for your needs.