|A1 General Insurance Agency|
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|The General Insurance (1998) (Credit - Ricardo Lopez).png|Tag (1998)
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|The General|
==A1 General Insurance Agency==
===Tag (1998)===
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The General Insurance (1998) (Credit - Ricardo Lopez).png
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{{YouTube|id=KtY9S6NCaQ4}}
'''LogoVisuals:''' On a white background, the company name in a stacked format and "GENERAL" in Times New Roman sits next to "{{Font|Times New Roman|'''A1'''}}" in white and against a {{color|red}}-white striped box. Both are inside an outlined black box with a shadow effect. The logo is on the bottom left side of the screen alongside the Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Network cards underneath. On top of them is the text:
<center><span style="text-shadow: black 2px 1px 4px;">{{Font|Times New Roman|'''Check the Yellow Pages for the<br>A1 General office nearest you.<br>Call<br>1-800-GENERAL'''}}</span></center>
To the right of the logo is the General marching along, stopping underneath the "R" in "1-800-GENERAL". He turns to face the screen and raises a tan cellphone at the viewer.
'''Technique:''' Traditional animation.
'''Music/SoundsAudio:''' It starts with two MIDI whistle sounds. Following this is a funky beat in the background and the General (voiced by Rick Sellers) saying "For the best car insurance rates in town, call 1-800-General now!".
'''Availability:''' ExtinctSeen on the first General commercial, which aired during this period.
==The General==
The General Insurance (2000s) (From - Dragster commercial).png
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{{YouTube|id=WHCqyfsvCMc}}
'''LogoVisuals:''' The General is seen on the driver's seat on a vehicle (model varies depending on the commercial). After a few seconds, he drifts along.
The logo displayed on top consists of "{{Font|Times New Roman|'''''THE'''''}}" in ITC Stone Informal Semi Bold Italic font with a black shadow, next to five white stars, and are both inside a {{color|blue}} horizontal bar that disappears on the right. Underneath it is "<span style="background:linear-gradient(180deg,blue,white,blue,white,blue); -webkit-background-clip:text !important; -webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;">{{Font|Times New Roman|'''GENERAL'''}}</span>" in ITC Stone Informal Bold font on top of a thin white bar and the trademark symbol "TM" next to it. Below the bar is "AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE SERVICES INC." in white in ITC Stone Informal Medium font.
On the bottom of the screen, the company's website, and phone number in a {{color|gold}}-{{color|gold}} gradient, Times New Roman font, shadow effect, and "800" surrounded by parentheses are shown.
'''Variants:''' As described before, the animation sequence varies depending on the commercial:
* At least most commercials have the General driving a <u>{{color|red}} Jeep</u>.
* "<u>Snowboard"</u>: In a snow setting, the General drives a {{color|gold}} jeep with a milkshake on the back seat.
* <u>"Dragster"</u>: the General is on a {{color|red}} racecar and speeding in a desert setting on a racetrack with {{color|red}}-white striped walls on the sides. The camera pans over to face the General before he zooms towards the camera, changing the shot to a back view of the racecar as it speeds away and releases a white parachute.
* <u>"Woodie"</u>: Same as "Snowboard" but it now takes in a sunny setting and the General is driving a {{color|red}} Jeep instead of a {{color|gold}} one.
* A textless version of the "Snowboard" variant without any audio exists; it can be seen [https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=The+general+snowboard here.]
'''Technique:''' CGI animation by Leonardo Kiyabu.
'''Music/SoundsAudio:''' Same as before.
'''Availability:''' Extinct. Its earliest known appearance was on a commercial that aired on WBNX in late summer 2001. It was later seen on the "Dragster", "Snowboard" and "Woodie" commercials.
===2nd Logo (December 6, 2006?-March 27, 2012)===
2006-2010=
<gallery mode="packed" heights="175">
The General Insurance (2006) (From - December 6, 2006 WEWS commercial break).png|2006 variant (version 1)
The General Insurance (2006) (From - December 13, 2006 WKYC commercial break).png|2006 variant (version 2)
The General Insurance (20062010) (FromCredit - Online Speeders commercialarifskinchen).png|2007-2009 variant (version 1)
The General Insurance (2007) (From - a commercial starring Lisa Catara).png|2007-2009 variant (version 2)
The General Insurance (20102011) (Credit - arifskinchenAdrieanne Perez).png|2007-2009 variant (version 3)
The General Insurance (20112000s) (CreditFrom - AdrieanneKayak Perezcommercial).png|"Kayak" variant (2007)
The General Insurance (20102000s) (CreditFrom - JohnSnowboarding Goodmancommercial).png|"Skydiving" variant (2008)
The General Insurance (2000s2010) (FromCredit - SnowboardingJohn commercialGoodman).png|2008 variant
The General Insurance (2000s2012) (From - KayakThe General Meets the Penguin commercial).png|"The General Meets the Penguin" variant (2008-2009)
The General Insurance (2009) (From - Winner commercial).png|"Winner" variant (2009)
The General Insurance (20122009) (From - TheA Generalcommercial Meetsstarring theJon PenguinM. commercialWailin).png|"Bungee Jumping" variant (2009)
The General Insurance (20092010) (From - ARoomates commercial).png|"Roommates" starringvariant Jon M. Wailin(2010).png
The General Insurance (2010) (From - RoomatesCollege Students Save on Auto Insurance commercial).png|"Students Save On Auto Insurance" variant (2010)
The General Insurance (2010) (From - College Students Save on Auto Insurance commercial).png
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{{YouTube|id=bGbr77ntpxk}}
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Summer 2010=
The General Insurance (2010) (From - VH1 Classic commercial break).png
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{{YouTube|id=g1dbnsQpoQI}}
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With other people=
The General Insurance (2010) (From - Shopping for Cheap Car Insurance commercial).png
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{{YouTube|id=PpsMvVubPfI|id2=mGxn_Cj4yhg|id3=xAJVJdSzOZk|id4=J4zBo6wYBj0|id5=_T0PMcaMMjI}}
}}
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The General Insurance (2010) (Credit - The General Auto Insurance).png
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{{YouTube|id=wThkQXDFx2I}}
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'''LogoVisuals:''' On a road setting in a sunny day and with trees in the background, the General is seen on a {{color|red}} convertible, driving to the left of the screen. When the vehicle stops, he waves at the viewer and then drives along.
As for the logo itself, it is the same as before but with a softer color palette and a transparent, outer glow. The website link and phone number are in Arial, the former is {{color|gold}}, and they are positioned on the right side of the screen.
'''Variants:'''
* An <u>early version</u> ofhas the logo has it set to a background withzoomed more treesin and the sky consistsconsisting of timelapse clouds footage. AdditionallyThe animation is higher-budget, theirthe websiteconvertible linkis a more detailed vintage one and is inat a different fontangle, the General has a different design and the website link is notin a different, non-italicized font.
** On <u>an unspecified ad in 2006</u>, there are {{color|green}} bars on the top and bottom sections of the screen, the latter of which is thicker. The phone number is within the bottom bar and is center aligned.
* Some commercials <u>omit</u> the phone number.
* SometimesIn 2008, the website link iswas colored <u>{{color|green}}</u>.
* TheFrom 2008 to 2012, the outer glow may bewas replaced with a <u>shadow effect</u>.
* The <u>font</u> for "{{Font|Times New Roman|'''AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE SERVICES, INC.'''}}" may change. For instance, it became Arial sometime in 2008 and then Times New Roman two years later.
* One commercial exists where the phone number reads <u>"{{Font|Arial|'''''1-877-GENERAL'''''}}"</u>.
* Some commercials (such as the "Bungee Jumping", "Skydiving" and "Kayak" ads) feature the General driving a {{color|blue}} jeep. The font for the website link and phone number are also Arial Black, andslanted more slanted and wider.
** On the <u>"Kayak"</u> commercial, a {{color|gold}} kayak is on top of the jeep. Plus, the text is the same as the normal logo but with the website link in {{color|green}}.
* On <u>a commercial starring Lisamost Catara</u>commercials, the General is wearing a {{color|blue}} suit.
* On <u>"Winner"</u>, the General is seen in a {{color|green}} suit and has his hands in the air in front of a {{color|green}} race car containing the company logo. The setting is now the finish line in a racetrack with three {{color|red}} flags on the top section of the screen.
* On <u>"The General Meets The Penguin"</u>, the setting is a snowy landscape, the General is wearing a parka and driving a {{color|darkblue|dark blue}} jeep to the center. On the passenger seat is a penguin waving its head as the General delivers his line. When the General drives along, the jeep clips through the acreen. Additionally, the text underneath the thin white bar is black and the phone number is colored {{color|green}}.
* "{{Font|Arial|'''Age-Tickets Accidents No Problem'''}}" may appear next to The General. This line of text debuted in <u>Spring 2010</u>.
* On the <u>Summer 2010 ads</u>, the General, alongside a penguin, is inside a bus within a desert setting. Next to it is the stacked text "{{Font|Arial|'''Age-Tickets Accidents No Problem'''}}" and a smaller text "Some restrictions apply. Subject to underwriting guidelines". Underneath it is "{{Font|Arial|'''Online Auto Insurance'''}}" next to the company's phone number and both are on top of The General's website.
* On <u>"Comedian Endorses The General Auto Insurance"</u>, the logo is on a dark highway at nighttime.
* On <u>"On the Beach with The General"</u>, the location is a cliff next to the coast.
* On <u>"Baseball"</u>, the General is driving a {{color|gray}} truck and is accompanied with a penguin.
* In <u>2010</u>, the logo received a change in animation quality which includes a redesign in the convertible and the General himself. Instead of waving at the viewer, the General salutes us and drives off. The logo was also slightly updated where the text is in Times New Roman and taller.
* On <u>Fall 2010 commercials</u>, dark lighting is implemented on the convertible and characters.
* <u>One commercial from 2010</u> features the "<span style="text-shadow: black 2px 1px 0px;">{{Font|Times New Roman|{{color|blue|'''GENERAL'''}}}}</span>" text with no gradient.
'''Technique:''' CGI animation.
'''Audio:'''
'''Music/Sounds:''' Same as before.
* Sometimes'''2006-2008:''' Same as before, <u>with additional sound effects </u> are added (i.e. the vehicle driving). ▼
* '''2007:''' A <u>"1-877" variant</u> of the jingle consists of a re-recorded line reflecting this new phone number change. ▼
* '''2007-2010:''' A <u>militaristic version</u> of the original jingle , exists.with Thethe line is also being rewritten to say "For the best car insurance rates online, go to The General and save some time!". ▼
* '''2010-2012:''' A re-recorded jingle where the General delivers the line in a more excited tone in the last half. When the logo received an animation upgrade in <u>late 2010</u>, the jingle was rearranged to have an upbeat rock feeling to it. The General now says "For a great low rate you can get online, go to The General and save some time!". The delivery of the "go to The General" part is identical to the above variant. ▼
'''Music/SoundsAudio Variants:'''
* On one commercial from 2006, we hear a jazzy fanfare and an announcer.
▲* Sometimes, <u>additional sound effects</u> are added (i.e. the vehicle driving).
* A few commercials (like one from December 13, 2006, for instance) have no sound effects.
▲* A <u>"1-877" variant</u> of the jingle consists of a re-recorded line reflecting this new phone number change.
* On <u>"The General Meets The Penguin"</u>, the 1998 jingle is slightly delayed. ▼
▲* A <u>militaristic version</u> of the original jingle exists. The line is also rewritten to say "For the best car insurance rates online, go to The General and save some time!".
** Sometimes, the 2007 jingle is used instead.
** On the <u>Summer 2010 commercials</u>, this version was re-recorded where the General delivers the line in a more excited tone in the last half.
▲* When the logo received an animation upgrade in <u>late 2010</u>, the jingle was rearranged to have an upbeat rock feeling to it. The General now says "For a great low rate you can get online, go to The General and save some time!". The delivery of the "go to The General" part is identical to the above variant.
▲* On <u>"The General Meets The Penguin"</u>, the jingle is slightly delayed.
* On <u>one commercial from 2010</u>, the rock rendition of the jingle from the next logo plays.
'''Availability:'''
'''Availability:'''* Can be seen on many ads from this period. The earliest known commercial aired on December 6, 2006 on WEWS whereas another commercial early in this logo's lifespan was spotted on WKYC on December 13, 2006. The 2010 variant can be seen on the "Baseball", "Budget", and "Roommates" commercials, the latter of which features the dark lighting variant.
* A few pre-2010 ads with the 1998 jingle aired on broadcast TV as late as July 2009; thus, they retained the jingle.
* The 2010 variant can be seen on the "Baseball", "Budget", and "Roommates" commercials, the latter of which features the dark lighting variant.
===3rd Logo (2010-June 18, 2015)===
The General Insurance (2014) (From - Happy commercial).png
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{{YouTube|id=VcN9rZALK3M|id2=kHQVNVgVzD8|id3=3z7oAt44zCA}}
'''LogoVisuals:''' It is similar to the 2010 variant of the previous logo but with several key differences: the logo is more simplified with "{{Font|Times New Roman|'''AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE SERVICES'''}}" simply reading "{{Font|Times New Roman|'''INSURANCE'''}}". The thin bar underneath "GENERAL" is also the same as said word. Alongside both objects and the bar containing "THE" and the five stars (now with more shading), they are a pure {{color|blue}} color.
As for the General's sequence, it is the same as before but with the convertible in a slightly darker shade of {{color|red}} and the standard background is that of the woods with a wooden fence and bushes along the road.
'''Variants:'''
** Yet another may also have the text read <u>"'''''{{Font|Arial|Instant Proof of Insurance}}'''''"</u>.
* On the <u>"Careers at The General" video</u>, the logo is put through a warm filter.
* On <u>"Anonymous Quote from The General"</u>, a transparent {{color|blue}} arrow scrolls in from the left, containing the text "{{Font|Arial|Low Cost Auto Insurance}}".
'''Technique:''' CGI animation.
'''Music/SoundsAudio:''' A rock version of the previous jingle without percussions. Otherwise, it is the same upbeat rock variant from before.
'''Availability:''' Its earliest appearance was on a commercial titled "Anonymous Quote from The General" and was used on all adverts from 2013 to 2015 such as "Due Date" and the "Street Interview" ads. Its last appearance was on the "Careers at The General" video.
The General Insurance (2018) (From - Just Minutes commercial).png
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{{YouTube|id=JR_ztQbF8KE|id2=WxwtBW2FhFg|id3=HeYERG8A4XM|id4=UbS1noHs0RM}}
'''LogoVisuals:''' On a hilly, sunny setting, a side view of the General driving the convertible is seen with his left hand on the top door of the car. As he gets closer, the General looks at us and waves. Then, the camera turns to face the road off in the horizon as the convertible drives further away from the screen.
The logo graphic is also different: the text is white, the horizontal bar containing "THE" is removed, and the stars are {{color|gold}}. On the bottom of the screen, the left side consists of:
<center><span style="text-shadow: black 2px 1px 0px;">{{Font|Arial|'''''Free Anonymous<br>Online Quote<br>{{color|gold|In Minutes}}'''''}}</span></center>
The right side has "{{Font|Arial|'''''Affordable Auto Insurance'''''}}" on top of a {{color|teal}} button containing the company's website link and another button, this time white and hanging underneath the top one, having their phone number "{{color|gray|{{Font|Arial|'''''(800) GENERAL'''''}}}}".
'''Variants:'''
* Sometimes, before the logo sequence plays, it starts with a closer shot of the General on the convertible talking to the viewer, saying "Get an anonymous online quote now!". He is also next to a stop sign. When he drives along, the background wipes to the normal logo.
* On <u>some commercials</u> like "Happy New Year 2015 from The General", an alternate version of the website link is used with a {{color|green}}-like color and the "Affordable Auto Insurance" text, as well as "Free Anonymous Online Quote" removed.
* "In Minutes" may be <u>removed</u>.
* Starting with <u>"Man Cave"</u>, most commercials use a more realistic version of the logo with more details, a down-to-earth color palette, and a different landscape, specifically a city in the background and the convertible is driving into a grassland with mountains miles away. A small disclaimer covering the company's headquarters is added underneath the "Anonymous Quote" text.
* A <u>Spanish</u> version exists, translating the "Anonymous Quote", bottom disclaimer, website link, and phone number (now reading (855)5-GENERAL) to said language.
'''Technique:''' CGI animation.
'''Music/SoundsAudio:''' The upbeat rock rendition of the jingle from the previous logos.
'''Availability:'''
The General Insurance (2017) (From - Shaq - Truck commercial).png
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{{YouTube|id=wL3FqbHJ85Y|id2=Q3fvELfFLTI}}
'''LogoVisuals:''' The background consists of the road on the side of a cliff with a wall on the left and a rocky mountain on the right, all within a sunset setting. The General is seen on the {{color|red}} convertible from the previous logos but this time is accompanied with Shaquille O'Neal. While the General does his salute, Shaq does various actions that vary in each commercial. After that, they drive along.
The logo now has a black outline, and the "Anonymous Quote" text is replaced with a disclaimer detailing the company's headquarters. The "Affordable Auto Insurance" section is intact but with the buttons in a darker shade and aforementioned text in a different font and no longer italicized.
* <u>Shaq's actions</u> in the logo varies depending on the commercial:
** <u>"Insured"</u>: Wearing a gray sweater, Shaq nodded as the General says his line.
** <u>"Anonymous Auto Insurance Online Quote in Minutes"</u>: Shaq and the General swap seats with the former in the driver's seat. Now wearing a {{color|blue}} jacket, he nods after stopping the vehicle and then smiles at the screen.
** <u>"Fast Quote"</u>: Same action as before except Shaq is wearing a {{color|pink}} button-down shirt.
** <u>"Weightlifting"</u>: The background has changed where a city landscape is on the left side a small, forest hill on the right. A metal rail is also on the left side of the road. Shaq is wearing a {{color|gray}}, sleveless workout shirt and raises both of his fists, showing off his muscles. He then looks at the General and then in the sky, displaying a wider grin as the convertible drives off.
** <u>"Boxing"</u>: Same background as before and Shaq is in a different colored sleveless shirt. His hand is bandaged and, with them in the air, gleefully shakes them before looking at the General.
** <u>"Imitators"</u>: Shaq, in a {{color|lightblue|light blue}} button down shirt, is on the driver's seat and does the same nodding action in the "Anonymous Auto Insurance Online Quote in Minutes" ad.
** On "Problem Solved", the "Anonymous Quote" text is replaced with "'''Free Anonymous Online Quote In Minutes'''"
'''Technique:''' A mix of live-action and CGI animation.
'''Music/SoundsAudio:''' Same as before but with added sound effects of the car stopping and drifting along.
'''Availability:''' Seen on several ads produced with Shaquille O'Neal, which include "Fast Quote", "Weightlifting", and "Insured". The variant not featuring him appeared on the "Cruising" set of ads such as "Cruising Girlfriends", "Cruising Surfers", and "Cruising Cowboys". Its last appearance was in "Problem Solved".
The General Insurance (2019) (From - Shaq Couch Bound commercial).png
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{{YouTube|id=czI6v6I0pMk}}
'''LogoVisuals:''' In a white room, a black version of the previous logo is displayed on the right center section, alongside its tagline "{{Font|Garamond|''Make Life Easier''}}" in ITC Stone Informal Medium Italic font, phone number, and website link underneath, the latter two of which are in Arial Black. Underneath both the General and text is a restrictions disclaimer. Speaking of the former, he walks towards the screen, points his finger towards usthe camera in a rigid way, and puts down his hand.
'''Variants:'''
** On <u>"Different Types of Insurance For The Most Awkward Moments Of Life"</u>, the General is holding a tray of three hamburgers, the top one of which has a misplaced bun. The logo is also positioned on the left side.
* Beginning with <u>"Different Types of Insurance For The Most Awkward Moments Of Life"</u>, the tagline is removed.
* On "<u>Shaq Couch Bound"</u>, the logo, without the General, is against a {{color|green}} background. In between the logo and website/phone number info is "'''Download the app now.'''" alongside two buttons for the App Store and Google Play.
'''Technique:''' CGI animation.
'''Music/SoundsAudio:''' Same as before.
'''Music/SoundsAudio Variant:'''
* On a <u>commercial featuring Snoop Dogg</u>, a rap remix of the jingle is heard with said rapper singing the lyrics. The original jingle is partially sampled here.
* On <u>shorter commercials</u>, the jingle is cut to where the General says "Go to the General and save some time!".
* A few ads, despite having the music intact, do not have this logo. They include "The General Ring Commercial" and "Dinner".
* It made its last appearance on "Acting / Cake".
== Final Note ==
This is the last time the jingle would be used in commercials. On September 16, 2021, The General dropped its 23-year-old jingle "in pursuit of a more self-aware and higher-end look and feel".<ref>https://adimpact.com/blog/the-general-updates-their-advertising/#:~:text=That's%20a%20jingle%20you%20haven,we%20all%20were%20thinking%20%E2%80%9CWe%E2%80%A6</ref> Along the removal of the jingle was the decrease of the CGI general's featuring frequency in commercials.
===7th Logo (September 16, 2021-)===
The General Insurance (2022) (From - Birthday commercial).png
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{{YouTube|id=FgOrfg5IwaY|id2=DWeGH6CddH0|id3=IgGBNhS_Bqw}}
'''LogoVisuals:''' On a {{color|green}} background, the General is standing to the left of "'''For a great low rate'''" in white and on top of the company's phone number and website link, both of which are divided by a vertical bar. The text next to the General changes to the logo from before with basic wiping effects. The General pats the "L" in "GENERAL" and folds his arms as he gives a smile to the viewer.
'''Variants:'''
* An <u>early version</u> adds a disclaimer detailing the site's exceptions (i.e.g. varying rates) underneath the phone number and website link information.
* On <u>Spanish commercials</u>, the phone number and website link underneath the logo were removed and the disclaimer is in Spanish.
'''Technique:''' CGI animation for the General; 2D animation for the text.
'''Music/SoundsAudio:''' The end tail of the commercial along with Shaquille O'Neal saying "For a great low rate and nearly 60 years of quality coverage, make the right call and go with The General".
'''Music/SoundsAudio Variant:''' On <u>shorter commercials</u>, O'Neal just simply says "For a great low rate and nearly 60 years of quality coverage, go with The General".
'''Availability:''' Current; it debuted on the "Shoes" commercial and is seen on their most recent ads, which includes "Game Show", "Birthday", and "Deseo".
[[Category:American commercial tags]]
[[Category:Commercial tags]]
[[Category:English-language logos]]
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