|A1 General Insurance Agency|
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|The General Insurance (1998) (Credit - Ricardo Lopez).png|Tag (1998)
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|The General|
{{YouTube|id=KtY9S6NCaQ4}}
'''Visuals:''' 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.
'''Audio:''' 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:''' Seen 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}}
'''Visuals:''' 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.]
The General Insurance (2010) (From - College Students Save on Auto Insurance commercial).png|"Students Save On Auto Insurance" variant (2010)
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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}}
{{!}}-{{!}}
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}}
}}
|-|
The General Insurance (2010) (Credit - The General Auto Insurance).png
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{{YouTube|id=wThkQXDFx2I}}
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'''Visuals:''' 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> has the background zoomed in and the sky consisting of timelapse clouds footage. The animation is higher-budget, the convertible is a more detailed vintage one and is at a different angle, the General has a different design and the website link is in 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.
* In 2008, the website link was colored <u>{{color|green}}</u>.
* From 2008 to 2012, the outer glow was 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, slanted more 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 most 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.
The General Insurance (2014) (From - Happy commercial).png
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{{YouTube|id=VcN9rZALK3M|id2=kHQVNVgVzD8|id3=3z7oAt44zCA}}
'''Visuals:''' 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.
The General Insurance (2018) (From - Just Minutes commercial).png
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{{YouTube|id=JR_ztQbF8KE|id2=WxwtBW2FhFg|id3=HeYERG8A4XM|id4=UbS1noHs0RM}}
'''Visuals:''' 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.
The General Insurance (2017) (From - Shaq - Truck commercial).png
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{{YouTube|id=wL3FqbHJ85Y|id2=Q3fvELfFLTI}}
'''Visuals:''' 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|hotpink|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.
The General Insurance (2019) (From - Shaq Couch Bound commercial).png
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{{YouTube|id=czI6v6I0pMk}}
'''Visuals:''' 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 the camera in a rigid way, and puts down his hand.
** 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.
* 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}}
'''Visuals:''' 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:'''
[[Category:American commercial tags]]
[[Category:Commercial tags]]
[[Category:English-language logos]]
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