National General Car Insurance Review: Costs and Ratings (2024)

National General Insurance gets an Insurify Composite Score of 58. See customer reviews of National General’s car insurance, ratings, discounts, and quotes.

Jamie Johnson
Written byJamie Johnson
Jamie Johnson
Jamie Johnson
  • 6 years experience in personal finance writing

  • Featured on Credit Karma and Insider

Jamie is a meticulous researcher who has published 2,000+ personal finance articles. Her expertise is trusted by major brands like Bankrate and Rocket Mortgage.

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Katie Powers
Edited byKatie Powers
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Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

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Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Updated March 26, 2024

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If you spend time searching online for car insurance, you’ll find many different providers, including National General — a company that’s known for offering nonstandard policies for high-risk drivers.

The company provides many different ways to save on car insurance. And if you have a DUI charge, the company will file an SR-22 for you. But National General has a poor reputation when it comes to customer service and won’t be the best choice for everyone.

Quick Facts
  • National General is a subsidiary of Allstate, one of the largest insurers in the U.S.

  • National General provides many discounts and ways to save on car insurance.

  • The company is financially stable but has a poor customer service reputation.

What is National General car insurance?

In business since 1920 and one of the largest insurers in the U.S., National General was acquired by Allstate in a $4 billion deal in 2021. The company now has more than 55,000 agents representing it across the country.

The company provides many different types of insurance, including personal and commercial auto, homeowners, and renters insurance. As of February 2023, National General earned an A+ rating from A.M. Best, which means the company is financially stable enough to pay out its claims.

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3.2
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
829
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$79/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$181/mo

In business for more than 100 years, National General is part of Allstate. The company offers personal and commercial car insurance, homeowners insurance, renters coverage, and more, through a network of independent agents across the country. In addition to liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, National General also offers accidental death and dismemberment, roadside assistance, and auto protection coverage. A.M. Best rates the company’s financial strength as excellent, meaning National General should be able to pay policyholder claims. However, the company has nearly seven times the expected number of complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index.

Pros
  • Non-standard policies for high-risk drivers

  • Multiple add-on choices

Cons
  • Numerous online complaints

  • Quotes may be higher than some competitors

Pamela - March 25, 2024
Verified

My Experience

I tried to make contact, but no one explained why my insurance rate increased.

Destiny - March 22, 2024
Verified

Useless and Not Worth My Money

They are not helpful and do not provide good insurance when it comes to liability coverage.

Shakerrah - March 14, 2024
Verified

Don't

No. The price is deceiving. The roadside assistance is horrible.
Read our National General review

How does National General auto insurance work?

National General specializes in offering affordable car insurance to all different types of drivers. The company provides multiple ways to save on your auto insurance and even gives lower rates to drivers who download the company’s app. And National General offers payment plans to fit a variety of budgets.

National General car insurance coverage

National General offers the following coverage to protect you in the event of an accident. The exact coverage you need will vary depending on your vehicle and circumstances.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/f2ca9fa443/protection-for-passengers.svg

    Bodily injury liability

    If you cause an auto accident, this coverage pays the medical bills for the other people involved. It also helps cover your legal expenses if someone sues you.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/2d92436d68/protection-for-your-car.svg

    Property damage liability

    This type of coverage pays for any damages you cause to another person’s property by hitting their vehicle or running into fences, buildings, or another structure.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/7b43b14514/damage-from-aircraft.svg

    Collision

    Collision insurance pays for damages to your vehicle if you experience an accident, even if you carry the responsibility. However, you’ll have to pay an out-of-pocket deductible before coverage applies.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/665da91bf7/comprehensive-coverage.svg

    Comprehensive

    Comprehensive coverage reimburses you for losses due to anything other than a collision. For instance, this coverage will kick in if someone breaks into your vehicle and damages your car window.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/abffe6238f/financial-protection.svg

    Medical payments

    This coverage pays the medical expenses for you and any passengers involved in an accident, regardless of fault. You can choose the level of coverage for this optional add-on coverage.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/169fdfde11/liability-coverage.svg

    Uninsured/underinsured motorist

    If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, this coverage protects you and pays the gaps in the other driver’s insurance, up to your coverage limit.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/c1984b0bb9/safety.svg

    Personal injury protection (PIP)

    Though only available in certain states, personal injury protection covers the medical costs for you and any passengers, regardless of who caused the accident.

National General also offers accidental death and dismemberment, roadside assistance, and an auto protection plan. You can speak to an agent to see how much coverage you need to comply with the laws in your state.

How to get a National General car insurance quote

You can use National General’s website to quickly receive an online quote on car insurance. You can also use a quote-comparison platform to compare National General with other insurance companies. That way, you can see rates from multiple insurers in one place.

National General car insurance cost by state

National General costs an average of $240 per month for full-coverage insurance, but car insurance requirements and prices vary depending on the state you live in. The following table shows the average monthly cost of National General in 15 states.

Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

National General auto insurance rates by driving history

Car insurance rates also depend on your driving history, including any past speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUIs.[1] For instance, if you have a history of reckless driving, you’ll pay more for auto insurance.

The following table outlines the average monthly costs for drivers with different types of driving records. As you can see below, drivers with a history of DUIs can expect to pay the highest monthly costs.

Quote Price by Driving Record

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

National General car insurance cost by age

Age represents another factor that influences how much you’ll pay for car insurance. Teenagers and drivers younger than 25 usually pay higher rates for auto insurance than older drivers with more experience. The following table shows what National General charges for different ages.

Quote Price by Age Group

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

National General car insurance discounts

Taking advantage of discounts presents one way to reduce the cost of your auto insurance policy. Learn more about the different types of discounts offered by National General below:

  • Bundling with home: National General offers a discount to anyone who bundles their homeowners and auto insurance together.

  • Pay in full: You can earn a discount if you pay your annual premium in full instead of monthly.

  • Low mileage: Drivers who don’t spend a lot of time driving may earn a low-mileage discount.

  • Security device: If you install a security alarm or another device in your vehicle to reduce the likelihood of theft, you may qualify for a discount.

  • Multi-vehicle: Similar to bundling home and auto, this discount lets you save when you insure multiple cars with a single auto insurer.

  • Safe driver: You can qualify for a discount if you have a history of safe driving.

  • Paperless: National General also offers a discount to anyone who signs up for paperless statements.

See More: Car Insurance Discount Guide

National General Insurance bundling options

Bundling your car insurance with other policies, like home or renters insurance, can help you save money. As a policyholder, it can make it easier for you to keep track of your coverage and costs. The best way to earn a discount from National General is by bundling your auto and home policies. You can also earn a multi-vehicle discount if you have more than one vehicle to insure. Insurance companies usually offer multi-policy discounts since it increases customer loyalty and reduces administrative costs.

National General Insurance reviews and ratings

National General customers have left a mix of both positive and negative reviews. The company received more than 1,300 complaints in the last three years, according to the Better Business Bureau. However, National General has responded to 100% of the complaints filed.[2]

National General Insurance customer reviews

National General Insurance ratings

  • Trustpilot[3]: 3/5

  • Better Business Bureau: A+

  • A.M. Best: A+

  • J.D. Power: 829 (for Southeast, based on 1,000-point scale)

National General Insurance vs. other insurance providers

Because of the highly saturated car insurance market, it’s a good idea to see how National General compares to other providers.

National General vs. GEICO

GEICO, a well-known insurance provider, offers many different types of insurance, including auto, home, renters, business, boat, and motorcycle/ATV coverage. Like National General, GEICO offers coverage in all 50 states. The company claims the average driver can save $500 annually by switching to GEICO

Generally, GEICO provides lower rates than National General. Drivers with GEICO pay average monthly rates of $158 for full-coverage insurance and $101 for liability-only insurance.

National General vs. AAA

You can purchase car insurance from AAA, a company known for its roadside assistance program. The AAA Onboard program allows you to save up to 15% per vehicle registered and up to 30% upon your next renewal. You can also take advantage of multi-vehicle discounts and save money by bundling your home and auto insurance together.

National General vs. State Farm

State Farm, one of the most trusted names in the industry, provides customizable solutions for auto insurance. A unique factor about State Farm is that it provides different types of coverage for different drivers and vehicles.

For instance, the company provides insurance specifically designed for teens, rideshare drivers, sports cars, and more. State Farm costs an average of $175 for full coverage and $125 for liability coverage, making it a cheaper option on average than National General.

More about National General Insurance

Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, National General earned a certification from Great Place to Work. Of the nearly 10,000 employees, 82% of employees say it’s a great place to work. And the company offers customers ample opportunity to earn savings on auto insurance.

What is National General DynamicDrive?

National General policyholders can earn a discount by participating in the DynamicDrive program. This program uses the Routely app to monitor your driving behavior. If you demonstrate good driving habits, you’ll receive better insurance rates.

National General pros and cons

Pros
  • Offers nonstandard insurance policies for high-risk drivers

  • Can file an SR-22 on your behalf if necessary

  • Offers many different types of add-on coverage

Cons
  • Doesn’t offer gap insurance

  • A large number of online complaints

  • Premiums may be higher than other insurance companies

Filing an auto insurance claim with National General Insurance

To receive a reimbursement from your insurance company for damages caused by a theft or auto accident, you’ll need to file an auto insurance claim. You can either call an agent or report a claim online with National General, as long as you have your policy number ready.

Depending on the type of claim you file, it could take just 24 hours to process. National General recommends taking the following steps to speed up the process:

  • Have your driver’s license and insurance information ready.

  • Keep your policy information updated.

  • Provide any necessary names, license plate numbers, and insurance information for other drivers.

  • Take photos of the location and vehicles involved.

Read More: What to Do After a Car Accident: 7 Steps to Take

National General Insurance FAQs

If you’re still wondering if National General is a good choice for auto insurance, the following answers to these frequently asked questions may help.

  • What company owns National General Insurance?

    Allstate acquired National General in 2021 for $4 billion. Allstate is currently one of the largest insurance companies in the U.S.

  • Is National General Insurance legitimate?

    National General is a legitimate insurance company and a subsidiary of Allstate, one of the largest insurers in the U.S. National General does have a history of poor customer service and has received a large number of online complaints.

  • What is the average cost of National General car insurance?

    National General costs an average of $240 per month for full coverage and $132 per month for liability-only coverage.

  • Is National General good with claims?

    As of February 2023, National General earned an A+ rating with A.M. Best, which indicates it has the financial stability to pay its claims.[4]

  • Is National General car insurance right for you?

    National General doesn’t have a great customer service reputation, thanks to a large number of online complaints. The company may be a good option if you’re struggling to find insurance due to a poor driving history.

Sources

  1. Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?." Accessed February 13, 2023
  2. Better Business Bureau. "Business Profile for National General Insurance Company." Accessed February 13, 2023
  3. Trustpilot. "National General Insurance." Accessed February 13, 2023
  4. National General Insurance Company. "A.M. Best." Accessed February 13, 2023
Jamie Johnson
Jamie Johnson

Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer whose work has been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance. For the past six years, she's dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.

Katie Powers
Edited byKatie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
Photo of an Insurify author
Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Featured in

media logomedia logo
Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

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