National General insurance review 2024
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At a glance
Score breakdown
Auto
3.3
Cost & ratings
3.0
Coverage
4.0
Support
3.2
Home
4.4
Cost & ratings
4.0
Coverage
5.0
Support
4.5
About Bankrate Score
Bankrate's take
Policyholders looking for robust homeowners policies and ample car insurance discount opportunities might opt for National General Insurance as their company of choice.
- Pre-packaged home insurance policies that appeal to first-time homeowners
- Wide variety of home and car insurance endorsements available
- Tiered car insurance policies make it easy to purchase coverage
- Offers high-risk auto insurance
- Widespread coverage throughout the U.S.
New
In 2021, Allstate acquired National General and began underwriting National General’s insurance policies. Allstate reports that the acquisition allowed the company to expand its coverage, a strategy that appears to be profitable.
National General car insurance review
National General, an Allstate-owned company, earned an auto Bankrate Score of 3.3 out of 5 thanks to its financial strength, discount opportunities and nationwide availability. However, this score may have been higher if it had better third-party customer satisfaction scores. One thing worth noting is that National General might permanently guarantee your car’s repairs after an accident if you take your vehicle to one of the company’s Gold Medal Repair Shops. National General also sells high-risk auto insurance to some drivers with less-than-perfect driving records, such as those with DUI convictions. The company may be able to file an SR-22 or FR-44 for drivers who require it, as well.
Along with standard minimum coverage and full coverage policies, National General offers add-ons for more protection, such as roadside assistance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage and an auto protection plan. National General also offers car insurance in tiered packages, called Custom360 coverage. The two tiers, Signature and Elite, come with varying coverage limits. The company has no advertised eligibility requirements, though it does note policy issuance is subject to qualification. National General Insurance is licensed to sell car insurance in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
Pros and cons of National General car insurance
When shopping for the best car insurance company, it may be helpful to narrow down your search by comparing perks and drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons we identified for National General:
Pros
- Lifetime guarantee on auto repairs due to a covered claim if you take your vehicle to an approved shop
- Emergency expense allowance will cover up to $500 for food, lodging and travel if you’re stranded after a covered claim
- Lower-than-average rate for full coverage car insurance
Cons
- Minimum coverage car insurance rate is slightly higher than average
- Lower-than-average J.D. Power scores for overall customer satisfaction, claims satisfaction and digital shopping experience
- Higher number of complaints than other companies
National General car insurance cost
Based on quoted premiums sourced from Quadrant Information Services, the national average cost of car insurance is $2,458 per year for a full coverage policy. For minimum coverage, the annual average is $678. In comparison, National General car insurance rates average $2,654 and $756 per year, respectively.
How much is National General car insurance?
Car insurance companies use several factors to calculate a car insurance rate, and your driving record is among the most significant. However, not all driving activity is weighed equally. For instance, an at-fault accident may cause a more considerable rate increase than a speeding ticket.
Bankrate has access to proprietary premium data from Quadrant Information Services, and we use this information to track rate trends over time. In the table, you can see how different types of driving activity may impact car insurance quotes. Note that not all drivers with DUI convictions qualify for coverage from all carriers. Speak with an agent to determine your eligibility.
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|---|---|---|
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Good driver, good credit
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National General full coverage premium
$2,654
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National full coverage premium
$2,388
|
|
National General full coverage premium
$3,473
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National full coverage premium
$4,372
|
|
|
National General full coverage premium
$3,117
|
National full coverage premium
$2,893
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|
|
National General full coverage premium
$3,871
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National full coverage premium
$3,396
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|
|
National General full coverage premium
$4,218
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National full coverage premium
$4,586
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National General car insurance quotes by age
In the U.S., drivers aged 16 to 19 years old are almost three times as likely to be involved in a fatal car accident. To offset this higher risk, car insurance companies typically charge young drivers a higher premium. However, these drivers could see relief if they’re listed on their parents’ policy rather than their own, as demonstrated by the tables below. Please note that these rates are based on a clean driving record.
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|---|---|---|
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National General full coverage premium
$8,065
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National full coverage premium
$5,080
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|
|
National General full coverage premium
$5,063
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National full coverage premium
$4,376
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|
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National General full coverage premium
$5,040
|
National full coverage premium
$4,818
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|
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National General full coverage premium
$3,095
|
National full coverage premium
$2,929
|
|
|
National General full coverage premium
$2,794
|
National full coverage premium
$2,523
|
|
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National General full coverage premium
$2,654
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National full coverage premium
$2,388
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|
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National General full coverage premium
$2,523
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National full coverage premium
$2,135
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Compare National General car insurance rates
Car insurance providers weigh personal factors differently when setting rates. Plus, availability, coverage options and discounts can all affect an insurer’s rates, which is why comparing costs can be so helpful when shopping for car insurance. To help you get a start, we’ve listed the average rates for full and minimum coverage of some popular insurers like State Farm and Progressive so you can see how National General compares.
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|---|---|---|
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$2,654
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$756
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|
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$2,743
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$874
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|
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$2,254
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$694
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$3,054
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$919
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|
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$1,921
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$565
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|
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$1,905
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$688
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|
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$2,688
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$886
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|
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$2,001
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$545
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|
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$2,036
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$750
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$1,756
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$455
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National General customer satisfaction
Excellent customer service may be a priority for many shoppers. To help you evaluate an insurance company’s customer satisfaction, Bankrate reviews ratings issued by J.D. Power, AM Best and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). J.D. Power is a third-party rating company that studies a broad list of pain points that an insurance company may have, including overall customer satisfaction, claims satisfaction and digital experience. The higher the company scores out of 1,000, the more satisfied its customers may be.
National General auto claims satisfaction
National General was rated below average in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, scoring 863. The study average was 878. It fared worse for overall customer satisfaction per J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, ranking second-lowest of 17 companies in the Southeast region (the only region to include NatGen in the study).
In contrast, National General’s high AM Best score could be thanks to the fact that it was purchased by insurance industry giant Allstate in 2021. High AM Best ratings typically signal that a company has strong financial backing — and thus a higher likelihood that it will be able to make good on claims filed by its policyholders.
National General auto insurance customer complaints
In addition to J.D. Power scores, our editorial team also analyzes the NAIC complaint index. This database tracks how many complaints an insurance company receives and issues each carrier a complaint index score. The baseline complaint index score is 1.0. A score higher than 1.0 indicates that a company has received more complaints than the average for a company of its size and vice versa.
According to the NAIC, National General receives four and a half times more customer complaints than average regarding its private passenger insurance line. That said, drivers who prioritize customer service may want to talk with friends or family insured with National General to get a true feel for the policyholder experience.
National General car insurance discounts
National General offers several car insurance discounts that could help you save. Discount amounts and eligibility vary, so you may want to contact the company directly for more information.
- Low mileage discount: Policyholders who drive less than average may earn a discount on their car insurance.
- DynamicDrive discount: National General customers who download the company’s telematics app and demonstrate safe driving habits could save in certain states.
- Paperless discount: Customers who agree to receive their bills and policy documents electronically may earn a discount.
- Security device discount: If your vehicle is outfitted with a security device, like an anti-theft system, National General may reward you with an insurance discount.
- RV and auto bundle discount: When you bundle a car insurance and RV insurance policy from National General, you could save up to 20 percent on your premium.
- Diminishing deductible: This policy feature is available on Custom360 packages. With diminishing deductible, National General may give you a $100 credit toward your deductible for every 12-month policy term that you do not file a claim.
National General home insurance review
National General home insurance earned a Bankrate Score of 4.4 out of 5.0 due to its breadth of coverage options, discount opportunities and replacement cost coverage benefits. Still, the company’s score may have been higher if it offered 24/7 customer support.
Choosing a tailored home policy may be easy with National General. With three Custom360 coverage packages to choose from — Signature Home, Preferred Home and Elite Home — many homeowners may find what they’re looking for, whether that be affordability or extensive coverage. Those who choose the Preferred or Elite package may even be able to add endorsements at a lower rate.
In addition to the standard homeowners coverage types you would expect, National General offers many add-ons, including home-sharing coverage, which can provide financial protection for your personal property if you rent out your home overnight. Home systems coverage is also available, which may help pay to repair or replace items like your furnace or water heater if they break down.
Pros and cons of National General homeowners insurance
Comparing home insurance quotes is a great way to assess insurers; however, price is only one factor to consider. It’s also helpful to look into customer reviews, discount opportunities, endorsement options and more. Here are a few pros and cons of National General:
Pros
- Custom360 coverage packages may streamline the quoting process
- More advertised discounts than some competitors
- Extensive coverage options and endorsements
Cons
- NatGen does not insure mobile or manufactured homes
- You must speak with an agent to get a homeowners quote
National General home insurance cost
According to Bankrate’s research, the 2024 annual average premium in the U.S. for $300K in dwelling coverage is $2,304 per year. National General’s annual average rate is $1,708 for $300K in dwelling coverage. If you purchase more or less coverage, your premium will reflect the difference.
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$150K dwelling
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National General average premium
$948
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National average premium
$1,394
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$300K dwelling
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National General average premium
$1,708
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National average premium
$2,285
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$350K dwelling
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National General average premium
$1,961
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National average premium
$2,550
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$450K dwelling
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National General average premium
$2,474
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National average premium
$3,091
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$750K dwelling
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National General average premium
$4,003
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National average premium
$4,525
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Compare National General homeowners insurance rates
Keep in mind that these are averages. The exact price you’ll pay for your home insurance premium varies by company since each insurance provider weighs unique factors differently to determine a homeowners premium.
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|---|---|---|
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$1,708
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- $596 |
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$1,955
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- $349 |
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$2,288
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- $16 |
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$1,448
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- $856 |
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$2,411
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+ $107 |
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$1,699
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- $605 |
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$3,524
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+ $1,220 |
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$1,691
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- $613 |
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$2,935
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+ $631 |
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$1,871
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- $433 |
National General customer satisfaction
Excellent customer service may be a priority for many shoppers. To help you evaluate an insurance company’s customer satisfaction, Bankrate reviews ratings issued by J.D. Power, AM Best and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). J.D. Power is a third-party rating company that studies a broad list of pain points that an insurance company may have, including overall customer satisfaction, claims satisfaction and digital experience. The higher the company scores out of 1,000, the more satisfied its customers may be.
Although National General was not included in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Property Claims Study, Bankrate evaluated other J.D. Power studies that rate this insurer, such as the 2023 U.S. Digital Experience Study and 2023 U.S. Home Insurance Study, where National General scored below average in both. These scores indicate that it has some room for improvement.
National General home insurance customer complaints
National General generally fares well according to the NAIC Complaint Index. Although it received a higher-than-average complaint score for 2022, the company appears to have made improvements and now receives fewer complaints than companies of a similar size.
National General home insurance discounts
National General offers several discounts that could help lower your premium. However, the company does not disclose discount amounts and eligibility restrictions. For further information, you may request a quote or contact an agent, but the list below can give you better insight into National General discount offerings:
- Age of home discount: You may save money on your policy if your home is newly built. National General does not disclose what home ages qualify for a discount.
- Gated community discount: National General may lower your homeowners insurance premium if your insured home is located in a gated community.
- Homeowners association discount: If you belong to a homeowners association for your neighborhood or community, you might be able to get a discount through National General.
- College education discount: You could qualify for a discount if you are the primary policyholder and you have a college degree.
Compare National General with other insurers
If you’re still not sure National General can meet your needs, you may want to consider getting quotes from the carriers below. It can help to consider what you’re looking for from a provider, be it the cheapest rates, specific coverage types or great reviews, for instance.
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Featured
National General
3.9
Bankrate scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience, in addition to average quoted rates. A secondary assessment of each provider's online and mobile resources and policy management options also contributed to overall ratings
Cost & ratings 3.5Coverage 4.5Support 3.9 |
Bristol West
3.0
Bankrate scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience, in addition to average quoted rates. A secondary assessment of each provider's online and mobile resources and policy management options also contributed to overall ratings
Cost & ratings 2.3Coverage 3.5Support 4.0 |
The General
3.3
Bankrate scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience, in addition to average quoted rates. A secondary assessment of each provider's online and mobile resources and policy management options also contributed to overall ratings
Cost & ratings 3.0Coverage 3.5Support 3.9 |
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OVERVIEW
Bankrate identified key carrier features, coverage offerings, discounts and more
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National General’s pre-packaged home insurance policies could make it a good choice for first-time homeowners. However, the company receives a higher number of complaints and has a low J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction.
Read More
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Compared to National General, Bristol West has more limited policies, but it may be a good option for those who prefer a hands-on approach to their insurance. The carrier has a highly rated mobile app for on-the-go policy management but offers few add-ons and discounts for policy customization.
Read More
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The General is a popular car insurance carrier for high-risk drivers who may have a poor credit score or need an SR-22. The company offers several insurance policies, including life insurance through American Family Insurance. The General is not available in all 50 states, but it does have numerous discounts for potential savings.
Read More
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STANDOUT FEATURES
These features are some of the carrier’s most impressive
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Lower-than-average car insurance
Auto repair guarantee
Custom home insurance packages
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Affordable for high-risk drivers
Insurance for poor credit
Flexible payment methods
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Home insurance through partners
Insurance for high-risk drivers
SR-22s and non-owner insurance
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AVG FULL COV. AUTO RATE
Average national annual cost of a full coverage auto insurance policy
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| $2,654 | $4,343 |
$2,567 |
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J.D. POWER AUTO SCORE
J.D. Power’s Auto Claims Satisfaction Study assesses customer satisfaction with the claims experience on a 1,000-point scale
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838/1000 |
Not Scored | Not Scored |
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AVG HOME RATE
Average national annual cost of a home insurance policy with $300K in dwelling coverage
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$1,708 |
No rates available | No rates available |
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J.D. POWER HOME SCORE
J.D. Power’s Property Claims Satisfaction Study assesses customer satisfaction with the claims experience on a 1,000-point scale
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570/1000 |
Not Scored | Not Scored |
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AM BEST RATING
AM Best ratings assess companies’ financial strength based on historical ability to pay out claims, among other financial obligations
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A+(Superior) |
A-(Excellent) | A(Excellent) |
Why you can trust Bankrate
Read our full methodologyOur insurance editorial team includes licensed agents with decades of combined experience, and we used our intimate knowledge of the industry to conduct this in-depth National General insurance review.
46
years of industry expertise
122
carriers reviewed
34.5K
ZIP codes examined
1.2M
quotes analyzed
Is National General a good insurance company?
Our insurance editorial team includes licensed insurance agents with real-world industry experience. We researched more than 100 insurance companies, and based on our holistic National General insurance review, this could be a good company depending on your needs.
This carrier may not be the best option if you’re looking for the cheapest car insurance company or car insurance with highly-rated customer service. However, it may be worth requesting a quote with National General if you’re shopping for robust homeowners insurance policies and seeking to earn one or more discounts on your premium.
What are real-life customers saying about National General?
Sometimes, it can help to read real-life reviews from popular online platforms such as Reddit, Quora and TrustPilot. Contributors often provide useful insight, and readers have the opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions. Below, Bankrate sourced information from Reddit about what policyholders can expect from National General’s services.
*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.
National General company details
If you’d like to contact National General or do more research to determine if the company is right for you, here are some key contact details:
- To learn more about National General, check out the company website at nationalgeneral.com
- If you need to file a claim, reach National General at 1-800-468-3466.
- To reach an auto customer service representative, call 1-888-293-5108 or call 1-888-325-1190 to speak to someone about your homeowners insurance. If you’d like to speak with a sales representative, call 1-800-462-2123.
- The main email address for National General is service@ngic.com. For immediate assistance, live chat options might be available on the company’s website.
State availability
National General is licensed to sell insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. However, the company may not write all policies in all states. Contact a local agent directly for further details.
National General tools and benefits
National General sells many different types of insurance, which makes it a good option for customers who want to bundle their policies for potential savings or house all their insurance needs under one insurer.
Here are some of the other policies you can purchase through National General:
- Flood insurance: National General sells private standalone flood insurance policies as well as flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
- RV insurance: National General may be one of the top insurance companies for RV insurance, with several perks like free inspections after repairs, permanent attachment coverage and search assistance if you need to replace your totaled RV after an accident.
- Motorcycle insurance: National General offers motorcycle insurance for sports bikes, cruisers, mopeds, scooters, dirt bikes and more.
- Umbrella insurance: Umbrella insurance may provide peace of mind through extra liability protection. National General offers its umbrella coverage via a homeowners insurance endorsement.
- Rideshare coverage: If you drive for a rideshare company like Lyft or Uber, National General’s rideshare coverage may add a layer of financial protection.
- Identity theft coverage: This home insurance endorsement can help with costs related to restoring a stolen identity.
Frequently asked questions about National General
Methodology
Auto
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze November 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates for our base profile are based on the following characteristics and coverage levels:
Bodily injury liability
$100,000 per person$300,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$50,000 per accidentPersonal injury protection
$100,000 per accidentUninsured motorist bodily injury
$100,000 per person$300,000 per accident
Collision deductible
$500Comprehensive deductible
$500Other profiles
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Home
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze November 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates for our base profile are based on the following characteristics and coverage levels:
Dwelling coverage
$300,000Other structures coverage
$30,000Personal property coverage
$150,000Loss of use coverage
$60,000Liability coverage
$500,000Medical payment coverage
$1,000Additional profiles:
- Coverage A, Dwelling: $150,000, $350,000, $450,000
- Coverage B, Other Structures: $15,000, $35,000, $45,000
- Coverage C, Personal Property: $75,000, $175,000, $225,000
- Coverage D, Loss of Use: $30,000, $70,000, $90,000
- Coverage E, Liability: $500,000
- Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Bankrate Scores
Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.
Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.
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Cost & ratings 50%
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Coverage & savings 30%
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Support 20%
- Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
- Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
- Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
What policyholders are saying about National General
National General has 25 reviews
Dive into community reviews below and see what others think about National General.
To help serve you with relevant information, the customer reviews shown are limited to only those that this advertiser has received during the past 12 months.
recommend this insurer
In May 2024, Bankrate collaborated with market research firm SliceMR to survey over 1,500 insurance customers nationwide, asking policyholders to rate their insurer’s cost, coverage, customer support and overall experience on a five-point scale. Bankrate and SliceMR collected and analyzed these customer ratings, along with website analytics and responses to three open-ended questions regarding customer experience. Responses are based on individual policyholders’ policy details and personal experience, and therefore cannot be verified for accuracy. Users received an incentive for their feedback. All ratings are unedited and have not been reviewed or approved by insurance carriers. User-generated ratings are separate from carrier Bankrate Scores — which are calculated based on our proprietary methodology — and may not match.
Community Reviews
