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National General Insurance Review 2024
Lead Writer | Auto insurance
Drew Gula is a NerdWallet authority on auto insurance. He previously worked as the senior content editor at Soundstripe and as the senior writer in Liberty University's marketing department. Drew is also a published author. He is based in Nashville, Tenn.
Assigning Editor | Auto insurance, home insurance, other insurance
Lacie Glover spent more than five years covering health care costs and all types of insurance as a NerdWallet writer before becoming an assistant assigning editor in 2019 and later an assigning editor on the insurance team. As a writer, her work was featured in The Associated Press, The Motley Fool and U.S. News & World Report. Lacie is a NerdWallet authority on insurance products and loves data, analytics and solving SEO mysteries.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
National General
3.5
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- Offers policies to first-time DUI offenders.
- Can file an SR-22 if you need one.
Cons
- Far more than the expected number of complaints to state regulators relative to its size.
National General
3.5
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- Offers policies to first-time DUI offenders.
- Can file an SR-22 if you need one.
Cons
- Far more than the expected number of complaints to state regulators relative to its size.
National General, also known as “NatGen,” earned 3.5 stars out of 5 for overall performance. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and financial strength ratings.
National General specializes in “high-risk” drivers and claims to offer affordable rates to first-time DUI offenders who’ve completed safe driving and substance abuse therapy programs. National General insurance policies may not be available in every state, both online and through independent agents.
In 2021, National General was acquired by Allstate, becoming a subsidiary of the larger company. Since the merger, NatGen has seen its A.M. Best financial strength rating improve, suggesting that its ability to pay out claims has improved. For customers, policy offerings will likely stay the same but include Allstate co-branding.
Still, while the company offers a variety of products and discounts, it has far more than the expected number of auto insurance complaints for its size.
» MORE: The best car insurance companies
In our auto insurance reviews, our editorial team considers both the customer and the insurer. These are some of the factors we take into account:
Financial strength. We use A.M. Best ratings to confirm an insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims. NerdWallet does not recommend companies with a rating lower than a B.
Complaints. These ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The best auto insurance companies have fewer than the expected number of complaints.
Ease of use. This category looks at how easily consumers can interact with an insurer through its mobile app and website. This includes how much coverage information is offered online, whether a user can start and track a claim online and get a quote and mobile app scores based on the Apple and Google Play store ratings.
Discounts. We look at both the kind of discounts a company offers and the total number of discounts available.
Compare to other insurers
Current Product
|  |  |
|---|---|---|
NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 3.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.0 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 2.5 /5 |
Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Far more than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. More than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Far more than expected |
Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Average | Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Above average | Ease of use Ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our "ease of use" category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Above average |
Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Average set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts |
Bottom line National General sells policies to "high-risk" drivers, particularly those with a DUI offense on their record. | Bottom line Dairyland specializes in high-risk drivers, but with more complaints than expected, you may find better coverage elsewhere. | Bottom line Infinity caters to high-risk drivers, although availability is unclear. |
National General auto insurance coverage
When you're shopping for car insurance, it's important to understand what sorts of coverage you want and what you’re required to buy. For instance, most states require a minimum amount of car insurance to drive a vehicle. Alternatively, if you want extra protection, you may be interested in full coverage insurance. Read about the most common types of car insurance coverage to see how they work.
National General offers basic car insurance and these additional benefits:
SR-22 availability. Many states require an SR-22 form to prove that a driver has insurance after a DUI or another serious violation. Florida and Virginia drivers may need a similar form, called an FR-44, to show they have more than the state’s minimum required car insurance.
Emergency expense allowance. National General covers food, lodging and travel expenses up to a daily limit so you won’t be stranded after a covered claim.
Guaranteed repairs. National General covers collision repairs made at any of their Gold Medal Repair Shops for the lifetime of the vehicle.
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.» MORE: Compare car insurance rates
Auto insurance discounts
National General offers auto insurance discounts for things like:
Bundling auto and home insurance policies with National General.
Paying your premium in full, upfront.
Driving fewer miles.
Anti-theft features in your car.
Insuring multiple vehicles.
Maintaining safe driving habits.
Going paperless.
First time shopping for auto insurance? Unsure of where to start? Check out our guide on how to shop for car insurance.
Pricing based on tracked driving habits
National General also offers a discount for drivers who participate in the DynamicDrive program. DynamicDrive uses the Routely app to monitor your driving habits, including speeding, hard braking and using your phone while driving.
Complaints and customer satisfaction
National General had far more than the expected number of complaints for auto insurance to state regulators relative to its size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
National General ranked No. 17 out of 17 companies in J.D. Power's 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Shopping Study for overall customer satisfaction .
J.D. Power Study | National General ranking |
|---|---|
Auto insurance shopping (2024) | No. 17 out of 17 companies. |
Auto insurance claims satisfaction (2023) | No. 20 out of 24 companies. |
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.More about National General auto insurance
Website: National General’s website allows you to get a quote, report a claim and pay bills online. It also features a learning center where users can find out more about topics like coverage options, common insurance terms and which factors affect your rates.
App: National General offers a mobile app for managing your policy. If you sign up for the DynamicDrive program, the Routely mobile app will track your driving habits and offer discounts for safe behavior, but you cannot access or change your policy.
Other insurance from National General
In addition to offering auto, recreational vehicle, and commercial vehicle insurance, National General also uses independent agents to sell the following types of insurance:
Homeowners.
Condo.
Renters.
Motorcycle.
Flood.
Private collections.
Health.
You can get a quote online or through an agent or by calling the company directly at 1-800-462-2123.
You can report your claim online or call 1-888-325-1190. You can also call your agent.
National General offers rideshare coverage, but only as an option for drivers with a Custom360 policy. For other options, see NerdWallet’s guide to rideshare insurance.
Customer service number: You can contact National General customer service at 1-888-293-5108.
Email: [email protected].
You can get a quote online or through an agent or by calling the company directly at 1-800-462-2123.
You can report your claim online or call 1-888-325-1190. You can also call your agent.
National General offers rideshare coverage, but only as an option for drivers with a Custom360 policy. For other options, see NerdWallet’s guide to
rideshare insurance
.
Customer service number:
You can contact National General customer service at 1-888-293-5108.
Email:
Methodology
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2021-2023. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
Auto insurance ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s auto insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints and discounts. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Using our editorial discretion, we also consider customer satisfaction surveys. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for auto insurance.
In this review . . .