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National General insurance review 2024

Updated Mar 14, 2024
  • At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation of . Our content is backed by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed entity (NPN: 19966249). For more information, please see our .

At a glance

3.5
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Bankrate Score
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Auto

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

3.5

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Cost & ratings

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

3.0

Coverage

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

4.0

Support

Rating: 3.2 stars out of 5

3.2

Home

Rating: 3.4 stars out of 5

3.4

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Cost & ratings

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

4

Coverage

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

5

Support

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

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.

Who National General may be good for: National General’s pre-packaged home insurance policies could make it a good choice for first-time homeowners.

 

Who National General may not be good for: On the auto insurance side, National General receives an exceptionally large number of complaints. Coupled with its low J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction, National General car insurance might not be a great fit for some drivers.

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National General car insurance

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 $2,543 per year for a full coverage policy. For minimum coverage, the annual average is $740. In comparison, National General car insurance rates average $2,259 and $780 per year, respectively.

National General car insurance rates by driving history

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.

National General full coverage premium National full coverage premium
Clean driving history $2,259 $2,543
Speeding ticket conviction $2,941 $3,069
At-fault accident $3,454 $3,577
DUI conviction $2,627 $4,790

*All rates displayed are average annual rates.

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.

Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their parents’ policy

National General full coverage premium National full coverage premium
Age 16 $6,273 $5,469
Age 17 $5,297 $5,114
Age 18 $5,135 $4,797
Age 19 $3,977 $4,197
Age 20 $3,740 $3,962

*All rates displayed are average annual rates.

Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their own policy 

Allstate full coverage premium National full coverage premium
Age 18 $9,468 $7,498
Age 25 $2,642 $3,134
Age 30 $2,397 $2,693
Age 40 $2,259 $2,543
Age 60 $2,080 $2,302

*All rates displayed are average annual rates.

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.

Policyholders who drive less than average may earn a discount on their car insurance.
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.
If your vehicle is outfitted with a security device, like an anti-theft system, National General may reward you with an insurance discount.
When you bundle a car insurance and RV insurance policy from National General, you could save up to 20 percent on your premium.
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.
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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

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National General home insurance

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

Cons
  • Homeowners product is not rated by J.D. Power

  • 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 Quadrant Information Services, the average cost of homeowners insurance in the U.S. for $250K in dwelling coverage is $1,687 per year. National General’s average rate is not available, but comparing the quote you receive to the U.S. average is a good way to gauge whether the company is able to offer you a competitive rate for the coverage you need.

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:

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.
National General may lower your homeowners insurance premium if your insured home is located in a gated community.
If you belong to a homeowners association for your neighborhood or community, you might be able to get a discount through National General.
You could qualify for a discount if you are the primary policyholder and you have a college degree.
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This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.
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Insurance Disclosure

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Quick Facts
Moneybag
$382/year
average savings through Bankrate
Two Thirds
2 out of 3 homes
are underinsured
Insurance Home
1 out of every 20
insured homes makes a claim each year
Circle Check
100% of homes
need insurance before getting a mortgage
Mortgage

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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:

Badge 1 Featured

National General

Item
Rating: 3.9 stars out of 5
3.9
Info
Read review Read Bankrate's full National General Insurance review
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Bristol West

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Rating: 3 stars out of 5
3
Info
Read review Read Bankrate's full Bristol West Insurance review
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The General

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Rating: 3.3 stars out of 5
3.3
Info
Read review Read Bankrate's full The General Insurance review
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Direct Auto

Item
Rating: 0 stars out of 5
0
Info
Read review Read Bankrate's full Direct Auto Insurance review
Overview
Overview
Overview
Overview
Policyholders looking for robust homeowners policies and ample car insurance discount opportunities might opt for National General Insurance as their company of choice.
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.
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.
Although Direct Auto may be best known for its high-risk car insurance, it has a variety of policies available, including no-medical exam life insurance. It also offers a car insurance discount of up to 25 percent for military personnel. However, Direct Auto does not offer homeowners insurance.
Avg. full coverage auto rate
Avg. full coverage auto rate
Avg. full coverage auto rate
Avg. full coverage auto rate
$2,259
$4,728
No rates available
No rates available
Avg. home rate for $250k dwelling coverage
Avg. home rate for $250k dwelling coverage
Avg. home rate for $250k dwelling coverage
Avg. home rate for $250k dwelling coverage
No rates available
No rates available
No rates available
No rates available
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Service
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Service
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Service
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Service
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Shopping
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Shopping
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Shopping
J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Shopping
505/1,000
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
AM Best rating
AM Best rating
AM Best rating
AM Best rating
A+ (Superior)
A (Excellent)
A (Excellent)
Not rated

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.

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 2023 U.S. Property Claims Study, Bankrate evaluated other J.D. Power studies that rate this insurer, such as the 2023 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study. National General’s score indicates that it has some room for improvement in its online shopping process.

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.

Study or Rating Agency National General Industry average
2023 J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Service Not scored 702/1,000
2023 J.D. Power Digital Experience Study - Shopping 505/1,000 521/1,000
AM Best rating A+ (Superior) N/A

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).

J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study

National General 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 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 fared a little better on home insurance, but its scores are still not optimal. In 2022, National General’s NAIC Complaint Index entered above-average territory, meaning it received more complaints than expected for a company its size. Again, it can be helpful to speak with an active home policyholder to see if they have a different opinion of National General home insurance.

Other 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

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Written by
AJ Dellinger
Contributor, Personal Finance

AJ Dellinger is a contributing writer for Bankrate. AJ writes about auto loans and real estate.

Edited by Editor, Insurance