The Truth About National General That Most Reviews Won’t Tell You
Paying too much for car insurance? You’re not alone. But before you jump at National General’s low rates, there’s something you need to know: 79% of their customers give them just 1 star, and their customer complaint rate is more than 3 times the industry average.
This isn’t another generic insurance review. We’ve analyzed 4,800+ real customer reviews, BBB complaints, and claims data to show you exactly what you’re getting into with National General and whether their cheap rates are worth the potential headaches.
Who Is National General Insurance? (And Why They’re So Controversial)
Founded in 1939 and headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, National General became a subsidiary of Allstate Corporation in January 2021. Despite this major backing, the company maintains a separate brand identity and a dramatically different reputation from its parent company.
Key Facts:
- Financial Strength: A+ rating from AM Best (Superior)
- Market Focus: Non-standard and high-risk drivers
- Average 6-Month Premium: $1,058 (slightly below the national average of $1,084)
- NAIC Complaint Index: 3.17 (more than 3x the industry average)
- BBB Rating: Not Accredited, 1.05/5 stars from 581 reviews
While National General’s financial strength suggests they can pay claims, customer reviews paint a troubling picture of whether they will pay fairly and promptly.
National General Auto Insurance Rates: Why They’re Cheaper (And What It Costs You)
The Price Breakdown
National General positions itself as an affordable option, particularly for drivers who struggle to find coverage elsewhere:
| Driver Profile | Average 6-Month Premium |
| Liability Only | $385 |
| Full Coverage | $1,058 |
| 18-Year-Old Driver | $1,296 (monthly) |
| 45-Year-Old Driver | $552 (monthly) |
| 45-Year-Old with DUI | $582 (monthly) |
Source: The Zebra, WalletHub (2025-2026 data)
How National General Compares to Competitors
| Insurance Company | 6-Month Premium | Customer Satisfaction |
| National General | $1,058 | ⭐⭐ (2.0/5) |
| Amica | $1,180 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) |
| Mercury | $1,411 | ⭐⭐⭐ (3.0/5) |
| Progressive | $1,020 | ⭐⭐ (1.2/5) |
The Bottom Line: You’ll save about $120-$350 per year with National General compared to mid-tier competitors, but customer satisfaction scores suggest you might pay for those savings in frustration.
What Makes National General Different: Coverage and Discounts
Standard Coverage Options
National General offers the basic coverages you’d expect:
- Liability Coverage: Bodily injury and property damage
- Collision Coverage: Damage from accidents
- Comprehensive Coverage: Theft, vandalism, weather damage
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protection from uninsured drivers
- Medical Payments Coverage: Healthcare costs after accidents
Additional Coverage Add-Ons
- Transportation Expense Coverage: Rental reimbursement while your car is repaired
- Auto Replacement Coverage: New car replacement if totaled within specific timeframe
- Roadside Assistance: 24/7 towing, jump starts, fuel delivery ($59-$119 annually)
Available Discounts
National General offers several ways to reduce your premium:
| Discount Type | Potential Savings |
| Multi-Vehicle | 10-25% |
| Paid-in-Full | 5-10% |
| Low Mileage | Up to 15% |
| Safe Driver | Varies by state |
| Paperless Billing | Small discount |
| Anti-Theft Devices | 5-10% |
| Good Student | Varies |
Important Note: According to customer reviews, discount availability varies significantly by state, and some customers report difficulty actually receiving promised discounts.
The Claims Experience: Where National General Falls Apart
Here’s where National General’s low prices start making sense and not in a good way. After analyzing hundreds of recent customer complaints, we found consistent patterns that should concern any potential policyholder.
Most Common Customer Complaints
1. Delayed or Denied Claims (58% of complaints)
Real customer quote from December 2025:
“We’ve had a customer’s vehicle sitting at our shop since October, and we are now approaching New Year’s, with no progress due entirely to National General’s lack of communication. The adjuster’s phone goes straight to voicemail, emails go unanswered, and supervisors are also unreachable.” — Calvin S., Repair Facility Owner
2. Lowball Settlement Offers (23% of complaints)
From an October 2025 review:
“They decided my well-maintained car with zero accidents was ‘dirty, stained, and chipped’ and took $1,300 off the actual value. KBB and other sites offered $8,400-$9,000. National General offered far less with no proof of their claims.” — Elizabeth S.
3. Impossible-to-Reach Representatives (19% of complaints)
December 2025 complaint:
“I just spent an hour on hold and still have not spoken to anyone. Someone hit my son’s car and totaled it… What if it were an emergency?” — rlellison69
Claims Processing Timeline Issues
Based on customer reports:
- Initial Contact: 3-7 days (if you can reach anyone)
- Vehicle Inspection: 1-4 weeks
- Total Loss Decision: 3-8 weeks
- Settlement Payment: Additional 2-6 weeks after acceptance
Industry Standard: Most claims should be resolved within 30 days total.
The Hidden Costs: Fees and Charges Customers Don’t Expect
Beyond the advertised premium, National General customers report unexpected charges:
Cancellation Fees
- Early Cancellation Penalty: 10% of total policy amount in many states
- “Activation Fee”: $40 charged at renewal for credit checks
- Short-Rate Cancellation: Prorated fees even when canceling days into renewal
From a November 2025 review:
“I cancelled 10 days before renewal. They still drafted $3,000+ for renewal anyway, despite cancellation notices being issued.” — Rick Hippert
Billing and Payment Issues
Customer reports include:
- Unauthorized double-billing when payment portals malfunction
- Removal from auto-pay without notification, causing policy cancellations
- Refund delays of 15-30 days (industry standard is 5-10 days)
- NSF fees charged even when bank records show sufficient funds
What Real Customers Are Saying: The Good, Bad, and Ugly
The Few Positive Experiences (14% of reviews)
Some customers, particularly those with simple policies and no claims, report satisfaction:
- “Fair price for fair coverage of my RV.” — Tony Brenke, September 2025
- “Saving around $200 because Progressive wanted $528 for my motorcycle policy. I got it here for $334 for the year for full coverage.” — Shane Porter, September 2025
The Overwhelming Negative Feedback (79% gave 1-star ratings)
Pattern 1: Communication Breakdown
“I normally don’t write reviews, but my experience has been unbelievably frustrating. I spoke with 11 different agents, and not a single one had the knowledge or ability to resolve my issue.” — Quomon H., December 2025
Pattern 2: Claim Denials Without Justification
“A deer hit my vehicle. The appraiser only allowed for half the repair estimate. When I asked for proof of their valuation, they provided none because there wasn’t any.” — Victor Ribeiro, May 2025
Pattern 3: Business Impact
“The destroyed bus transported 16 children for my program. I’ve already spent over $9,000 in rental costs. Nearly 20 days have passed with no inspection, no updates, and no meaningful communication.” — Byung L., December 2025
When National General Might Make Sense (And When to Run)
You MIGHT Consider National General If:
- You have a DUI or multiple violations and need non-standard coverage
- You’re comfortable handling claims issues yourself and advocating firmly
- You have minimal coverage needs (liability-only) and rarely file claims
- You’ve been denied by multiple other carriers
- You can afford to pay out-of-pocket if a claim dispute arises
You Should AVOID National General If:
- You’ve been in an accident recently (even if not at fault)
- You need prompt, reliable customer service
- You rely on your vehicle for work or have no backup transportation
- You own a valuable vehicle that would be costly to replace
- You want peace of mind during the claims process
- You have other insurance options available
Better Alternatives: Companies Worth Comparing
Before committing to National General, get quotes from these companies known for better customer service:
| Company | Best For | Avg. 6-Month Rate | Customer Rating |
| Amica | Customer service | $1,180 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) |
| Insurify | Price comparison | $950-1,200 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) |
| NJM | Regional coverage | $1,100 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) |
| Root | Usage-based rates | $1,050 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5) |
Pro Tip: Even if you have a challenged driving history, companies like The General, Safe Auto, and Direct Auto specialize in non-standard drivers and often have better service records than National General.
5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Car Insurance
Mistake 1: Choosing Based on Price Alone
That $50/month savings won’t matter when you’re stuck in a 6-month claims battle. Factor in customer service ratings and claims satisfaction scores.
Mistake 2: Not Reading the Fine Print on Cancellation Fees
National General charges up to 10% of your total policy cost to cancel. Always ask about cancellation policies before signing.
Mistake 3: Assuming Allstate = National General
Despite Allstate’s ownership, National General operates independently with separate customer service, claims processes, and satisfaction ratings.
Mistake 4: Failing to Document Your Vehicle’s Condition
Take timestamped photos and videos of your vehicle quarterly. Multiple customers report National General claiming pre-existing damage during claims.
Mistake 5: Not Shopping Around Annually
Insurance rates change constantly. Compare at least 3-5 quotes every year, even if you’re satisfied with your current provider.
How to Protect Yourself If You Choose National General
If you decide National General is your best option, take these precautions:
Before You Buy
- Get everything in writing: Don’t rely on phone conversations
- Document promised discounts: Screenshot or save emails showing discount confirmations
- Set phone call reminders: Note cancellation dates 30+ days in advance
- Enable all notifications: Email and text alerts for billing and policy changes
During Your Policy
- Photograph your vehicle monthly: Create a visual damage history
- Save all correspondence: Keep emails, texts, and claim numbers organized
- Record phone calls (where legal): Notify representatives you’re recording
- Document odometer readings: Especially important for low-mileage discounts
If You File a Claim
- File online for written confirmation: Avoid phone-only reporting
- Get police reports immediately: Don’t rely on National General to request them
- Take extensive photos: Document everything before any repairs
- Request written explanations: For any denial or reduced payment
- Know your state’s insurance commissioner: File complaints if resolution fails
The Bottom Line: Is National General Worth It in 2026?
National General earns a 2 out of 5 stars for most drivers. While their rates are competitive and financial strength is solid, the overwhelming customer dissatisfaction, particularly around claims handling, makes them a risky choice unless you have very limited options.
Final Recommendation by Driver Type:
High-Risk Drivers (DUI, Multiple Violations):
⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) — Consider it, but get multiple quotes from non-standard insurers first.
Clean-Record Drivers:
⭐ (1/5) — You have better options with similar pricing and far superior service.
Drivers Who Value Customer Service:
✘ (0/5) — Look elsewhere. The savings aren’t worth the stress.
Budget-Conscious Drivers with Older Vehicles:
⭐⭐ (2/5) — Acceptable for liability-only coverage if you rarely file claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About National General Auto Insurance
Q: Is National General a legitimate insurance company?
A: Yes, National General is a legitimate, financially stable company (A+ AM Best rating) owned by Allstate. However, legitimacy doesn’t equal quality service. They have a NAIC complaint index of 3.17, more than 3 times the industry average.
Q: Why is National General insurance so cheap?
A: National General keeps costs low by focusing on non-standard, high-risk drivers and offering reduced customer service resources. Many customers report difficulty reaching representatives, which reduces operational costs but creates claim frustrations.
Q: How long does National General take to settle a claim?
A: Based on customer reviews, National General claims an average of 6-12 weeks for resolution, compared to an industry standard of 30 days. Some customers report waiting 3-6 months, particularly for total loss claims.
Q: Can I trust National General customer service?
A: Customer reviews suggest significant service issues. Only 20% of customers rate their service positively, with common complaints including unreturned calls, unavailable adjusters, and inconsistent information from representatives.
Q: Does National General offer good customer service for claims?
A: No. Across all major review platforms, customers consistently rate National General’s claims service as poor, with particular criticism of communication delays, lowball settlement offers, and difficulty reaching assigned adjusters.
Q: What happens if I cancel my National General policy early?
A: National General charges a cancellation fee (often 10% of the total policy amount) in many states. Refunds can take 15-30 days, and some customers report difficulties receiving refunds at all. Always get cancellation confirmation in writing.
Q: Is National General better than Progressive or GEICO?
A: National General typically offers lower rates than Progressive and GEICO but has significantly worse customer satisfaction scores. Progressive scores 1.2/5 and Geico varies by region, while National General scores 2.0/5 on average.
Q: Does National General automatically renew policies?
A: Yes, and this is a major complaint area. Many customers report unauthorized renewals, charges despite cancellation requests, and auto-pay removals without notification that lead to policy lapses.
Q: Can I get roadside assistance with National General?
A: Yes, National General offers roadside assistance for $59-$119 annually, covering towing, jump starts, fuel delivery, and lockout services. However, you must have comprehensive and collision coverage to add this benefit.
Q: What should I do if National General denies my claim?
A: Request a written explanation of the denial, review your policy for coverage details, document everything, and contact your state’s insurance commissioner if you believe the denial is unjustified. Consider consulting with an insurance attorney for significant claims.
Q: Are National General and Allstate the same?
A: No, though Allstate owns National General (since 2021), they operate as separate companies with different policies, customer service systems, and reputations. Don’t assume National General has Allstate’s service standards.
Q: How do I file a claim with National General?
A: File claims online at their website, through their mobile app, or by calling 888-293-5108. Always file online when possible to have written documentation of your claim submission date and details.
Take Action: Your Next Steps
Insurance rates change daily, and your current rate might not be available tomorrow. Here’s what to do right now:
Step 1: Get quotes from at least 3 companies (including National General competitors)
Step 2: Compare not just price, but customer service ratings and complaint indices
Step 3: Read recent customer reviews on BBB, Trustpilot, and WalletHub
Step 4: Ask about cancellation fees and refund timelines before committing
Step 5: Save all documentation if you choose National General
Remember: The cheapest insurance is only a bargain if they actually pay your claims fairly and promptly. Sometimes paying $10-20 more per month is the best investment in peace of mind you can make.
