For most drivers, National General is the eighth-best car insurance company nationwide, excelling in affordability. This ranking reflects a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations. National General's ranking for your profile depends on your coverage needs.
National General Car Insurance Review
Updated: September 17, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
National General ranks fifth for full coverage affordability and fifth for minimum liability coverage, with average rates of $117 and $54 monthly, respectively.
National General ranks 14th nationwide for overall customer satisfaction, falling behind competitors due to mixed agent service quality and customer reviews across various platforms.
National General earns seventh for coverage options, offering unique features like gap insurance for leased vehicles and mechanical breakdown coverage for older cars.
National General Car Insurance Ratings
| Overall Score | 4.04 | 8 |
| Customer Experience | 3.65 | 14 |
| Coverage | 3.26 | 7 |
| Affordability | 4.37 | 4 |
Who Is National General Car Insurance Best and Worst For?
National General works best for drivers with DUIs, those with newer cars and drivers seeking affordable coverage after violations. You shouldn't consider National General if you're a young driver or have bad credit.
Compare how National General stacks up for your profile below.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Gender:Female
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Coverage Level:100/300/100,000 - 1000 comp_coll
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Credit Alignment:Below Fair
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Driving Record:At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
| Overall Score | 4.45 | 3 |
National General Car Insurance Ratings by State
National General doesn't rank within the top five insurance companies in any of the 51 states and territories across the United States. The company holds no #1 positions in any state markets we analyzed.
| North Carolina | 3.93 | 11 |
| Washington | 3.58 | 11 |
*Ratings are based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations who insures a 2012 Toyota Camry.
National General Car Insurance vs. Competitors
Here's how National General car insurance compares with other major national insurers:
National General vs. GEICO | 4.04 vs. 4.34 | National General and GEICO tie for coverage, but GEICO wins with better customer experience and affordability. |
National General vs. State Farm | 4.04 vs. 4.15 | Despite lower costs, National General falls behind State Farm due to weaker customer experience. |
National General vs. AAA | 4.04 vs. 3.79 | AAA offers better customer experience, but National General's affordability gives it the higher overall score. |
National General vs. Allstate | 4.04 vs. 3.78 | National General edges out Allstate despite Allstate's stronger coverage and customer experience scores. |
National General vs. USAA | 4.04 vs. 4.86 | USAA beats National General across all categories for military members. |
National General vs. Travelers | 4.04 vs. 4.5 | While National General matches Travelers on affordability, Travelers pulls ahead with superior coverage and customer service. |
National General vs. Farmers | 4.04 vs. 3.86 | National General beats Farmers with a much higher affordability score. |
How Much Does National General Car Insurance Cost?
National General car insurance costs range from $54 to $771 monthly, depending on your profile and coverage choices. To find the best rate for your situation, check the national costs below by age group, gender, coverage, credit score and driving record.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:Adult Drivers
Select
Gender:Female
Select
Credit Alignment:Below Fair
Select
Driving Record:At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
Select
Coverage Level:100/300/100,000 - 1000 comp_coll
| $229 | $2,750 | -34% | 3 |
National General Car Insurance Rates by Driver Category
National General is one of the cheapest car insurance companies for adult drivers, young drivers, those with bad credit, low-income drivers and drivers with older cars. Review how affordable National General is for your driving category in the table below.
| Adult Drivers | $50 | $112 | -11% | 4 |
| Young Drivers | $101 | $251 | -22% | 4 |
| Senior Drivers | $67 | $138 | -11% | 6 |
| Drivers With An Accident | $75 | $160 | -13% | 6 |
| Drivers With A DUI | $64 | $193 | -21% | 5 |
| Drivers With A Speeding Ticket | $66 | $150 | -6% | 6 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $70 | $154 | -51% | 2 |
| Drivers With Low Income | $59 | $128 | -31% | 2 |
| Adult Drivers | $48 | $109 | -15% | 4 |
| Drivers With Newer Cars | $69 | $151 | 2% | 8 |
| Drivers With Old Cars | $42 | $92 | -19% | 3 |
*We modified all profiles based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations, driving a 2012 Toyota Camry. Young drivers are 25 and under, adults 26 to 64 and seniors 65+. We changed the vehicle age to 2007 for older cars and 2025 for newer ones.
National General Car Insurance Rates by State
National General's monthly rates vary from $46 to $117 across states. The company ranks within the top five most affordable insurers for just one out of 51 states and territories. See National General's affordability and pricing in your area below.
| North Carolina | $46 | $102 | -5% | 5 |
| Washington | $50 | $117 | 6% | 10 |
*Rates are based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit, no driving violations and a 2012 Toyota Camry.
National General Car Insurance Discounts
National General offers over 10 car insurance discounts, with average savings of up to 25% depending on your driving habits, vehicle choices and policy management preferences. Check out its offerings:
Multi-Policy/Bundle | Variable | Bundle auto with home, renters or other National General insurance products | Available nationwide |
Multi-Car | 25% | 2+ vehicles on same policy | Available nationwide |
DynamicDrive Telematics | Variable | Download mobile app to track braking, speeding, phone usage, time of day driving | Available in select states |
Safe Driver | 10% | Complete approved defensive driving course | Varies by state |
Good Student | 15% | Full-time students with good academic performance | Available nationwide |
Accident-Free | 10% | Maintain clean driving record | Available nationwide |
GM Vehicle/OnStar | Variable | Own/lease GM vehicle or have OnStar service (special partnership discount) | Available nationwide |
GMAC Family/Employee | Variable | Current/retired employees of GMAC family companies and extended family members | Available nationwide |
Affinity/Group | Variable | Employees of GM suppliers and partner organizations | Available nationwide |
Low Mileage | Variable | Drive less than average (special OnStar combination available for under 15,000 miles/year) | Available nationwide |
Anti-Theft Device | 12% | Vehicle equipped with qualifying anti-theft systems | Available nationwide |
Paid in Full | Variable | Pay entire premium upfront | Available nationwide |
Paperless | 5% | Receive bills and policy documents electronically | Available nationwide |
Motorcycle Multi-Policy | Variable | Insure multiple motorcycles on same policy | Available nationwide |
National General Car Insurance Customer Reviews and Reputation
National General ranks 14th in overall customer satisfaction in MoneyGeek's comprehensive customer experience study. Customer reviews highlight strong performance in agent service and digital platform usability, but claims processing generates more complaints than other areas. Many customers praise the helpfulness of agents and ease of online policy management, while claim resolution speed and communication remain common concerns.
The following sections break down buying, policy management and claims process experiences based on MoneyGeek's research.
Buying Process Experience
National General offers online quotes and phone-based purchasing with a focus on getting coverage quickly for drivers other insurers might decline. The application process asks detailed questions about driving history and may require documentation for high-risk situations. Sales representatives are experienced in working with drivers who have violations, lapses or credit issues.
Policy Management
The National General website and mobile app provide basic policy management functions, though the digital experience is more limited than premium insurers. Customers can make payments, view policy information and access ID cards, but many changes require phone contact. The company's payment flexibility extends to policy management, with options for customers who need to adjust payment schedules or temporarily modify coverage.
Claims Experience
Claims handling at National General focuses on straightforward processing rather than premium service features. The company offers 24/7 claims reporting by phone, though digital claims filing options are more basic than industry leaders. Customers report mixed experiences with claims resolution, with some praising helpful adjusters while others mention longer processing times for complex situations. The repair network includes standard shops but may not offer the premium facilities or guarantees available through higher-end insurers.
National General Car Insurance Industry Customer Satisfaction Ratings
National General ranks well for financial strength from all industry rating agencies, but in J.D. Power studies, the company finishes average or below average in most areas. Here are National General's scores from industry agencies.
AM Best Financial Strength | A+ (Superior) | A++ to D- | Superior ability to meet financial obligations and pay claims |
AM Best Long-Term Credit Standing | AA- | AAA to D | High credit quality |
S&P Global Financial Strength | Not rated | AAA to D | No longer rated after being acquired by Allstate |
Moody's Financial Strength | Not rated | AAA to C | Not rated |
J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction | 672/1,000 | 1,000-point scale | Below average (industry average: 697) |
J.D. Power Digital Service Experience | Not rated | 1,000-point scale | Not rated |
J.D. Power Auto Insurance Shopping Study | 630/1,000 (15th of 18) | Out of 1,000 | 15th out of 18 companies with a lower than average experience |
J.D. Power Overal Customer Satisfaction | 613/1,000 | Out of 1,000 | Well below average in all regions studied |
NAIC Auto Complaints | 5.16 | 1.00 is average | Far higher complaints than expected |
National General Car Insurance Reddit and Forum Customer Satisfaction
National General customers on Reddit and online forums appreciate the company's affordable rates for high-risk drivers and flexible payment options, valuing its willingness to insure customers that other companies have rejected. However, widespread complaints include poor customer service with long hold times, claim delays and disputes, subpar digital tools and the feeling that low prices come at the cost of service quality and claims support.
Here's what real customers are saying about their experiences on forums:
Pricing and Value
Competitive rates, especially for drivers with violations, but customers often question if savings are worth the service trade-offs:
"National General was literally half the price of other quotes after my DUI. Yes, the service isn't great, but when you're paying $200 instead of $400 per month, you deal with it."
Claims Processing
Consistently poor claim experiences with delays, disputes and lowball settlement offers:
"National General fought my claim for months over an obvious covered loss. They kept asking for more documentation, questioning the damage and offering settlements that wouldn't even cover my deductible."
Customer Service
Widely criticized customer service with long wait times and undertrained representatives:
"Called National General six times about the same billing issue and got six different answers. Hold times are ridiculous, often 45 minutes or more just to talk to someone who can't actually help."
Digital Experience
The National General mobile app receives poor ratings with 2.0 out of 5 on the Apple App Store and 2.7 out of 5 on Google Play. Basic functions often don't work properly:
"National General's app crashes constantly and half the features don't work. Can't make payments reliably, can't view policy details and forget about filing claims through it."
Trust and Reputation
Low customer trust with many viewing National General as a last resort option:
"National General feels like the insurance company of last resort. They'll take anyone, but you get what you pay for in terms of service and claims handling."
"Don't trust National General to be there when I actually need them. The low rates are tempting, but their reputation for fighting claims makes me nervous about staying long-term."
Coverage Options
Basic coverage options with limited add-ons and minimal guidance from representatives:
"National General offers bare-bones coverage options. Don't expect guidance on what you need or sophisticated add-ons. It's basic insurance at basic prices."
"Coverage options are limited and poorly explained. Reps can tell you what's available but can't really advise what makes sense for your situation. You're on your own figuring it out."
REVIEWS ON FORUMS AREN’T A PERFECT GAUGE
Negative reviews dominate forums and don't reflect overall service quality. For a complete picture, combine user reviews with industry resources like J.D. Power, independent agents, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the Insurance Information Institute.
National General Car Insurance Coverage Options
National General provides standard coverages like other major insurers, including liability, comprehensive and collision protection. Additional add-ons from the company include:
Accident Forgiveness | Prevents rate increases after your first at-fault accident; no surcharges apply even if you cause the crash | Applies after first policy renewal; surcharge protection only; doesn't guarantee policy renewal |
Auto Replacement | Replaces your totaled vehicle with current model year (vehicles up to 3 years) or newer model (4–15 years old) | Current model year replacement for newer cars; one model year newer with 20k fewer miles for older cars; deductible applies |
Roadside Assistance | 24/7 towing, battery jump-start, tire changes, lockout service, fuel delivery across US and Canada | $59–119 per year; up to 100 miles towing (Elite plan); requires comprehensive/collision coverage |
Transportation Expense | Covers rental car costs, rideshare expenses or public transit while your vehicle is being repaired | Less than $10 monthly; $25–60 daily, up to 30 days; direct billing with Enterprise in some states |
Bridges coverage gaps between personal auto policy and rideshare company's commercial coverage | Covers waiting periods and app-on time; essential for Uber/Lyft drivers; protects during coverage gaps | |
Full Safety Glass | Waives deductible for glass-only claims like windshield damage from road debris | No deductible for glass repairs; covers windshields, windows; separate from comprehensive deductible |
Diminishing Deductible | Reduces your deductible by $100 for each claim-free 12-month policy period | Up to $500 maximum reduction; rewards safe driving; applies to comprehensive and collision claims |
Portable Electronics | Covers theft or damage to phones, tablets, media players when loss occurs in your vehicle | Covers devices inside or on your vehicle; extends beyond typical coverage; fills gaps in homeowners insurance |
Emergency Expense Allowance | Reimburses food, lodging and travel expenses when stranded due to covered claim | Up to $500 coverage; automatic inclusion with roadside assistance; helps with unexpected costs |
Lifetime Repair Guarantee | Guarantees repairs for the life of your vehicle when using Gold Medal affiliated repair shops | Lifetime workmanship warranty; peace of mind on repairs; available through preferred network |
Other National General Insurance Coverage Options to Consider
Here are other insurance types you can bundle with auto coverage or buy on their own:
Who Offers It? | Insurance Products |
|---|---|
National General (Directly Offered) | Auto insurance, commercial auto insurance, RV insurance, motorcycle insurance, home insurance, condo insurance, renters insurance, flood insurance, umbrella insurance, private collections insurance |
Third-Party Partner | Health insurance (through Allstate Benefits) |
National General Auto Insurance Review: Bottom Line
National General is a strong car insurance option, ranking best in affordability, customer experience and coverage. It earned eighth place overall for full coverage and seventh for minimum coverage.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers, research your coverage needs and choose the right coverage level before purchasing.
National General Car Insurance Reviews: FAQ
Here are MoneyGeek’s expert answers to frequently asked questions about National General car insurance:
Does National General insurance have a good reputation?
Yes, National General is a legitimate car insurance company that ranks eighth in our study. The company excels in affordability, achieving a strong third-place ranking among competitors.
Where is National General the best car insurance company?
National General isn't the best company in any of the 51 states, or in the top five in any of the states.
How much does National General car insurance cost on average?
Adults pay an average of $644 annually for minimum coverage and $1,403 for full coverage through National General. Annual premiums range from $643 to $2,650 for minimum and $1,336 to $7,452 for full coverage.
Is National General known for denying claims?
Customer reviews indicate National General frequently denies claims through technicalities and prolonged processing delays. Policyholders report rejected claims for covered incidents like accidents and property damage, with some cases involving contradictory explanations from company representatives. Available information remains limited to consumer forums and individual experiences.
Note: This represents limited information based primarily on forum reviews.
Is National General a good option for high-risk drivers?
National General offers excellent value for drivers with bad credit, ranking second overall for affordability, and provides competitive rates for drivers with a DUI at fifth place.
Does National General raise car insurance rates over time?
Yes, National General and other insurers increase rates over time due to inflation driving up repair and medical expenses, plus rising costs for vehicle parts and advanced technology. It also adjusts pricing based on changing risk factors in your area, regulatory updates and personal elements like credit changes, regardless of your claims history.
Is National General good for young drivers?
National General maintains stable rates, but young drivers should consider other options since National General ranks fourth for affordability in this demographic, making it a pretty good but not ideal choice.
How We Rated National General Car Insurance
MoneyGeek pulled auto insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services and compared prices from 79 insurers in every U.S. ZIP code.
Standard Driver Profile Used for Analysis
We used a baseline driver profile to ensure consistent rate comparisons. Our standard driver has these characteristics:
- Age: 40 years old, male
- Vehicle: 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Driving history: Clean record
- Annual mileage: 12,000 miles
- Credit rating: Good
- License status: Valid and active
- Insurance history: Currently covered with no previous claims
We then modified specific variables, including age, driving record, credit score and military status, to determine which insurers offer the best rates for different driver categories. Our minimum coverage rates represent policies meeting state-required minimums. Full coverage includes 100/300/100 liability limits plus comprehensive and collision coverage with $1,000 deductibles.
Company Rating System
Our evaluation process weighted three key factors:
- Cost (60% weight): We compared quotes across multiple driver profiles within each city, measuring how competitively each insurer prices its policies against local competitors.
- Customer satisfaction (30% weight): We analyzed customer feedback from multiple sources, including Google reviews, J.D. Power ratings, AM Best scores and online forums like Reddit, to assess overall service quality and customer experience.
- Coverage variety (10% weight): We evaluated each provider's coverage options, considering the breadth of available policies and any unique benefits or features.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- Apple App Store. "National General Ratings and Reviews." Accessed September 18, 2025.
- Google Play. "National General - Apps on Google Play." Accessed September 18, 2025.