Full Review

National General, also known as “NatGen,” earned 3 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 are widely available, 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: Best car insurance companies

Why you can trust NerdWallet: Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage so you can choose the insurance policy that works best for you. These carrier ratings are specific to auto insurance — a company's rating for other products may be different on our site. See our criteria for evaluating auto insurance companies.
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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.

  • Customer satisfaction guarantee. National General will waive part of your deductible (up to $250) if you aren’t satisfied with its claims service.

  • 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.

  • SmartValet. Get your car picked up after an accident and receive a rental car after you submit a claim. Your vehicle will be delivered to you after it’s repaired, and National General will return the rental car for you. 

 
 
 

Auto insurance discounts

National General offers auto insurance discounts for things like:

  • Having multiple 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.

🤓Nerdy Tip

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 7 out of 11 companies in J.D. Power’s 2022 auto insurance shopping satisfaction survey, and 19 out of 21 companies in J.D. Power’s 2022 auto insurance claims satisfaction survey.

2022 J.D. Power Study

National General ranking

Auto insurance shopping

No. 7 out of 11 companies.

Auto insurance claims satisfaction

No. 19 out of 21 companies.
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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. However, the app is only available for Android users. 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.

Methodology

 

Insurer complaints methodology

NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2019-2021. 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.