national general insurance review — if you have a DUI, SR-22 requirement, or spotty driving record, this company deserves your attention. National General Insurance is a subsidiary of Allstate. Allstate acquired National General in January 2021 for approximately $4 billion. The company operates in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. It works through a network of over 42,000 independent insurance agents. National General holds roughly 0.4% of the U.S. private auto insurance market. However, it ranks among the top five non-standard auto insurers nationwide. This national general insurance review covers everything from coverage options to customer ratings. We will help you decide if National General fits your situation.
National General Coverage Options
National General offers all standard auto insurance coverages. These include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision, and comprehensive. You can also add uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Medical payments coverage and personal injury protection are available in applicable states. Roadside assistance and rental reimbursement round out the standard lineup.
In this national general insurance review, the specialty coverages stand out most. National General is one of the largest SR-22 and FR-44 providers in the country. They file electronically in most states, often on the same day. Non-owner SR-22 policies are available for drivers who need proof of insurance but do not own a vehicle. They also offer broad form insurance in select states.
Additional coverage options include gap insurance and custom equipment coverage. Ride-share endorsements for Uber and Lyft drivers are available in some states. For example, Mexico coverage provides short-term protection for driving up to 25 miles across the border. This range of options makes National General versatile for many driver profiles.
National General Discounts Available
National General provides several discount opportunities. A multi-policy bundling discount can save you 5% to 25% when combining auto with home or renters insurance. The multi-vehicle discount applies when you insure two or more cars on one policy. Paying your full premium upfront typically saves 5% to 10% through the pay-in-full discount.
Good driver discounts reward those with clean records over three to five years. Good student discounts offer 5% to 15% off for students under 25 with a B average or better. Defensive driving course completion earns an additional discount. Anti-theft device and passive restraint discounts are also available.
However, this national general insurance review must note an important caveat. Because National General serves many high-risk drivers, discount availability is more limited than preferred carriers. Many of their customers do not qualify for standard discounts due to driving history. As a result, the actual savings may be smaller than what GEICO or State Farm offer preferred drivers. Paperless delivery and automatic payment enrollment provide modest additional savings.
National General Insurance Review: Customer Ratings and Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction ratings paint a mixed picture in this national general insurance review. National General scored approximately 822 out of 1,000 in recent J.D. Power auto insurance satisfaction studies. The industry average sits around 835 to 840. This places National General in the bottom third of ranked insurers. Claims handling and customer service are the weakest areas.
On the financial side, AM Best rates National General an A for Excellent. This rating reflects strong financial stability, especially with Allstate backing. The NAIC complaint index tells a different story. National General’s complaint ratio runs between 2.0 and 4.0 times the national median. This means they receive two to four times more complaints than expected for their market share.
The Better Business Bureau has rated National General at B+ or lower in some periods. Trustpilot reviews average roughly 1.3 to 1.5 out of 5 stars. In most cases, negative reviews cite slow claims processing and difficulty reaching representatives. However, satisfied customers rarely leave online reviews. The mobile app earns approximately 3.0 to 3.5 stars on the App Store and Google Play.
National General Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the top SR-22 providers nationwide with same-day electronic filing in most states
- Flexible payment plans with down payments as low as $20 in some states
- Available in all 50 states through 42,000+ independent agents, backed by Allstate’s A-rated financial strength
- Willing to insure drivers with DUIs, coverage gaps, and multiple violations when other carriers decline
Cons:
- J.D. Power score of 822 out of 1,000 falls below the 835-point industry average
- NAIC complaint index of 2.0 to 4.0 times the median indicates above-average customer complaints
- Higher premiums for standard drivers — typically $1,800 to $2,400 per year compared to $1,700 to $2,000 at preferred carriers
Who Should Choose National General?
This national general insurance review identifies several ideal customer profiles. High-risk drivers benefit most from National General. If you need an SR-22 filing after a DUI or serious violation, National General is a strong choice. They specialize in exactly this situation. Drivers with coverage lapses also find competitive rates here.
National General works well for budget-conscious drivers who need flexible payments. Their low down payment options and multiple installment plans help drivers who cannot pay thousands upfront. Typically, drivers who have been declined by preferred carriers find National General more welcoming. The company does not penalize coverage gaps as harshly as competitors.
However, this national general insurance review suggests standard drivers look elsewhere first. If you have a clean record and good credit, carriers like GEICO or Progressive will likely offer lower rates. National General is not the cheapest option for preferred risks. Their strength lies in serving drivers that other companies avoid. For those drivers, National General provides essential access to coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National General owned by Allstate?
Yes. Allstate acquired National General in January 2021 for approximately $4 billion. National General continues to operate as a separate brand under Allstate. This national general insurance review confirms the acquisition strengthened National General’s financial backing.
How much does National General auto insurance cost?
Rates vary significantly based on your driving record. Standard drivers pay roughly $1,800 to $2,400 per year for full coverage. High-risk drivers with SR-22 requirements typically pay $2,500 to $5,000 or more annually. This national general insurance review found their rates are most competitive for non-standard drivers.
Does National General offer SR-22 insurance?
National General is one of the largest SR-22 providers in the United States. They file electronically in most states, often on the same day. The SR-22 filing fee is typically $15 to $25. As noted throughout this national general insurance review, SR-22 coverage is one of their core strengths.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on auto insurance companies and consumer protection:
- NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners): naic.org
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): nhtsa.gov
- AM Best — Insurer Financial Strength: ambest.com
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.