National General Insurance: Your Partner in Protection
As an independent insurance agent with Blake Insurance Group, I’m excited to introduce you to National General Insurance, a trusted name in the insurance industry and a proud member of the Allstate family. With roots tracing back to 1939, National General Insurance has grown from its beginnings in the automotive sector to become a comprehensive property and casualty insurance provider. Now, as part of Allstate, National General benefits from the strength and stability of one of the largest insurance companies in the United States.
Operating in multiple states, including Arizona, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia, National General Insurance offers various insurance products tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for auto, home, or recreational vehicle insurance, National General provides innovative solutions and peace-of-mind protection at competitive rates.
In the following sections, we’ll explore National General Insurance’s history, products, benefits, and features. As your trusted insurance advisor, I’m here to provide the insights you need to make informed decisions about your insurance needs. Let’s embark on this journey together to discover how National General Insurance, backed by Allstate, can be your partner in protection.
Types of Insurance Offered by National General
National General Insurance, an Allstate company, provides a wide range of insurance products designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Below is an in-depth exploration of the various insurance products they offer:
**Auto Insurance**
National General offers comprehensive auto insurance coverage to protect you and your family on the road. Their auto insurance policies include:
– **Bodily Injury Liability**: Covers medical expenses and legal fees if you’re responsible for an accident.
– **Property Damage Liability**: Pays for damages to another person’s property in an accident you’re responsible for.
– **Collision**: Covers damage to your vehicle from a collision, regardless of fault.
– **Comprehensive**: Protects against non-collision-related damages, such as theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
– **Medical Payments**: Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
– **Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist**: Protects you if a driver hits you without adequate insurance.
– **Personal Injury Protection**: Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
– **Accidental Death and Dismemberment**: Provides financial support in the event of severe injury or death.
– **Roadside Assistance**: Offers help in case of breakdowns, flat tires, or other roadside emergencies.
– **Auto Protection Plan**: Additional vehicle repair and maintenance coverage options.
National General also offers several ways to save on auto insurance, such as bundling with home insurance, paying in full, low mileage discounts, and safe driver discounts.
**Home Insurance**
National General provides comprehensive home insurance to protect your property and belongings. Their home insurance policies include:
– **Dwelling Coverage**: Protects the structure of your home from covered perils like fire, wind, and hail.
– **Personal Property Coverage**: Covers personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing.
– **Liability Coverage**: Protects you against legal claims for injuries or property damage caused by you or your family members.
– **Additional Living Expenses**: Covers the cost of living elsewhere if your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
– **Other Structures Coverage**: Protects structures on your property, such as garages and sheds.
National General’s home insurance policies can be tailored to fit your specific needs, whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or landlord.
**Renters Insurance**
For those who rent their homes, National General offers renters insurance to protect personal belongings and provide liability coverage. Key features include:
– **Personal Property Coverage**: Protects your belongings from theft, fire, and other covered perils.
– **Liability Coverage**: Covers legal expenses if someone is injured in your rental home.
– **Additional Living Expenses**: Pays for temporary housing if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
Renters insurance from National General ensures that your possessions and financial well-being are safeguarded, even if you don’t own your home.
**Recreational Vehicle Insurance**
National General offers specialized insurance for various recreational vehicles, including:
– **RV Insurance**: Comprehensive coverage for motorhomes, travel trailers, and campers.
– **Motorcycle Insurance**: Protection for motorcycles, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
– **Boat Insurance**: Coverage for boats and personal watercraft, protecting against damage, theft, and liability.
– **ATV Insurance**: Insurance for all-terrain vehicles, covering accidents, theft, and liability.
These policies are designed to provide peace of mind for those who enjoy outdoor adventures and recreational activities.
National General Insurance offers a broad spectrum of insurance products to meet its customers’ diverse needs. Whether you’re looking for auto, home, renters, or recreational vehicle insurance, National General provides comprehensive coverage options backed by Allstate’s strength and reliability.
Benefits and Features of National General Insurance
National General Insurance, an Allstate company, offers a variety of unique benefits and features that set it apart from other insurance providers. Here are some of the standout features that make National General Insurance a compelling choice:
**DynamicDrive℠ Program**
The DynamicDrive℠ program is a telematics-based initiative to help drivers save money by promoting safe driving habits. Here’s how it works:
– **Immediate Discounts**: Enrolling in the DynamicDrive℠ program can save you up to 10% on your auto insurance premiums right from the start.
– **Routely App**: The program uses the Routely app to monitor driving behavior, including phone handling, speeding, and sudden braking. The app provides real-time feedback to help improve driving habits.
– **Additional Savings**: Safe driving can lead to further discounts at policy renewal, potentially saving you 12%.
– **Parental Peace of Mind**: The program is particularly beneficial for parents of teen drivers, allowing them to monitor their child’s driving habits and ensure they are practicing safe driving.
**Emergency Expense Allowance**
National General Insurance understands that accidents can leave you stranded and needing immediate assistance. Their Emergency Expense Allowance feature provides:
– **Financial Support**: Up to $500 in coverage for food, lodging, and travel expenses if you are stranded due to a covered claim.
– **Peace of Mind**: This benefit ensures that you won’t be left without essential support in the aftermath of an accident, making it easier to manage unexpected disruptions.
**24-Hour Claims Reporting**
National General Insurance is committed to providing reliable and efficient claims service. Their 24-hour claims reporting feature includes:
– **Round-the-Clock Availability**: The claims service team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring that you can report a claim whenever needed.
– **Multiple Reporting Options**: You can file a claim over the phone or online, providing flexibility and convenience.
– **Quick Processing**: Many minor claims are handled over the phone and paid within 48 hours, helping you get back on track quickly.
– **Virtual Estimating Service**: The MyClaimPics service allows eligible customers to submit photos of your damaged vehicle via smartphone and receive an initial estimate typically within 24 hours, reducing the need for on-site inspections.
**Additional Benefits**
– **Lifetime Repair Guarantees**: Collision repairs made at any of National General’s Gold Medal Repair Shops are guaranteed for the vehicle’s lifetime, providing long-term peace of mind.
– **Convenient Payment Options**: Flexible payment plans designed to fit any budget, making it easier to manage your insurance costs.
– **Self-Service Website**: MyNatGenPolicy.com allows customers to pay bills, view policy documents, and report claims online, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
National General Insurance offers a comprehensive suite of benefits and features that cater to the diverse needs of its customers. Whether through innovative programs like DynamicDrive℠, practical support with Emergency Expense Allowance, or efficient 24-hour claims reporting, National General Insurance is dedicated to providing exceptional service and peace of mind to its policyholders.
How National General Insurance Handles Claims
Understanding the claims process with National General Insurance is crucial for ensuring a smooth and efficient experience when you need it most. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect when filing a claim and some potential issues that might arise.
**Step-by-Step Claims Process**
**Report the Claim**:
– **24/7 Availability**: You can report a claim at any time, day or night, through their dedicated claims reporting line or online portal.
– **Multiple Reporting Options**: Claims can be filed over the phone, online, or via the National General mobile app, providing flexibility and convenience.
**Initial Assessment**:
Information Gathering: When you report a claim, you’ll need to provide details about the incident, including the date, location, and description of the damage or loss.
– **Assigning an Adjuster**: A claims adjuster will be assigned to your case to evaluate the damage and guide you through the next steps.
**Damage Evaluation**:
– **Inspection**: The adjuster will inspect the damage to your vehicle or property. National General offers the MyClaimPics service for auto claims, allowing you to submit photos of the damage via smartphone for a virtual estimate.
– **Estimate**: Based on the inspection, the adjuster will estimate the cost of repairs or replacement.
**Repair and Settlement**:
– **Repair Options**: You can have your vehicle repaired at any shop, but repairs made at National General’s Gold Medal Repair Shops come with a lifetime guarantee.
– **Payment**: Once the estimate is approved, National General will issue payment for the repairs or replacement. Minor claims may be handled and paid within 48 hours.
**Follow-Up**:
– **Ongoing Support**: The claims adjuster will stay in touch throughout the process to ensure everything is progressing smoothly and to address any questions or concerns you may have.
**Potential Issues and Solutions**
While National General Insurance strives to provide a seamless claims experience, there are potential issues that could arise:
– **Delays in Processing**: There may be delays in processing claims due to high volumes or complex cases. To mitigate this, ensure you provide all necessary documentation and information promptly.
– **Disputes Over Estimates**: If you disagree with the adjuster’s estimate, you can request a re-evaluation or seek an independent appraisal. National General is committed to working with you to resolve any discrepancies.
– **Communication Gaps**: Clear and consistent communication is key. If you experience any communication issues, don’t hesitate to contact your claims adjuster or contact National General’s customer service for assistance.
**Customer Support and Resources**
National General Insurance offers several resources to help you navigate the claims process:
– **FAQs**: The claims FAQ section on their website provides answers to common questions and additional guidance.
– **Online Portal**: The MyNatGenPolicy.com portal allows you to track your claim status, upload documents, and communicate with your adjuster online.
– **Customer Service**: Dedicated customer service representatives are available to assist with any issues or questions you may have throughout the claims process.
National General Insurance: Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customer reviews and ratings provide valuable insights into the experiences of policyholders with National General Insurance. Here’s a comprehensive look at what existing customers have to say about their experiences and how the company stacks up regarding customer satisfaction.
**Overall Customer Satisfaction**
National General Insurance has received mixed customer reviews, with many negative experiences reported. Here are some key points based on customer feedback:
**Positive Experiences**
– **Convenience and Ease of Use**: Some customers appreciate the convenience of managing their policies online and the ease of accessing digital insurance cards. For instance, one customer mentioned, “Like these guys. Make it pretty easy. We do everything online. The payment pops right out of your account. Cards in my wallet. Online cards for the popo easy to pull up”.
– **Competitive Pricing**: A few customers have noted that National General offers competitive rates, especially for those who may have difficulty finding affordable insurance elsewhere.
**Negative Experiences**
– **Claims Handling**: A common complaint among customers is the difficulty and frustration associated with the claims process. Many customers report delays, inadequate communication, and disputes over claim settlements. One customer shared their experience, stating, “I got rear-ended by someone with this cut-rate insurance. Their adjuster nickel and dime’d me to death… I’ll be siccing USAA on them. They’ll pay up in the end. But in the meantime, I’m out of pocket all over the place.”
– **Customer Service**: Numerous reviews highlight poor customer service, with reports of rude and unhelpful representatives. For example, a customer mentioned, “HORRIBLE COMPANY RUDE NASTY PEOPLE THAT PLAY GAMES WITH YOU. This is the worst insurance company and worst horrible people you will ever deal with”.
– **Denial of Claims**: Several customers have reported issues with claims being unjustly denied or significantly delayed. One Reddit user expressed frustration: “Despite paying for full coverage, my hit-and-run claim was unjustly denied after no proper investigation.”
– **High Number of Complaints**: National General’s NAIC rating is 6.43, indicating that it has received far more customer complaints than its industry peers.
**Ratings and Reviews from Various Sources**
– **WalletHub**: National General has many customer complaints compared to its industry peers, as indicated by its NAIC rating of 6.43.
– **Yelp**: The company has a low overall rating, with many customers sharing negative experiences related to claims handling and customer service.
– **AM Best**: Despite the negative customer feedback, National General Insurance maintains an A+ rating from AM Best, reflecting its financial strength and stability as part of the Allstate family.
– **Reddit**: Users on Reddit have shared overwhelmingly negative experiences, particularly regarding claims handling and customer service.
– **BBB**: The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also lists numerous complaints against National General Insurance, further highlighting issues with customer satisfaction.
Comparison of National General Insurance with Similar Companies
| Feature | National General | Assurant | Erie Insurance | USAA | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Range | Auto, Home, Renters, RV | Mobile Device, Renters, Extended Warranties | Auto, Home, Business, Life | Auto, Home, Life | Auto, Home, Life, Business, Pet, Farm |
| Unique Programs | DynamicDrive℠, Emergency Expense Allowance | Mobile Device Protection | None mentioned | Military Benefits | Brand New Belongings, Better Roof Replacement |
| Customer Service | Mixed | Mixed | High | High | Mixed |
| Claims Handling | 24-Hour Reporting | Issues Reported | Efficient | Highly Rated | Mixed |
| Financial Strength | A+ (AM Best) | Strong | A+ (AM Best) | A++ (AM Best) | Fortune 100 |
| Eligibility | General Public | General Public | Regional | Military Only | General Public |
| Key Strength | Innovative programs, 24-hour claims | Specialized coverage, Global reach | Strong customer loyalty, Local agents | High satisfaction, Competitive rates | Wide product range, Strong financial stability |
| Key Weakness | Poor customer service reviews | Limited auto/home options | Limited availability, Less digital features | Limited eligibility | Higher premiums reported |
National General Insurance FAQs
How do I file a claim?
You can file a claim by calling National General Claims Service at 1-888-325-1190 or by reporting it online through their website.
How long does it take to process a claim?
The time to process a claim can vary. Simple claims might be processed within 24 hours, while more complex claims, such as those involving liability disputes, may take longer.
Will my premium increase after filing a claim?
Not necessarily. Your premium may not increase if the claim does not affect the risk you represent. However, certain claims can lead to an increase in your rates.
What should I do if I have more questions about my claim?
You can contact National General Claims Service at 1-800-468-3466 for further assistance.
What are the ways I can pay my bill?
You can pay your bill online using automatic checking or savings account withdrawals, automatic credit card payments, or by calling customer service.
How soon will my payment post?
It may take up to 24 hours for your payment to post to your account.
What happens if my payment didn't go through?
If your payment fails due to invalid account details, insufficient funds, or other issues, contact your Encompass Agency or call 1-833-415-9958 for assistance.
What happens if I'm late with a payment or miss a payment?
Missing or being late with a payment can result in a lapse in coverage or policy cancellation. You should pay online or call 1-833-415-9958 to avoid this.
How can I view my policy details?
You can view your policy details by logging into your account on the National General website and navigating to the Policy Documents page.
Can I make changes to my policy using the mobile app?
Policy changes cannot be made through the mobile app. You need to contact your Encompass Agency or call 1-833-415-9958.
How can I cancel my policy?
To cancel your policy, contact your Encompass Agency or call 1-833-415-9958. They would like to discuss your situation before proceeding with the cancellation.
Can I print my Auto ID card(s) online?
In some states, you can print your Auto ID cards online. If this is not allowed in your state, you can request a copy to be mailed to you.
What does renter's insurance cover?
Renter's insurance covers personal belongings inside your rental property, personal liability for bodily injury or property damage, and loss of use coverage if you need to move due to a covered claim temporarily.
Is personal liability insurance included in my renter's policy?
Yes, personal liability insurance is typically included in most renter's insurance policies.
How much renter's insurance do I need?
The amount of coverage you need depends on the type of residence, safety features, the value of your belongings, and your personal finances.
Is it possible to lower the premium on my renter's insurance?
Yes, you can lower your premium by installing security systems, smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, and deadbolt locks. Bundling with other insurance products can also provide discounts.