When it comes to selecting an insurance provider, trust and flexibility are two of the most important factors. One name that consistently appears in conversations about reliable and versatile coverage is National General Insurance. Known for its strong reputation, wide range of insurance products, and tailored coverage solutions, National General has become a go-to choice for millions of Americans.
But what exactly sets National General Insurance apart from the rest? In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore the company’s history, its insurance offerings, who it’s best for, customer satisfaction, and what you should consider before choosing them as your insurance provider.
A Brief History of National General Insurance
National General Insurance—previously known as GMAC Insurance—has a rich history dating back to 1920. Originally the insurance division of General Motors, the company was created to provide auto insurance to GM customers. Over time, the business evolved, expanding its offerings beyond auto insurance to include homeowners, RV, health, and even commercial coverage.
In 2013, GMAC officially rebranded as National General Insurance. Then, in 2021, the company was acquired by Allstate, one of the largest insurance groups in the U.S. This acquisition has only strengthened National General’s position, offering customers more resources, better pricing, and greater claims support.
What Does National General Insurance Offer?
National General is not just about car insurance. The company provides a broad spectrum of insurance products designed to meet a variety of needs.
1. Auto Insurance
This remains National General’s flagship offering. They provide customizable auto insurance with several add-on features such as:
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Accident forgiveness
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24/7 roadside assistance
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Rental reimbursement
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SmartDrive® app for safe-driving discounts
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Mexico insurance for cross-border travel
What makes their auto insurance unique is their willingness to cover high-risk drivers or those who might be denied coverage elsewhere due to a history of violations or accidents.
2. Homeowners Insurance
National General offers homeowners insurance to protect your home and personal belongings from fire, theft, weather damage, and other unexpected events. Key features include:
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Dwelling protection
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Personal property coverage
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Loss-of-use coverage
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Liability protection
You can also bundle home and auto policies to receive multi-policy discounts.
3. RV and Motorcycle Insurance
A leader in recreational vehicle coverage, National General insures:
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Motorhomes
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Travel trailers
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Fifth-wheel campers
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ATVs and UTVs
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Motorcycles and scooters
They offer full replacement cost coverage, personal belongings coverage for items inside the RV, and special windshield/glass protection.
4. Health Insurance
Through a network of partners and underwritten policies, National General offers:
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Short-term medical insurance
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Supplemental insurance (accident, critical illness)
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Dental and vision plans
These are particularly useful for individuals in transition (e.g., between jobs) or who don’t qualify for traditional health plans.
5. Commercial Auto Insurance
Business owners with fleets can also turn to National General for tailored commercial auto policies. Coverage includes liability, collision, comprehensive, and cargo insurance.
Why Choose National General Insurance?
With dozens of insurance providers in the market, why do customers opt for National General? Here are some key advantages:
1. Flexible Payment Plans
National General is known for accommodating budget-conscious customers by offering flexible monthly payment options. They even have a low down-payment option, making insurance more accessible.
2. Coverage for High-Risk Drivers
While many companies shy away from insuring drivers with less-than-perfect records, National General offers policies that cater to those needing SR-22 filings or with previous traffic violations.
3. Nationwide Coverage
Operating in all 50 states, National General offers consistent service whether you live in rural areas or bustling cities.
4. Telematics and Usage-Based Discounts
The SmartDrive® program uses telematics to track your driving habits. If you’re a safe driver, you could save significantly on your premiums.
5. 24/7 Claims Service
You can file a claim anytime through their app, website, or hotline, ensuring quick and convenient support during emergencies.
Who Should Consider National General?
National General Insurance is ideal for:
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Drivers with past violations: Their willingness to insure high-risk drivers is a game-changer for many.
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RV and motorcycle owners: Their specialized coverage is among the best in the industry.
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Frequent travelers to Mexico: With cross-border insurance, your travels are smoother and safer.
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People needing short-term or temporary health insurance: Their health products are excellent stop-gap solutions.
What Are Customers Saying?
Customer reviews of National General Insurance are mixed but lean positive in key areas like:
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Pricing: Many appreciate the affordable premiums and flexible plans.
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Customer service: Some report fast response times and helpful representatives.
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Claims process: Experiences vary—while some claims are resolved quickly, others report delays, particularly with third-party adjusters.
It’s worth noting that no insurance provider is immune from complaints, especially large national companies that deal with a high volume of claims and policies. Reading your policy carefully and maintaining documentation can help minimize potential issues.
What to Watch Out For
Before choosing National General, consider the following:
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Not all policies are directly underwritten: Some health and supplemental policies may be managed by third parties, which can complicate claims.
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Mixed customer service reviews: Like many big insurers, service can vary depending on your location and representative.
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Limited in-person service: Most interactions happen online or over the phone.
Final Thoughts
National General Insurance has come a long way from its roots as GMAC. Today, it offers a full suite of insurance products tailored to the needs of real-world Americans—from first-time drivers to seasoned RV travelers. Their willingness to insure high-risk drivers, strong recreational vehicle coverage, and flexible payment options make them a solid contender in the insurance market.
While it’s not without its challenges, particularly in customer service consistency, its acquisition by Allstate bodes well for improved reliability and customer experience in the future.
If you’re looking for an insurer that offers flexibility, breadth of products, and competitive pricing, National General Insurance is worth a closer look.