When it comes to choosing auto insurance, it’s essential to consider factors like rates, coverage options, and customer satisfaction. National General Insurance, often referred to as “NatGen,” is one of the insurance providers that may be on your radar. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into various aspects of National General Insurance, including rates, coverage options, customer satisfaction, and special programs.
National General Auto Insurance Ratings
To assess a National General insurance company’s reliability, you can look at third-party ratings and reviews. Here’s how National General Insurance fares in this regard:
A.M. Best:
A.M. Best, a renowned rating agency, has given National General Insurance an A- rating. This rating suggests that the company is financially sound and should be capable of fulfilling its claims obligations.
Better Business Bureau (BBB):
The BBB rates companies based on their ability to resolve customer complaints. National General Auto Insurance has received an A+ rating from the BBB, indicating a commitment to addressing customer concerns. However, it’s worth noting that there are nearly 2,000 complaints on the BBB website related to the company.
J.D. Power:
J.D. Power evaluates insurance companies based on customer satisfaction. Unfortunately, National General Insurance scored 815 out of 1,000 points in J.D. Power’s 2022 auto insurance customer satisfaction survey, ranking it lowest among the 25 companies assessed.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC):
The NAIC creates complaint ratios for insurance companies, measuring the number of complaints received relative to their size. National General Insurance’s complaint ratio stands at 9.44, significantly higher than the industry average of 1.0. This suggests that the company receives more than nine times the average number of complaints.
National General Auto Insurance Rates
One of the most critical factors when considering an auto insurance provider is the cost of coverage. Here’s what you need to know about National General’s rates:
Higher Rates:
National General Insurance generally offers rates that are much higher than the national average. For instance, rates for a 30-year-old male driver with a clean record can start at $174 per month. It’s important to note that these rates can vary significantly depending on factors like location, driving history, and the type of coverage you choose.
Specialization in High-Risk Drivers:
National General is known for providing coverage to high-risk drivers. While this specialization is beneficial for those who have faced challenges like DUI offenses, it can contribute to higher overall rates due to the increased likelihood of claims.
Value Assessment:
While National General’s rates may be higher than those of competitors, it’s essential to remember that the cheapest insurance doesn’t always equate to the best coverage. The value you receive from an insurance policy should also be a crucial consideration.
National General Auto Insurance Coverage Options
Understanding the coverage options offered by an insurance company is vital to ensuring your specific needs are met. Here are the primary coverage options provided by National General Insurance:
Liability Insurance:
National General offers liability insurance, which includes bodily injury and property damage coverage. This insurance pays for damages you cause in an accident, and most states require drivers to carry it.
Collision Insurance:
Collision coverage is available, allowing your insurance to pay for repairs to your vehicle after an accident.
Comprehensive Insurance:
National General provides comprehensive coverage, which protects your vehicle from various non-collision incidents, including fire, weather, theft, and vandalism.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist:
If an inadequately insured driver hits you, National General’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will pay for your car repairs. It also covers hit-and-run accidents.
Medical Payments:
Medical payments insurance covers your healthcare expenses after an accident.
Personal Injury Protection:
This coverage pays for healthcare bills, lost wages, physical therapy, and even funeral costs following an accident.
The amount of coverage you need depends on your unique circumstances. For instance, owning an older vehicle outright might allow you to opt for minimum insurance, while a financed or leased car may necessitate full coverage, which includes liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage, along with additional options like medical payments or personal injury protection.
National General Auto Insurance Add-Ons and Benefits
National General Insurance offers various add-ons and benefits that allow you to customize your policy and enhance your coverage. Some notable options include:
Rental Car Reimbursement:
National General provides a daily allowance for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident.
Roadside Assistance:
While all National General insurance policies include towing after an accident, roadside assistance goes further by helping with additional issues like fuel delivery or jumpstarting a dead battery.
SR-22 Insurance:
If your driver’s license has been revoked, you may need an SR-22 form to prove that you carry your state’s minimum required insurance. National General can assist you in filing this form for a small fee.
Locksmith Service:
For those concerned about locking themselves out of their vehicle, National General offers locksmith services for up to $50.
Auto Protection Plan:
This add-on covers the cost of unexpected repairs, similar to mechanical breakdown insurance, although it does not cover routine wear-and-tear repairs.
Mexico Travel Coverage:
Most American car insurance policies do not apply in Mexico, but the National General can provide you with the necessary coverage to remain legally protected while driving in Mexico.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment:
National General will cover related expenses if you suffer an accident resulting in death or dismemberment.
National General’s SmartServices
National General offers a SmartServices package to enhance your insurance experience. This package includes the following services:
SmartAssist:
This roadside assistance feature offers enhanced services compared to the standard plan.
SmartDrive:
SmartDrive provides an elevated rental reimbursement service. It not only covers rental car costs but also arranges to pick you up after an accident and provides a rental car that is similar to your own vehicle.
SmartInspect:
You can choose any vehicle inspection service to review your car after it’s been repaired for a covered incident.
SmartReplacement:
In the unfortunate event of your car being totaled, SmartReplacement offers expert advice on replacing your vehicle and provides special pricing on General Motors (GM) vehicles.
SmartValet:
SmartValet is a convenient service that delivers a rental car while you wait for repairs. After your car is fixed, SmartValet returns your vehicle to you and takes care of returning the rental car.
These SmartServices benefits are available on every policy, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. However, prices and availability may vary by state.
National General GM Discounts
For a significant portion of its history, National General was owned by General Motors (GM). As a result, the company offers special discounts to drivers associated with GM. These discounts apply to individuals who have:
- A GM card
- GMAC auto financing
- A GMAC mortgage
- Current or former GM employees
- Employees of suppliers or dealerships working with GM
- OnStar subscribers with low mileage rates on their vehicle
While these GM-related discounts can lead to significantly lower rates, it’s important to note that they may not be available in every state.
National General’s DynamicDrive
DynamicDrive National General’s usage-based auto insurance program has gained popularity in recent years. Here’s how it works:
- DynamicDrive monitors your driving habits using the Routely app. It tracks various behaviors, including speeding, phone usage, and hard braking.
- After 30 days of monitoring, the app calculates a driving score. By participating in the program, you automatically receive a discount, but additional savings can be earned by practicing safe driving habits.
- This usage-based insurance program is particularly suitable for low-mileage drivers who consistently drive safely. Keep in mind that if you opt out of DynamicDrive, you will lose your participation discount.
Conclusion
National General Insurance offers a range of coverage options, add-ons, and benefits to cater to diverse needs. While the company receives mixed reviews and has higher-than-average rates, it may be a suitable choice for high-risk drivers, RV owners, and those seeking specialized coverage, such as SR-22 insurance.
As with any insurance decision, it’s essential to obtain quotes, compare coverage, and carefully consider your unique circumstances before selecting National General Auto Insurance or any other provider. Additionally, exploring discounts and special programs, such as GM-related discounts and DynamicDrive, can help you maximize your savings and benefits.
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