National General Car Insurance, with its specialization in non-standard auto insurance for high-risk drivers, has earned a notable place in the insurance industry. If you’ve faced challenges in obtaining car insurance due to your driving record or other factors, companies like National General may be a viable option. However, it’s crucial to delve deeper into their offerings and consider some key aspects before making a decision.
About National General Car Insurance
National General’s core expertise lies in providing non-standard auto insurance solutions for drivers who might find it difficult to secure coverage elsewhere. This includes individuals with a history of accidents, violations, or other factors that classify them as high-risk drivers.
One of the advantages of insuring your vehicle with National General is the range of policy perks available to policyholders. For instance, collision repairs carried out at National General’s Gold Medal Repair shop come with a lifetime guarantee, ensuring peace of mind when it comes to vehicle repairs. Additionally, the company offers an emergency expense allowance of up to $500 to cover food, lodging, and travel expenses in case you’re stranded due to an issue covered by your policy.
National General, with its long-standing presence, was founded in 1920 and offers various insurance lines, including auto, home, motorcycle, and umbrella insurance. Headquartered in New York City, the company distributes its insurance products through a vast network of more than 55,000 independent agents across the country. Worth noting is National General’s acquisition by Allstate in 2021, signifying its position in the industry.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage Offered
National General covers all the essential types of car insurance:
Liability Car Insurance:
This coverage is mandatory in nearly all states and covers injuries and property damage resulting from accidents you’re responsible for. It also includes legal defense costs and settlements if you’re sued due to an accident.
Comprehensive Insurance:
Comprehensive insurance pays for damages to your vehicle caused by factors such as hail, theft, vandalism, fire, floods, falling objects, and animal collisions. In the event of a total loss, it covers the actual cash value of your car, minus the deductible.
Collision Insurance:
Collision insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle following an accident, regardless of fault. It also includes accidents involving stationary objects like guardrails or trees.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
This coverage handles your medical expenses and other costs if an uninsured or underinsured driver causes an accident. Its necessity varies by state, being mandatory in some and optional in others.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP):
PIP covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault in an accident. Its availability varies by state.
Medical Payments Insurance:
Also known as “MedPay,” this coverage pays for medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. It is typically available in small amounts, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and is not offered in all states.
Additional Coverage Benefits
National General offers several additional coverage benefits:
DynamicDrive:
This program tracks your driving habits and may offer discounts based on your driving performance.
Emergency Expense Allowance:
Up to $500 is provided to cover food, lodging, and travel expenses following a car insurance claim that falls under National General’s coverage.
Cost of National General Car Insurance
National General offers competitive rates, although the extent of its competitiveness depends on individual driver profiles and circumstances. Here’s a glimpse of the average annual car insurance costs for different types of drivers in California:
Good Drivers:
National General offers competitive rates for good drivers, but it’s advisable to compare quotes with other insurers like Geico and Progressive.
Drivers With an At-Fault Accident:
Rates can rise significantly after an at-fault accident, but the National General’s average rates in California remain relatively affordable, especially when compared to competitors like Allstate.
Drivers With a DUI:
A DUI on your record typically results in higher insurance rates. National General, however, offers reasonable rates for drivers with a DUI when compared to other insurers.
Auto Insurance Complaints Against National General
Auto insurance complaint levels against National General are slightly below the industry average, based on complaints filed with state insurance departments across the United States.
National General’s Grade from Collision Repair Professionals: D+
In a survey conducted by CRASH Network, National General received a D+ grade from collision repair professionals. This survey assessed the opinions of auto body professionals regarding insurance companies’ use of lower-quality repair parts, the efficiency of claims processes, and support for recommended repair procedures by car manufacturers.
What Does National General Car Insurance Cover?
While National General offers various coverage options, it’s essential to be aware of what they do not provide. Some notable aspects to consider include:
Accident Forgiveness:
The National General does not offer accident forgiveness as an optional coverage. Accident forgiveness insurance typically “forgives” one accident, preventing an increase in premiums when you’re at fault.
New Car Replacement:
National General provides new car replacement insurance, which replaces your car with a current model year or a new car if it is totaled due to a covered accident. The replacement options vary depending on your car’s age.
Gap Insurance:
Gap insurance, which covers the gap between what you owe on your loan or lease and the depreciated value of your car if it is totaled due to a covered event, is not available through National General.
Diminishing Deductible:
National General offers a diminishing deductible feature, allowing you to earn a $100 credit toward your deductible for each 12-month period without a claim, up to $500. This can lower your deductible if you need to file a collision or comprehensive insurance claim.
SR-22s:
The National General provides SR-22 insurance forms to your state, which is required in various situations, such as DUI convictions or multiple traffic offenses.
Usage-Based Insurance:
National General offers usage-based car insurance through its DynamicDrive program, which tracks your driving habits and may offer discounts based on your performance.
Pay-Per-Mile Insurance:
National General does not offer pay-per-mile car insurance, a suitable option for low-mileage drivers.
Rideshare Insurance:
National General provides rideshare insurance, bridging the coverage gap between your rideshare company’s insurance and your personal car insurance policy.
Methodology
The presented rates are based on a 40-year-old female driver with a clean record insuring a new Toyota RAV4. Coverage includes $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person,
$300,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $100,000 in property damage liability, commonly known as 100/300/100 coverage. The policy also includes uninsured motorist coverage, collision and comprehensive insurance with a $500 deductible, and any other coverage mandated by the state.
National General’s commitment to providing a range of coverage options is evident in its offerings, ensuring that policyholders have the flexibility to tailor their insurance to their specific needs and circumstances. Whether you require mandatory liability coverage or desire additional protection against a broader array of risks, National General aims to accommodate various situations.
In Conclusion
National General Car Insurance stands as a formidable option, particularly for high-risk drivers who may face difficulties securing coverage elsewhere. While its competitive rates and range of coverage options make it an attractive choice, potential policyholders should be mindful of their individual circumstances and preferences.
The company’s acquisition by Allstate in 2021 reinforces its standing in the insurance industry and suggests a commitment to continued growth and service improvement. However, it’s essential to assess the level of coverage needed and weigh it against the potential cost savings, ensuring that National General aligns with your specific insurance requirements.
As with any insurance decision, it’s advisable to shop around, compare quotes, and consider individual factors such as driving history, location, and personal preferences before making a final choice. By doing so, you can make an informed decision that best suits your unique insurance needs and financial situation.