National General Renters Insurance: Coverage, Cost, Reviews and More

Whether you’re renting a house, apartment, condo or dorm room, having renters insurance can protect your possessions and provide liability coverage. National General is one of the largest renters insurance providers in the U.S.

This guide will explain National General renters insurance policies, rates, discounts, coverage options, claims processes and more. Read on for everything you need to know to make an informed choice.

Overview of National General Renters Insurance

National General Insurance offers renters insurance across the United States. They are the specialty personal lines division of insurance giant Allstate.

With over 55,000 independent agents nationwide, National General aims to make insurance easy and customized for renters’ needs. They provide policies starting around $15 per month.

Here are quick facts about National General renters insurance:

  • Renters insurance in all 50 states
  • Over $4.3 billion in assets
  • Rated A+ by AM Best
  • Part of Allstate Insurance
  • Policies start around $15/month
  • Discount for bundling auto insurance

National General has strong financial strength to pay claims, evident by its A+ rating from AM Best. Keep reading for more details about coverages and customer reviews.

National General Renters Insurance Coverages

A standard National General renters insurance policy includes these key protections:

Personal Property – Pays to repair or replace belongings like furniture, clothes, electronics and more if they are stolen or damaged by a covered peril like fire, lightning, theft and vandalism.

Additional Living Expenses – Covers extra costs if you can’t live in your rental due to a covered loss, such as hotel stays and restaurant meals.

Personal Liability – Protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged and you are legally responsible.

Medical Payments – Pays medical bills for others injured on your property regardless of fault.

You can also add optional coverages like:

  • Replacement cost for belongings
  • Scheduled personal property to individually list high-value items
  • Identity theft protections
  • Electronics coverage for drops, spills and power surges
  • Earthquake, flood and other disaster add-ons

Discuss your specific coverage needs with a National General agent to customize your renters policy.

Cost of National General Renters Insurance

National General renters insurance starts around $15 per month for basic liability coverage. However, your exact rate depends on factors like:

  • Location and building type

  • Coverage amount and deductible

  • Your credit score and claims history

  • Policy discounts

  • Whether you bundle with auto insurance

To get an accurate price quote, contact a National General agent. Expect to pay more for higher coverage levels and replacement cost benefits. Bundling renters with auto insurance can lead to discounts.

Discounts from National General

National General offers many ways for renters to save, including:

  • Multi-policy – Save up to 15% when you bundle renters with auto or condo insurance.

  • Protective devices – Discounted rates for smoke detectors, alarms and other safety devices.

  • Claims-free – After a few years with no claims, you can earn a discount around 10-15%.

  • Advance quote – Save up to 10% for getting an early quote before your current policy expires.

  • Paperless – Go paperless with online billing and documents for around 5% off.

  • Paid in full – Pay your entire 6 or 12 month premium upfront to save up to 10%.

Ask your National General agent about every possible discount to maximize your renters insurance savings. Multi-policy and protective device discounts offer the largest reductions for most renters.

Claims Process and Customer Service

The basics of filing a National General renters insurance claim include:

  • Report your claim right away by calling National General or your insurance agent.

  • A claims representative will walk you through the process and required documents.

  • An adjuster inspects damage and prepares repair estimates.

  • Once your claim is approved, you’ll receive payment according to your policy terms.

National General makes 24/7 claims reporting available and has an app to track claims. However, some customers report waiting long times for claim payments. It’s wise to clarify payout timelines with your agent when purchasing.

Reviews for National General’s customer service are mixed. While some renters praise the helpfulness of agents, others have difficulty getting billing issues resolved. Make sure to choose an agent with excellent service reviews.

Pros and Cons of National General Renters Insurance

Here are some of the biggest advantages and potential disadvantages of National General renters insurance:

Pros

  • Discount for bundling auto and renters insurance
  • Replacement cost option available
  • Coverage starts around $15 per month
  • Highly rated A+ for financial strength
  • Discount for safety features like alarms

Cons

  • May increase rates at renewal
  • Mixed reviews of customer service
  • Long payout times reported for claims
  • Not available direct, must use an agent

For renters who also insure their car with National General, bundling policies can lead to excellent savings. But be sure to compare quotes from other top renters insurance companies.

The Bottom Line: National General Renters Insurance

National General has strong financial backing from Allstate. But customers report inconsistent service quality and potentially long claims delays. It pays to compare National General to other renters insurance companies like Lemonade, State Farm and Allstate for the right fit.

Discussing options with an independent insurance agent lets you review multiple quotes side-by-side. This helps identify the optimal balance of coverage, price and customer service. An expert can walk you through the claims process and clarify what’s covered by a National General renters policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is National General renters insurance?

National General renters insurance starts around $15 per month for basic liability coverage. However, most renters choose more robust coverage in the $25-$40 per month range. Bundling with auto insurance can reduce your cost.

What does National General renters insurance cover?

A standard National General policy covers your personal belongings for theft and damage, additional living expenses if you must move out, liability for injuries or property damage, and medical payments to others. Add-ons like replacement cost and earthquake coverage are available.

Is National General renters insurance good?

National General offers affordable renters insurance starting at $15 per month. Bundling with auto insurance saves you more. However, customer reviews are mixed regarding claims payments and customer service. Comparing quotes helps find the right balance of price and service.

Does National General non-renew renters insurance?

Like most insurance companies, National General may opt to non-renew your renters policy in certain cases, such as repeated claims or failure to address inspection recommendations. Check with your agent regarding their specific guidelines.

How long does National General take to pay renters claims?

National General aims to settle straightforward renters claims within 30 days once proper documentation is provided. However, some policyholders report much longer delays to receive claim payments, so be sure to clarify timelines with your agent when purchasing.

The Bottom Line

National General Insurance offers renters insurance across the U.S. starting around $15 per month. Bundling with auto insurance can lead to substantial savings.

However, customer reviews of National General’s claims handling and service quality are mixed. Comparing quotes from top insurers ensures you find the right balance of price, coverage and reliability. Discussing options with an independent agent can help identify the best renters insurance for your situation.

National General Insurance Review: Examining the Pros and Cons

FAQ

Why is National General Insurance so expensive?

Like other car insurance companies, National General bases your insurance premiums on several factors, including your age, gender, and driving record. Because National General caters to customers with less-than-perfect driving records, its rates tend to be much higher than the industry average.

How much is renters insurance ok?

The average cost of a renters policy is about $14 per month, but various factors can impact that amount. Doing a thorough inventory of your belongings will help you estimate how much renters insurance you should buy.

Is National General and the General the same insurance?

The General and National General are not the same company. Although both companies are publicly traded companies, National General is owned by the Allstate Corporation while The General is owned by PGC Holdings Corp.

Is renters insurance a real thing?

Renter’s insurance generally covers damage to property and losses due to theft. It will also cover liability, in case an injury happens to someone at the place you’re renting and you are found liable. This means you won’t have to pay for things such as ambulance rides and medical payments.

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