National General's main claims phone line and what to expect
National General Auto Insurance handles claims through 1-800-588-2680, their primary customer service and claims reporting number. This line is staffed during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, though hours may vary by season and call volume. When you call, you will reach an automated system that routes you based on whether you are reporting a new claim, following up on an existing one, or calling about a policy question.
The automated system asks you to select your reason for calling before connecting to a representative. If you are reporting a collision, theft, or other damage, select the claims option. Have your policy number ready — the system will ask for it, and having it available speeds up the process. If you cannot locate your policy number, a representative can look it up using your name and phone number, though this takes longer.
National General also operates a mobile claims app and online portal where you can report certain claims without calling. The app allows you to photograph damage, upload documents, and track claim status in real time. However, for complex claims, accidents involving injury, or if you need when ready guidance on next steps, the phone line remains the fastest way to speak with someone who can answer questions specific to your situation.
Key Takeaways
- National General's main claims phone number is 1-800-588-2680, available during business hours Monday through Friday.
- Have your policy number ready when you call, as the automated system will request it to route your call correctly.
- The phone line handles new claims, claim status updates, and policy questions, though some claims can also be reported through their mobile app.
- If you are in an accident with injury or need when ready roadside help, ask the representative about towing coverage and medical referrals during your call.
What information you need before calling
Gathering details before you dial saves time and helps the representative process your claim faster. Start with your policy number — this is the single most important piece of information. It appears on your declarations page, your policy renewal notice, and any correspondence from National General. If you have your phone or email handy, you can often find it in seconds by searching your inbox for "National General" or "policy."
Next, have the date and time of the incident ready. Whether it is a collision, theft, or weather damage, the representative will ask when it happened. If you are reporting a collision, also gather the other driver's name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate, vehicle make and model, and insurance company and policy number if you have it. A police report number, if one was filed, is also helpful.
For theft or vandalism claims, note what was taken or damaged and when you discovered it. For weather-related damage (hail, flooding, wind), the date and general description of conditions are sufficient. Have photos of the damage ready if you have them — you can text or email these to National General after the call, or upload them through the app. The representative will tell you where to send them and what format works best.
Reporting a claim by phone versus online
Calling 1-800-588-2680 is the traditional route and works for any type of claim. A representative walks you through each question, clarifies what you are describing, and can answer follow-up questions on the spot. This is especially useful if you are unsure whether your policy covers the damage, if you need to understand your deductible, or if you have questions about next steps like repair shops or rental car coverage.
The National General mobile app and online portal let you start a claim without waiting on hold. You photograph the damage, answer a series of questions, and submit the claim directly. The system then assigns a claim number and sends you a confirmation. This route works well for straightforward damage claims where you have clear photos and do not need real-time guidance. However, if the system cannot categorize your claim or if you have questions the app does not address, you will still need to call.
Many people use both: they start the claim online or through the app to get a claim number and begin the process, then call to discuss coverage details or ask about repair options. There is no penalty for doing this, and it can actually speed things up because the representative can see your claim is already in the system and can focus on your specific questions rather than re-entering basic information.
What happens after you report your claim
After you call and report the claim, National General assigns a claim number and a claims adjuster. The representative will tell you your claim number during the call and may also text or email it to you. Write this number down — you will use it for every follow-up conversation or document you send. The representative will also tell you the next steps: whether you need to get repair estimates, whether an adjuster will inspect the vehicle, or whether you can proceed directly to a repair shop.
For collision and comprehensive claims (theft, weather, vandalism), National General typically assigns an adjuster who contacts you within one to three business days. The adjuster may ask to inspect the vehicle in person, or they may work from photos you submit. If you choose to use a National General preferred repair shop, the process is usually faster because the shop and insurer have an established relationship and can communicate directly about the estimate and repairs.
You can check your claim status anytime by calling the same number and providing your claim number, or by logging into your account online or through the app. Most claims are resolved within two to four weeks, though complex claims or those requiring informed evaluation can take longer. If you have questions about the timeline or what the adjuster is waiting for, ask — the representative can often speed things up by clarifying what information is still needed.
Roadside information and emergency services through National General
If you are stranded or in an accident and need when ready help, mention roadside information when you call. National General includes towing and roadside service with most auto policies, though coverage limits and what is included vary by policy type. When you call 1-800-588-2680 after an accident, the representative can dispatch a tow truck directly and provide you with a reference number and estimated arrival time.
For accidents involving injury, tell the representative when ready. They can provide referrals to medical providers in your area and explain what your policy covers regarding medical payments. If police are at the scene, get the report number before you leave — this is critical for your claim file. The representative will also ask whether you need a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired; most policies include rental coverage, though daily limits explore.
If you are calling from the scene of an accident, stay safe first. Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible, and do not admit fault to the other driver. Stick to facts: "I was hit on the driver's side" is fine; "I was hit because I did not see them" is not. The representative will guide you on what to say to the other driver and what information to exchange.
Contacting National General for non-claims questions
The same phone number, 1-800-588-2680, handles policy questions, billing issues, and coverage inquiries. If you want to know whether a specific type of damage is covered before you have a claim, you can call and ask. If you have a billing question or want to make a payment, the automated system will route you to the appropriate department. If you want to add coverage, remove a driver, or update your address, you can often do this online, but calling allows you to discuss options with someone who understands your situation.
For non-urgent policy changes, the online portal is usually faster — you can update your address, add a vehicle, or make a payment without waiting on hold. However, if you are unsure what coverage you need or want to discuss whether your current policy is adequate, a phone conversation is worth the wait. Representatives can explain the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage, discuss deductible options, and help you understand what you are paying for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I call outside of business hours?
The automated system will tell you the next available hours and offer to take a message. For emergencies like accidents with injury or vehicles blocking traffic, call 911 first. For non-emergency claims that can wait until morning, leave your name, number, and a brief description of the issue, and a representative will call you back during business hours.
Do I have to call to report a claim, or can I do it entirely online?
You can report many claims through the National General app or website without calling. However, if you have questions about coverage, need clarification on next steps, or have a complex claim, calling lets you speak with someone who can answer in real time. Many people do both: start online to get a claim number, then call with specific questions.
What if I cannot find my policy number?
Tell the representative your name and phone number, and they can look up your policy. This takes a bit longer than providing the number upfront, but it is not a problem. Having your driver's license number or vehicle identification number handy can also help speed up the lookup.
How long does it take to get a decision on my claim?
Most claims are resolved within two to four weeks. The timeline depends on how quickly you provide requested information, whether the adjuster needs to inspect the vehicle, and the complexity of the damage. You can call anytime to ask where your claim stands and what information, if any, is still needed.
Can I choose my own repair shop, or do I have to use National General's preferred shops?
You can use any repair shop you choose. National General has preferred shops that may offer faster processing and direct billing, but you are not required to use them. If you choose an independent shop, you may need to get an estimate and submit it for approval before repairs begin.