What national motor insurance is

National motor insurance is car insurance sold by National General Holdings Corp., a company that operates under several brand names including National, Nationwide, and others depending on your state. It is one option among many insurance companies you can choose from when you need to insure a vehicle.

National motor insurance works the same way other car insurance does: you pay a premium (usually monthly or every six months), and in exchange the company covers costs if you have an accident, your car is stolen, or someone sues you for damage you caused while driving. The specific coverage types, prices, and terms depend on which policy you choose and where you live.

This guide explains what National motor insurance covers, how to understand the different policy types, and what to expect when you get a quote or file a claim. It does not cover every detail of every state's rules — those vary — but it walks you through the main categories and how to think about what you actually need.

Key Takeaways

  • National motor insurance offers standard coverage types: liability (required in all states), collision, comprehensive, and optional add-ons like uninsured motorist protection.
  • Your premium depends on your driving record, age, location, the car you drive, and the coverage limits and deductibles you choose.
  • Liability coverage is legally required in every state, but the minimum amount varies by state — your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website lists the requirement for your location.
  • When you file a claim, National assigns an adjuster who investigates the damage and decides what the company will pay based on your policy terms.
  • You can lower your premium by bundling home and auto policies, maintaining a clean driving record, or choosing a higher deductible.

The main types of coverage National offers

Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else while driving. It has two parts: bodily injury liability (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering for the other person) and property damage liability (repair or replacement of their car or property). Every state requires you to carry liability coverage, though the minimum amount varies. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website shows the minimum for your location — for example, some states require 25/50/25 (meaning $25,000 per person for injury, $50,000 total per accident, and $25,000 for property damage), while others require higher amounts.

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your own car if you hit another vehicle or object (a tree, a guardrail, a building). It does not cover damage from weather, theft, or vandalism — that is what comprehensive coverage is for. Collision coverage has a deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance company pays the rest. Common deductibles are $500 or $1,000, though you can choose others.

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car from events other than collisions: theft, weather (hail, flooding, wind), vandalism, hitting an animal, or falling objects. Like collision, it has a deductible. Many people bundle collision and comprehensive together, sometimes called "full coverage," though that term is not official.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your medical bills or car damage. This coverage is optional in most states but required in a few. It is often worth adding because it covers you and your passengers even if the other driver is at fault.

How National calculates your premium

National, like all insurance companies, uses several factors to set your price. Your driving record is usually the biggest factor — accidents and traffic violations raise your premium, sometimes for three to five years. Your age matters: drivers under 25 and over 65 typically pay more because statistics show they have more accidents. Your location affects price because some areas have more theft, more accidents, or higher repair costs.

The car you drive also changes your premium. Expensive cars cost more to repair, so they cost more to insure. Sports cars and high-performance vehicles are riskier to insure than sedans. Older cars may have lower collision and comprehensive premiums because they are worth less, but they might have higher liability premiums if they are less safe in a crash.

Your coverage choices directly affect price. Higher liability limits cost more. A lower deductible (meaning you pay less out of pocket when you claim) costs more in monthly premiums. Adding optional coverages like uninsured motorist protection or roadside information raises your premium.

National also considers your credit score in most states (though a few states ban this practice). Bundling your auto policy with a home or renters policy usually lowers your total cost. Some discounts are available for things like completing a defensive driving course, being a good student (if you are under 25), or having safety features in your car.

Getting a quote from National

To get a quote, you will need basic information: your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), current insurance information if you have it, and driving history. National offers quotes online through their website, by phone, or through an agent. Online quotes usually take 10 to 15 minutes and give you an estimate right away, though the final price may change slightly when you actually purchase.

When you compare National quotes to quotes from other companies, make sure you are comparing the same coverage. A quote with $100,000 liability and a $1,000 deductible is not the same as one with $50,000 liability and a $500 deductible, even if the monthly cost looks similar. Write down the exact coverage limits and deductibles for each quote so you can compare apples to apples.

If you decide to buy a policy from National, you can usually start coverage the same day or the next day. You will receive policy documents by mail or email that spell out exactly what is covered, what is not, and what your deductible is. Read these carefully — they are the contract between you and the company.

What happens when you file a claim

If you have an accident or your car is damaged, contact National as soon as possible. You can file a claim online, by phone, or through the National mobile app. Have your policy number and details about what happened ready. National will ask you to describe the accident, provide photos if possible, and give the names and contact information of anyone else involved.

National assigns an adjuster to your claim. The adjuster's job is to investigate what happened and decide what the company will pay based on your policy. They may ask you for more information, inspect your car, or contact the other driver or witnesses. This process usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on how complicated the claim is.

Once the adjuster decides what National will pay, you have options. You can take your car to a National-approved repair shop, and National will pay the shop directly. You can take it to a shop of your choice, and National will reimburse you after you pay. Or, if your car is totaled (the cost to repair it exceeds its value), National will pay you the car's current market value minus your deductible, and you keep the car's title.

Situations where National may deny a claim

National will not pay a claim if the damage was caused by something not covered by your policy. For example, if you have collision and comprehensive but not uninsured motorist coverage, and you are hit by an uninsured driver, National will cover the damage to your car but not your medical bills. If you have only liability coverage and you cause an accident, National pays the other person's costs but not yours.

National may also deny a claim if they find you were not honest on your process. For instance, if you said you use your car for personal use only but you actually use it for rideshare driving, National may refuse to pay. If you were driving under the influence, National may deny the claim or cancel your policy. If you do not pay your premium on time, your policy lapses and National is not obligated to cover accidents that happen after the lapse.

If National denies your claim and you disagree, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner or department of insurance. They can investigate whether National followed the law and your policy terms correctly.

Comparing National to other insurance companies

National is one of the largest insurance companies in the United States, so it is widely available and has a large network of repair shops and agents. Whether it is the right choice for you depends on your situation. Some people find National's rates competitive; others find cheaper options through companies like GEICO, State Farm, or Progressive. Some prefer working with a local independent agent rather than a large national company.

The best way to know if National is right for you is to get quotes from at least three companies and compare them side by side using the same coverage levels. Also check customer reviews and your state's insurance commissioner website to see how many complaints each company receives. A slightly higher premium from a company with fewer complaints may be worth it for peace of mind when you file a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy collision and comprehensive coverage?

No, they are optional in most states. However, if you have a car loan or lease, your lender or leasing company will require you to carry both. If you own your car outright, you can choose to carry only liability coverage, though that means you pay for any damage to your own car out of pocket.

What is a deductible and how do I choose one?

A deductible is the amount you pay toward a claim before National pays the rest. A higher deductible (like $1,000) means a lower monthly premium but higher out-of-pocket costs if you claim. A lower deductible (like $250) means a higher monthly premium but lower costs when you claim. Choose based on what you can afford to pay if you have an accident.

Can I cancel my National policy anytime?

Yes, you can cancel anytime, though some policies have a cancellation fee if you cancel before the policy term ends. Check your policy documents for the exact terms. If you are switching to another company, make sure your new policy starts before your National policy ends so you are never without coverage.

Does National offer discounts?

Yes. Common discounts include bundling auto and home policies, maintaining a clean driving record, completing a defensive driving course, being a good student, having safety features in your car, and paying your premium in full upfront instead of monthly. Ask National directly which discounts you may be may be able to access for.

What should I do if I think National treated me unfairly?

First, contact National's customer service and explain your concern. If they do not resolve it, file a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance or Insurance Commissioner. They investigate complaints and can take action if a company violates state insurance laws.