How to Cancel Your National General Car Insurance Policy in 5 Easy Steps

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Written by J.J. Starr Edited by Lequita Westbrooks

Updated August 16, 2024

National General, an Allstate company, doesn’t provide much information about its cancellation process on its website. But after investigating, it appears the process varies at least by state. Most policyholders can cancel online, over the phone, or by mail, but the company may require you to provide a written notice of cancellation.

This article outlines all the steps you need to take before and after canceling your National General policy, plus other factors to consider during the process — including how to ensure you’re getting cheaper car insurance.

5 Steps to Cancel Your National General Car Insurance Policy

You can cancel your National General at any time, but you must follow the correct process, which varies from state to state.

Here are five steps to cancel your car insurance policy with National General.

1. Review your current policy

Before canceling your National General policy, it’s important to review the policy details. Pay close attention to coverage limits, deductibles, and discounts, and familiarize yourself with the cancellation process and any other relevant information.

Next, gather the necessary information, including your policy number, renewal date, desired cancellation date, and any required documentation or forms. Depending on your state’s regulations, your insurance agent might request a written cancellation notice.

Keep in mind that National General may charge a cancellation fee, and canceling your policy might affect any ongoing claims or lead to a loss of policy benefits.

2. Understand what you need from your next policy

As you consider your time with National General, take notes about why you want to cancel. Think about what’s missing from your current policy or experience with the company. Identifying holes lets you know what you need from your next auto insurer.

Also, note your current coverage levels and evaluate whether you need the same, more, or less coverage with your next policy.

Your insurance company will ensure you meet state insurance requirements. But you should also make sure your policy meets your lender’s requirements if you finance or lease your car. You may want to increase your coverage to better protect your interests.

For example, if uninsured motorist coverage is optional in your state, you’ll likely want to add it to your policy to protect you if an uninsured driver hits you. Similarly, you should consider higher coverage limits, especially if you have a classic or high-value car.

3. Compare quotes and purchase your new policy

Before you cancel your policy, you need to have a new policy in place to avoid a lapse in coverage. Insurance lapses can increase future rates, cause issues with your lender or the DMV, and leave you responsible for covering damages during the gap.

The best way to find a great insurer is by comparing quotes and policies from multiple companies. Using a car insurance comparison site is the easiest way to compare quotes quickly.

Before choosing your next insurer, consider coverage levels, customer reviews, and any pertinent perks or offerings. For example, if having a great mobile app is important, only consider policies from companies that provide one.

4. Contact National General customer service

Call National General customer service at 1 (888) 293-5108, and let them know you want to cancel. The representative may offer you reasons or incentives to stay with the company. They may ask you for a cancellation letter and may need additional information from you (e.g., your next insurer and the policy’s start date) to comply with state law.

You’ll want to provide them with your cancellation date (when you want the policy to end) and ask about fees and refunds. If you’ve prepaid your policy, National General may owe you a refund of premiums for unused coverage. Finally, ask how to confirm your cancellation (e.g., by mail or email).

5. Confirm your cancellation and get your refund

You should receive written proof of cancellation showing you’ve canceled your policy and its end date by email or in your online account within a few minutes. If National General has to mail your confirmation, you should receive it within two to five business days.

Be sure to cancel your automatic payments. Your customer service representative can help you, or you can cancel using your online account. If the company owes you a refund, you should receive it within two weeks. National General issues refunds directly to your bank account or by check in the mail.

Ways to Cancel Your National General Auto Insurance Policy

National General’s website doesn’t provide much information about canceling a policy. But you can find more information about the process by searching through sample policy documents and calling customer service.

Here’s an overview of the various ways you can cancel your National General policy.

Online

According to customer service, you should be able to cancel your policy by signing into your online account and submitting an electronic form. You can also email [email protected] to start the cancellation process.

By phone

You can cancel your National General policy over the phone by calling its customer service at 1 (888) 293-5108 and pressing 0. Be sure to have your policy number ready for faster service.

By mail

You can provide a written notice of cancellation to National General through the mail. Just be sure to send your paper form well before your cancellation date and include the date of cancellation. Mail your letter to:

National General

PO Box 3199

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27102-3199

In person

If you purchased your National General policy through an independent agent, you can cancel your policy in person at the agency. But National General doesn’t have offices you can go to if you purchased it directly through the company.

When to Cancel Your Car Insurance Policy

Deciding when to cancel National General car insurance depends on your personal circumstances. The most common reasons to cancel a policy include:

• Selling a vehicle: You may want to cancel your policy if you sell your car or no longer need coverage.
• Switching insurance companies: If you find a better deal or coverage elsewhere, canceling your current policy and switching to a new insurer might be beneficial.
• Moving to a new area: If you move to a location where National General doesn’t operate, you’ll need to get coverage from another company.
• Life changes: If you buy a new vehicle or get married, comparing insurance options is a good idea to see if another company may be a better fit for your new needs.
• Unhappiness with the service you’ve received: If National General isn’t meeting your needs or standards, consider switching to an insurer that can.

What to Consider Before Canceling Your National General Auto Insurance Policy

Before canceling your policy with National General, consider the following:

• Shop for a new policy: Compare your options to ensure you get the best coverage and rates.
• Avoid a lapse in coverage: Secure a new policy before canceling the old one.
• Be aware of potential fees: Ask your agent if National General charges a fee for early cancellation and ask about ways to avoid the fee.
• Understand the process: It’s worth knowing the rules for canceling in the middle of your policy in case National General may owe you a refund.
• Don’t forget about discounts: If your policy is part of a bundle with other insurance products, such as home insurance, you could lose your bundling discount. Your other premiums may rise when you lose your bundling discount.
• Confirm your cancellation: Set calendar or phone reminders to make sure the company processed your cancellation correctly.

National General Car Insurance Premiums vs. the Competition

Comparing quotes when purchasing a new policy is the best way to get cheap coverage at a great price. The more quotes you compare, the better your chances of finding a great policy.

The table below shows how National General’s average rates compare to its competitors and the industry average, according to Compare.com data.

Of the most popular companies specializing in non-standard insurance, National General is among the cheapest. But compared to the rest of the industry, its average rates are about the same as the national average, according to Compare.com data.

High-risk drivers may be able to find more affordable coverage with companies like State Farm and GEICO — both companies offer significantly lower rates on average than National General.

Canceling National General Insurance FAQs

When canceling your insurance policy, you’ll likely have some questions. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions National General customers ask about cancellations.

Can you cancel National General auto insurance anytime?

Yes. You can cancel National General at any time, but the company may need one to two business days to process the cancellation. You should also have a new active policy in place before canceling to avoid a gap in insurance coverage.

Does National General charge a cancellation fee?

National General’s terms and conditions say it may charge a cancellation fee if it cancels your policy for non-payment. But neither National General’s terms and conditions nor the sample declarations page mentions a cancellation fee if you cancel your policy on your own.

That said, some customers report fees as high as 10% of the remaining premium. You should speak with a customer service agent about potential fees before canceling.

How do you cancel your current car insurance?

You can cancel your National General insurance online, over the phone, or by mail. In some cases, you may have to send a written request for cancellation.

Can you cancel your National General policy online?

Yes. National General’s customer service says you should be able to cancel your policy using your online account. But canceling over the phone is easier and provides more reassurance that the company processes your cancellation.

Sources:

1. Reddit, “/r/Car_Insurance_Help,” accessed August 5, 2024.

J.J. Starr Insurance Writer

J.J. Starr is an insurance writer for Compare.com who specializes in auto insurance and personal finance. She has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand. Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J was a registered banker and life insurance consultant. She holds a master's degree in writing from New York University and a bachelor's degree from Stephens College.