National General Insurance accepts payments through multiple channels, and the method you choose affects when your payment posts and whether you face late fees
National General Insurance, which operates under the National General Holdings Corp. umbrella and serves auto, home, and renters insurance customers, lets you pay online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic bank withdrawals. The fastest way to pay is online through your policy account, which typically posts the same day. Phone payments and automatic withdrawals also process quickly, while mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to reach their processing center and post to your account.
Your payment due date appears on your bill and in your online account. If you miss that date, National General typically charges a late fee and may suspend your coverage after a grace period — usually 10 days, though this varies by state and policy type. Knowing your exact due date and which payment method works for your schedule prevents these penalties.
Key Takeaways
- Online payments through your National General account portal post the same day and carry no processing fee.
- Automatic bank withdrawals (ACH payments) ensure you never miss a due date, though you must set them up in advance through your account.
- Phone payments are processed by National General's customer service team and typically post within one business day.
- Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to post, so mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid late fees.
- Late payments trigger late fees and may result in a lapse in coverage, which affects your ability to drive legally and can raise your rates when you renew.
Paying online through your National General account
Log into your policy account at the National General website or through their mobile app. Navigate to the "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now" section, which displays your current balance, due date, and minimum payment amount. You can pay the full amount due or a partial payment, depending on your policy terms.
Online payments accept debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers (ACH). Credit card payments may carry a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent, while debit and ACH payments typically have no fee. The payment posts to your account the same day if submitted before the payment processor's cutoff time, usually 5 p.m. Eastern Time on business days.
Save your payment confirmation number for your records. National General sends a payment receipt to your email address on file, which serves as proof of payment if a dispute arises.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Automatic payments withdraw money from your bank account on your due date each month or billing cycle. To set this up, log into your account, find the "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments" section, and enter your bank routing number and account number. You can choose to pay the full amount due or a fixed amount each month.
Automatic payments process as ACH transfers, which typically carry no fee. If your account does not have sufficient funds on the withdrawal date, the payment fails and you may incur a late fee. Contact National General immediately if a payment fails so you can submit a manual payment and avoid a coverage lapse.
You can modify or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account settings. If you change your bank account, update your payment information in your National General account to prevent failed withdrawals.
Paying by phone with a customer service representative
Call National General's customer service number, which appears on your bill and in your online account. A representative will verify your identity using your policy number and personal information, then process your payment over the phone. Phone payments accept debit cards, credit cards, and bank account information.
Like online credit card payments, phone payments by credit card may include a processing fee. Debit and ACH payments typically do not. The payment usually posts within one business day, though this depends on your bank and the time of day you call.
Ask the representative for a confirmation number and note the exact amount paid and the date. This protects you if the payment does not post as expected.
Mailing a check or money order
Write a check or money order payable to National General Insurance and mail it to the address listed on your bill. Include your policy number on the check memo line so the payment posts to the correct account. Mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date to account for postal delays and processing time.
Checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive at National General's processing center, then another few days to post to your account. If your payment arrives after the due date, you will owe a late fee even if you mailed it on time. Keep a copy of your check or the receipt from your money order as proof of payment.
Do not mail cash. If your check is lost in the mail, contact National General with the check number and amount so they can investigate and reissue the payment if needed.
What happens if you miss a payment deadline
National General typically allows a grace period of 10 days after your due date before suspending your coverage, though this varies by state and policy type. During the grace period, you owe a late fee in addition to your regular premium. If you do not pay by the end of the grace period, your policy lapses and your coverage ends.
A lapsed policy means you are no longer insured. If you drive without active auto insurance, you break the law in every state and face fines, license suspension, and liability for any accidents you cause. If you own a home with a mortgage, your lender requires homeowners insurance, and a lapse can trigger a force-placed policy that costs significantly more.
If your policy lapses, contact National General immediately to reinstate it. Reinstatement may require payment of all back premiums, late fees, and a reinstatement fee. Some states allow reinstatement within 30 days; others have different windows. After reinstatement, your rates may increase at renewal because the lapse appears on your insurance record.
Payment plans and hardship options
If you cannot pay your full premium by the due date, contact National General's customer service to discuss options. Some policies allow you to split your annual premium into monthly installments, which spreads the cost and reduces the risk of a missed payment. If you are experiencing financial hardship, ask whether National General offers a temporary payment plan or extension.
These options are not may provide and depend on your policy type, state regulations, and National General's underwriting guidelines. The sooner you contact them, the more options may be available. Waiting until after the due date passes limits your choices and increases the likelihood of late fees and coverage lapses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does National General charge a fee for online payments?
Online payments by debit card or bank account (ACH) typically have no fee. Credit card payments usually include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent, which National General discloses before you confirm the transaction. Check your payment method options during checkout to see the exact fee.
How do I know if my payment posted to my account?
Log into your National General account and check your payment history and current balance. You should also receive an email confirmation within a few hours of an online payment. If you paid by phone or mail, allow one to two business days for the payment to appear in your account.
Can I pay someone else's National General bill?
Yes, you can make a payment on another person's policy if you have their policy number. Online and phone payments do not require you to be the policyholder. However, the payment posts to that policy account, so confirm the policy number before submitting payment to avoid paying the wrong account.
What if I overpaid my premium?
Contact National General to request a refund of the overpayment. They typically issue refunds by check or credit to your account within 30 days. Ask whether they can apply the overpayment to your next billing cycle instead if you prefer.
Can I pay my National General bill through a third-party payment app?
National General does not partner with most third-party payment apps like Venmo or PayPal. Pay directly through National General's website, phone line, or by mail to ensure your payment posts correctly and on time. Using an unauthorized payment method may result in delays or failed payments.