National General's main phone number and what it covers
National General Insurance's customer service line is 1-800-621-8200. This number handles questions about car rental coverage, policy changes, claims, billing, and general account issues. The line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Sunday hours vary by department.
When you call, have your policy number ready — it appears on your declarations page or any recent bill. If you're calling about a claim, also have the date of the incident and any police report number if one exists. National General will route you to the right department based on what you need, but having this information upfront speeds up the process.
Key Takeaways
- National General's main customer service number is 1-800-621-8200, available weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern.
- Have your policy number and the date of any incident ready before calling to avoid being transferred multiple times.
- For claims, you may be routed to a dedicated claims line that operates different hours than general customer service.
- If you cannot reach someone during business hours, National General's website allows you to submit questions through an online form.
What department you'll reach and typical wait times
National General routes incoming calls based on your reason for calling. If you select "claims" at the prompt, you'll reach the claims department, which typically has shorter wait times than general customer service because fewer people call about active claims. If you select "billing" or "policy questions," you may wait 5 to 15 minutes during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays).
Wait times are longest on Monday mornings and the first few days after a major holiday. If you're calling about a time-sensitive issue — a claim important date, a policy that lapses soon, or a billing error — call early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak traffic. Saturday wait times are usually shorter than weekday times.
Reaching claims adjusters and reporting an incident
If you're reporting a new claim, the main number will transfer you to the claims department. Have the date, time, and location of the incident ready, plus the names and contact information of anyone else involved. If a police report was filed, have that report number. National General will assign a claims adjuster and give you a claim number on the call.
Some claims can be reported online through National General's website instead of by phone. Online reporting is useful if you're filing outside business hours or prefer written documentation. However, if you need to discuss coverage details or have questions about what's covered under your policy, the phone line is faster because you can ask follow-up questions in real time.
When to use the website instead of calling
National General's website allows you to log into your account, view your policy, make payments, and submit general questions through a contact form. If your question is not urgent and you don't need an when ready answer, the website form is a good option — you'll receive a response within one business day, usually faster.
The website is also the best route if you need to make a straightforward change, like updating your address or phone number, or if you want to review your coverage before calling with specific questions. You can access your policy documents, billing history, and claims status 24 hours a day through your online account.
What to do if you can't reach anyone
If you call outside business hours and need when ready help, check whether your issue is truly urgent. If your car is damaged and you need to file a claim, most insurers allow you to report the incident online or leave a voicemail with details, and a claims adjuster will contact you the next business day. If you're locked out of your account or have a billing emergency, the website may have a live chat option during extended hours.
For roadside emergencies — a breakdown, lockout, or accident — call 911 or your roadside information provider directly rather than National General's main line. National General's phone system is designed for policy and claims questions, not emergency dispatch. If you're unsure whether your policy includes roadside coverage, check your declarations page or call during business hours to confirm before you need it.
Understanding the phone menu and avoiding transfers
When you call 1-800-621-8200, you'll hear a menu asking you to select your reason for calling. Listen to all options before pressing a number — the menu structure changes occasionally. Common options include "claims," "billing," "policy questions," and "existing customer service." Selecting the most specific option reduces the chance you'll be transferred.
If you're transferred and the new department can't help, ask to be transferred back to the main line rather than being transferred again. Each transfer adds wait time. If you're unsure which department handles your issue, select "existing customer service" — that department can route you correctly on the first try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does National General have a claims-only phone number?
National General does not publish a separate claims-only number. You call the main line 1-800-621-8200 and select "claims" from the menu. The claims department has dedicated staff and usually shorter wait times than general customer service, so you won't lose time by calling the main number.
Can I reach National General on weekends?
National General is open Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Sunday hours vary by department — claims may have limited Sunday hours while billing does not. Check your policy documents or the website for the most current weekend hours, as they change seasonally.
What if I'm calling from outside the United States?
The 1-800 number is for calls within the United States only. If you're calling from outside the U.S., visit National General's website to find the international contact information for your region, or use the online contact form to reach customer service by email.
Do I need to give my Social Security number when I call?
National General will ask for your policy number to pull up your account. They may ask for your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity, but they should not ask for your full Social Security number during a routine call. If someone asks for sensitive information you're uncomfortable sharing, ask to verify the caller's identity and the reason they need it.
How long does it take to speak to someone after I call?
Wait times range from when ready to 15 minutes depending on the time of day and which department you're calling. Weekday mornings between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Eastern are typically the busiest. Early morning, late afternoon, and Saturday calls usually connect faster.