What National General Payment Is

National General Payment is a payment method or account feature offered by National General Holdings Corp., an insurance company that sells auto, home, and specialty insurance policies. When you hold a policy with National General, you use their payment system to pay your premiums — the regular charges that keep your coverage active.

National General Payment is not a government program, a loan, or a benefit. It is straightforward how National General processes the money you owe them for insurance. Understanding how their payment system works helps you avoid late fees, keep your coverage from lapsing, and manage your insurance costs predictably.

The specifics of National General Payment — what payment methods they accept, when payments are due, and what happens if you miss a payment — depend on your policy type and your state. This guide explains the general framework so you know what to expect when you receive a bill or log into your account.

Key Takeaways

  • National General Payment is the system National General uses to collect insurance premiums from policyholders, not a separate financial product or benefit.
  • You can typically pay by credit card, debit card, bank transfer, or check, though the exact methods available depend on your policy and state.
  • Payments are usually due on a schedule set when you purchase your policy — commonly monthly, quarterly, or annually.
  • If you miss a payment, National General may charge a late fee and may cancel your coverage after a grace period, which varies by state and policy type.
  • You can view your payment history, due dates, and account balance by logging into your National General online account or calling their customer service line.

How to Make a Payment to National General

The fastest way to pay is through your National General online account. Log in with your policy number and password, navigate to the payments section, and choose your payment method. Most accounts let you pay when ready with a debit or credit card, and the payment posts within one to two business days.

If you do not have an online account, you can call National General's customer service number (found on your policy documents or bill) and make a payment over the phone. You will need your policy number and a valid payment method ready. Some policies also allow you to set up automatic payments so your premium is charged on the same date each month or billing cycle, which removes the risk of forgetting.

You can also mail a check to the address listed on your bill, though mailed payments take longer to process and may arrive after your due date if sent close to the important date. If you choose to mail a payment, send it at least one week before the due date to avoid late fees.

Payment Schedules and Due Dates

National General policies are billed on different schedules depending on what you choose when you buy the policy. Most commonly, premiums are due monthly, but some policies allow quarterly or annual billing. Your bill will clearly state when your payment is due.

If your policy is financed through a third party — for example, if you took out a loan to pay your annual premium upfront — your payment schedule follows that loan agreement, not National General's standard billing. In that case, you make payments to the lender, not directly to National General.

Your due date does not change unless you contact National General and request a change. If you want to shift when your payment is due each month, call customer service and ask if they can adjust your billing date. Some companies allow this; others do not, depending on your policy type.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, National General will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee varies by state and policy type — some states cap late fees by law, while others do not. Check your policy documents or call customer service to learn what late fee applies to you.

After you miss a payment, National General typically gives you a grace period — usually 10 to 30 days, depending on your state and policy — during which your coverage remains active even though you have not paid. During this grace period, you can still make a claim. However, if you do not pay by the end of the grace period, National General will cancel your policy.

Once your policy is cancelled for non-payment, you lose coverage when ready. If you are in an accident or have a loss after cancellation, National General will not cover it. Reinstating a cancelled policy usually requires you to pay all back premiums plus late fees, and National General may require you to reapply and undergo underwriting again.

Payment Methods National General Accepts

National General typically accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and electronic bank transfers (ACH). Some policies also allow payment by check or money order mailed to their office. The exact methods available depend on whether you are paying online, by phone, or by mail.

If you pay by credit card or debit card online or by phone, the payment is usually processed when ready, though it may take one to two business days to post to your account. If you set up automatic payments from your bank account, the payment is withdrawn on your due date each billing cycle.

Some payment methods may carry a fee — for example, paying by credit card online sometimes incurs a processing fee, while paying by check or automatic bank transfer usually does not. When you make a payment, the system will show you any applicable fees before you confirm.

Managing Your National General Account Online

Most National General policyholders can create an online account at the National General website. Once you log in, you can view your policy details, see your payment history, check your current balance, and make a payment without calling. You can also update your contact information and read copies of your policy documents.

If you do not have an online account, you can create one using your policy number and the phone number or email address associated with your policy. If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. If you cannot access your account, call National General customer service and they can help you regain access or make changes over the phone.

Setting up account alerts — if your provider offers them — can remind you when a payment is due. Some online accounts let you opt in to email or text reminders a few days before your due date, which helps prevent accidental late payments.

What to Do If You Cannot Afford Your Payment

If you are struggling to pay your premium, contact National General before your payment is due. Explain your situation and ask whether they offer any options — some companies have hardship programs, payment plans, or the ability to temporarily lower your coverage to reduce your premium. The sooner you call, the more options may be available to you.

You can also explore whether you may have access to for a government subsidy or tax credit that lowers your insurance costs. For auto insurance, subsidies are rare, but some states offer programs for low-income drivers. For home insurance, options vary widely by state. Call your state's insurance commissioner's office or visit their website to learn what programs exist in your area.

If you cannot pay and cannot reach an agreement with National General, your policy will eventually be cancelled. Once that happens, you will need to find new insurance, and a lapse in coverage may result in higher rates when you reapply. It is better to contact National General early and work out a solution than to let your policy lapse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my payment due date?

Many National General policies allow you to request a change to your billing date. Call customer service with your policy number and ask if they can move your due date to a different day of the month. Some policies have restrictions, so they may not be able to change it, but it is worth asking.

What if I paid but my payment has not posted yet?

Payments made online or by phone usually post within one to two business days. Mailed checks take longer — typically five to seven business days from the date they are received. If your payment was due yesterday and you paid online today, you may still be charged a late fee even though the payment will eventually post. Contact National General to ask whether they can waive the late fee given the timing.

Do I have to pay my full premium at once, or can I split it into smaller payments?

National General offers monthly billing as an option when you purchase a policy, which splits your annual premium into 12 smaller payments. If you already have annual or quarterly billing, you can call and ask whether they will switch you to monthly billing. Some policies allow this change; others do not, depending on your state and policy type.

What happens to my policy if I pay late but before the grace period ends?

Your coverage stays active throughout the grace period, even if you are late. Once you pay — even on the last day of the grace period — your policy remains in force. You will owe the late fee in addition to your regular premium, but your coverage will not be interrupted.

Can I get a refund if I overpay my premium?

If you accidentally pay more than you owe, National General will typically credit the overage to your next payment or refund it to you. Contact customer service with your policy number and they can process a refund or explore the credit to your account, depending on what you prefer.