National General lets you pay your insurance bill through their website, by phone, or through automatic payments from your bank account.
National General Insurance is a property and casualty insurer that offers homeowners, auto, and umbrella policies. When your bill is due, you have several ways to send the payment without going to an office or mailing a check. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need to pay and whether you want to set up recurring payments.
The online payment portal is the most direct route. You log in with your policy number and create or use an existing account, then enter your payment method and amount. Phone payments go through National General's customer service line. Automatic payments, sometimes called autopay or recurring payments, pull money from your bank account on a date you choose each month or billing cycle.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay National General bills online through their website using a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer.
- Phone payments are processed the same day if you call before the payment important date, which varies by policy type.
- Automatic payments from your bank account typically have no fee and may support you never miss a due date.
- Payment important date and accepted methods may differ depending on whether you have a homeowners, auto, or umbrella policy.
Paying online through the National General website
To pay online, go to the National General Insurance website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" link, usually found in the top navigation or under your account section. You will need your policy number, which appears on your bill or policy documents. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your policy number and personal information.
Once logged in, select the policy you want to pay and enter the amount. National General accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers (ACH). The website will show you any fees associated with your payment method before you confirm. Credit card payments often carry a processing fee, while bank transfers typically do not. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number and a receipt showing the payment date.
Payment processing time depends on your method. Debit and credit card payments usually post within one business day. Bank transfers may take two to three business days. If your bill is due soon, a card payment is faster than a bank transfer.
Paying by phone
You can call National General's customer service line to pay over the phone. The phone number is on your bill, in your policy documents, or on their website. Have your policy number and payment method ready before you call. A representative will walk you through the payment process and confirm the amount and date.
Phone payments are typically processed the same business day if you call before a certain time, often 5 p.m. Eastern Time, though this varies. Ask the representative when the cutoff is for same-day processing. Like online payments, phone payments by card may include a fee, while bank account payments usually do not.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date. You authorize National General to withdraw money from your bank account on a schedule you choose—usually monthly or on your policy's billing cycle. To set this up, log into your online account or call customer service. You will provide your bank account number and routing number, and select the payment date and amount.
Most insurers, including National General, do not charge a fee for automatic bank account payments. You can change or cancel autopay at any time through your online account or by calling. If you want to pause a payment for one month, you can usually do that without canceling the entire arrangement.
What to do if you cannot pay by the due date
If your payment will be late, contact National General as soon as possible. Many insurers offer a grace period—typically 10 days after the due date—during which your policy remains active even if payment has not arrived. However, if your policy lapses because payment was not received, you may lose coverage and have to reapply.
Some policies allow you to set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once. Call customer service to ask whether this option is available for your policy type. The sooner you contact them, the more options you may have.
Payment methods and fees
Fees vary depending on how you pay. Credit card payments typically carry the highest fee, usually between $5 and $15, because the card company charges National General a processing cost. Debit card payments are often cheaper, ranging from $0 to $5. Bank transfers (ACH) and automatic bank payments usually have no fee at all.
The exact fee for your transaction will appear on the payment screen before you confirm online, or the phone representative will tell you before you authorize the payment. Check this amount carefully, especially if you are paying by credit card, since the fee may make that method more expensive than others for your situation.
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Typical Fee | Where to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debit card | 1 business day | Usually $0–$5 | Online or phone |
| Credit card | 1 business day | Usually $5–$15 | Online or phone |
| Bank transfer (ACH) | 2–3 business days | Usually $0 | Online or phone |
| Automatic bank payment | On scheduled date | Usually $0 | Online account or phone |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my National General bill with a check?
Yes. Your bill includes a payment stub and mailing address. Mail your check to that address, and allow 7 to 10 business days for it to arrive and post to your account. Mailing a check is slower than online or phone payment, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.
What happens if my online payment fails?
If a payment is declined, National General will usually notify you by email or phone. Check your account to see the reason—often an expired card or insufficient funds. You can try again with a different payment method or call customer service for help.
Can I change my automatic payment date?
Yes. Log into your online account and edit your autopay settings, or call customer service. You can change the date, amount, or payment method at any time. Changes usually take effect on your next scheduled payment.
Is it safe to pay online with my bank account number?
National General's website uses encryption to protect your information. Bank transfers (ACH) are a standard payment method used by most insurers and utilities. If you are uncomfortable entering your account number online, you can pay by card or call to make a phone payment instead.
What if I overpay my bill?
If you send more than you owe, National General will hold the extra amount as a credit toward your next bill or refund it to you. Contact customer service to ask how they will handle the overpayment.