Where to send your National General Insurance payment
National General Holdings Corp. operates several insurance brands, including National General Insurance, Bristol West Holdings, and others. The way you pay depends on which brand issued your policy and what payment method you choose. Most policyholders can pay online through their account portal, by phone, by mail, or through automatic bank withdrawal.
Your bill or renewal notice will show a payment address if you're paying by check or money order. That address is usually specific to your policy type — auto, home, or other coverage — so use the one printed on your documents rather than guessing. If you've lost the notice, your policy documents or online account will have the correct mailing address and account number to include.
The fastest way to confirm your payment method options is to log into your online account or call the customer service number on your policy card or bill. National General's phone lines can tell you the exact due date, any grace period that applies, and whether your payment has been received.
Key Takeaways
- National General Insurance bills can be paid online through your account portal, by phone, by automatic bank draft, or by mailed check to the address on your bill.
- Your policy documents show the correct mailing address and account number for checks, which varies by policy type and brand.
- Online and phone payments typically post within one to two business days, while mailed checks may take longer depending on postal delivery and processing time.
- If you miss a payment, your policy may lapse after the grace period ends, usually 10 to 30 days depending on your state and policy type.
- Setting up automatic payments through your bank account or credit card can prevent missed payments and late fees.
Paying online or by phone
The National General customer portal lets you view your bill, make one-time payments, and set up automatic recurring payments. You'll need your policy number and login credentials. If you don't have an online account yet, you can create one using your policy number and the email address associated with your account.
Paying by phone connects you to a customer service representative who can process your payment immediately. Have your policy number and payment method ready. The representative will confirm the amount due, the due date, and when the payment will post to your account. Phone payments are usually processed the same business day.
Both online and phone payments accept credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers. Be aware that credit card payments may carry a processing fee — the amount varies by payment processor and is shown before you confirm. Bank account transfers typically have no fee.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments withdraw money from your bank account or charge a credit or debit card on your due date each billing cycle. This prevents accidental lapses and late fees. You can set this up through your online account or by calling customer service.
Once automatic payments are active, you can still make additional payments or adjust the amount if your premium changes. If you need to pause or cancel automatic payments, you can do that through your account or by calling. Make sure you have a new payment plan in place before canceling, so your policy doesn't lapse.
Automatic payments typically process on your due date or within one to two business days after. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment may process on the next business day.
Paying by mail
To pay by check or money order, write your policy number on the check and mail it to the address shown on your bill. Include the payment stub from your bill if possible — it helps the payment post faster. Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed, depending on postal delivery and the processing center's workload.
If you're paying close to your due date, mailing a check is risky because it may not arrive in time. Call customer service to confirm whether your payment was received before your grace period ends. Some policyholders mail payments early in the billing cycle to avoid this problem.
Never send cash by mail. If you don't have a checking account, money orders are available at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks for a small fee.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment doesn't arrive by the due date, National General will usually send a notice and allow a grace period before canceling your policy. The grace period length varies by state and policy type — it's commonly 10 to 30 days. During the grace period, your coverage remains active, but you may be charged a late fee.
If your policy lapses because you didn't pay within the grace period, you'll need to contact National General to reinstate it. Reinstatement may require a new application, underwriting review, or payment of back premiums plus any late fees. Some states allow reinstatement within a certain window; others require you to start a new policy.
If you're having trouble paying on time, contact customer service to discuss payment plans or due date changes. Some policies allow you to adjust your billing cycle or split your annual premium into smaller monthly payments.
Understanding your bill and due dates
Your National General bill shows the coverage period, the total premium due, the due date, and the payment address. It also lists any discounts applied and the breakdown of coverage by type if you have multiple policies bundled together.
Most policies renew annually, so you'll receive a new bill each year around your renewal date. Some policyholders pay in full once a year; others split the premium into monthly installments. Your bill will show which payment plan you're on.
If your premium changes — because you added coverage, had an accident, or received a new discount — your next bill will reflect that change. Review your bill carefully to make sure the amount matches what you expected. If something looks wrong, call customer service before the due date.
Payment methods and fees
National General accepts credit cards, debit cards, bank account transfers, checks, and money orders. Credit card payments may include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent, depending on the card type and payment processor. Debit card and bank account payments typically have no fee. Check and money order payments have no fee but take longer to process.
Late fees vary by state and policy type but are usually a percentage of your monthly premium or a flat dollar amount. Paying within your grace period avoids late fees. If you've already been charged a late fee and believe it was an error, contact customer service to discuss a reversal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my due date?
Yes, most National General policies allow you to request a due date change. Contact customer service with your preferred date, and they'll update your billing cycle. This can be helpful if your due date falls on a day when you typically don't have funds available.
What if I pay online but my payment doesn't show up?
Online payments usually post within one to two business days. If more than two business days have passed and you don't see the payment in your account, log in and check the payment status or call customer service. Have your confirmation number ready if you received one when you made the payment.
Do I have to pay the full year's premium at once?
No. Most National General policies offer monthly payment plans that split your annual premium into 12 installments. Monthly payments are usually higher than the annual rate because of processing costs, but they make budgeting easier. You can choose your payment plan when you first purchase the policy or during renewal.
What happens if I pay late but before my policy cancels?
If you pay during the grace period, your coverage stays active and your policy won't lapse. You may be charged a late fee depending on your state and policy type. Your next billing cycle will continue as normal unless you've made other changes to your policy.
Can I get a refund if I overpay?
If you accidentally pay more than you owe, National General will typically credit the overage to your next bill or issue a refund check. Contact customer service to request how you'd like the overage handled. Refunds usually take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.