Why National General Matters for Independent Agents
National General Insurance traces its roots to 1920 when it operated as GMAC Insurance, serving automobile-related risks. Through decades of evolution and growth, the company became National General in 2013 and built a reputation as one of the most agent-friendly carriers in the personal lines market. Acquired by Allstate Corporation in 2021, National General now operates with the backing of one of the largest insurance groups in America while maintaining its own brand and distribution model.
For independent agents, National General's appeal lies in its breadth. Unlike carriers that restrict their appetite to preferred or standard risks, National General writes across a wide spectrum — from clean-record preferred clients to drivers with challenging histories who need coverage options. This makes National General a genuinely useful market for nearly any personal lines client who walks through an agent's door.
Lines of Business Available
National General Auto Insurance
Auto is National General's strongest and most recognized product. Their appetite spans the full spectrum from preferred to non-standard, which is rare among major carriers.
- Preferred auto — competitive rates for clean-record drivers
- Standard auto — drivers with minor violations or gaps in coverage
- Non-standard auto — prior accidents, DUI, SR-22, coverage lapses
- Broad state availability — National General operates in most states
- Multi-policy discount when paired with homeowners
National General Homeowners Insurance
National General's homeowners product has broader appetite than many preferred carriers. They will consider risks that standard markets decline — older homes, homes with deferred updates, and properties in markets where other carriers have pulled back.
- HO-3 homeowners — standard and non-standard residential risks
- Renters insurance — affordable coverage for tenants
- Condo insurance — interior unit coverage
- Mobile home insurance — a specialty product not all carriers offer
National General Specialty Products
Beyond auto and home, National General offers specialty products that round out an agent's personal lines capability.
- Motorcycle insurance
- RV and recreational vehicle insurance
- Commercial auto for small businesses and fleets
- Health insurance products in select markets
Why Agents Choose National General
National General consistently ranks as a high-value carrier for independent agents because of one core attribute: they say yes more often than most carriers.
- Broad appetite: National General writes risks that preferred carriers decline. For agents, this means fewer clients you have to turn away and more opportunities to close business.
- Non-standard auto strength: Every personal lines agency needs a reliable non-standard auto market. National General is one of the best — broad appetite, competitive pricing, and a carrier that has been writing these risks for decades.
- Allstate financial backing: Post-acquisition, National General benefits from Allstate's balance sheet and regulatory standing while maintaining its own products and agent relationships.
- Independent agent focus: National General distributes through independent agents and has built its systems and support around making agents successful. Their agent portal, quoting tools, and underwriting team are designed for the independent channel.
Getting Appointed Through IPA
National General has its own appointment process for independent agents, with production requirements that can be challenging for new or growing agencies to meet upfront. Through IPA, agents access National General immediately — quoting and binding auto, homeowners, and specialty products from day one under IPA's established carrier relationship.
This includes access to both the preferred and non-standard markets, giving agents the full breadth of National General's appetite from a single IPA relationship.
- Immediate access — preferred, standard, and non-standard auto
- Homeowners, renters, condo, and mobile home available
- Competitive commission structure
- IPA underwriting support for complex or non-standard risks
Ready to Access National General Through IPA?
If you want a carrier with broad appetite that can handle nearly any personal lines risk — preferred or non-standard — National General through IPA is a critical appointment for your agency.
Book a discovery call to learn how IPA carrier access works and what your commission structure would look like.