How to Cancel National General Auto Insurance Policy

Ending an auto insurance policy can feel confusing and stressful, especially if you are worried about fees, coverage gaps, or damaging your record. If you are specifically wondering how to cancel National General auto insurance policy coverage, the process is more straightforward than many drivers realize—provided you follow the right steps and timing.

This guide walks you through each stage of canceling your National General policy, explains how to avoid common pitfalls, and helps you transition smoothly to a new insurer (or decide if canceling is the right move at all). You will also learn what to expect regarding refunds, fees, and the impact on your insurance history.

Understanding When It Makes Sense to Cancel

Before you focus on how to cancel National General auto insurance policy coverage, clarify why you want to end it and whether it is the most beneficial financial decision. Not every frustration justifies a full cancellation; sometimes a policy change or discount review can solve the issue.

Common Reasons Drivers Cancel National General Policies

Switching to a lower premium elsewhere – You found a better rate with another insurer, especially after comparing quotes at renewal time.
Unsatisfactory claims experience – Slow claim handling, low settlement offers, or poor customer service.
Change in vehicle status – You sold your car, are moving to a state National General does not serve, or are temporarily not driving.
Life changes – Marriage, divorce, adding a teen driver, or moving to a new area that significantly affects your premiums.
Coverage restructuring – You are consolidating multiple vehicles under a different insurer or moving to a bundled home and auto policy elsewhere.

Industry data from major comparison platforms shows that drivers can sometimes save 10–25% per year by switching insurers when circumstances change. That said, it is essential to weigh any potential fees and timing concerns before you finalize your decision.

When You Might Reconsider Canceling

In some situations, you may not need to learn how to cancel National General auto insurance policy coverage at all—adjusting the policy could be enough:

Premiums feel too high – Ask about discounts for telematics/usage-based programs, safe-driver status, multi-car, or pay-in-full options.
Coverage no longer fits – You may be able to increase deductibles, remove optional coverages, or rewrite the policy without canceling outright.
Temporary hardship – If you are struggling financially, ask about flexible payment plans or changing due dates.

If, after reviewing your options, you are confident that canceling is the best path, it is time to move into the step-by-step process.

Step-by-Step: How to Cancel National General Auto Insurance Policy

While specific procedures can vary by state and by policy type, most National General auto customers will follow a similar set of steps. Plan ahead so you do not accidentally drive uninsured or pay for overlapping coverage longer than necessary.

Step 1: Review Your Current Policy and Renewal Date

Before you contact the company, review your policy documents and declarations page. You want to understand:

Your current policy period (start and end dates).
Whether you have an upcoming renewal within the next 30–60 days.
Any language about cancellation fees or short-rate penalties.
How much you have already paid for the current term.

It is usually easiest to avoid fees and complications by timing your cancellation to coincide with your renewal date. However, you can typically cancel mid-term as well; just verify whether any penalties apply.

Step 2: Shop for Replacement Coverage in Advance

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they focus only on how to cancel National General auto insurance policy coverage is forgetting to secure replacement coverage. A lapse—even a brief one—can cause higher rates later and may violate state laws or lender requirements.

Before you cancel:

Collect quotes from at least three to five insurers.
Match your current coverage levels as closely as possible so you are comparing like for like.
Check insurer financial strength ratings (e.g., from A.M. Best) and customer reviews.
Confirm start dates for new coverage to align perfectly with your cancellation date.

Experts often recommend overlapping your new policy by at least one day to avoid administrative delays leaving a gap. Just ensure you are not dramatically overpaying for long overlaps.

Step 3: Prepare Your Policy Information

When you are ready to start the cancellation process, have these details ready:

National General policy number.
Named insured’s full legal name and date of birth.
Vehicle identification number (VIN) for covered cars.
Your desired cancellation date.
Proof of new coverage (if applicable), such as the new policy number and insurer name.

Having this information organized makes the conversation more efficient and reduces the risk of errors or delays.

Step 4: Contact National General to Request Cancellation

To actually implement how to cancel National General auto insurance policy coverage, you will generally need to contact the insurer directly rather than relying on your new carrier to do it for you.

Typical channels to initiate cancellation include:

Phone – Call National General’s customer service or your agent. Phone cancellation is the most direct and allows you to ask clarifying questions.
Agent or broker – If you purchased through an agent, they may handle the process and paperwork for you.
Mail or email – In some cases, National General may require or accept a written cancellation letter or form. Ask the representative what is needed in your state.

During the call or communication, be clear and specific:

State that you wish to cancel your auto policy.
Provide the date you want the cancellation to take effect.
Confirm whether they require proof of new coverage.
Ask about any cancellation fees or refund amounts.

Take notes on the conversation, including the representative’s name, date, and any confirmation or reference number.

Step 5: Submit Any Required Cancellation Documentation

In certain states or situations, you may need to submit written documentation to finalize your cancellation. Requirements might include:

A signed cancellation request form from National General.
A brief letter stating your intent to cancel, including:
- Name and address
- Policy number
- Vehicle details
- Requested cancellation date
Proof of new insurance coverage (such as a declarations page) if required by law or by your lender.

Send documents via a method that provides written confirmation when possible, such as email with read receipt or certified mail, especially if you are canceling close to an important date like vehicle sale or renewal.

Step 6: Confirm Effective Date and Refund Details

Once your request is processed, National General should provide the effective cancellation date. This date is critical—it must align with your new policy’s start date to prevent any uninsured period.

Ask the representative to:

Confirm the exact cancellation date on record.
Explain how any refund will be calculated (pro-rated vs. short-rate).
Provide an estimated refund amount and timeline for payment.
Clarify how you will receive the refund (check, direct deposit, or card credit).

It is a good idea to keep your old payment method open until you receive the refund, in case the company processes it back to the original card or bank account.

Step 7: Verify Cancellation in Writing

To complete how to cancel National General auto insurance policy coverage responsibly, always obtain written confirmation that the policy has been canceled and note the effective date. This may come in the form of:

An email confirmation.
A mailed cancellation notice.
A copy of your final billing statement reflecting a zero balance or refund.

Store this documentation in your records, particularly if you ever need to prove continuous insurance coverage to a future insurer, lender, or state motor vehicle agency.

Will You Pay a Fee to Cancel National General Auto Insurance?

Many drivers worry that canceling early will lead to steep penalties. Whether you will be charged a fee depends on your policy wording and state regulations.

Pro-Rata vs. Short-Rate Cancellation

Pro-rata cancellation – You pay only for the days you were covered. The insurer refunds any unused premium without an extra penalty.
Short-rate cancellation – The insurer deducts a small penalty when you cancel mid-term, withholding a portion of the refund.

Ask directly which method applies. If a fee exists and your renewal date is approaching, it may be cheaper to time cancellation for the end of the term.

State and Lender Considerations

Some states have specific rules about mid-term cancellations and refunds. In addition, if your vehicle is financed or leased, your lender may require continuous comprehensive and collision coverage. Canceling without a replacement policy could:

Trigger force-placed insurance from the lender (often at a much higher cost).
Put you in violation of your loan or lease agreement.

Always coordinate with your lender and new insurer if you have an outstanding auto loan or lease.

How Canceling Affects Your Insurance Record

Learning how to cancel National General auto insurance policy coverage responsibly is also about protecting your long-term insurability. Insurers pay close attention to continuity of coverage and reasons for cancellation.

Impact on Future Premiums

Future insurers may ask whether you have had any lapses in coverage. A lapse can lead to higher rates because it can signal riskier behavior. To keep your record strong:

Ensure your new policy starts before or on the same day your National General policy ends.
Avoid periods where you own a registered, drivable vehicle without insurance, even if you do not drive often.
Keep copies of your cancellation and new policy documents to demonstrate continuous coverage if questions arise.

As long as you maintain continuous insurance, simply choosing to cancel one insurer and move to another is not considered negative.

Does Canceling Hurt Your Credit or Driving Record?

Canceling your auto insurance policy does not show up on your driving record. It also does not directly affect your credit score. However, unpaid balances or collections resulting from a dispute could impact your credit over time.

To avoid issues:

Pay any remaining premiums or fees promptly.
Confirm your account balance is zero after cancellation and refund processing.
Dispute any errors in writing if you believe you have been billed incorrectly.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When You Cancel

Plenty of drivers focus on how to cancel National General auto insurance policy coverage quickly and end up overlooking critical details. Here are frequent missteps to avoid:

Mistake 1: Canceling Before Your New Policy Is Active

Even a one-day lapse can be problematic if you are involved in an accident, get pulled over, or need to file a claim. Always:

Wait until you have proof of coverage from your new insurer.
Check the exact effective time (often 12:01 a.m. local time) of the policy start date.
Schedule National General’s cancellation for the same date or one day after the new policy starts.

Mistake 2: Forgetting About Automatic Payments

If you have automatic payments set up, canceling the policy should stop future charges, but it is wise to:

Confirm with the representative that automatic drafts will end.
Monitor your bank or card statements for at least one to two billing cycles.
Contact National General immediately if you see an unexpected charge post-cancellation.

Mistake 3: Not Considering Policy Adjustments First

In some situations, minor changes may resolve your concerns without the need to cancel. Before committing to how to cancel National General auto insurance policy coverage, ask whether:

You qualify for additional discounts you are not currently receiving.
You can reduce costs by raising deductibles or changing optional coverages.
A usage-based or low-mileage program could better match your current driving habits.

Even if you ultimately decide to leave, this knowledge helps you evaluate competing offers more accurately.

Special Situations: Selling Your Car, Moving, or Storing a Vehicle

Not every cancellation scenario looks the same. Certain life events may prompt or require tailored steps beyond the standard approach.

If You Sold or Totaled Your Vehicle

If you no longer own the insured vehicle, you may be tempted to cancel immediately. Before you do:

Confirm the sale is complete and signed over.
Verify with your state motor vehicle agency whether your registration is still active.
Consider maintaining liability coverage if you are replacing the vehicle soon, to avoid a lapse.

Provide National General with documentation if requested (such as a bill of sale or total loss settlement letter) when you initiate cancellation.

If You Are Moving to a New State

Insurance rules vary widely by state. When moving:

Check whether National General operates in your new state and what coverage changes are required.
If they do not serve the new state, plan how to cancel National General auto insurance policy coverage as your new out-of-state policy begins.
Update your policy address promptly to avoid claims issues if you remain with the same insurer during the transition.

Most states require you to obtain insurance in your new state of residence shortly after establishing residency or registering your vehicle.

If You Are Storing Your Vehicle Long-Term

If you are temporarily not driving—such as during military deployment, extended travel, or long-term repairs—consider options other than full cancellation:

Reduce coverage to comprehensive-only if allowed, protecting against theft, fire, or vandalism while the car is off the road.
Pause certain optional coverages while keeping the policy active.
Only fully cancel if the vehicle is not registered for road use and you understand state requirements.

These strategies maintain your insurance history while aligning premiums more closely with actual risk.