Auto Insurance Comparison
Auto-Owners vs National General
Side-by-side comparison of Auto-Owners vs National General auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
Auto-Owners comes out clearly ahead National General in our overall scoring — but each carrier wins on different dimensions. See the breakdown below before deciding.
Head-to-head
Overall scores, key facts, and what each is known for.
| Auto-Owners | National General | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.05 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.55 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | Auto-Owners is one of those carriers you might not have heard of unless your independent agent recommended it | National General is Allstate's non-standard and specialty subsidiary, acquired in 2021 |
| Read full review | Auto-Owners review → | National General review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | Auto-Owners | National General |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 4.40 | 3.40 |
| Coverage breadth | 4.30 | 3.70 |
| Affordability | 3.50 | 3.60 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
Auto-Owners
Full review →Pros
- Consistently among the top-rated carriers for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power studies
- Strong claims-handling reputation with low complaint volumes
- Competitive pricing in the 26 states where it operates
- Deep agent relationships — every quote runs through a local independent agency
Cons
- Agent-only distribution — no online quoting, no direct-to-consumer purchase
- Limited geographic footprint — only available in 26 states, primarily Midwest and Southeast
- Less brand recognition than national carriers, which can matter for some shoppers
National General
Full review →Pros
- Available in all 50 states for non-standard auto
- Strong specialty lines including RV and motorcycle insurance
- Backed by Allstate financial strength
- Accepts SR-22 and high-risk profiles
Cons
- Customer satisfaction trends below industry averages
- Not competitive for standard-risk drivers
- Coverage menu varies meaningfully by state and risk profile
Coverage at a glance
What each carrier offers in standard policies.
Auto-Owners
National General
The bottom line
Auto-Owners
If you live in Auto-Owners' footprint and prefer agent-based service, it's one of the most underrated carriers in the market. If you need 50-state availability or prefer online self-service, look elsewhere.
Read the full Auto-Owners reviewNational General
National General fits the non-standard niche or specialty needs (RV, motorcycle). Standard-risk auto shoppers will find better rates and service at mainstream carriers.
Read the full National General reviewBefore you decide
Rankings are a starting point — your profile decides the rest.
These scores reflect our editorial research across cost, coverage, and customer experience. The right carrier for you still depends on your record, location, and vehicle, so read the full reviews before you commit.