Auto Insurance Comparison
The Hartford vs National General
Side-by-side comparison of The Hartford vs National General auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
The Hartford 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.
| The Hartford | National General | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.85 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.55 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | The Hartford has spent decades positioning itself as the auto carrier for AARP members — its exclusive partnership with AARP shapes both its discount stack and its underwriting | National General is Allstate's non-standard and specialty subsidiary, acquired in 2021 |
| Read full review | The Hartford review → | National General review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | The Hartford | National General |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 4.20 | 3.40 |
| Coverage breadth | 4.00 | 3.70 |
| Affordability | 3.40 | 3.60 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
The Hartford
Full review →Pros
- Exclusive AARP member discounts and benefits — competitive for the 50+ demographic
- Strong customer satisfaction and claims handling reputation
- RecoverCare and lifetime renewability features add real value for long-tenured customers
- Solid bundling discounts when combined with The Hartford home insurance
Cons
- Pricing is meaningfully less competitive for drivers under 50 or without AARP membership
- Younger drivers often find better rates at GEICO, Progressive, or USAA (if eligible)
- Coverage menu is solid but not as deep as Travelers or Auto-Owners for premium options
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.
The Hartford
National General
The bottom line
The Hartford
If you're 50+ and eligible for AARP, the Hartford should be in your quote set — its AARP partnership shapes the math in your favor. For younger drivers or those outside the AARP profile, broader carriers will usually price more competitively.
Read the full The Hartford 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.