My Experience with National General Insurance

 For those of you who don't know, I was in a gnarly car accident back in November.  The accident was 100% the other driver's fault.  After receiving the other driver's insurance information, I contacted their carrier and started the claim process.  I received a prompt response that they were taking full responsibility for the incident, and I went in hoping for a smooth experience.  Spoiler alert: The experience has not been pleasant.

Since I was injured in the collision, the other agent offered me some money for pain and suffering.  It wasn't a lot of money, but it was unexpected considering that my injuries did not require an immediate trip to the hospital, it was a pleasant surprise.

Once it was time to settle though, things took a turn for the worse.  A full week passed without hearing from National General Insurance regarding my vehicle.  I ended up filing with my carrier because of the radio silence.

I ended up seeking medical treatment a few days later, where I was diagnosed with a concussion and bruised ribs.  They told me they wouldn't pay until I signed a release.  The cost of the ER visit was about $1900, and the release said they'd pay up to $2000 for legitimate expenses.  If I'd signed the release, I'd have effectively capped out.

I went back and asked them to amend the release to $10k max, and give me a longer time frame to submit the expenses, in case additional medical issues popped up.  They agreed, but the release was worded in such a way that I'd have waived my claim to subrogation.  In case you're not aware, subrogation is the process that my insurance carrier will use to recover the cost of paying for my car.  In other words, the release said they'd pay my medical expenses, up to $10k, but I waived the right for my insurance company to recover their loss.  Nope.

So, I've had to go back to my carrier and submit my medical expenses to them, and I've had to contact the medical providers and ask them to submit the bills to my insurance company.  So much for a smooth experience.  On the good side, I've now experienced the benefit of carrying collision on a vehicle that's paid off.  My carrier is taking care of the problem, and they're not raising my rates because the accident was not my fault.