Top 15 National General Insurance Interview Questions and Answers

Landing a job at National General Insurance can be highly competitive, but going in prepared with knowledge of their most commonly asked interview questions can give you a leg up. With over 80 years of experience in the insurance industry National General looks for candidates that demonstrate expertise, professionalism and excellent customer service skills.

In this article, I’ll provide an overview of National General Insurance, their hiring process, and then dive into the top 15 most frequently asked interview questions with sample answers to help you ace your interview.

Overview of National General Insurance

National General Insurance, formerly known as GMAC Insurance, is a leading insurance provider specializing in personal and commercial lines. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in New York, they provide insurance products including auto, homeowners, umbrella, recreational vehicle, motorcycle, lenders-placed, and more.

With excellent financial strength ratings and a reputation for quality coverage and competitive pricing, National General serves over 1.5 million customers across 50 states. They hire for positions ranging from insurance agents and claims adjusters to underwriters and IT professionals.

National General Insurance Hiring Process

The National General interview process typically consists of:

• Initial phone screening with a recruiter
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager
• Assessment tests or exercises
• Final interview with senior leadership

The interviews aim to evaluate technical skills, insurance knowledge, communication abilities, customer orientation, and company culture fit. Candidates should demonstrate motivation, confidence, and professionalism throughout the process. Preparation and researching the company are key for success

Top 15 National General Insurance Interview Questions and Answers

Here are the most common National General Insurance interview questions with tips for responding effectively:

1. Why do you want to work for National General Insurance?

This is a common opening question to assess your interest in the company and industry. Show enthusiasm for their reputation, values, leadership, and products/services. Highlight aspects that align with your skills and interests. Research the company beforehand and customize your answer.

Example “I’m excited to work for National General because of your 80-year reputation as an insurance industry leader. Your values of integrity accountability, and excellence strongly resonate with me. I also appreciate your dedication to innovation, as seen through advanced offerings like identity theft protection. My personal interest in delivering quality customer experiences makes me confident I would thrive here.”

2. What insurance experience do you have?

Demonstrate your relevant insurance knowledge and skills. Provide specific examples of responsibilities, achievements, products/services, systems, and regulations you have worked with. Emphasize transferable skills if lacking direct insurance experience. Convey your ability to quickly learn.

Example: “Though new to insurance, I have 4 years of experience in financial services administration and client relations roles. I managed portfolios, tracked investments, and achieved the highest customer satisfaction rating on my team. I quickly learned regulatory policies and complex software programs on the job. I’m confident I can leverage this background to excel in an insurance environment after rapidly coming up to speed on industry-specific knowledge.”

3. How do you stay up-to-date on insurance regulations and trends?

Show you are proactive in continuously enhancing your insurance expertise. Mention reading industry publications, taking online courses, attending conferences, networking with peers, and signing up for newsletters from trusted organizations. Emphasize being adaptable and compliant.

Example: “I make it a priority to stay current on insurance regulations and trends through sites like the NAIC and IAIS. I also network with fellow insurance professionals via LinkedIn groups and seminars. Recently, I completed a webcast on changes to flood insurance requirements. I’m committed to actively learning so I can provide compliant, ethical advice tailored to shifting landscapes.”

4. How would you handle an angry customer complaint about a claims denial?

Show patience, empathy and conflict resolution skills. Outline your steps for listening, investigating details, explaining policies clearly, and resolving the complaint respectfully. Position yourself as an advocate who balances customer satisfaction and company interests.

Example: “First, I would listen closely to understand their full perspective and express empathy for their frustration. I would review their policy and claims documents to verify details. If the denial was justified, I would walk the customer through the specific policy language that supported the decision. If any errors occurred, I would take ownership and ensure their claim was reevaluated fairly. My aim is resolving complaints respectfully while upholding company policy.”

5. What makes you successful at meeting sales and production goals?

Share your best sales strategies and successes. For example, discuss prospecting tactics, consultative questioning skills, customer service orientation, enhancing product knowledge, pipeline management, and persistence in the face of rejection. Back up claims with real examples and metrics.

Example: “I excel at sales goals by implementing structured lead generation strategies including networking events and prospecting calls. I prepare extensively so I can ask thoughtful questions and position our offerings as solutions. For example, last year I exceeded my quarterly target by 15% through consultative presentations customized for each prospect. Providing quality service and education builds trust to drive conversions.”

6. How do you balance speed and accuracy when managing high claim volumes?

Acknowledge the need for efficiency without sacrificing quality service and thoroughness. Share specific techniques for staying organized, prioritizing, collaborating, automating, tracking due dates, and quality control audits. Give examples of positive outcomes achieved.

Example: “Accuracy with claims is critical, so I use tools like intake checklists and processing workflows to ensure consistency despite volume. For efficiency, I prioritize claims based on severity and due dates. Delegating claim development when possible also optimizes speed. We implemented real-time claim tracking software resulting in a 15% faster turnaround. With these techniques, I can deliver excellent, timely service regardless of workload fluctuations.”

7. Tell me about a time you had to make a difficult claim coverage decision.

Choose an example that demonstrates your ethics, critical thinking skills, and ability to align with company policy despite adversity. Explain the nuances of the situation, how you weighed considerations, consulted resources, and ultimately determined appropriate actions. Share the positive outcome.

Example: “One claimant fell behind on premiums but suffered theft prior to cancellation. Though sympathetic, I had to uphold the policy terms. I reviewed state regulations, consulted management, and had transparent conversations reiterating payment requirements while expressing empathy. We agreed on a reasonable repayment plan to reinstate their active policy. It maintained integrity while helping the client during hardship.”

8. How do you determine what insurance coverage levels a client needs?

Show your consultative skills in assessing client needs, uncovering risks, aligning solutions, and communicating recommendations clearly. Share tools and resources you leverage to guide appropriate coverage decisions. Demonstrate a customer-first focus.

Example: “I use in-depth risk assessment questionnaires and financial evaluations to understand lifestyle, goals and potential gaps. I verify assets and liabilities, analyze potential hazards based on geography like flood zones, and identify risks associated with profession and age. With this 360-degree view, I can make informed recommendations on optimal coverage limits, deductibles and add-ons to protect their finances and peace of mind.”

9. Why is building rapport with clients important?

Rapport leads to trust, loyalty, referrals, and retention. Emphasize going above and beyond to understand customer needs, be accessible, resolve issues promptly, and provide proactive education. Share examples of building meaningful client relationships.

Example: “Developing rapport is so vital for establishing credibility and trust with clients. I build relationships by taking a genuine interest in my customers as individuals beyond just policies. Whether it’s personalized communications, responding quickly when issues arise, or providing guidance to reduce risks, I aim to demonstrate my commitment to their best interests. Clients remember how you made them feel – that’s how great reputations spread.”

10. How do you motivate team members to improve performance?

Show your coaching, influencing and conflict resolution skills. Share techniques like setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, asking for input, incentivizing, leading by example, and instilling passion for company goals. Give examples of improving team performance.

Example: “I motivate teams by first understanding their individual capabilities and areas for growth. I set clear metrics but have open dialogue if roadblocks arise. When performance lags, I revisit expectations, offer training resources, and incentivize achievements. Implementing peer mentoring and recognition programs also improves engagement. My team’s average customer satisfaction rating rose by 8% last quarter with this collaborative approach.”

11. What insurance systems or software are you familiar with?

Demonstrate your ability to quickly learn industry-specific programs. Mention systems relevant to the role like CRM, underwriting, claims management, billing, data/analytics, and customer platforms. Share examples of mastering new tools to drive efficiency on the job.

Example: “I have hands-on experience with policy administration systems, billing platforms and client portals like Tricast and Bolt. Though new to the industry, I have easily adapted to proprietary technology at past jobs, like mortgage loan origination software. I pick up on programs quickly by taking online tutorials, participating in trainings, and embracing a willingness to try new systems.”

12. How do you stay organized while handling multiple client accounts?

Share specific tools and tactics for