If you have shopped for renters insurance and run into both The General and National General, you are not alone. The two names look nearly identical, but they belong to two separate insurance companies with different owners, different products, and very different ways of selling renters coverage in Arizona.

This guide sorts out who each company actually is, what their renters insurance looks like for Arizona renters, what coverage really costs across the state, and how working with an independent Arizona broker helps you compare your options side by side instead of settling for the first quote you see.

The General and National General are two different companies

The General is best known for nonstandard auto insurance and the television ads that come with it. Since January 2025 it has been owned by Sentry Insurance, which purchased the brand from American Family. The General sells mainly direct to consumers through its website, app, and call centers.

National General is a separate carrier that has been part of Allstate since 2021. Unlike The General, National General distributes most of its policies through independent insurance agents, which means a local Arizona broker can quote it for you alongside other companies.

The name overlap causes real confusion for shoppers. If a friend recommends "The General" for renters coverage, make sure you know which company they actually mean before you start comparing quotes, because the buying experience is completely different.

What The General offers Arizona renters

The General built its reputation on car insurance for drivers who need an SR-22 filing or have a less-than-perfect driving record. It also markets renters insurance in many states, sold through its website alongside its auto policies.

Renters coverage bought through The General includes the same core protections you would expect from any HO-4 renters policy: personal property coverage for your belongings, personal liability protection, and additional living expenses if a covered loss forces you out of your rental.

The tradeoff is the service model. The General is a direct writer, so you see one company's pricing and one company's product. If its rate runs high for your situation, there is no agent on your side shopping alternatives for you.

National General renters insurance through independent agents

National General writes renters policies through independent agencies, and Riseson Insurance works with National General directly. That means we can pull a National General renters quote for you, then set it next to quotes from other top-rated carriers so you can see exactly how it stacks up.

National General lets you customize personal property limits, liability protection, and optional endorsements to fit your rental. It is also a practical fit for Arizona renters who need nonstandard auto coverage, since the company has deep roots in that market and bundling both policies with one carrier can unlock discounts.

We have written more about how renters coverage works city by city, including renters insurance in Phoenix and renters insurance in Tucson, if you want a deeper look at your city.

What renters insurance costs in Arizona

Renters insurance in Arizona averages $275 per year, about $23 per month, for a standard policy with $40,000 in personal property coverage, $300,000 in liability, and a $1,000 deductible, according to Insure.com. Phoenix renters average $256 per year, and Tucson renters average $231 per year.

Your own rate depends on your ZIP code, the coverage limits you choose, your deductible, your claims history, and your insurance score. Carrier matters too. The same renter can see meaningful price gaps between The General, National General, and other companies for nearly identical coverage.

Arizona law does not require renters insurance, but many Arizona landlords require it as a condition of the lease. Our guide on whether renters insurance is required in Arizona covers the details.

Bundling renters and auto for complete protection

Both companies lean on bundling. The General pitches renters coverage as an easy add-on for its auto customers, and National General offers multi-policy discounts through its agents.

As an independent Arizona broker, Riseson can quote both sides of the bundle across multiple carriers at once. Sometimes the biggest savings come from pairing your renters policy and your auto policy with the same carrier. Other times splitting them wins. The only way to know is to compare real quotes, and that comparison is exactly what we do every day for renters across the Valley.

Frequently asked questions

Does The General offer renters insurance?
Yes. The General sells renters insurance in many states through its website, alongside its nonstandard auto policies. It is a separate product from National General's renters coverage, which is sold through independent agents.

Are The General and National General the same company?
No. The General is owned by Sentry Insurance and sells mainly direct to consumers. National General is owned by Allstate and sells mostly through independent agents. The similar names are a coincidence of branding, not shared ownership.

How much does renters insurance cost in Arizona?
Arizona renters pay an average of $275 per year, about $23 per month, for a standard policy, according to Insure.com. Phoenix averages $256 per year and Tucson averages $231 per year, and your rate varies with coverage limits and carrier.

Is renters insurance required in Arizona?
No Arizona statute requires renters insurance, but landlords can require it in the lease, and many Valley property managers do. Even when it is optional, it is one of the least expensive policies you can buy for the protection it provides.

Can Riseson quote National General renters insurance?
Yes. Riseson Insurance is an independent Arizona broker and works with National General directly, along with many other carriers. We can quote National General renters coverage and show you how it compares in one conversation.

Get your Arizona renters insurance quote today

If you are weighing The General against National General, the smartest move is to see real numbers instead of guessing from similar-sounding names. Riseson Insurance is an independent Arizona broker, which means we work for you, not for one carrier. We will pull renters quotes from National General and multiple other top-rated companies, walk you through what is actually covered, and find the bundling angle that saves the most. Reach out for a free Arizona renters insurance quote and see your options in one place.