Is National Continental Legit?

Last Updated on January 13, 2026

National Continental Insurance Company is a real, regulated insurer that’s part of the Progressive group of companies (learn more in our Progressive auto insurance review). If you’ve seen “National Continental” on paperwork, you’re not automatically dealing with a scam—but it’s smart to verify exactly what program and policy form you have.

Here’s the key context: National Continental has historically been associated with New Jersey’s Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP), often called “Dollar-a-Day” insurance. However, program administrators and state resources have changed over time, and today many drivers will see National Specialty Insurance Company listed as the SAIP servicing insurer instead of National Continental.

What Is National Continental?

National Continental Insurance Company is a licensed property and casualty insurer. It’s commonly referenced in connection with New Jersey’s income-restricted auto insurance program (SAIP), and it has also appeared in regulator directories and insurance-group filings under the Progressive umbrella.

If you’re trying to confirm you’re dealing with the legitimate company (not an impostor), start by comparing the exact insurer name and NAIC number on your policy documents to a state insurance department directory or the NAIC Consumer Insurance Search.

Why National Continental Is Tied to New Jersey’s SAIP

New Jersey’s Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP) is designed for certain low-income residents who qualify for Medicaid with hospitalization benefits. It’s sometimes called “Dollar-a-Day” insurance because the cost is roughly $1/day.

SAIP is not a “normal” auto policy. It’s a medical-only policy with very limited benefits. If you’re deciding whether SAIP is right for you, start with our explainer on Dollar-a-Day car insurance in New Jersey.

National Continental Coverage Options

SAIP coverage is standardized by the state. You don’t “build” a custom package like you would in the open market—there are no add-ons for liability, collision, or comprehensive in the typical SAIP design.

SAIP Coverage at a Glance

This limited design is exactly why SAIP can be affordable—but it also means you could still be personally on the hook if you cause an accident that injures someone or damages property.

How SAIP Pricing and Eligibility Work

SAIP is offered at a fixed program price in New Jersey: $360 per year if paid in full or $365 per year if paid in two installments. You generally won’t see traditional “discounts,” because the program is standardized.

Eligibility is tied to Medicaid with hospitalization. If you’re wondering how public assistance interacts with auto insurance, see: does welfare pay for car insurance? And if you’re unsure what Medicaid does (and doesn’t) pay for in auto-related situations, review: does Medicaid cover auto insurance?

SAIP generally requires that you maintain a valid driver’s license and registration. If you’re dealing with reinstatement issues, this guide may help: car insurance with a suspended driver’s license.

How to Apply for SAIP and Get the Right Carrier

You can usually apply for SAIP through New Jersey insurance producers (agents). For official program guidance, start with the New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance’s SAIP overview and consumer tools, including the Auto Insurance Purchasing Planner page for SAIP: Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP) information.

To confirm who is currently listed as the SAIP servicing insurer and how to reach the program, use official administrator and regulator resources:

• AIPSO New Jersey Plan Site (program contact information and servicing updates)
• NJ DOBI Auto Insurer Contacts (includes the SAIP listing and phone number for the servicing insurer)

Is National Continental Legit? What to Check Before You Pay

Yes—National Continental is a legitimate insurer name you may see in official directories and legacy SAIP references. But legitimacy is about the exact entity on the policy paperwork, not the brand someone mentions over the phone.

A Simple Legitimacy Checklist

• Match the legal name: The insurer name on your declarations page should match a state insurance department directory listing.
• Verify the NAIC number: National Continental is commonly associated with NAIC 10243. If the NAIC number doesn’t match, treat it as a red flag.
• Confirm the program: If this is SAIP, verify current servicing details through NJ DOBI or AIPSO (linked above).
• Use official payment methods: Be cautious of payment requests via gift cards, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer apps.

If you want a more comprehensive policy than SAIP can provide, you’ll likely need the standard market. Start with our guide to the best car insurance in New Jersey and compare low-cost options in our budget auto insurance guide.

Final Word on National Continental

National Continental is a legitimate insurance company name associated with the Progressive group and with New Jersey’s SAIP program history. The bigger question for most shoppers is whether SAIP is the right fit for your risk—because it’s limited, medical-only coverage and doesn’t replace the protection most drivers expect from liability coverage.

Disclosure: Eligibility rules, servicing insurers, and program administration can change. Always confirm details with the New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance or the program administrator before buying or renewing coverage.

National Continental and New Jersey SAIP Contact Snapshot

FAQs on National Continental Legitimacy