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Should you switch to Nationwide auto insurance?
You’ve probably heard the catchy slogan “Nationwide is on your side.” With over 90 years in business, Nationwide sells a wide range of auto insurance policies and coverage options. So, is an auto insurance plan from Nationwide right for you? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the company in our comprehensive review below.
If you’re looking for a customizable policy with a well-known and financially stable insurance provider, Nationwide could be an excellent choice. The company has nearly 11,000 independent agents across 47 states, but policyholders can also utilize Nationwide’s website and mobile app to purchase coverage, manage payments, and file claims.
Usage-based savings options: Nationwide incentivizes safe driving habits and rewards low-mileage drivers with its SmartRide and SmartMiles programs.
Loyalty perks: Nationwide rewards loyal customers with extra benefits, such as minor-accident forgiveness, pet injury coverage, and car key replacement.
Customer satisfaction: Nationwide has fewer than the expected number of complaints from customers and third-party reviewers.
Teen drivers:Nationwide offers competitive rates for adding a teen driver to your insurance policy, which is typically very expensive with other providers.
Pricey plans: On average, Nationwide’s prices tend to be slightly higher than competitors such as GEICO and State Farm.
No rideshare coverage: Nationwide does not cover drivers who work for rideshare companies such as Lyft or Uber.
You may see liability insurance referred to as “15/30/10,” which means $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, and $10,000 in property damage liability per accident.
Nationwide’s average annual premium is $1,555, which is similar to the industry average of $1,553. However, the cost of an insurance policy with Nationwide will depend on a number of factors, like your location, age, car, and driving history, as well as whether you have state minimum liability or full coverage. Consider these examples:
The best way to determine your monthly and annual costs from Nationwide is to get a car insurance quote from the company.
You can schedule a time to speak with your Nationwide agent once a year to evaluate your policy and answer any questions you may have. This is a free service for Nationwide customers known as “On Your Side” reviews.
Nationwide also offers the following extras through its loyalty rewards program:
Nationwide offers a “road trip exception” to its SmartMiles program, so it tracks only the first 250 miles driven in a day.
Nationwide offers auto and motorcycle insurance in 47 states. It does not cover Alaska, Louisiana, or Hawaii.
While Nationwide has local agents across the U.S., the company’s corporate customer service team is available over the phone (1-800-882-2822), by email (https://www.nationwide.com/personal/contact/online-form), and by mail:
Nationwide’s app, Nationwide Mobile, has a rating of 4.4 out of five stars from iOS users and 4.3 stars from Android users. On Nationwide Mobile, you can do the following:
Nationwide’s SmartRide app, which tracks your driving behavior and offers discounts for safe habits, has a rating of 4.5 out of five stars from both iOS and Android users.
In addition to car insurance, Nationwide offers the following policies:
You can cancel a Nationwide policy by contacting your local agent or by calling 1-877-669-6877. You’ll receive a full refund for any unused premiums.
Nationwide insurance is a good option — for those who can afford it. Nationwide’s car insurance rates average $1,555 a year, which is on a par with the industry average of $1,553.
However, our research found that comparable car insurance companies tend to have cheaper annual rates. For example, State Farm’s average annual rate is $1,419, and GEICO’s is even lower, at $1,148. If you’re looking for car insurance on a budget, compare multiple companies.
While Nationwide is more expensive, on average, than competitors such as State Farm or GEICO, we were impressed by its good ratings for customer satisfaction from third-party companies like J.D. Power (868 out of 1,000) and the BBB (A+ rating). Compared with the industry average J.D Power ranking of 873 out of 1,000 points, Nationwide scored slightly lower, at 868. While its slightly lower-than-average rating is not terrible, Nationwide scored lower than both State Farm (874) and GEICO (882).
Nationwide’s average customer review rating on the BBB website is low (1.16 out of five possible stars), but most insurance companies have low customer ratings on that site, as people mostly go there to complain. For example, GEICO has an average rating of 1.14 out of five stars, and State Farm is only marginally higher, at 1.17 out of five stars. Most Nationwide reviewers cited high premiums, independent agents who are difficult to reach, or general unhelpfulness with the claims process.
Conversely, Nationwide had an overall NAIC Complaint Index Score of 0.65, which means it has received fewer complaints than the average car insurance provider. GEICO, by comparison, has a score of 1.33, meaning it has more complaints than the average provider.
Yes, Nationwide offers coverage for recreational vehicles, including RVs, ATVs, boats, Jet Skis, and snowmobiles.
Yes, Nationwide is good at paying claims. The company’s high AM Best financial strength score of A+ indicates its ability to pay out claims reliably.
No, Nationwide does not charge a cancellation fee if you cancel mid-policy.
No, Nationwide does not have a rideshare insurance option. Drivers who work for rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber should look elsewhere for coverage options.
SmartMiles. Nationwide. (2023).
https://www.nationwide.com/personal/insurance/auto/discounts/smartmiles/
Nationwide. Better Business Bureau. (2023).
https://www.bbb.org/us/oh/columbus/profile/insurance/nationwide-0302-2388
Insurers Struggle to Manage Expectations in Auto Claims Process as Repair Times Increase, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2022, Oct 27).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2022-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-study
Results by Complaint Index. National Association of Insurance Commissioners. (2023).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htm
Insurance Incentives and Seat Belt Use. American Journal of Public Health. (1984, Oct).
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.74.10.1157
Nationwide’s Enduring Slogan Still Distinguishes the Brand. The New York Times. (2016, May 29).
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/30/business/media/nationwides-enduring-slogan-still-distinguishes-the-brand.html