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Nationwide Insurance Reviews

We rate Nationwide car insurance a 4.3 out of 5.0 rating for its wide variety of coverage options and affordable insurance rates for most drivers.

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Nationwide insurance reviews praise the company for its impressive car insurance coverage, but is the provider the right choice for you? Our team dives into Nationwide insurance reviews, service standards, and coverage plans to help you determine whether the insurer fits your needs.

We’ll take a closer look at Nationwide insurance to see how the company compares to some of the best car insurance and cheapest car insurance companies in the industry when it comes to cost, coverage, reliability, and service. The best way to see whether Nationwide is really on your side is by comparing free, personalized quotes from multiple providers.

Nationwide Insurance Reviews: BBB

Nationwide holds an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB. However, it has an average customer rating of 1.2 out of 5.0 stars from customers. While this number is low, it falls on par with how customers rate other large insurance companies on the BBB, and it’s only a small percentage of reviews overall.

Nationwide Insurance Reviews: J.D. Power

In the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Insurance Shopping StudySM, Nationwide ranked slightly below the segment average with 858 out of a possible 1,000 points. This study determines customer satisfaction with each stage of the shopping experience.

It also ranked below the industry average for its claims process in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study℠.

Nationwide Insurance Reviews: NAIC

Data from the NAIC reveals that negative Nationwide insurance reviews have some merit. Nationwide’s NAIC Complaint Index rating for private auto policies is .52, meaning the company receives nearly half as much as the insurance industry’s average number of complaints.

Nationwide Mobile App

The Nationwide insurance app has a 4.5-star rating out of 5.0 on the App Store and a 4.0-star rating out of 5.0 on Google Play. Drivers can view their ID cards, file insurance claims, get roadside assistance, and pay their premiums through the app.

It’s common to find Nationwide insurance reviews in which customers speak highly of their experience on the company’s app. This is one aspect of Nationwide insurance that easily beats out much of the competition.

Nationwide Insurance Customer Reviews

Favorable Nationwide insurance reviews speak to the company’s friendly customer service representatives and its ability to handle claims quickly and efficiently. On the other hand, many negative Nationwide insurance reviews complain that the company’s claims process is ineffective and its coverage plans are overpriced.

Positive Nationwide Insurance Reviews

“This insurance company has been professional and helpful in all their dealings with me. I am impressed with how they actually care about my well-being.“

– Corinne S. via Google

“Nationwide has handled three auto claims for me. In every case, Nationwide has been prompt, helpful, concerned for our safety, and accommodating.“

– Rosalind via Google

Negative Nationwide Insurance Reviews

“Worst insurance ever. They tell you everything is covered until something happens and then they look for any way not to pay you. Perhaps they should change their slogan to ‘Not on your side.’“

– April C. via BBB

“I had Nationwide when I got into an accident. I called them and made them aware of the situation and was told they would get back to me. I waited and waited at least one week. During that time I drove a wrecked vehicle 20 miles to work.“

– David C. via BBB

About Nationwide Insurance

Founded: 1926
States available: All states except Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Massachusetts
AM Best financial strength rating: A+
Insurance types: Auto, motorcycle, home, renters, umbrella, travel, dental, identity theft, and life insurance

For almost a century, Nationwide insurance has offered quality policies to customers across the United States. The Columbus, Ohio-based company has grown over the years to become the eighth-largest auto insurer in the country, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

The vast majority of Nationwide insurance reviews speak highly of the provider’s range of coverage plans. While you’re required to meet your state’s minimum coverage limits, it’s recommended to exceed these requirements for additional coverage.

Nationwide holds an excellent A+ rating for financial strength from AM Best. This means that in the case of an accident, you’ll be covered by a reliable provider that can easily cover your financial needs.

Nationwide Car Insurance Cost

The average cost for a full-coverage car insurance policy with Nationwide is about $107 per month or $1,281 per year, which is cheaper than the national average of $1,730 per year. These costs are for a 35-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good credit. While Nationwide insurance costs tend to be slightly higher than those from many competitors in the industry, the provider’s average rates across many categories still fall below the national average.

Nationwide Auto Insurance Rates Comparison

The price you pay for your car insurance premium with Nationwide is determined by a number of factors, which we’ll discuss in detail below. For this reason, Nationwide car insurance rates will vary on an independent basis and may be different compared to the cost estimates you see in the sections below.

StateNationwide Annual Rate Estimate
Alabama$1,108
Colorado$1,611
Connecticut$1,586
District of Columbia$2,483
Iowa$983
Kansas$961
Maryland$2,087
Mississippi$1,168
Montana$1,447
New Mexico$1,176
North Carolina$968
Ohio$748
Pennsylvania$1,107
Rhode Island$1,945
Texas$1,535
Vermont$905
Virginia$949
West Virginia$1,031

Many of these Nationwide cost estimates are quite competitive for each state. Our team has broken down cost estimates based on a variety of situations and driver profiles below to highlight how Nationwide compares to the competition. To get a sense of what you’d pay for auto insurance, get free car insurance quotes from the company and other top insurance providers.

While it’s nice to find a cheap car insurance quote, rates don’t always stay the same over time. In our survey, we found that 41 percent of participants have experienced an increase in their car insurance rates without an obvious cause like a ticket or at-fault accident. This was across different providers.

Nationwide Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With Poor Credit

Drivers with low credit scores can expect higher car insurance premiums from Nationwide, unless they live in a state where auto insurance providers can’t use credit history to raise rates. The table below showcases the average rates on full-coverage auto insurance for low-credit drivers at Nationwide:

Car Insurance Company Annual Rate Estimate
USAA $1,807
Geico $2,077
Nationwide $2,227
Progressive $2,514
State Farm $3,616
Allstate $3,765

Nationwide High-Risk Auto Insurance Rates

In general, those with clean driving records pay lower insurance premiums than drivers who have a history of speeding tickets, car accidents, or DUI convictions. The table below shows the average rates for drivers with specific traffic violations at Nationwide:

AgeNationwide Car Insurance Cost Estimate
16$4,567
17$4,238
18$4,132
19$3,552
21$2,147
25$1,556
30$1,415
40$1,368
45$1,337
50$1,279
55$1,221
65$1,263
75$1,479

*Speeding tickets are for 16 to 20 mph over the speed limit. Recent accidents are for a single vehicle ($2,500 worth of damage).

Is Nationwide Insurance Expensive?

In our research, we found that Nationwide is an affordable provider for most drivers. The company tends to be about 26 percent cheaper than the national average for a full-coverage car insurance policy.

Nationwide Insurance Price Comparison

The table below shows how Nationwide compares to a variety of popular providers. These estimates apply to 35-year-old drivers with good driving records and good credit.

Car Insurance CompanyAverage Annual Car Insurance Cost Estimate
USAA$1,054
Erie Insurance$1,238
Nationwide$1,280
Geico$1,308
Auto-Owners$1,337
State Farm$1,481
Progressive$1,611
Travelers$1,669
Allstate$2,088
Farmers$2,140

Nationwide Car Insurance Quotes

Regardless of which auto insurance provider you choose, certain factors will affect your car insurance. The best way to ensure you pay the lowest price possible is to shop around for car insurance coverage.

Below are a few of the most common:

  • Location: Car insurance rates quickly change as you cross state lines. States with demanding minimum coverage requirements, many uninsured motorists, and above-average rates of car theft will have higher costs, as will larger cities.
  • Age and gender: Young men often face steep car insurance rates, though rates usually start to level out as drivers reach their mid-20s.
  • Marital status: Married motorists generally pay lower premiums than single motorists, as they tend to have fewer accidents.
  • Credit score: Those with low credit scores often pay high insurance premiums.
  • Driving history: If you have car accidents or DUIs on your driving record, expect higher car insurance rates.
  • Vehicle type: Newer cars, models often broken into by thieves, and vehicles with below-average safety scores face higher costs.

Nationwide Auto Insurance Discounts

Drivers can save on their premiums by taking advantage of Nationwide’s savings opportunities. Below are a few discounts Nationwide offers:

Nationwide Car Insurance Policy Details
Multi-Policy Discount Lowers prices for those bundling Nationwide auto and homeowners insurance
Defensive Driving Discount Provides savings for drivers ages 55 and up who take defensive driving courses
Safe Driver Discount Increases savings for motorists with no accidents or violations over the last 5 years
Accident-Free Discount Saves money for drivers who haven’t been involved in accidents
Good Student Discount Lowers rates for students with strong academic performances
Anti-Theft Device Discount Decreases premiums on cars with anti-theft equipment
Easy Pay Discount Reduces rates for those who set up automatic payments from their bank accounts

Nationwide Usage-Based Insurance

Nationwide insurance reviews hold the company’s app-based SmartRide® and SmartMiles® programs in high regard. These usage-based insurance products adjust Nationwide customers’ auto insurance rates based on their driving habits.

Nationwide SmartRide And SmartMiles

SmartRide provides motorists with driving feedback and rewards them for positive adjustments to their habits behind the wheel. SmartMiles reduces monthly rates for drivers who spend less time in their vehicles.

The main downside to usage-based insurance policies such as SmartRide and SmartMiles is that an app constantly tracks drivers’ behaviors. On the other hand, the programs provide easy ways for motorists to receive some of the cheapest car insurance rates while becoming safer behind the wheel.

Nationwide Insurance Reviews: Conclusion

Nationwide’s car insurance rates are competitive when compared to other national providers such as State Farm and Geico. Drivers looking to save on car insurance can take advantage of Nationwide’s usage-based programs and its many discounts. Like most companies, Nationwide will charge higher rates for drivers under 25, and drivers that have any serious traffic violations on their records.

Nationwide Car Insurance Alternatives

While it’s worth getting free quotes from Nationwide, multiple car insurance companies offer similar coverage options at lower average prices. The recommended insurers below hold reputations for top-notch customer service and affordable monthly premiums.

USAA: Best For Military Members

Few insurance providers hold a better reputation than USAA. With extremely competitive rates and the industry’s highest marks in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study℠, it’s easy to understand why USAA insurance reviews are so strong. However, not all drivers will qualify for an insurance policy with USAA as it only offers plans to military members, veterans, and their families. If you fit into one of those categories, though, it’s worth considering an insurance policy from USAA.

Geico: Best For Discounts

Geico is a company with solid customer service, superb financial strength, and some of the industry’s lowest prices. Geico’s sixteen discounts and usage-based program DriveEasy can help policyholders save a lot on their already-affordable car insurance premiums. In addition to the six types of car insurance, Geico offers emergency road service, rental car reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown insurance.

Nationwide Car Insurance Reviews: FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions that come from Nationwide insurance reviews:

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Is Nationwide a good insurer?

Yes, Nationwide is a good insurance company. It holds an A+ rating from the BBB and an A+ score for financial strength from AM Best. However, Nationwide is below industry average in most J.D. Power consumer studies, so it’s worth comparing Nationwide with other companies when shopping for car insurance.

Is Nationwide good about paying claims?

Nationwide scored below industry average in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, which shows customers may wait a bit longer for claims to be resolved with the company. However, in our consumer survey, Nationwide scored an average rating of 4.2 out of 5.0 by customers when asked about claims service.

How does Nationwide rate as an insurance company?

We give Nationwide insurance 4.3 stars out of 5.0. While it offers an impressive array of car insurance coverage options and competitive rates, Nationwide’s customer service does not receive the best reviews.

What rank is Nationwide Insurance?

Nationwide is the eighth-largest car insurance company according to rankings from the NAIC. The company wrote over $5.5 billion in car insurance premiums in 2021 and accounted for 2.13 percent of the market share.

How is Nationwide homeowners insurance rated?

Nationwide home insurance offers numerous discounts and a wide variety of coverage options. We rank it among the best homeowners insurance programs for these reasons.

Does Nationwide have 24/7 customer service?

Yes, Nationwide offers 24/7 customer service at 1-877-669-6877.

How do I cancel Nationwide insurance?

To cancel Nationwide insurance, call 1-877-669-6877 or contact your local agent. Make sure to know the date you want your policy to end on before you call.

How We Rate Insurers

Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of car insurance providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a car insurance company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:

  • Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
  • Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
  • Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
  • Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the BBB to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer easy-to-use claims apps.

*Data accurate at time of publication.