American Family vs. Nationwide: Which Is the Best? (2025)
American Family is a better overall pick than Nationwide, thanks to lower rates, solid customer satisfaction, and a higher Insurify Quality Score.
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Written byTaylor Milam-Samuel
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8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
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Edited bySara Getman
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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Table of contents
Nationwide and American Family are both large insurance companies with reputable coverage options. American Family offers lower rates, higher customer satisfaction, and more discounts. But it’s only available in 19 U.S. states.[1]
On the other hand, Nationwide offers coverage in nearly every state, making it more accessible to drivers. Even though you may pay more for coverage with Nationwide, you can find lower prices in certain states.
As you shop for car insurance, comparing rates, discounts, and coverage options is essential to finding the best car insurance.
Here’s how to determine whether American Family or Nationwide is the best option.
Quick Facts
American Family’s and Nationwide’s average car insurance rates are lower than the U.S. national average.
Nationwide offers unique coverage options, like vanishing deductibles and accident forgiveness, that aren’t available from American Family.
Both insurers offer similar discounts, but neither has a discount for military members.
American Family vs. Nationwide: The verdict
American Family’s average rates are lower for nearly every type of driver, including teens and drivers with violations. The average price difference between the two companies is relatively small — about $15 per month — but it adds up. American Family also earns above-average rankings for customer satisfaction, while Nationwide is consistently below average.[1]
Nationwide stands out with unique coverage options in nearly twice as many states as American Family. Drivers with Nationwide usually pay more, but the company’s numerous discounts might help lower the cost.
Factor  | American Family | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| IQ Score | 9.3 | 9.0 |
| J.D. Power customer satisfaction score | 828 | 806 |
| Average full-coverage quote | $81 | $96 |
| Available discounts | 17 | 10 |
| Number of states where it operates | 19 | 47 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
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American Family
American Family stands out with excellent customer service, low rates, and an almost-perfect IQ Score of 9.3.
| User Reviews | 4.5 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $81/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $150/mo |
4.5
Best choiceBased on 520 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about American Family
Drivers appreciate the fast claims processing and good initial rates but dislike the consistent rate increases and poor communication from agents.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Outstanding customer service
Flexible coverage options
Families with young drivers
How drivers feel about American Family
Drivers appreciate the fast claims processing and good initial rates but dislike the consistent rate increases and poor communication from agents.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Outstanding customer service
Flexible coverage options
Families with young drivers
Reviews (248)
Holly
Verified Review
Our Family
Reviewed in Ohio on October 2025
Wonderful and easy-to-use claims.
Janice
Verified Review
Excellent
Reviewed in Georgia on October 2025
So far, so good. I've never had to file a claim.
Charles Gary
Verified Review
Good service
Reviewed in Georgia on October 2025
Good, but rates are starting to skyrocket!
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
657NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.47A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
AWhy we picked this company
In business for more than 90 years, American Family sells car insurance in 19 states. Drivers who bundle their American Family car insurance policies with its homeowners insurance can save up to 23%. Safe drivers can benefit from American Family’s usage-based program, which gives an automatic 10% discount, while those who drive less than 7,500 miles per year may save with its low-mileage discount. American Family ranks second for customer satisfaction in the Central region, according to J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
Pros
High rates of customer satisfaction
Save by bundling auto with home, renters, or motorcycle coverage
Much lower-than-average number of consumer complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Cons
Only available in 19 states
Rates are merely moderate compared to other insurers
No rideshare insurance coverage
Nationwide
Nationwide offers unique coverage options and extensive discounts, but rates are higher, and customer satisfaction is below average.
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $96/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $181/mo |
4.3
Best choiceBased on 898 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Nationwide
Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
How drivers feel about Nationwide
Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
Reviews (499)
Joyce
Verified Review
Excellent
Reviewed in New York on November 2025
Find an insurance that helps out senior citizens.
Raymond
Verified Review
Above Average
Reviewed in New York on November 2025
Good experience, especially with the claims department.
Edward
Verified Review
Happy for the most part
Reviewed in Pennsylvania on November 2025
I haven’t had any claims, but roadside assistance could be better.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
641NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.7A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+Why we picked this company
Nationwide operates in 46 states and Washington, D.C., selling car, homeowners, life, umbrella, and more types of insurance coverage. In addition to liability, collision, and comprehensive, Nationwide provides optional coverages such as towing and labor, rental car, and gap insurance. The company also offers a vanishing deductible that lowers your deductible for each year you drive safely. Nationwide has an A rating from AM Best for financial stability and fewer-than-expected customer complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Consumer Complaint Index.
Pros
Offers 24/7 roadside assistance coverage add-on
SmartRide (for safe drivers) and SmartMiles (for low-mileage drivers)
Accident forgiveness available
Cons
Below-average customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power
Some discounts and programs not available in all states
Not available in every state
American Family MilesMyWay vs. Nationwide SmartRide
American Family’s MilesMyWay is a pay-as-you-drive program that allows low-mileage drivers to save up to 25% each month. You must install the MyAmFamDrive mobile app and put a sensor in your car, where it uses mileage data to determine your rates.
Nationwide’s SmartRide program tracks four factors: miles driven, hard braking and acceleration, idle time, and nighttime driving. The less you drive and the safer you are, the bigger the discount — up to 15% for fewer miles and 25% for safer driving.
Both programs can help you save a significant amount on coverage. Still, American Family’s program is better if you don’t drive often. The SmartRide program through Nationwide makes more sense if you’re a safe driver who avoids speeding and hard braking.
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American Family vs. Nationwide: Which is the cheapest?
American Family has cheaper rates than Nationwide for liability and full coverage. Average rates are also cheaper for different types of drivers, including people with speeding tickets, DUIs, and accidents.
The cost of coverage can vary depending on your location, driving record, age, and vehicle. Average insurance rates can help you determine which insurers are more likely to have competitive pricing.[2]
American Family: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record
American Family has cheaper average liability-only rates for drivers with clean driving records. If you don’t have any driving violations, you’ll likely pay less with American Family.
Driver Type | American Family | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $81 | $96 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
American Family: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket
Coverage costs are similar, but drivers with a speeding ticket can get the best liability-only rates for car insurance through American Family.
Driver Type | American Family | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $107 | $127 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
American Family: Cheapest for teen drivers
American Family and Nationwide both have competitive minimum-coverage rates for young drivers, but American Family has cheaper coverage options.
Driver Type | American Family | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| 18-year-old | $158 | $200 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
American Family: Cheapest for senior drivers
American Family and Nationwide have similar average liability-only rates for senior drivers, so you might want to focus on other factors — like coverage options and discounts — when deciding between the two.
Driver Type | American Family | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Senior drivers | $60 | $65 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
American Family: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit
Drivers with bad credit typically pay more for car insurance, but you can find the best liability-only rates with an insurance policy from American Family.
Driver Type | American Family | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers with bad credit | $92 | $117 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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Compare coverages: American Family vs. Nationwide
Both insurers offer car insurance coverage that meets state-mandated requirements. The main difference between the two insurers is that Nationwide has additional unique options you can’t get from American Family.
Nationwide and American Family offer coverage for bodily injury liability, property damage liability, personal injury protection, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision, and comprehensive.
Liability-only coverage meets state minimum requirements. But if you want additional financial security, you can opt for full coverage, which includes liability, comprehensive, and collision. If you lease or finance your vehicle, your leasing company or lender will require you to have full coverage.
If you’re looking for unique or specific coverage add-ons, Nationwide is a better pick. Drivers with Nationwide can get extra coverage, like accident forgiveness and vanishing deductibles, which American Family doesn’t offer.
Here are the extra coverage options from American Family and Nationwide.
Coverage | American Family | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Gap insurance | Yes | Yes |
| Roadside assistance | Yes | Yes |
| Rental reimbursement | Yes | Yes |
| Accident forgiveness | No | Yes |
| Vanishing deductible | No | Yes |
| Rideshare insurance | No | No |
Compare discounts: American Family vs. Nationwide
American Family and Nationwide offer similar discounts, with American Family offering more options. The main difference between the two insurers is that American Family offers a loyalty discount based on the number of years you’ve been a customer. Nationwide doesn’t have a loyalty discount, but you can save money if your car has an anti-theft device — a discount American Family doesn’t offer.
Here’s a list of insurance discounts for each insurer.
Discount | American Family | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | Yes | Yes |
| Defensive driving course | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-policy | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-car | Yes | Yes |
| Low mileage | Yes | Yes |
| Telematics (safe driving app) | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-theft device | No | Yes |
| New car | No | No |
| Military/affiliation | No | No |
| Good student | Yes | Yes |
| Loyalty | Yes | No |
| Auto-pay | Yes | Yes |
| Student away at school | Yes | No |
| Homeowner | No | No |
| Alternative fuel | No | No |
American Family vs. Nationwide FAQs
Choosing between American Family and Nationwide is a big decision. Here are answers to common questions about the insurers.
What ranking is American Family Insurance?
According to the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study, American Family ranks as one of the top insurers for customer satisfaction. California and the Central region customers rank American Family as the second-best insurance option.[3]
What company owns American Family Insurance?
American Family Mutual Insurance Company owns American Family and other insurance companies, including The General and Homesite. American Family is a mutual insurance company, which means that policyholders are also the owners.
Is Nationwide Insurance good at paying claims?
Nationwide car insurance has an AM Best rating of A (Excellent), which indicates strong financial strength and stable finances.[4] It also indicates that the company is good at paying claims and has enough money to do so.
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Sources
- Jdpower.com. "2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
- III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Jdpower.com. "2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
- Best's Credit Rating Center. "Search Results."
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Taylor Milam-Samuel
Taylor Milam-Samuel is a writer and credentialed educator who is fascinated by how people earn, save, and spend their money. When she's not researching financial terms and conditions, she can be found in the classroom teaching.
Taylor has been a contributor at Insurify since February 2023.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.