Nationwide vs. GEICO: Which Is the Best? (2026)
With low rates and great customer satisfaction ratings, GEICO stands out as the better company.
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Elizabeth RivelliFreelance Insurance Writer
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Auto, home, health, and life insurance expertise
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Danny SmithInsurance Writer
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Reviewed byJohn Leach
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John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
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Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
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Nationwide and GEICO are two of the largest insurance companies in the United States, offering a wide variety of insurance products, including car insurance. While Nationwide stands out for its robust coverage options, GEICO offers a slightly better selection of discounts. GEICO also has cheaper average rates, according to Insurify’s study of recent cost data from both insurers.
Before choosing an insurer, it’s a good idea to compare quotes from a few auto insurance companies and consider factors like customer service, discounts, and coverage. Every driver has specific needs for insurance, so the best option for you will ultimately depend on your budget and personal situation.
Quick Facts
GEICO has better customer satisfaction ratings than Nationwide.
Both GEICO and Nationwide offer app-based safe driver rewards programs.
GEICO has cheaper car insurance rates for young drivers.
Nationwide vs. GEICO: The verdict
Nationwide has an IQ Score of 9.0, while GEICO has an IQ Score of 9.2. However, each company stands out in different categories.
In terms of cost, Insurify found that GEICO has cheaper rates than Nationwide. GEICO’s average monthly rate for full-coverage car insurance is $147 per month, lower than Nationwide’s average rate of $188 per month. Additionally, GEICO offers more discounts, which could help reduce your premium even more.
When it comes to additional coverages, however, Nationwide is the clear winner. Nationwide offers a variety of add-ons, including roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, a disappearing deductible, gap insurance, and a few others.[1] GEICO only offers three endorsements — roadside assistance, rental reimbursement coverage, and mechanical breakdown insurance.[2]
Factor  | Nationwide | GEICO |
|---|---|---|
| IQ Score | 9.0 | 9.2 |
| J.D. Power customer satisfaction score | 806 out of 1,000 | 818 out of 1,000 |
| Average quote: full coverage | $188 | $147 |
| Number of discounts | 11 | 16 |
| Number of states where it operates | 48 | 50 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
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.
Nationwide
As of 2022, Nationwide was the 10th-largest car insurance company, with just under 2% of the total market share.[3] In J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, Nationwide was rated below average for overall customer satisfaction in every region.[4]
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|---|
| 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. | $93/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. | $188/mo |
4.2
Best choiceBased on 989 verified driver reviews and ratings
Nationwide's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.0 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.7 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
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.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 518 Nationwide reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in New York on May 21, 2026
Just your average auto insurance company.
Verified Review
Reviewed in South Carolina on May 15, 2026
Expensive for the coverage provided.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Pennsylvania on April 19, 2026
Too expensive and they farm you out to other insurance companies.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
641
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.7
A.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
GEICO
GEICO is owned by Berkshire Hathaway and is the third-largest car insurance company, with nearly 14% of the total market share.[3] The company is rated above average for overall customer satisfaction in half of the regions in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.[4]
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 9.2 /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. | $80/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. | $147/mo |
4.0
Best choiceBased on 18,497 verified driver reviews and ratings
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.8 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about GEICO
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 7,781 GEICO reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in Pennsylvania on June 3, 2026
Premiums are way too high. I was the victim of a hit and run, my car was totaled, and Geico listed me at fault. Now my premium cost has skyrocketed, and the accident will be on my insurance record for the next five years. I am not happy about it.
Verified Review
Reviewed in New York on June 2, 2026
Rates are too high and continue to rise.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Vermont on June 2, 2026
The first year with them was fine, but then my rate went up for no reason. I was forced to find a new insurance company for almost half the price for the same coverage.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
637
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59
A.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
GEICO, a subsidiary of the Berkshire Hathaway Group, is the third-largest U.S. insurer by market share. In addition to auto insurance, GEICO sells homeowners, renters, flood, travel, life, and business insurance, among other products. The insurer offers numerous car insurance discounts to help drivers save. For example, drivers who are accident-free for five years could earn 22% off premiums, and good students could earn 15% off. GEICO’s National Association of Insurance Commissioners complaint index score is below average, meaning it receives fewer consumer complaints than average.
Pros
Good rates for good drivers, seniors, and young drivers
Accident forgiveness available
A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
Cons
High rates for drivers with certain violations, like DUIs
No rideshare or new car replacement coverage available
Lower customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power
Nationwide SmartRide vs. GEICO DriveEasy
Nationwide and GEICO both offer telematics-based safe driver rewards programs.
Nationwide SmartRide uses a free mobile app to track your driving behaviors, like speed and brake force. You get a 15% discount for signing up and a maximum discount of 40% for demonstrating safe driving habits. SmartRide is strictly a discount program, so your rate won’t increase if the app tracks unsafe driving behaviors.[5]
GEICO DriveEasy also uses a mobile app to record your habits behind the wheel, such as acceleration, phone use, and how fast you drive around corners. The company doesn’t advertise a sign-up discount or maximum discount online, so it may vary by state. However, unlike SmartRide, your rate can go up if the app detects unsafe driving.[6]
Nationwide vs. GEICO: Which is the cheapest?
GEICO has cheaper car insurance than Nationwide, based on Insurify’s rate data. However, the cost of car insurance depends on various factors, including your location, age, credit history, marital status, vehicle type, and the duration of your insurance policy (one year versus six months).
To find the cheapest car insurance and the best choice for you, it’s important to compare personalized rates from both Nationwide and GEICO.
GEICO: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record
A GEICO car insurance policy is cheaper than a Nationwide one for drivers with a clean record.
Driver Type | Nationwide | GEICO |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $188 | $147 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
GEICO: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket
For drivers with a speeding ticket on their record, GEICO offers lower average car insurance premiums.
Driver Type | Nationwide | GEICO |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $252 | $201 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
GEICO: Cheapest for teen drivers
GEICO offers more affordable rates for teen drivers, who typically pay the highest car insurance rates.
Driver Type | Nationwide | GEICO |
|---|---|---|
| 18-year-old | $392 | $264 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
GEICO: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit
Drivers with bad credit are often considered high-risk drivers and usually pay more for coverage. For drivers with a bad credit score, GEICO offers the lowest rates.
Driver Type | Nationwide | GEICO |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers with bad credit | $230 | $180 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
GEICO: Cheapest for senior drivers
Senior drivers who want affordable car insurance should consider GEICO, which offers cheaper rates compared to Nationwide.
Driver Type | Nationwide | GEICO |
|---|---|---|
| Senior drivers | $125 | $106 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
Compare coverages: Nationwide vs. GEICO
Both Nationwide and GEICO offer liability-only insurance and full-coverage car insurance policies with collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, medical payments insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection.
Nationwide and GEICO also sell optional endorsements for additional protection. Nationwide has slightly more coverage options than GEICO. Below, you can see how Nationwide and GEICO stack up in terms of coverage.
Coverage | Nationwide | GEICO |
|---|---|---|
| Gap insurance | Yes | No |
| Roadside assistance | Yes | Yes |
| Towing and labor insurance | Yes | No |
| Rental car reimbursement | Yes | Yes |
| Accident forgiveness | Yes | Yes |
| Mechanical breakdown insurance | No | Yes |
| Total loss deductive waiver | Yes | No |
Compare discounts: Nationwide vs. GEICO
Nationwide and GEICO both offer a good selection of auto insurance discounts. However, GEICO customers get access to a few more discounts, including savings for military members, federal employees, and affinity group members. Below, you can see how these two companies compare in terms of discounts.[7] [8]
Discount | Nationwide | GEICO |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | Yes | Yes |
| Defensive driving course | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-policy | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-car | Yes | Yes |
| Low mileage | Yes | No |
| Telematics (safe driving app) | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-theft device | Yes | Yes |
| New car | No | Yes |
| Military/affiliation | No | Yes |
| Good student | Yes | Yes |
| Loyalty | No | No |
| Auto pay | Yes | Yes |
| Student away at school | No | No |
| Homeowner | No | No |
| Alternative fuel | No | No |
Nationwide vs. GEICO FAQs
Nationwide and GEICO are both good insurance companies, but each one has pros and cons. If you’re deciding whether Nationwide or GEICO car insurance coverage is a better option for you, these answers might be helpful.
Who is GEICO’s biggest competitor?
GEICO doesn’t necessarily have a single biggest competitor, but it has a similar market share to Progressive and State Farm. GEICO’s average auto policy rates are comparable to State Farm’s rates, and both companies offer a good selection of discounts. Progressive also offers generous discounts, but its average rates are much higher than GEICO’s and State Farm’s rates.
Is Nationwide good at paying claims?
Nationwide is rated below average for overall claims satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. It earned a score of 875 out of 1,000, which is slightly lower than the industry average of 878. However, Nationwide has an A financial strength rating from AM Best, which indicates that it has an excellent financial ability to meet policyholder obligations and pay insurance claims.[9]
Is GEICO cheaper than Nationwide?
Yes, GEICO has lower rates than Nationwide. The average cost of car insurance from GEICO is $147 per month for full coverage, while Nationwide’s average full-coverage insurance cost is $188 per month.
Sources
- Nationwide. "Full Coverage Insurance – Nationwide."
- GEICO. "Car Insurance Coverage: Auto Coverage Types & More."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "Property and Casualty Insurance Industry 2022 Top 5 Groups and Companies by Countrywide Premium."
- J.D. Power. "2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
- Nationwide. "SmartRide."
- GEICO. "DriveEasy."
- Nationwide. "Affordable Car Insurance & Discounts from Nationwide."
- GEICO. "Car Insurance Discounts - Savings on Auto Insurance."
- Ambest.com. "AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co & Its P/C Subs; Affirms Credit Ratings of Life Affiliates."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Elizabeth RivelliFreelance Insurance Writer
5+ years writing insurance and personal finance topics
Auto, home, health, and life insurance expertise
Featured in
Danny SmithInsurance Writer
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
Featured in
John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
Featured in
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
