Nationwide vs. Progressive: Which Insurance Company Is Better in 2026?
Progressive is a better choice than Nationwide due to its lower premiums, excellent discounts, and comprehensive coverage options.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Excellent
)
Written byElizabeth Rivelli
)
Elizabeth Rivelli
5+ years writing insurance and personal finance topics
Auto, home, health, and life insurance expertise
Elizabeth has extensive insurance industry experience, having written for Insureon, Rate Retriever, and Insurify. She’s also finance and insurance editor for Car and Driver.
Featured in
){kind=small}
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
)
Edited byKatie Powers
)
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Reviewed byMacKenzie Korris
)
MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 21630969
MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.
)
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
)
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.
Updated
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
Advertiser Disclosure
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
Nationwide and Progressive are two of the largest car insurance companies. Progressive has a market share of about 17%, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Nationwide is smaller, with a market share of just over 1%.[1]
Progressive stands out for its below-average premiums and car insurance endorsements, but it doesn’t have the best customer satisfaction. Nationwide has excellent customer satisfaction in select regions and great claims satisfaction, but it offers fewer discounts than Progressive.
Here’s what you should know about Nationwide and Progressive, including differences in coverage, average cost, discounts, customer satisfaction, and more.
Quick Facts
Nationwide has fewer auto insurance complaints than Progressive, but both insurers have a lower-than-average amount of customer complaints, according to the NAIC.
Progressive has a slightly better financial strength rating than Nationwide.
Both companies offer a telematics-based safe driver rewards program.
Nationwide vs. Progressive: Our verdict
Choose Progressive if you want the cheapest auto insurance. Progressive has lower average premiums than Nationwide across the board, even for young drivers and high-risk drivers. It also offers a bigger selection of discounts, which can help you save more. Progressive is also a better pick for customization options, with unique add-on coverages like pet injury coverage.
Nationwide wins over Progressive for customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction. It also receives fewer complaints than Progressive, according to the NAIC complaint index.
Nationwide and Progressive are both reputable companies in the insurance industry. Getting personalized quotes can help you decide which insurance company can offer you the best coverage at the lowest rate for your situation.
Nationwide vs. Progressive
 |  |
|---|---|
Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $140/mo* | Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $132/mo* |
Overall rating 4.3 | Overall rating 3.2 |
Value for money 3.7/5 | Value for money 3.0/5 |
Customer service 4.1/5 | Customer service 3.3/5 |
Claims handling 4.3/5 | Claims handling 3.4/5 |
Special highlight Usage-based savingsAI-generated from 501 user reviews | Special highlight Competitive ratesAI-generated from 7712 user reviews |
Data in this table has been sourced from Insurify’s users who have indicated they are insured with the listed providers
Nationwide: Best for claims satisfaction
| 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. | $97/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. | $182/mo |
4.3
Best choiceBased on 906 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 (501)
George
Verified Review
Nationwide
Reviewed in Oregon on January 2026
Quick claims, excellent service.
Dan
Verified Review
Great service
Reviewed in Colorado on December 2025
Thankfully, we haven't had any claims, but I'm confident that Nationwide will be there if we do.
Joyce
Verified Review
Excellent
Reviewed in New York on November 2025
Find an insurance that helps out senior citizens.
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 has better overall customer satisfaction than Progressive.
In the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, Nationwide has above-average customer satisfaction ratings in the New York, North Central, Southeast, Southwest, and Texas regions. Nationwide also has an above-average claims satisfaction rating in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, whereas Progressive rates below average.
Pros
Excellent customer and claims satisfaction ratings
Premiums below the national average
Few complaints with the NAIC
Cons
Some discounts and programs vary by state
Limited discounts compared to Progressive
Low Trustpilot rating
Progressive: Best for coverage options
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 622 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.7 /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. | $97/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. | $167/mo |
How drivers feel about Progressive
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
How drivers feel about Progressive
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Reviews (7,712)
Stanley
Verified Review
Expensive auto insurance is the norm.
Reviewed in Missouri on January 2026
It was the best value at the time, but before renewing again, I'll compare it to as many alternatives as possible because it's still too high compared to what insurance used to cost.
Hector
Verified Review
Not Pleasant
Reviewed in Arizona on January 2026
Just as expensive as all the other insurance companies and they will use anything they can to raise their premiums on their customers.
Lori
Verified Review
How I feel about Progressive
Reviewed in Kentucky on January 2026
I feel like my rate is very high for a 63-year-old with a 10-year-old car.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
622NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.97A.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
Progressive is a better auto insurance company than Nationwide when it comes to coverage options. Progressive has nine optional coverages, including pet injury coverage, vehicle protection coverage, custom parts and equipment value (CPE) coverage, and trip interruption coverage.
In addition to its below-average car insurance rates, Progressive also has more discounts than Nationwide. Progressive offers savings for homeowners, smart students, bundling, having continuous insurance, paying in full, and more.
Pros
Many available add-ons
Cheaper average premiums than Nationwide
Many available discounts
Cons
Rated below average for customer satisfaction in most regions
Poor claims satisfaction rating from J.D. Power
Low Trustpilot rating
Progressive vs. Nationwide: Which is cheaper?
Progressive has cheaper average auto insurance premiums than Nationwide.
The following table shows how costs from Progressive and Nationwide compare for different auto policy types and driver profiles. The average monthly quotes reflect costs for liability insurance unless otherwise specified.
Driver Type  | Nationwide | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Adult drivers | $85 | $133 |
| Liability-only coverage | $97 | $97 |
| Full coverage | $182 | $167 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $129 | $128 |
| Drivers with a DUI | $142 | $154 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | $131 | $140 |
| Poor credit drivers | $118 | $126 |
| Good credit drivers | $86 | $131 |
| Teen drivers | $203 | $192 |
| Senior drivers | $65 | $64 |
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.
Shop for Affordable Car Insurance
Liability quotes start at $43/mo.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
Nationwide vs. Progressive car insurance discounts
Progressive offers a few more car insurance discounts than Nationwide. But Nationwide still has a good selection of discounts that could help you save money on your car insurance policy.
Notably, both companies offer multi-policy discounts when you bundle car insurance with another insurance product, like renters insurance, home insurance, or life insurance.
The table below shows how discount offerings from Nationwide and Progressive compare.
Discount | Nationwide | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Safe driver | ✔ | ✖ |
| Defensive driving course | ✔ | ✖ |
| Multi-policy | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-car | ✖ | ✔ |
| Low mileage | ✔ | ✖ |
| Telematics | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-theft device | ✔ | ✖ |
| New car | ✖ | ✖ |
| Military/affiliation | ✖ | ✖ |
| Good student | ✔ | ✔ |
| Loyalty | ✖ | ✖ |
| Auto pay | ✔ | ✔ |
| Student away at school | ✖ | ✔ |
| Homeowner | ✖ | ✔ |
| Alternative fuel | ✖ | ✖ |
| Pay in full | ✖ | ✔ |
Compare customer satisfaction and financial strength
Looking at a company’s customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings can help you determine whether it’s a good insurer for you. Nationwide and Progressive both have solid overall ratings, but each ranks higher than the other in certain categories.
Though Nationwide and Progressive both have solid AM Best financial strength ratings, Progressive’s is slightly higher. Both companies have fewer complaints than expected with the NAIC, but Nationwide had slightly fewer complaints than Progressive. That said, Nationwide ranked better overall in customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power.[2]
The insurers both have similarly low customer review ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Below, you can see how Nationwide and Progressive stack up.
Score | Nationwide | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| IQ Score | 9.0 | 8.7 |
| Customer reviews | 4.3/5 (906 reviews) | 3.2/5 (15,495 reviews) |
| J.D. Power | 645 | 621 |
| AM Best rating | A (Excellent) | A+ (Superior) |
| NAIC complaint index | 0.70 | 0.96 |
| BBB reviews | 1.12 out of 5 stars | 1.09 out of 5 stars |
Recent customer reviews of Nationwide car insurance
To help insurance shoppers choose the best car insurance company, Insurify collects reviews from real policyholders who compare insurance quotes using the site. Specifically, we ask people how they feel about their insurer’s customer service, coverage options, and prices. Check out these verified Nationwide insurance reviews to see what customers think about the company.
George
Verified Review
Nationwide
Reviewed in Oregon on January 2026
Quick claims, excellent service.
Dan
Verified Review
Great service
Reviewed in Colorado on December 2025
Thankfully, we haven't had any claims, but I'm confident that Nationwide will be there if we do.
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.
…
Recent customer reviews of Progressive car insurance
Before you choose an insurance company, it can be helpful to read reviews to see what real policyholders think about the insurer. That’s why we collect reviews from verified Progressive customers who successfully compare quotes using Insurify.
Here’s what current and past Progressive policyholders have to say about their experience with the insurance company.
Stanley
Verified Review
Expensive auto insurance is the norm.
Reviewed in Missouri on January 2026
It was the best value at the time, but before renewing again, I'll compare it to as many alternatives as possible because it's still too high compared to what insurance used to cost.
Hector
Verified Review
Not Pleasant
Reviewed in Arizona on January 2026
Just as expensive as all the other insurance companies and they will use anything they can to raise their premiums on their customers.
Lori
Verified Review
How I feel about Progressive
Reviewed in Kentucky on January 2026
I feel like my rate is very high for a 63-year-old with a 10-year-old car.
Michael
Verified Review
Progressive Rating
Reviewed in Texas on January 2026
Good rates but horrible customer service.
…
Nationwide SmartRide vs. Progressive Snapshot
Nationwide and Progressive both offer telematics programs that track driving behaviors and reward safe drivers with reduced premiums. Telematics programs differ from pay-per-mile programs, where insurers determine your premium based on the distance you drive.
Nationwide customers can enroll in the SmartRide program, which looks at driving habits like miles driven, acceleration, hard braking, and nighttime driving. After 80 days of driving, you can receive a premium discount based on how safely you drove. Eligible customers can get an initial discount for enrolling, plus a discount of up to 40% for driving safely.[3]
Progressive Snapshot works similarly to Nationwide’s program. You’ll use the Progressive mobile app or a plug-in device to track your trips and driving behaviors, like time of day, hard braking, rapid acceleration, and phone use. Progressive says the average customer saves $169 for signing up for Snapshot and an average of $322 for completing the program.[4]
One of the differences between Nationwide SmartRide and Progressive Snapshot is that Nationwide customers won’t see a rate increase for unsafe driving. But with Progressive, it’s possible that your rate could go up with risky driving habits.
Feature | Nationwide SmartRide | Progressive Snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers who travel short distances | Drivers who want to earn the biggest potential discounts |
| Savings potential | Up to 40% based on driving behavior | Average savings of $322 upon program completion |
| How it works | Uses the Nationwide app and your smartphone | Uses the Progressive app and your smartphone, or a plug-in device |
| Availability | 45 states (not in AK, CA, HI, LA, and NY) | 49 (not in CA) |
| Data tracked | Miles driven, acceleration, hard braking, and nighttime driving | Time of day, hard braking, rapid acceleration, and phone use |
| App rating (App Store/Google Play) | 4.7/5 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 4.6/5 |
| Average discount for good drivers | Not advertised | Average discounts of $169 upon enrollment and $322 upon program completion |
| Driver feedback tools | App shows your progress and current discount | App shows trips, driving status, and tips for safer driving |
| Gamified rewards | ✖ | ✖ |
| Compatibility | Smartphone app only | Smartphone app or plug-in device |
Find Cheap Car Insurance
Insurify partners with 120+ insurers for real quotes
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
Compare coverages: Nationwide vs. Progressive
Progressive and Nationwide offer minimum coverage and full-coverage policies. But when it comes to optional coverages, Progressive is the clear winner, with a few more coverage offerings. For example, Progressive has add-ons like rideshare, custom parts and equipment value, and pet injury coverage, while Nationwide doesn’t.
See how auto insurance products from Nationwide and Progressive compare in the table below.
Coverage | Nationwide | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (BI) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Property damage liability (PD) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Personal injury protection (PIP insurance) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (UIM/UM) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Medical payments (MedPay) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Collision | ✔ | ✔ |
| Comprehensive | ✔ | ✔ |
| Roadside assistance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rental reimbursement | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gap insurance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pet injury | ✖ | ✔ |
| Custom parts and equipment value | ✖ | ✔ |
| Accident forgiveness | ✔ | ✔ |
| Classic car insurance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rideshare insurance | ✖ | ✔ |
Nationwide vs. Progressive FAQs
Nationwide and Progressive are among the best car insurance companies. If you’re still deciding which insurer is better for your needs, here’s some additional information that can help you make an informed decision.
Which is cheaper: Nationwide or Progressive?
Progressive has cheaper average insurance premiums than Nationwide, based on Insurify data. On average, liability insurance costs $97 per month from Progressive and $97 per month from Nationwide. But auto insurance rates depend on many factors, including your driving record, deductible, coverage limits, and available discounts.
Which states does Nationwide not cover?
Nationwide currently sells car insurance in Washington, D.C., and all states besides Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Massachusetts.
Which insurance company has the best reputation?
Progressive Insurance has a slightly better reputation than Nationwide. It stands out for its affordable average rates, generous discounts, and insurance coverage options. But Progressive’s customer satisfaction is lower than Nationwide’s, based on third-party ratings.
Is Nationwide good at paying claims?
Yes. Nationwide has a good reputation for claims handling. The company has an above-average rating for overall claims satisfaction from J.D. Power, a straightforward claims process, and an excellent financial strength rating from AM Best.
Does credit score affect car insurance rates?
It’s possible. Your credit history can affect car insurance premiums in most states. Drivers with excellent credit typically pay lower rates than drivers with poor credit.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 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.
Related articles
)
List of National and Regional Car Insurance Companies
January 7, 2026
)
Travelers Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes
January 7, 2026
)
USAA Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes
January 7, 2026
)
State Farm Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes
January 7, 2026
)
Liberty Mutual Insurance Review: 3,301+ User Ratings
January 7, 2026
)
GEICO Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes
January 7, 2026
)
Farmers Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes
January 7, 2026
)
Allstate Insurance Review: 8,104+ User Ratings
January 7, 2026
Sources
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "2024 Top 25 Groups and Companies by Countrywide Premium."
- J.D. Power. "It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, J.D. Power Finds."
- Nationwide. "Nationwide’s SmartRide program rewards safe driving."
- Progressive. "Snapshot rewards you for good driving."
)
Elizabeth Rivelli
Elizabeth Rivelli is a freelance writer covering insurance and personal finance. She has extensive knowledge of various insurance lines, including property and casualty, health, and life insurance. Her byline has been featured in dozens of publications, including Investopedia, Forbes, Bankrate, NextAdvisor, and Insurance.com.
Elizabeth has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 21630969
MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.
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.