Nationwide vs. Progressive: Which Is the Best? (2024)

Progressive’s cheaper car insurance premiums and more discounts give it an edge over Nationwide.

Anna Baluch
Written byAnna Baluch
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Anna BaluchInsurance Writer
  • 4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content

  • MBA from Roosevelt University

Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.

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Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
  • 3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content

  • Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score

Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

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Konstantin Halachev
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

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 October 10, 2024

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Nationwide and Progressive are two of the top car insurance companies in the U.S. by market share. Both companies offer various coverages, but Progressive’s car insurance rates are slightly more affordable, according to Insurify data. Also, Progressive serves customers in all 50 states, but Nationwide doesn’t sell car insurance in Alaska, Hawaii, or Louisiana.

Before you choose a car insurance company, make sure you compare rates, customer service, discounts, coverages, financial strength ratings, and more. Here’s what you need to know about Nationwide versus Progressive so you can make an informed decision and choose the right insurance company for your needs.

Quick Facts
  • The average cost of liability insurance is $84 per month with Nationwide and $79 per month with Progressive.

  • Nationwide and Progressive offer various coverages, discounts, and telematics driving programs for additional savings.

  • Nationwide’s rating was higher than Progressive’s in J.D. Power’s 2023 auto claims satisfaction study.[1]

Nationwide vs. Progressive: The verdict

When you compare Nationwide and Progressive, you’ll find that these two auto insurance companies are very similar. They offer the same main coverage levels plus very similar add-ons and discounts.

Both insurers sell optional insurance policies such as gap insurance, roadside assistance, and rental car assistance. Popular discounts from both companies include a loyalty discount, multi-car discount, and good student discount.

Overall, Progressive’s premiums are cheaper than Nationwide’s for various driver profiles. In addition, Progressive has a slightly higher Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and holds a larger market share than Nationwide. 

Factor
Nationwide
Progressive
Insurify Quality (IQ) Score8.78.4
Customer satisfaction score3.73.5
Average quote: liability only$84$79
Number of available discounts1113
Number of states where it operates4750
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. 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 28,000 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

Nationwide is one of the largest auto insurers, with just less than 2% of the overall market share, but it scored below average in many regions in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.[2] [3]

Nationwide logo
User Reviews
4.4
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.
$84/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.
$185/mo
4.4
Best choiceBased on 748 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Nationwide

Drivers appreciate the excellent coverage, reliable claims process, and good initial rates but dislike the frequent price increases.

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 excellent coverage, reliable claims process, and good initial rates but dislike the frequent price increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
Reviews (422)

Orlando

October 8, 2024

Verified Review

Great Insurance

Great rates.

Marilyn

October 7, 2024

Verified Review

Nationwide Experience

I feel that this company is ridiculously priced. Despite having no tickets, no accidents, or anything of the sort, I can hardly afford the insurance.

Donna

October 7, 2024

Verified Review

Bad Experience with Nationwide

I was overcharged.
See all Nationwide reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
815
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.64
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

In business since 1925, Nationwide is one of the largest insurers, and sells car, homeowners, life insurance, umbrella insurance, and more. In addition to liability, collision and comprehensive, Nationwide provides optional coverages such as towing and labor, rental car, and gap. The company also offers accident forgiveness, and a vanishing deductible that lowers your deductible for each year you drive safely. Nationwide has an A+ rating from A.M. Best for financial stability, and an only slightly higher-than-expected number of customer complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index.

Pros
  • Numerous discount and savings opportunities

  • SmartRide (for safe drivers) and SmartMiles (for low-mileage drivers)

Cons
  • Not available in every state

  • Some discounts and programs not available in all states

Progressive

Progressive is the third-largest car insurance company and holds about 14% of the industry’s total market share.[2] It also scored below average in several regions in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.[3]

Progressive logo
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819
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.
8.4 /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.
$79/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.
$138/mo
How drivers feel about Progressive

Drivers appreciate the professional service and accident forgiveness but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.

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

Drivers appreciate the professional service and accident forgiveness but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Reviews (5,433)

Sylvia J

October 10, 2024

Verified Review

Average

The monthly premium gradually increased until it was no longer a good deal.

Vickie

October 10, 2024

Verified Review

Disappointed... Lesson Learned

Getting the necessary insurance was easy, until I needed a windshield replacement. I discovered that I did not have full glass coverage and that it would be covered under my collision insurance, costing $500. In all my past insurance experiences, this was automatic, so it was a lesson learned. Consequently, I am switching insurance companies.

Guillermina U

October 10, 2024

Verified Review

Very Greedy

Their rates increase every six months without any justification.
See all Progressive reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.82
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

Although its founding in 1937 makes Progressive comparatively young, it is among the largest car insurers in the U.S. The company offers car, home, renters, commercial, and other types of insurance. Progressive customers can enjoy savings by bundling their car insurance with another type of Progressive policy – typically homeowners or renters. Available discounts range from multi-policy and multi-car discounts, to the Snapshot save driver discount. Progressive has an A.M. Best rating of A+ for financial stability. However, the company has a slightly higher-than-expected number of complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index.

Pros
  • Rewards for good drivers

  • Numerous coverage options and discounts available

Cons
  • Higher-than-expected amount of complaints

  • Ranked 11 out of 15 companies in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking

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Nationwide SmartRide vs. Progressive Snapshot

Both Nationwide and Progressive offer a discount program for safe drivers. These programs use telematics tools, such as mobile apps and plug-in devices, to track driving behaviors like speeding and phone usage behind the wheel.

With Nationwide SmartRide, you can land a 15% discount just for enrolling and a maximum discount of 40% for proving you’re a safe driver. Unlike many other telematics programs, SmartRide won’t cause your premiums to increase if the mobile app detects dangerous driving behaviors.

Progressive Snapshot lets customers choose between a mobile app or plug-in device that can collect data like aggressive driving, abrupt braking, speeding, phone usage, and late-night driving. Since Snapshot is also a mileage-based program, you can save even more on your car insurance policy if you’re a low-mileage driver.

Unlike SmartRide from Nationwide, Progressive’s Snapshot may increase your rate if it detects unsafe driving behaviors. According to Progressive, Snapshot participants save an average of $231 per year on their auto policy.

How Does Usage-Based Insurance Work?

How Does Usage-Based Insurance Work?

Nationwide vs. Progressive: Which is the cheapest?

Car insurance is slightly cheaper with Progressive than Nationwide. But your premiums will depend on various factors like your location, ZIP code, age, marital status, credit score, driving record, and annual mileage. That’s why it’s a good idea to shop around, explore the best car insurance companies, and compare car insurance quotes.

Progressive: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record

Your driving record is one of the most important factors that influences your car insurance rates. For people with a clean driving record, Progressive car insurance coverage is slightly cheaper than Nationwide.

Driver Type
Nationwide
Progressive
Clean driving record$84$79
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Nationwide: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket

Getting a speeding ticket can signal to insurers that you’re a risky driver, so they may increase your rates to offset that higher risk. Drivers with speeding tickets may find cheaper car insurance rates with Nationwide.

Driver Type
Nationwide
Progressive
Drivers with a speeding ticket$101$93
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Nationwide: Cheapest for teen drivers

Young drivers with minimal experience on the road pay more expensive premiums than older, more experienced drivers. For teen drivers and young adults, Nationwide has cheaper rates than Progressive, on average.

Driver Type
Nationwide
Progressive
18-year-old$144$144
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Nationwide: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit

Many states allow car insurance companies to consider a driver’s credit history when calculating car insurance rates.[4] Drivers with bad credit may find more affordable auto insurance coverage through Nationwide.

Driver Type
Nationwide
Progressive
Drivers with bad credit$101$95
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Progressive: Cheapest for senior drivers

Due to physical impairments like poor vision and slower reflexes, drivers’ rates may increase when they reach their 70s.[5] Compared to Nationwide, Progressive has cheaper average premiums for senior drivers.

Driver Type
Nationwide
Progressive
Senior drivers$56$48
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Compare coverages: Nationwide vs. Progressive

Nationwide and Progressive are two of the leading car insurance companies in the U.S., offering standard coverage options as well as plenty of add-ons. Both insurers sell state-minimum coverages like liability, collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Keep in mind that the exact coverage options available depend on your location. Nationwide and Progressive also have optional coverages that can provide you with additional protection and peace of mind while driving.

Here’s how Nationwide’s and Progressive’s optional coverages compare.

Coverage
Nationwide
Progressive
Gap insuranceYesYes
Roadside assistance YesYes
Rental car reimbursement YesYes
Rideshare insuranceNoYes
Towing and labor insurance YesNo
Pet injury assistanceNoYes
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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Compare discounts: Nationwide vs. Progressive

Nationwide and Progressive advertise similar car insurance discounts that can help you save money on your auto insurance rates. While Nationwide stands out for its low-mileage discount, Progressive has the student-away-at-school discount. Here’s a look at both insurers’ discounts.

Discount
Nationwide
Progressive
Clean driving recordYesYes
Defensive driving courseYesYes
Multi-policyYesYes
Multi-carYesYes
Low mileageYesNo
Telematics (safe driving app)YesYes
Anti-theft deviceYesYes
New carNoNo
Military/affiliationNoNo
Good studentYesYes
LoyaltyYesYes
Auto payYesYes
Student away at schoolNoYes
HomeownerYesYes
Alternative fuelNoNo

Nationwide vs. Progressive FAQs

Use Insurify’s guide to switching car insurance if you want a new policy. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions when considering Nationwide’s coverage versus Progressive’s auto insurance coverage.

  • Is Nationwide the same as Progressive?

    No. While Nationwide and Progressive are similar insurance companies, they’re not the same. Progressive holds a larger market share and has lower premiums.

  • Is Nationwide good at paying out claims?

    Nationwide earned below-average ratings for overall claims satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.[1] But AM Best gave Nationwide an A (Excellent) financial strength rating, indicating it can pay out future policyholder claims.[6]

  • Is Progressive really cheaper?

    Yes. Progressive offers cheaper car insurance and more competitive rates than Nationwide, according to Insurify’s proprietary data. But your auto insurance quotes depend on factors like your location, age, driving history, credit score, vehicle safety features, and coverage needs.

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 50+ 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
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
  • 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.

Sources

  1. J.D. Power. "2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study."
  2. NAIC. "Property and Casualty Insurance Company Top 25 Groups and Companies by Countrywide Premium."
  3. J.D. Power. "2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
  4. III. "Background on: Credit Scoring."
  5. III. "Senior driving safety and insurance tips."
  6. AM Best. "AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co & Its P/C Subs; Affirms Credit Ratings of Life Affiliates."
Anna Baluch
Anna BaluchInsurance Writer

Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert. With an MBA from Roosevelt University, she enjoys writing educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions. Her work can be seen across the internet on many publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and the Balance. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.

Courtney Mikulski
Edited byCourtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
  • 3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content

  • Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score

Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

Featured in

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Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 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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