Julia Taliesin is an insurance content writer at Insurify. She began her career as a journalist, covering local government and business in Somerville, Mass.
Evelyn PimplaskarEditor-in-Chief, Director of Content
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
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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Nationwide is the 10th-largest auto insurance company in the U.S. by market share. The insurer sells coverage in most states, though it started as a small business in 1926 in Columbus, Ohio.
Nationwide sells home, renters, pet, life, and other insurance products in addition to numerous vehicle insurance coverages. Its car insurance rates are below average, and while it doesn’t have the cheapest national average rates, Nationwide offers competitive auto insurance quotes in many states. J.D. Power also ranked Nationwide highest for usage-based insurance, which can help people save by driving safely or paying per mile.
Higher-risk drivers often pay below-average rates for Nationwide policies.
Drivers can save up to 40% with Nationwide’s SmartRide usage-based safe driving program.
Nationwide policyholders can also buy accident forgiveness and gap coverage.
How Nationwide compares to other insurance companies
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.
$89/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 866 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 (485)
David
June 26, 2025
Verified Review
Switching to Progressive
Don't get Roadside Assistance. We were stuck 800 miles from home with a flat tire and were told they could not find anyone to assist us. Thank God there was a Les Schwab Tire Center in town.
Bettye
June 10, 2025
Verified Review
BG's Lament
They will not give you a bundle price, and are higher than other companies. You wonder if you are being given all the reductions allowed for a good driving record, living in Florida.
Nicholas
May 14, 2025
Verified Review
Poor
Nationwide is very overpriced for what they offer.
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 is similar to many competitors and is a relatively average insurer, Insurify’s editorial team found. Nationwide’s rates are cheaper than average, according to Insurify data, but they may not be the cheapest available. J.D. Power also ranks Nationwide very highly for its usage-based insurance programs, so it could be a good fit depending on your needs.
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
Factor
How Nationwide Compares
Rates
Average
Customer service
Similar to competitors
Discounts
Fewer than competitors
Availability
Similar to competitors
Financial strength
Similar to competitors
Nationwide Updates
July 2024: J.D. Power ranks Nationwide as No. 1 in customer satisfaction among usage-based insurers.
March 2024: Nationwide reports its third consecutive year of record sales.
How Nationwide rates compare to competitors
Nationwide isn’t among the cheapest car insurance companies based on national averages but could still offer competitive rates in your area and for your unique needs. Farmers and Travelers are two of Nationwide’s top competitors, and Nationwide offers lower rates than both insurers.
Here’s how Nationwide’s national average full-coverage rate compares to the rates of several different companies.
Full-Coverage Rates by Insurance Company
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.
Average cost of Nationwide auto insurance
Nationwide’s average auto insurance rates are below the national average for full-coverage and liability-only insurance, though they’re not the cheapest available. But higher-risk drivers, like young drivers and drivers with a speeding ticket or DUI, pay below-average rates for coverage. For example, drivers with an at-fault accident on their record pay about 25% more for a Nationwide auto insurance policy versus the national average increase of 47%.
Here’s how Nationwide’s average monthly liability-only rates compare to the national average for a few different driver profiles.
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.
Nationwide car insurance cost by state
Many factors affect your auto insurance premiums, and your location is one of the big ones. Your state insurance market, regional inflation, and local severe weather — like fire, hail, or hurricanes — can influence your rates. Drivers in urban areas also tend to pay more than rural drivers, given the increased risk of theft and accidents in densely populated areas.
Nationwide’s rates are often below average but rarely the cheapest option in most states. Rates do vary widely, though. For example, drivers pay a monthly average of $110 in Alabama and $248 in Georgia for liability coverage.
These are the average monthly liability-only insurance quotes for Nationwide in each state, compared to the overall state average liability-only quote.
State
Nationwide Average Quote
State Average
Alabama
$110
$62
Arizona
$189
$95
Arkansas
$86
$101
California
$175
$98
Colorado
$119
$99
Connecticut
$164
$204
Delaware
$259
$175
Florida
$144
$155
Georgia
$248
$166
Idaho
$63
$66
Illinois
$89
$83
Indiana
$110
$74
Iowa
$62
$56
Kansas
$72
$80
Kentucky
$221
$127
Maine
$79
$82
Maryland
$375
$208
Michigan
$117
$168
Mississippi
$68
$74
Missouri
$161
$96
Montana
$73
$74
Nebraska
$84
$79
Nevada
$145
$177
New Hampshire
$57
$57
New Mexico
$191
$68
New York
$278
$286
North Carolina
$46
$60
North Dakota
$76
$76
Ohio
$75
$73
Oklahoma
$78
$88
Pennsylvania
$142
$96
Rhode Island
$188
$136
South Carolina
$96
$174
South Dakota
$59
$59
Tennessee
$92
$72
Texas
$103
$125
Utah
$178
$107
Vermont
$75
$64
Virginia
$87
$115
Washington
$79
$91
Washington, D.C.
$236
$234
West Virginia
$123
$82
Wisconsin
$70
$65
Wyoming
$59
$56
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 does not offer auto insurance coverage in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Massachusetts. Minnesota, New Jersey, and Oregon excluded due to lack of data.
Nationwide car insurance discounts
It’s important to consider car insurance discounts when choosing the right insurance company since savings vary and insurers offer different options. For example, SmartRide, Nationwide’s usage-based insurance program, rewards you for safe driving. Low-mileage drivers could also save with SmartMiles, a pay-per-mile program that could lower your costs if you don’t drive much or very far.
Always ask about what discounts you’re eligible for since not all insurers will automatically apply them and you may have to provide documentation.
Discount
% Discount
SmartRide
10%–40%
Multi-car
Up to 20%
Accident-free
Up to 10%
Pay in full
6% average savings
Automatic payments
3% average savings
Multi-policy/bundling
Varies
Good student (ages 16-24)
Varies
Defensive driving (ages 55+)
Varies
Anti-theft
Varies
SmartMiles
Varies
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Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
How customers feel about Nationwide
Like most insurers, Nationwide’s online reviews are mixed. On Trustpilot, Nationwide reviews add up to a “bad” score of 1.6 out of 5. While some negative comments report frustration with renewals conditional on repairs, other responses praise the claims process and customer service. The insurer scores 1.12 out of 5 for customer reviews with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) but is still an A+ accredited business.
Nationwide consistently scores average in industry customer and claims satisfaction ratings but also receives fewer complaints than other auto insurers.
These are a few sources to consider to learn how Nationwide customers feel about their insurer.
Nationwide customer reviews
Insurify asks consumers to rate their insurance companies and collects the information so shoppers can hear from people directly about their experience. These are all real, verified Nationwide insurance reviews, and more policyholders report their experiences every day.
David - June 26, 2025
Verified
Switching to Progressive
Don't get Roadside Assistance. We were stuck 800 miles from home with a flat tire and were told they could not find anyone to assist us. Thank God there was a Les Schwab Tire Center in town.
Bettye - June 10, 2025
Verified
BG's Lament
They will not give you a bundle price, and are higher than other companies. You wonder if you are being given all the reductions allowed for a good driving record, living in Florida.
Nicholas - May 14, 2025
Verified
Poor
Nationwide is very overpriced for what they offer.
Ronald - May 11, 2025
Verified
Nationwide opinion
Nothing bad about Nationwide, but it needed to be more affordable.
…
Nationwide ratings
Industry ratings can help you understand an insurance company’s business reliability and how it scores for customer satisfaction. A higher score from financial credit-rating agency AM Best lets you know that an insurer has good risk management and can pay claims reliably.
Consumer insights agency J.D. Power measures customer and claims satisfaction among auto insurers, and Nationwide mostly ranks slightly below average. It ranks highest in the usage-based insurance category, though, with a score of 842/1000, and it ranks above average in a couple regions.
The insurer’s National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) company complaints index score tells you how the company’s number of complaints compares to the industry average for a company of its size.
Rating
Score
What This Means
AM Best
Financial strength rating: A
Long-term credit rating: A+
Third-highest ratings (marginal operating performance, neutral business profile, and appropriate risk management)
J.D. Power
875 (2023 claims satisfaction study)
663 average (2024 auto insurance study)
Ranked slightly below study average (scored out of 1000)
NAIC Complaint Index
0.68
Received 32% fewer complaints than the market average
Nationwide car insurance coverage options
Nationwide offers standard coverage options, including liability coverage that meets state minimum insurance requirements, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages, personal injury protection, and medical payments. Drivers can also purchase optional coverages, like roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, and gap insurance.
Knowing insurance terms and definitions can help you understand policies as you shop. Here’s what each type of coverage includes.
Liability coverage
Liability insurance includes bodily injury and property damage liability protection, which cover injuries or damage you cause to another person or their property.
Collision coverage
Collision insurance pays for damage to your car if you hit another vehicle or a stationary object, like a fence or tree. It also pays in case of rollover accidents.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance reimburses you for losses from theft or damage from something other than a crash with a car or object. It covers damage from fire, flooding, windstorms, hail, vandalism, animals (including a collision with a deer), and more.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
This reimburses you if a driver without insurance — or enough insurance to cover the damage — hits your vehicle. Uninsured motorist coverage can also pay for medical expenses and vehicle damage in a hit-and-run accident.
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage
MedPay is optional coverage in most states. If you and your passengers need medical attention, it helps cover related bills and funeral expenses no matter who’s at fault.
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
PIP covers accident-related medical expenses, lost wages, household services, and funeral expenses for you and your passengers regardless of fault. Some states with no-fault insurance systems require drivers to carry personal injury protection.
Accident forgiveness coverage
This coverage option will help you avoid a rate increase after your first at-fault accident. It can apply to anyone insured on your policy, but only one “forgiveness” is available per policy — not per person. Generally, you’ll need to have a clean driving record for at least three years to qualify for this type of coverage.
Roadside assistance coverage
Like most large insurers, Nationwide offers roadside assistance coverage. This optional add-on includes 24/7 service for towing after a breakdown, changing a tire, jump-starting your battery, and more. Nationwide also offers separate towing and labor coverage if you don’t have or want roadside assistance.
Rental reimbursement coverage
This coverage will help pay for a rental if your car is in the shop for repairs after a covered event.
Gap coverage
If your car is stolen or totaled, your basic coverage will likely pay you its actual cash value (ACV) — which may be less than any remaining loan or lease balance on the vehicle. Gap insurance covers the difference between your car’s ACV and what you owe so you’re not left without a vehicle still owing money on your loan or lease.
Vanishing deductible
If you opt for this coverage, you’ll earn $100 off your deductible for each year of safe driving, up to $500. That means if you’re in an accident after three years of safe driving, you’d only have to pay a $200 deductible before Nationwide covers the damages.
Other options for Nationwide customers
Nationwide offers many other types of insurance, and auto insurance customers could save by bundling with other Nationwide policies, like renters or homeowners insurance.
Here are a few more coverages you can get from Nationwide:
Vehicle: Nationwide insures motorcycles, RVs, boats, snowmobiles, classic cars, and more.
Property: Nationwide sells renters, homeowners, condo, flood, and business insurance.
Personal: Nationwide also offers travel, pet, umbrella, identity theft, and life insurance.
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Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
How Nationwide SmartRide works
SmartRide is Nationwide’s telematics car insurance program, which uses a mobile app — highly rated in the App Store — to track your driving. It’s an optional discount program. Drivers get an instant 10% discount just for enrolling and can save up to 40%. Most drivers earn their discount in 80 days and, once earned, you can improve it at every renewal.
SmartRide measures four factors: miles driven, hard braking, fast acceleration, and nighttime driving. Hard braking and fast acceleration can indicate reckless driving habits, and statistics show drivers on the road more and/or late at night have a higher chance of being in an accident.
It’s free to enroll in SmartRide, and it won’t make your insurance go up. Nationwide only uses SmartRide data to calculate a discount. If you’re a confident, safe driver, or committed to practicing safe driving habits, telematics insurance could help you lower costly premiums significantly.
SmartRide is different from SmartMiles, Nationwide’s pay-per-mile insurance policy. For example: A 35-year-old driver pays a $60 base rate and a $.07 per mile rate with 500 miles per month — that’s $95 per month, versus $133 for a traditional policy. If you drive infrequently or short distances, this could be cheaper than a traditional auto policy.
Nationwide insurance FAQs
If you’re still considering whether Nationwide is a good fit for you, here are some answers to frequently asked questions to help inform your decision.
Is Nationwide legitimate?
Yes. Nationwide is a legitimate company. Its high financial strength and long-term credit ratings from AM Best reflect a robust business. Nationwide began as a small mutual auto insurer and sold its first policy in 1926.
What is the average cost of Nationwide car insurance?
A Nationwide liability-only policy costs $85 per month, on average, and a full-coverage policy costs $181 per month. Your location, driving record, credit history, age, and other factors will affect how much you pay.
Is Nationwide good at paying claims?
Nationwide is decent at paying claims and earned an 875 out of 1,000 in J.D. Power’s 2023 claims satisfaction study. The insurer’s AM Best score of A+ (Superior) indicates it has the financial strength and risk management to pay out claims.
How do I cancel my Nationwide insurance policy?
You can cancel through your insurance agent (use the agency lookup tool if you need to find them) or by calling Nationwide directly. Be sure to set up your next auto insurance policy before canceling your Nationwide policy to avoid a lapse in coverage.
What is the customer satisfaction of Nationwide insurance?
In J.D. Power’s most recent studies, Nationwide typically ranks a little below average for customer satisfaction. It has a low NAIC complaint index, though, which means the company receives fewer complaints than the market average.
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
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.
Julia Taliesin is a data journalist at Insurify. She began her career as a journalist, covering local government and business in Somerville, Mass. She reported multiple investigative stories about municipal finances and budget allocation, building development and inspection, and personnel. When the pandemic began she became a de facto public health reporter, writing daily and weekly reports using available data to quickly communicate rates of infection and city response.
She's worked for print and digital outlets, writing everything from quick-hit breaking news to long-form community features. More recently, Julia managed content strategy at a startup creating a social platform for licensed nurses, overseeing a team of nurse freelancers and editing interview transcripts and news articles for publication.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in communications from Simmons University, with a focus in journalism. Outside of work, Julia enjoys working on crafting projects, learning about homesteading, and singing in cover bands.
Evelyn PimplaskarEditor-in-Chief, Director of Content
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
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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