- Multiple discount options.
- Mileage-based policy option.
- Well-ranked in J.D. Power’s Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.
- Not available in all 50 states.
- Does not file SR-22s.
Nationwide car insurance review
Jerry rates Nationwide car insurance 4.7 stars out of 5. This score is higher than many other insurers that Jerry rates and takes into account the insurer’s pricing, industry ratings, consumer ratings, financial strength and national complaint data.
Nationwide provides somewhat flexible car insurance, but most of its coverage options and discounts are available with other insurers. This insurance company rewards drivers who are loyal and bundle multiple policies with relatively low rates.
Nationwide lands on the good side of average with industry reports and consumers. The insurer scored average with repair professionals but has an excellent financial strength rating.
Nationwide is available in 46 states and Washington, D.C. Drivers can get a quote online, over the phone or via a local agent.
Who is Nationwide best for?
Nationwide is best for customers looking for an insurer they want to stick with, which is the best way to take advantage of the company’s perks. Bundling, a long history of safe or infrequent driving, and loyalty will get you far with Nationwide.
If you’re a high-risk driver looking for an affordable premium, Nationwide may not be your first stop. This insurer doesn’t file SR-22s on behalf of its drivers, according to a customer service representative, and you may find lower rates elsewhere.
It’s always wise to compare offers from multiple insurers to get the best deal on the coverage you want.
How much does Nationwide car insurance cost?
Nationwide offers its most affordable coverage to drivers with clean histories. DUI convictions, speeding tickets and at-fault violations may cause your Nationwide premium to rise significantly.
Your premium is determined by a number of factors, including your age, location, the type and age of your vehicle, your driving record, other drivers on your policy, and the amount of coverage you want.
Nationwide car insurance discounts
Nationwide policyholders have several ways to get a discount, including:
- Having multiple insurance policies with Nationwide.
- Completing a driver safety course.
- Adding anti-theft devices to your vehicle.
- Having an accident-free driving record.
- Insuring a student with a B or better grade average.
- Setting up automatic payments.
Does Nationwide offer insurance based on driving behavior?
Yes. Nationwide’s SmartRide program tracks drivers’ behavior behind the wheel and may give those with good habits a lower premium. Drivers get a discount just for signing up.
The program measures:
- Mileage per trip.
- Instances of braking and accelerating quickly.
- Trips between midnight and 5 a.m.
SmartMiles, Nationwide’s other usage-based program, gives drivers a base rate and adds a variable rate (pay-per-mile) on top of it. Your premium fluctuates each month, but the insurer says drivers who use the program save an average of 25% over the traditional policy.
Nationwide car insurance coverage options
Like most insurers, Nationwide offers collision, comprehensive, liability for bodily injury, liability for property damage, medical expense, personal injury protection and uninsured/underinsured motorist.
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Coverage definitions
The insurer also provides the following optional coverages:
- Gap coverage can pay the difference between the cash value of a financed or leased car and your remaining unpaid balance.
- Rental car coverage to pay for a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop.
- Accident forgiveness lets you avoid a rate increase after your first at-fault accident or minor violation.
- Roadside assistance covers the cost of help if you need a tire change, fuel or a tow when you’re away from home.
- Vanishing deductible gets you $100 off your deductible for each year of safe driving.
Nationwide offers a special coverage package for those who bundle auto and home or condo insurance, which includes:
- Up to $400 to replace a car key.
- Fender bender forgiveness.
- Up to $250 for emergency lockout services.
- Up to $5,000 waived from your deductible if your home is a total loss after a fire.
- Guarantees on repairs performed at a shop in Nationwide’s network for as long as you own or lease your vehicle.
- Pet coverage if your pet is injured in a car accident.
Industry ratings of Nationwide car insurance
Nationwide car insurance does above average with most industry reports, however, the insurer has a lower-than-expected consumer complaint index.
| Rating | Nationwide’s score |
| NAIC consumer complaint index | Low (good). |
| CRASH Network report card | C. |
| J.D. Power auto insurance shopping study | No. 13 of 17. |
| J.D. Power auto insurance claims study | No. 4 of 21. |
| AM Best | A. |
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NAIC details
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CRASH Network details
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J.D. Power details
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AM Best details
Customer reviews of Nationwide
Hundreds of Jerry customers have used and reviewed Nationwide’s auto insurance and have given the insurer solid ratings.
How to contact Nationwide
Nationwide customers can log in to make bill payments or changes to their account. The company has a well-rated mobile app and an online chatbot.
These are the company’s phone numbers:
Auto policy sales and service: 1-877-669-6877.
File a claim: 1-800-421-3535.
FAQ
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What states does Nationwide not cover?
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Is Nationwide car insurance cheap?
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Is Nationwide insurance a reputable company?
Methodology
We looked at over 400,000 actual policies quoted for real Jerry customers during 2024 across 24 different insurance companies. The pricing data included both those with clean driving records as well as those with a violation.
How we rate car insurance companies
Jerry’s team of car insurance expert writers and editors analyze real customer ratings and industry reports to get a holistic view of an insurer’s performance. Our rubric emphasizes the shopping and claims experiences, customer complaints and reviews, repair shops’ evaluations of insurers, policy and quote pricing, and state availability.
We regularly reassess insurers’ star ratings and fact-check these reviews to ensure they’re accurate and up-to-date.
These individual factors roll up into one weighting system as follows:
20% Financial strength
20% Complaints
20% Industry ratings
20% Customer ratings
20% Cost and discounts
