Auto Insurance Review
Key takeaways
Nationwide ranks #7 for affordability among major car insurance carriers, with average rates of $354 monthly.
— QuoteYeti editorial team
- 02 Customer experience ranks #7 based on J.D. Power scores, NAIC complaint data, and online sentiment.
- 03 Coverage breadth scores #5 — see the coverage section below for which add-ons set Nationwide apart.
Nationwide ratings
How much does Nationwide cost?
Nationwide car insurance costs drivers $354 monthly on average, or $4,248 annually — +2% compared to the national average. Actual rates vary significantly based on your profile, location, and coverage selections. Use the cost-by-category table below to see how Nationwide typically prices different driver profiles.
Avg monthly
$354
Avg annual
$4,248
vs. national avg
+2%
How Nationwide compares
+2% above the national average for comparable coverage.
Rates by category
| Category | Minimum coverage | Full coverage | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult drivers (clean record) | $301 | $354 | #7 |
| Young drivers (18–25) | $779 | $885 | #7 |
| Senior drivers (65+) | $336 | $389 | #7 |
| Drivers with one accident | $496 | $584 | #8 |
| Drivers with a DUI | $708 | $814 | #8 |
| Drivers with bad credit | $602 | $673 | #8 |
Nationwide earns #7 overall in our auto rankings — the kind of performance that rewards a closer look, not a coin flip.
Nationwide reputation
Nationwide ranks #7 in QuoteYeti's customer experience study for car insurance. The score blends J.D. Power survey data, NAIC complaint ratios (0.94 versus an industry-wide 1.00 average), and member sentiment from public review sources. Customer feedback is mixed; some praise specific service areas while others report frustration with claims complexity.
Step 01
Buying process
Buying coverage from Nationwide has been generally adequate, though not without friction for most drivers. The quoting process is primarily online with phone support available for complex situations.
Step 02
Policy management
Day-to-day policy management at Nationwide varies in quality — the mobile experience is reasonable, but complex changes often require phone or agent support. Members typically rate the digital experience as competent if not standout.
Step 03
Claims experience
Claims handling at Nationwide performs at or slightly above the industry standard. For straightforward claims (windshield repairs, minor incidents), most drivers report fast resolution. Complex claims requiring extensive investigation can take longer.
Independent industry ratings
Independent ratings from major financial-strength and customer-satisfaction agencies:
| Source | Score | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| AM Best Financial Strength 1 A.M. Best Insurance-industry credit rating agency since 1899. A++ is the highest financial-strength grade. | A+ (Superior) | Superior ability to meet financial obligations |
| S&P Global Financial Strength 2 S&P Global Standard & Poor's Global Ratings. Insurance financial-strength grades from AAA (strongest) to D. | A+ | Strong capacity to meet financial commitments |
| J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction 3 J.D. Power Consumer satisfaction surveys with 12,000+ policyholders annually. Scores run 0–1000; above 800 is considered excellent. | 681/1,000 | Below industry average |
| NAIC Complaint Ratio 4 NAIC National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Their complaint index is 1.0 = average; lower is better. | 0.94 | Near the expected level of complaints |
Nationwide discounts
Nationwide offers 6 discounts to help reduce your premium:
| Discount | Average savings | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| SmartRide (Telematics) | Up to 40% | Complete telematics monitoring period; $40 enrollment bonus |
| Multi-Policy Bundle | Up to 20% | Bundle auto with home, life, or other Nationwide products |
| Multi-Car | Up to 20% | Insure two or more vehicles on the same policy |
| Defensive Driving | Up to 5% | Complete an approved defensive driving course |
| Good Student | Up to 10% | Full-time students with B average or better |
| Accident-Free | Variable | Five consecutive years without an at-fault accident |
Nationwide coverage options
Nationwide offers a comprehensive coverage menu typical of major car insurance carriers, with several add-ons that set it apart from competitors. The table below details the main add-ons available.
| Add-on coverage | What it covers | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Vanishing Deductible | Reduces your collision deductible by $100 per year of safe driving | Up to $500 total reduction over 5 years |
| Brand New Belongings | Replacement of personal items in your car after a total loss | Included with comprehensive on eligible policies |
| Accident Forgiveness | Prevents rate increases after your first at-fault accident | Earned after 5+ years claim-free with Nationwide |
| Roadside Assistance | Towing, jump-starts, lockouts, fuel delivery, and tire changes | Standard 24/7 nationwide service |
Pros and cons
Ordered by impact. The top item in each column is the one we'd weight heaviest in a recommendation.
What's working
- Top pro Significant bundling discounts (up to 20% with home insurance)
- SmartRide® telematics program with $40 enrollment bonus
- Vanishing Deductible® reduces $100 per year of safe driving
- On Your Side® Review with assigned representative for major life changes
- Strong availability of optional coverages and endorsements
What's not
- Top con Higher standalone rates than digital-first competitors
- Mixed J.D. Power scores in customer satisfaction
- Less competitive for drivers without bundled policies
- Inconsistent service quality across regions
Our verdict
The bottom line
Nationwide earns an overall score of 4.05/5 in QuoteYeti's car insurance provider rankings. The carrier ranks #7 nationally, with particular strength in specific specialty areas.
Nationwide is best suited for drivers who want a balance of price and service from an established carrier. Higher standalone rates than digital-first competitors is the most common drawback to weigh against the strengths.
As always, compare quotes from multiple insurers before committing. The right carrier depends on your specific profile — driving record, claims history, location, and coverage needs all shift the math.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nationwide a good car insurance company?
Nationwide is a legitimate car insurance carrier with a financial-strength rating of A+ (Superior). It ranks #7 overall and #7 in affordability in QuoteYeti's editorial comparison of major car insurance providers.
How much does Nationwide car insurance cost?
Nationwide averages $354 monthly ($4,248 annually) — +2% versus the national average. Your actual rate depends on your profile, location, and coverage choices. Use the cost-by-category table above to see how Nationwide typically prices different drivers.
What discounts does Nationwide offer?
Nationwide offers 6 primary discounts, including SmartRide (Telematics), Multi-Policy Bundle, Multi-Car. See the full discount table above for eligibility and average savings.
Does Nationwide have good claims handling?
Nationwide's NAIC complaint ratio is 0.94 (1.00 is the industry average, so lower is better). This is at or near the industry average. J.D. Power claims scores rate 681/1,000.
Should I choose Nationwide or a competitor?
Nationwide is strongest for drivers who want established carrier reliability. Compare quotes from at least three carriers — Nationwide's rates and offerings vary significantly based on your specific profile, and the carrier that fits best can differ for drivers in different situations.
How we rated Nationwide
QuoteYeti's car insurance rankings are designed to surface where each carrier actually wins and loses. We don't accept payment for ranking placement, and our methodology is published in full so you can audit how we reach our conclusions.
60%
Cost
We compare quotes across multiple drivers profiles, measuring how competitively each carrier prices its policies against local and national competitors. Data is normalized to comparable coverage levels.
30%
Customer satisfaction
We analyze customer feedback from J.D. Power member studies, NAIC complaint ratios, AM Best ratings, and public review sources to assess overall service quality and claims handling.
10%
Coverage breadth
We evaluate each carrier's coverage menu, scoring the variety of available endorsements, unique features, and gap-filling options.