Nationwide ranks seventh nationally, placing it among the top car insurance providers and making it a solid choice for most drivers. The company excels in coverage options and customer experience, offering comprehensive protection with responsive service. This ranking reflects a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations. Nationwide's ranking for your profile depends on your coverage needs.
Nationwide Car Insurance Review
Updated: September 18, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Nationwide ranks eighth for full coverage affordability and 12th for minimum liability coverage, with average monthly rates of $127 and $71, respectively.
Nationwide ranks 9th nationwide for customer satisfaction, placing in the middle tier among major insurers despite competitive reviews and agent support services.
Nationwide ranks fourth for coverage variety, providing distinctive options like accident forgiveness and vanishing deductible programs for qualifying policyholders.
Nationwide Car Insurance Ratings
| Overall Score | 4.04 | 7 |
| Customer Experience | 4.27 | 9 |
| Coverage | 4.09 | 4 |
| Affordability | 3.92 | 10 |
Who Is Nationwide Car Insurance Best and Worst For?
Nationwide works best for drivers with DUIs, those with newer cars, seniors and drivers with accidents seeking affordable coverage. However, young drivers should look elsewhere, as Nationwide ranks poorly for this group.
Compare how Nationwide stacks up for your profile below.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Gender:Female
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Coverage Level:100/300/100,000 - 1000 comp_coll
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Credit Alignment:Below Fair
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Driving Record:At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
| Overall Score | 4.36 | 5 |
Nationwide Car Insurance Ratings by State
Nationwide ranks among the top five insurance companies in eight out of 51 states and territories across the United States. While the company doesn't claim the number one spot in any individual state, it consistently delivers solid performance nationwide. This makes Nationwide a reliable choice for drivers seeking dependable coverage and service.
| Alabama | 0.20 | 8 |
| Arizona | 0.20 | 8 |
| Arkansas | 0.20 | 7 |
| California | 0.17 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 0.20 | 4 |
| Delaware | 0.21 | 6 |
| Florida | 0.22 | 3 |
| Idaho | 0.18 | 10 |
| Illinois | 0.19 | 9 |
| Kansas | 0.21 | 6 |
| Kentucky | 0.21 | 7 |
| Maryland | 0.21 | 5 |
| Minnesota | 0.17 | 11 |
| Mississippi | 0.20 | 8 |
| Missouri | 0.20 | 8 |
| Montana | 0.21 | 3 |
| New Hampshire | 0.20 | 8 |
| New Mexico | 0.21 | 5 |
| North Carolina | 0.21 | 6 |
| Ohio | 0.19 | 9 |
| Oregon | 0.22 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | 0.22 | 3 |
| Rhode Island | 0.18 | 8 |
| South Carolina | 0.20 | 9 |
| South Dakota | 0.18 | 8 |
| Tennessee | 0.17 | 10 |
| Utah | 0.21 | 5 |
| Vermont | 0.19 | 8 |
| Washington | 0.19 | 9 |
| Wisconsin | 0.20 | 7 |
*Ratings are based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations who insures a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Nationwide Car Insurance vs. Competitors
Here's how Nationwide car insurance compares with other major national insurers:
Nationwide vs. GEICO | 4.04 vs. 4.34 | Nationwide falls below GEICO overall due to lower scores in affordability and customer experience |
Nationwide vs. State Farm | 4.04 vs. 4.15 | Nationwide has better coverage options than State Farm, but falls behind in both customer experience and affordability |
Nationwide vs. AAA | 4.04 vs. 3.74 | Nationwide is more affordable than AAA, with better coverage options, but does score lower in customer experience |
Nationwide vs. Allstate | 4.04 vs. 3.78 | Allstate has better coverage options, but Nationwide's affordability and customer service make it a better option overall |
Nationwide vs. USAA | 4.04 vs. 4.86 | For military members, USAA beats Nationwide in affordability, customer experience and coverage options |
Nationwide vs. Travelers | 4.04 vs. 4.5 | Travelers, while lacking in coverage options, has superior rates and better customer reputation than Nationwide, making it better overall |
Nationwide vs. Farmers | 4.04 vs. 3.86 | Nationwide is a better option than Farmers, despite a lower coverage score |
How Much Does Nationwide Car Insurance Cost?
Your Nationwide car insurance costs can range from $64 to $1,600 monthly, depending on your profile and coverage needs. We've analyzed national costs across age groups, gender, coverage types, credit scores and driving records to help you find the best rates.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:Adult Drivers
Select
Gender:Female
Select
Credit Alignment:Below Fair
Select
Driving Record:At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
Select
Coverage Level:100/300/100,000 - 1000 comp_coll
| $313 | $3,755 | -10% | 9 |
Nationwide Car Insurance Rates by Driver Category
Drivers with accidents, DUIs or older cars will find Nationwide much more expensive than average. However, it may still be affordable for other driver categories. Below you can review how affordable Nationwide is for your specific driving situation.
| Adult Drivers | $71 | $127 | 9% | 10 |
| Young Drivers | $183 | $322 | 12% | 8 |
| Senior Drivers | $88 | $149 | 3% | 8 |
| Drivers With An Accident | $106 | $202 | 15% | 11 |
| Drivers With A DUI | $140 | $270 | 26% | 12 |
| Drivers With A Speeding Ticket | $90 | $169 | 13% | 10 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $121 | $232 | -22% | 7 |
| Drivers With Low Income | $93 | $174 | -1% | 7 |
| Adult Drivers | $72 | $129 | 8% | 10 |
| Drivers With Newer Cars | $77 | $138 | -1% | 6 |
| Drivers With Old Cars | $66 | $118 | 11% | 11 |
*All profiles are modified based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations, driving a 2012 Toyota Camry. Young drivers represent ages 25 and under, Adults 26 to 64, and seniors 65+. Older vehicles change the vehicle age to 2007, and newer vehicles change it to 2025.
Nationwide Car Insurance Rates by State
Nationwide's monthly rates vary from $33 to $212 across states. The insurer ranks among the top five most affordable options in 5 out of 51 states and territories. Below you can review Nationwide's affordability and pricing for your area.
| Alabama | $74 | $116 | 20% | 9 |
| Arizona | $94 | $157 | 24% | 11 |
| Arkansas | $52 | $130 | 14% | 9 |
| California | $103 | $212 | 38% | 11 |
| Connecticut | $111 | $179 | 27% | 7 |
| Delaware | $111 | $164 | -3% | 7 |
| Florida | $82 | $176 | -25% | 4 |
| Idaho | $77 | $112 | 65% | 12 |
| Illinois | $66 | $104 | 14% | 9 |
| Kansas | $57 | $110 | 4% | 7 |
| Kentucky | $78 | $118 | -6% | 7 |
| Maryland | $83 | $130 | -10% | 7 |
| Minnesota | $85 | $154 | 56% | 12 |
| Mississippi | $65 | $132 | 10% | 10 |
| Missouri | $88 | $156 | 31% | 10 |
| Montana | $58 | $113 | 10% | 4 |
| New Hampshire | $58 | $90 | 18% | 10 |
| New Mexico | $63 | $129 | 16% | 7 |
| North Carolina | $42 | $101 | -9% | 4 |
| Ohio | $52 | $95 | 19% | 10 |
| Oregon | $73 | $114 | 8% | 8 |
| Pennsylvania | $33 | $78 | -32% | 4 |
| Rhode Island | $110 | $172 | 43% | 10 |
| South Carolina | $81 | $137 | 12% | 10 |
| South Dakota | $53 | $126 | 30% | 10 |
| Tennessee | $87 | $129 | 44% | 12 |
| Utah | $72 | $123 | 0% | 5 |
| Vermont | $37 | $89 | 19% | 10 |
| Washington | $53 | $127 | 13% | 11 |
| Wisconsin | $49 | $90 | 13% | 8 |
*Rates are based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit, no driving violations and a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Nationwide Car Insurance Discounts
Nationwide offers 11 discounts total for car insurance with potential savings of up to 40% depending on your driving habits, coverage choices and policy management preferences. Below we've summarized their offerings:
Multi-Policy/Bundle | $1,032 average savings | Must bundle auto with home or renters insurance | Available nationwide |
Multi-Car | Variable | 2+ vehicles on same policy | Available nationwide |
SmartRide Telematics | 10% enrollment + up to 40% based on behavior | Download app or use in-car device to track driving habits including speed, braking, acceleration, nighttime driving | Available nationwide (criteria differ in CA, NC) |
SmartMiles Pay-Per-Mile | Variable monthly + up to 10% safe driving | Low-mileage drivers pay base rate plus per-mile charges | Not available in AK, HI, LA, NC, NY, OK |
Accident-Free | Up to 10% | 5+ years driving experience with no accidents or major violations in last 5 years | Available nationwide |
Good Student | Variable | Ages 16-24, maintain B average (3.0 GPA) or better | Available nationwide |
Defensive Driving | 5% | Complete state-certified course, typically 55+ years old, no at-fault accidents in past 35 months | Available nationwide |
Anti-Theft Device | Variable | Vehicle equipped with qualifying anti-theft system, proof may be required | Available nationwide |
EasyPay Automatic | One-time discount | Set up automatic deductions from bank account | Available nationwide |
Affinity Member | Variable | Member of partnered alumni associations, professional organizations, special interest groups | Available nationwide |
Vanishing Deductible | $100/year | Optional program reduces deductible by $100 for each claim-free year, up to $500 total | Available nationwide |
Nationwide Car Insurance Customer Reviews and Reputation
Nationwide earned 9th place in overall customer satisfaction in MoneyGeek's comprehensive customer experience study. Customer reviews highlight the company's responsive agent service and user-friendly digital tools, though claims processing generates more complaints than other areas. Below, we break down the buying, policy management and claims process experiences based on our research.
Buying Process Experience
Nationwide provides flexible purchasing options through independent agents, direct online quotes, or phone support. The online quote system is user-friendly and provides competitive rates quickly, though complex situations may require agent consultation. Customers appreciate the choice between local agent relationships and direct purchasing. Agent quality varies by location, with some offices providing excellent service while others may have limited availability for immediate questions.
Policy Management
The Nationwide mobile app and online portal handle most policy management tasks effectively, including payments, coverage changes, and document access. The SmartRide usage-based program integrates well with the app for drivers wanting to earn discounts. However, some customers find the interface less intuitive than competitors, and certain policy modifications require phone calls or agent involvement. The company's bundling options with other insurance products are straightforward to manage digitally.
Claims Experience
Nationwide's claims process offers 24/7 reporting through multiple channels, including the mobile app with photo submission capabilities. The company's "On Your Side" promise emphasizes customer advocacy throughout the claims process. Response times are generally reasonable, though customers report varying experiences with adjusters depending on claim complexity and regional office workload.
Nationwide Car Insurance Industry Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Nationwide ranks well for financial strength from all industry rating agencies, along with a lower than average NAIC complaint score. Here are Nationwide's scores from industry agencies.
AM Best Financial Strength | A+ (Superior) | A++ to D- | Superior ability to meet financial obligations and pay claims |
AM Best Long-Term Credit Standing | aa | aaa to d | High credit quality |
S&P Global Financial Strength | A | AAA to D | Strong financial security characteristics |
Moody's Financial Strength | A2 | Aaa to C | Upper-medium grade with low credit risk |
J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction | 728/1,000 | 1,000-point scale | 4th overall, well above average |
J.D. Power Digital Service Experience | 730/1,000 | 1,000-point scale | Earns 1st place |
J.D. Power Auto Insurance Shopping Study | 671/1,000 (8th of 17) | Out of 1,000 | 8th out of 17 companies with a better than average experience |
J.D. Power Overal Customer Satisfaction | 698/1,000 | Out of 1,000 | Places 1st overall for usage-based insurance |
NAIC Auto Complaints | 0.65 | 1.00 is average | Lower complaints than expected |
Nationwide Car Insurance Reddit and Forum Customer Satisfaction
Nationwide customers on Reddit and online forums praise the company's stable rates, straightforward coverage options, and generally fair claim handling, particularly appreciating the SmartRide discount program and lack of surprise rate hikes. However, common complaints include limited digital features compared to competitors, inconsistent agent availability, and slower response times during peak claim periods.
We've gathered real customer experiences from forums across the web to show you what Nationwide policyholders actually encounter:
Pricing and Value
Rates tend to remain stable over time, though initial quotes aren't always the lowest available:
"Nationwide might not be the cheapest upfront, but they don't hit you with crazy rate increases like some companies. Been with them five years and my rates have only gone up about 15% total, which seems reasonable with inflation."
Claims Processing
Generally positive claim experiences, though processing times can be longer than expected:
"Filed a comprehensive claim for vandalism and while it took about three weeks to get my check, the adjuster was thorough and fair. No surprises or lowball offers - they covered everything the estimate showed."
Customer Service
Agent service varies by location, with some customers feeling disconnected from their representatives:
"My Nationwide agent is fine but not particularly proactive. I have to reach out when I need something - they don't check in or suggest ways to save money like some other companies do."
"Called customer service about coverage questions and got helpful answers, but it took 20 minutes on hold first. Not terrible, but not great either."
Digital Experience
The Nationwide mobile app receives moderate ratings with 4.7 out of 5.0 on the Apple App Store and 4.5 out of 5 on Google Play. Basic functions work well, but the app lacks advanced features:
"Nationwide's app gets the job done for viewing policies and making payments, but it feels pretty basic compared to what GEICO or Progressive offer. No fancy features, just the essentials."
"I can access my insurance cards and pay my bill through the app, which is all I really need. It's reliable even if it's not the most exciting app on my phone."
Trust and Reputation
Strong brand trust with customers appreciating the company's stability and straightforward approach:
"Nationwide feels like the steady, reliable choice. They're not flashy or cutting-edge, but they pay claims and don't play games with rates. Sometimes boring is good for insurance."
Coverage Options
Adequate coverage options available, though some customers want more customization:
"Nationwide covers all the basics and their add-ons are reasonably priced. Not as many bells and whistles as some companies, but everything you actually need is available."
REVIEWS ON FORUMS AREN’T A PERFECT GAUGE
Negative reviews dominate forums and don't reflect overall service quality. For a complete picture, combine user reviews with industry resources like J.D. Power, independent agents, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the Insurance Information Institute.
Nationwide Car Insurance Coverage Options
Nationwide provides standard coverages like other top insurers, including liability, comprehensive and collision insurance. Additional add-ons from the company include:
Gap Insurance | Pays the difference between what you owe on your loan/lease and your car's actual cash value if totaled | Covers theft and total loss situations; helps avoid owing money on a totaled vehicle; essential for new car buyers |
Accident Forgiveness | Prevents rate increases after your first at-fault accident if you have a clean driving record | One forgiveness per policy (not per person); requires clean record for at least 3-5 years; applies to minor violations too |
Roadside Assistance | 24/7 towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout service, fuel delivery | Basic and Plus options available; covers you in any vehicle; available via mobile app for easy service requests |
Total Loss Deductible Waiver | Waives your physical damage deductible if your vehicle is completely totaled | Applies to both comprehensive and collision total losses; helps reduce out-of-pocket costs during total loss claims |
Classic Car Coverage | Fills the coverage gap when driving for Uber or Lyft but haven't picked up passengers yet | Agreed value coverage; covers cars 1979 and older, trucks/SUVs 1996 and older; includes vintage tractors and military vehicles |
Pays for rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered claim | Various daily limits available; covers transportation expenses during repair periods | |
Other Nationwide Insurance Coverage Options to Consider
You can save money and simplify your coverage by bundling other insurance types with your auto policy, or you might find better rates by purchasing them separately:
Who Offers It? | Insurance Products |
|---|---|
Nationwide (Directly Offered) | Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, Renters Insurance, Condo Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, ATV/Off-Road Insurance, Snowmobile Insurance, RV Insurance, Boat Insurance, Commercial Auto Insurance, Business Owner's Policy, General Liability Insurance, Commercial Property Insurance, Workers' Compensation, Commercial Umbrella Insurance, Agribusiness Insurance, Farm Insurance, Umbrella Insurance, Term Life Insurance, Whole Life Insurance, Universal Life Insurance, Variable Universal Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Annuities, Mutual Funds, Retirement Plans |
Third-Party Partner | Travel Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Cyber Protection Services, Group Health Insurance, Group Dental Insurance, Group Vision Insurance, Medical Stop Loss Insurance, MedPair Supplemental Health Insurance, Multi-Life Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance |
Nationwide Auto Insurance Review: Bottom Line
Nationwide is a strong option for car insurance, ranking best in affordability, customer experience and coverage. It earned 6th place overall for full coverage and 8th for minimum coverage. However, we recommend you compare around, do your own research and decide on coverage needs before buying to get the best deal.
Nationwide Car Insurance Reviews: FAQ
Below are MoneyGeek's expert answers to frequently asked questions about Nationwide car insurance:
Does Nationwide insurance have a good reputation?
Yes, Nationwide is a legitimate car insurance company that secured 7th place in our comprehensive car insurance provider analysis. The insurer particularly excels in coverage options, where it ranks 4th among all providers we evaluated.
Where is Nationwide the best car insurance company?
While Nationwide doesn't claim the number one spot in any individual state, it ranks among the top five insurance companies in eight out of 51 states.
How much does Nationwide car insurance cost on average?
Nationwide charges adults an average of $865 annually for minimum coverage and $1,529 for full coverage. Annual premiums range from $767 to $7,505 for minimum and $1,448 to $14,703 for full coverage.
Is Nationwide known for denying claims?
Customer feedback indicates Nationwide faces criticism for claim denials, with policyholders reporting rejections for legitimate water damage, auto accidents, and property losses. Some customers describe lengthy review processes and disputes over coverage interpretations that required legal intervention to resolve satisfactorily.
Note: This represents limited information based primarily on forum reviews.
Is Nationwide a good option for high-risk drivers?
Nationwide isn't ideal for most high-risk drivers, ranking 11th for drivers with accidents, 12th for drivers with DUIs, and 10th for drivers with speeding tickets.
Does Nationwide raise car insurance rates over time?
Yes, Nationwide raises car insurance rates over time. Like other insurers, Nationwide increases premiums due to inflation impacting repair and medical expenses, higher claim frequency from distracted driving and severe weather, plus escalating vehicle technology costs. Rate adjustments also reflect updated risk assessments for your location, regulatory changes, and personal factors such as credit score shifts or age-related risk category changes, regardless of your claims history.
Is Nationwide good for young drivers?
Yes, Nationwide does increase car insurance rates over time. For young drivers specifically, Nationwide isn't the best choice given their 8th place affordability ranking makes them pretty good but not ideal.
How We Rated Nationwide Car Insurance
MoneyGeek pulled auto insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services and compared prices from 79 insurers in every U.S. ZIP code.
Standard Driver Profile Used for Analysis
We used a baseline driver profile to ensure consistent rate comparisons. Our standard driver has these characteristics:
- Age: 40 years old, male
- Vehicle: 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Driving history: Clean record
- Annual mileage: 12,000 miles
- Credit rating: Good
- License status: Valid and active
- Insurance history: Currently covered with no previous claims
We then modified specific variables, including age, driving record, credit score and military status, to determine which insurers offer the best rates for different driver categories. Our minimum coverage rates represent policies meeting state-required minimums. Full coverage includes 100/300/100 liability limits plus comprehensive and collision coverage with $1,000 deductibles.
Company Rating System
Our evaluation process weighted three key factors:
- Cost (60% weight): We compared quotes across multiple driver profiles within each city, measuring how competitively each insurer prices its policies against local competitors.
- Customer satisfaction (30% weight): We analyzed customer feedback from multiple sources, including Google reviews, J.D. Power ratings, AM Best scores and online forums like Reddit, to assess overall service quality and customer experience.
- Coverage variety (10% weight): We evaluated each provider's coverage options, considering the breadth of available policies and any unique benefits or features.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- Apple App Store. "Nationwide Ratings and Reviews." Accessed September 18, 2025.
- Google Play. "Nationwide - Apps on Google Play." Accessed September 18, 2025.