Nationwide Auto Insurance Review [The Complete Guide 2020]

Insurance can definitely be a tough topic to research. Just plugging in car insurance to your google search menu and hundreds of pages will fill your screen. That can make just about every shopper go into a panic.

You can know everything about coverages and the type of insurance you may want, but then you have to figure out where you are going to get it. There are so many options in today’s market to shop for insurance.

Captive agencies, independent agencies, and even now you can get a quote without even talking to a licensed agent. The possibilities are endless when it comes to shopping for reasonable car insurance.

With the many choices of insurance companies out there, choosing the right auto insurance company for you and your needs may be challenging. Unfortunately, you would find that out when you are actually using the coverages you are paying for and needing to file a claim.

We are going to make this process a little easier for you. Today we are going to visit the company of Nationwide. We are going to cover the ins and outs of this company and see if it may be a good fit for you.

Of course, there are lots of companies out there and we can help you with those too! At any time, plug in your ZIP code here to get a free quote.

Nationwide’s Auto Insurance Rates

How much is this policy going to cost me? That is always the lingering question most consumers have when answering all the questions waiting to get their quote.

Each company may be slightly different from how they may weigh certain information when rating a risk. It can be a very long process for anyone looking for insurance.

So we are going to break it down for you by certain factors. First, let’s take a look at gender, age, and marital status.

These are factors that determine your auto insurance rates i.e how much your premium will be. As suspected, young drivers are considered to be a higher risk due to less experience and they are rated at a much higher premium.

Nationwide: Auto Insurance Rates by Company by State

Nationwide versus State Average

Let’s take a look at how Nationwide compares to the state average cost for car insurance.

Coverage Level Rates

As you would expect, the more coverage you have means the more you pay. Well, take a look at the chart below. In some states, you notice a higher coverage for a lower premium.

Credit History Rates

Credit impacts your auto insurance rates. Poor credit history can cost you thousands, literally.

As you can see from the above chart, a lower credit score can sometimes cost you over $1000 more in insurance premium than someone with a good credit score.

Driving Record Rates

The obvious factor in determining your insurance premium is driving records. That’s why auto insurance companies check your driving record. The table below gives you an idea of how much that speeding ticket is going to cost you!

A DUI is going to be your biggest factor in making that premium go up.

Nationwide Coverage

Nationwide has a wide range of coverages that it offers to consumers. Check out their state site here to find your state and see what specific coverages Nationwide offers you.

Below is a list of common coverages that Nationwide offers. Click each coverage to find out more information.

• Bodily Injury Liability
• Property Damage Liability
• Personal Injury Protection
• Uninsured Motorist
• Underinsured Motorist
• Medical Payments
• Collision
• Comprehensive
• Towing and Labor
• Rental Car Expense
• Gap Coverage
• Full Coverage
• Accident Forgiveness
• Roadside Assistance
• Vanishing Deductible
• Total Loss Deductible Waiver
• Classic Car Coverage

Nationwide’s Discounts

Nationwide offers a multitude of different discounts available to consumers. Below is a listing of discounts provided.

Nationwide Bundling Options

Another easy way to save with Nationwide is to bundle your insurance. This means you use Nationwide for all your insurance needs. So, for example, if you own a home and a car you would use Nationwide for both lines of insurance. This way you would receive the Nationwide multi-policy discount.

Nationwide Programs

Smartride is also a program used by Nationwide to help consumers receive major discounts. This product is either an app-based program or you can use a device inserted into your car.

Drive as you normally do, track your driving, and then see how to be a better driver and receive a discount! It’s super easy. You can save up to 40 percent when using this feature.

Nationwide has so many discounts available, you will definitely be able to find a few to shave down that premium.

Ratings for Nationwide Auto Insurance

If you want to find a good company, for any service, you usually want to know what their ratings are. These ratings show how well a company is doing financially, which means how well they will pay out your claim if the need arises. It also shows how well they are doing in customer service. We all want someone willing to help you on the other end of the phone.

A.M. Best

A.M. Best gives Nationwide an A+ rating. This rating is the highest honor from A.M. Best. Why use this rating? It is one of the oldest and recognized rating companies used to determine financial ratings.

Better Business Bureau

Chances are most shoppers have heard of the Better Business Bureau. You often see their stickers proudly located at the entrance of some businesses. But, have you ever thought about what those BBB ratings mean?

Better Business Bureau has the desire to make the relationship between buyer and seller a trusted relationship. They want to encourage good business models to continue their journey by showcases them to consumers. The BBB will also address companies that do not uphold this higher standard and call them out with lower ratings.

The Better Business Bureau also has strict accreditation standards you can read in detail here. Nationwide has gone through this rigorous testing and holds the rating of an A+ with BBB.

Nationwide Moody’s Rating

In 2017, Moody’s awarded Nationwide with a high rating of A1. Moody’s rating is a globally recognized rating agency with a strict rating process. Moody’s is well known in many countries across the world as their presence is in forty-two countries. Moody’s goal is to make consumers more knowledgable to make easier, quicker decisions.

Nationwide S&P Rating

S&P rating is a well known and respected rating agency. It has been in business for over 150 years and operates in twenty-eight different countries. A rating agency that has been around that long is an agency you can trust.

S&P gave Nationwide another great score of A+. We are starting to see a trend in the ratings given to Nationwide, and they are good!

Nationwide NAIC Complaint Index

So what is the NAIC and what do they do?

“The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is the U.S. standard-setting and regulatory support organization created and governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.”

Below are statistics from NAIC showing the complaint ratio and some other helpful stats.

As you can see from the table, Nationwide has excellent complaint numbers! Nationwide holds a strong market share due to minimal complaints from customers!

Nationwide J.D. Power

What makes J.D. Power a little different from the other rating agencies? Their ratings come from the consumer’s opinions that have and still use the product or company that is being rated. In a 2016 press release, Nationwide received an 874 out of 1,000 on auto claims satisfaction.

Insurance is one of those necessary things you must have even if you never use it. Unfortunately, when you do need to use your insurance it is due to a loss in property or medical care due to a car accident.

When you need to file that claim, you want good customer service. You will need someone to walk you through that claim and get you back on your feet or behind the wheel of your vehicle again.

With Nationwide receiving a high score for claims satisfaction, you can rest assured that if and when a loss occurs Nationwide will be there to help.

Nationwide Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is another organization that values the opinions of the consumer. They promote a fair, truthful place where consumers can get accurate information regarding products and services.

In 2017, Nationwide received an 88 out of a possible 100 in regards to their claim process. This score shows consumers are very satisfied with their Nationwide experience.

Another great score awarded to Nationwide!

Nationwide Company History

Nationwide has been helping customers insure their valuable assets for over 85 years. It started out in Ohio as a small auto insurer for local farmers and has now become one of the largest insurers for multiple lines of insurance.

Nationwide: Growth Over the Years

One way to measure the success of a company is to look at how a company is growing or the lack of growth.

Nationwide has slowly declined in the market share and premiums written, but they still hold strong in the top 10 companies.

Future of Nationwide

Nationwide is bringing some big changes in the years to come. By July 2020, all Nationwide insurance agents must become independent agents. What does this mean?

There are two types of agent. You can be a captive agent meaning you only sell for one company. The second type of agent is an independent agent. This means you can sell for any company. It offers customers a wide range of options.

At renewal, if your insurance with a company goes up, then you can speak to your agent and s/he can quote you with another one of their companies. You don’t have to leave your agent or give your information to another agency and essentially start the quoting process over again.

Current Nationwide customers should not notice a difference in coverages or services. This business model move will open doors for agency owners and customers and promote growth for Nationwide as a company as well.

Employees of Nationwide

Do you like insurance so much you want to work for a major player in the game? Well, if the answer is yes, Nationwide may be your place.

Nationwide is considered a large corporation with 31,766 employees. You can usually tell how great a company is to work for but their turnover and how long employees have been around.

Two to five years is the highest category, but not far behind are the employees staying put for over twenty years. Chances are you wouldn’t stick around with a company for over twenty years if you didn’t enjoy working there.

Average Age

Most employees at Nationwide are between the ages of 22 and 54. Over 75 percent of employees make up that age range.

Employee Experience

Well, it is no surprise that Nationwide employees have a great experience at work. Out of employees asked, 88 percent said Nationwide is a great place to work. With numbers like that, no wonder their customer service is so great.

Nationwide Awards

• #21 in Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance 2019
• #26 in Best Workplaces in Texas 2019
• #57 in 2019 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®
• #53 in Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® 2018
• #15 in Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance 2018
• #82 in Best Workplaces for Millennials 2018
• #16 in People’s 2018 Companies that Care list
• #61 in Best Workplaces for Women 2018
• #49 in Best Workplaces for Diversity 2018
• #39 in Best Workplaces for Millennials 2017
• #54 in Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® 2017
• #6 in Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance 2017
• #23 in PEOPLE’s 2017 Companies that Care list
• #29 in Best Workplaces in Texas 2017
• #50 in Best Workplaces for Women 2017
• #19 in Best Workplaces for Diversity 2017
• #43 in Best Workplaces for Diversity 2016
• #71 in Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® 2016

As you can see just from 2016-2019, Nationwide has quite an extensive list of awards.

Community Service

Nationwide definitely does their fair share in lending a hand in the community.

Workplace Giving

Employees give time and energy to many charities across the nation. American Red Cross, The United Way, and Feeding America are just a few of the charities Nationwide helps.

Nationwide Foundation

Nationwide doesn’t only give time and energy of employees to help community needs, they also provide significant dollars to help support the community around them. As of 2000, Nationwide has given over $498 million in contributions to various charities and organizations.

In 2006, the foundation pledged the largest gift in its history, granting $50 million to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Over the last six years, the foundation gifted the hospital with an additional $60 million in grants to establish and support the Nationwide Foundation Pediatric Innovation Fund.

Commercials

We all love a good commercial. Some even watch the Super Bowl not for the football, but for the commercials.

In 2014, Nationwide signed Peyton Manning to be their spokesman.

Nationwide then added one more famous face to the commercials. Brad Paisley starting showing up in commercials with Manning for Nationwide.

Nationwide is definitely on their A-game when it comes to making a great commercial.

The Next Step

If Nationwide is a company you are interested in getting a quote from you can do so multiple ways. You can obtain a web-based quote online. They even have a search for an agent tool on their website if you would prefer to speak with someone directly.

Canceling Your Policy with Nationwide

If you are not happy with your Nationwide policy or you no longer need insurance, you have the option to cancel your insurance.

Does Nationwide have a cancellation fee?

Nationwide does not charge a fee for canceling your insurance. They simply return any unearned premium back to the insured.

Is there a refund?

Depending on how much you have paid you may receive a refund. If you have paid your premium in full and decide to cancel the mid-term, you will receive a refund from any unused premium.

How to Cancel with Nationwide

Canceling your Nationwide can be done by phone, person, or through writing. The best way is to contact your local Nationwide agency.

If you chose to call, you may call your local Nationwide agent or call the main office at 800-882-2822. You can also mail your request to:

One Nationwide Plaza
1 West Nationwide Boulevard
Columbus, OH 43215

You must have your name, address, and policy information along with a signed letter stating your cancellation intent and date.

When can I cancel?

You can cancel your Nationwide policy at any time!

Nationwide Loss Ratio

Loss Ratio can be a confusing element of insurance, but it is an important factor to look at. For instance, if a company writes $300,000 in premium and pays out $150,000 in claims its loss ratio is 50 percent.

If a company has a loss ratio of 100 percent, they are spending all premium on losses and are not financially stable. If a company has a lower loss ratio, they may not be very good at paying out claims. When you file a claim, you do not want to worry about a company not being financially secure or dealing with a company not willing to pay out.

Ease of Making a Claim with Nationwide

Nationwide makes a normally stressful situation, like dealing with a claim, a breeze.

Notify Nationwide

• Notify Nationwide a loss has occurred
  • Log in to your online account
  • Call Nationwide Claims phone 1-800-421-3535
  • Contact your local agent

Information Needed

• Information you will need
  • Name and address
  • Any witnesses or injured information
  • Loss information
  • Nationwide policy number

Once your claim has been filed, a claims professional will be assigned to your case.

Getting a Quote Online

We’ll show how Nationwide’s quote process looks.

Personal Information

Once on the Nationwide website, you will be asked a series of questions. Starting with some information about yourself.

Vehicle Details

Next, you will move on to your vehicle details. You will need your car’s information including year, make, and model. You will also need to fill in information like the use of a vehicle and if you own or lease the vehicle.

Prior Insurance

You will also need to input your prior insurance. Nationwide wants to make sure you have continuous coverage with no lapse, so you will want your new insurance to pick up when your old expires or is canceled.

Live Chat

If you need assistance at any time, Nationwide has a live chat feature. This is helpful for any questions you may not understand or unsure of how to answer.

Local Agency

Getting a quote online with Nationwide is very easy, but you can also locate a local agent and talk with them directly to obtain your quote.

Now imagine having to do that for multiple companies to compare rates. Hard right? Doesn’t have to be. Use our FREE quote tool above to easily compare multiple companies and rates.

Online Presence and Apps Available

We saw earlier that Nationwide has a very strong television presence with their catchy commercials, but what about online and mobile apps?

The answer is a definite yes. Nationwide has a mobile app for Apple users and Andriod users. This mobile app makes doing anything with your policy super easy, even filing a claim.

Here are just a few features the app offers customers:

• Make a payment
• Manage payment methods
• Obtain ID cards
• File a claim
• Get claim information
• Receive help from Roadside Assistance

Their website is as easy as its mobile app. It is very user-friendly with easy to read tabs and search bar. You are sure to find anything you need on the Nationwide website.

Pros and Cons

We have tried to find all the things about Nationwide, good and bad. Listed below is a sampling of the pros and cons consumers say about Nationwide.

FAQ

How can I qualify for a Nationwide Good Student discount?

We all know the younger you are the more your insurance is going to cost. Parents, if your kids receive good grades in school, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing Nationwide has a discount for you.

For actively enrolled students, ages 16-24, just show proof of a B or higher grade average grade and you will receive the good student discount.

What is the Nationwide On Your Side Review?

The Nationwide On Your Side Review is a free service for all Nationwide members. This is a great service for anyone needing insurance.

An insurance professional will assess your insurance needs and make sure you understand what you have and what you need. You can use this service at any time. You can have your policy reviewed at renewal or at any major life change, such as a wedding or new home.

What is the Nationwide Smart ride Program?

The Nationwide Smart ride Program is a great program to get an awesome discount and to see if your driving safety is up to par. This is an easy program that offers a 10 percent discount just for signing up.

You monitor your driving by either the mobile app or device inserted in your vehicle. Drive as normal and see what kind of discount you get! You can receive up to a 40 percent discount on your auto insurance premium.

How does Nationwide’s Vanishing Deductible work?

Nationwide’s Vanishing Deductible allows you to earn $100 off your deductible for every year you do not have an accident. Here is what the Nationwide website says about their vanishing deductible:

“Vanishing Deductible is an optional feature. You’ll earn $100 off your deductible for each year of safe driving, up to $500. Your deductible could vanish completely. Why not be rewarded for something you’re already doing?

Here’s an example: Let’s say you have a $500 deductible. After three years of safe driving with Vanishing Deductible, you’ll earn a $300 credit. If you have an accident, you would pay just $200 toward your deductible before your insurance starts to cover any damages.

And if you have an accident, you don’t have to worry about your deductible going all the way back up to $500. Your Vanishing Deductible reward would be reset to $100, still providing you savings. If you think car insurance with no deductible or car insurance with a low deductible, ask about Vanishing Deductible today.”

This is just another money saving options Nationwide offers its customers.

Is Nationwide’s Accident Forgiveness worth the extra cost?

Accident Forgiveness is an added coverage to your policy. It does cost to add this on your policy, but if you get into an accident, it could save you quite a bit in the long run.

It is definitely worth talking your Nationwide insurance agent about the cost of this added benefit and if it could be something that would work for you.

The Bottom Line

Nationwide gets excellent customer service ratings, but they are not the cheapest insurance around. It is always a good idea to shop around and make sure you are getting the best rate possible for your needs.

You can shop around for quotes by entering your ZIP code here.