Nationwide Insurance Review 2024

Nationwide stands as a prominent insurer, offering a comprehensive suite of insurance products including home, auto, life, and pet insurance. Known for its commitment to customer satisfaction and reliability, Nationwide has established a solid reputation in the insurance industry.

Its services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of its customers, making it a go-to choice for many. Acknowledging its overall performance, customer support, and product range, we give it 4 out of 5 stars.

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Written by
Bob Phillips

At a Glance

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Nationwide Insurance stands out in the insurance market with its comprehensive approach to customer service, diverse insurance offerings, and emphasis on innovation. By integrating technology like the SmartRide program, which rewards safe driving, Nationwide tailors its services to meet contemporary needs, enhancing accessibility and personalization. Its wide range of products, including home, auto, life, and pet insurance, allows customers to address all their insurance requirements in one place, often with multi-policy discounts.

Central to Nationwide’s success is its unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, ensuring a seamless experience from policy acquisition to claims processing. The company’s proven reliability and financial solidity offer policyholders peace of mind, knowing they’re backed by a stalwart industry player. Nationwide’s unique combination of product variety, technological innovation, customer-focused service, and stability gives it a competitive edge, positioning it as a preferred choice for those seeking comprehensive and reliable insurance solutions.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Comprehensive Insurance Options: Offers home, auto, life, and pet coverage.
  • Innovative Discounts: Rewards for safe driving and low mileage.
  • Financial Stability: Long history ensures reliability.
Drawbacks
  • Variable Pricing: May be higher than many competitors.
  • Coverage Limitations: Some options are not as competitive.
  • Online Policy Management: Digital tools could be improved.
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Is Nationwide Good? Insuranceopedia’s Take

Yes, Nationwide is a good insurance company for several reasons. Its commitment to providing extensive coverage options across various insurance types, including innovative programs that reward safe behaviors, caters well to the modern consumer.

Furthermore, Nationwide’s emphasis on customer service ensures that policyholders receive personalized and responsive support, which is a significant advantage in the often-complex world of insurance. The insurer’s financial strength also speaks volumes about its reliability, ensuring that it can meet its obligations to policyholders.

Nationwide generally receives positive reviews from its customers, particularly in areas such as customer service and the breadth of its coverage options. Many policyholders appreciate the personalized service provided by Nationwide agents, which helps them find the right coverage for their needs. The company’s innovative discounts and programs, like SmartRide and SmartMiles, also receive commendation for offering savings opportunities based on driving behavior and mileage.

However, it’s worth noting that experiences can vary, with some customers expressing concerns over pricing and the clarity of policy terms. Like any insurer, Nationwide has areas where it excels and others where there is room for improvement. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment from customer reviews leans positive, reinforcing Nationwide’s status as a good choice for insurance.

Reviews By Product

Select one of the policy types below to find out more

Nationwide Auto Insurance Review

Nationwide Auto Insurance Cost

Our analysis shows that Nationwide stands out for its affordability in auto insurance. Specifically, 35-year-old drivers with clean driving records and good credit can expect to pay an average of $1,433 per year, or about $119 per month, for a full coverage policy with Nationwide. This rate falls below the national average of $2,008 per year, highlighting Nationwide’s competitive edge in pricing. This affordability is a key factor in Nationwide’s appeal, especially when compared with industry averages and the offerings of other major insurers.

Nationwide’s auto insurance rates can be more affordable for drivers with clean driving records, those who qualify for multiple discounts (like bundling, safe driver, and anti-theft device discounts), and mature drivers with long histories of safe driving. It might be more expensive for young drivers, individuals with recent accidents or traffic violations, and those with poor credit scores, as these factors typically lead to higher perceived risk and therefore higher premiums.

Nationwide Car Insurance Rates – By Age

Age Nationwide Average Monthly Cost Nationwide Average Annual Cost
16 $487 $5,844
25 $170 $2,040
35 $143 $1,716
45 $141 $1,692
55 $133 $1,596

Nationwide Auto Insurance Rates – By Driver Profile

Driver Profile Nationwide Average Monthly Cost Nationwide Average Annual Cost National Average Annual Cost
Good credit and driving history $143 $1,716 $2,008
Recent speeding ticket $162 $1,944 $2,508
DUI $190 $2,280 $3,431
Recent accident $170 $2,040 $2,919

Is Nationwide Expensive Compared To Other Companies?

Here’s how Nationwide’s minimum-coverage costs compare to those of other leading car insurance providers.

Car Insurance Company Average Monthly Rate Estimate Average Annual Rate Estimate
Auto-Owners Insurance $31 $372
USAA $33 $396
Erie Insurance $34 $408
Geico $39 $468
State Farm $45 $540
Nationwide $46 $552
Progressive $60 $720
Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) $65 $780
American Family Insurance $70 $840
Allstate $73 $876

Nationwide Auto Insurance Claims

Experiencing an accident or damage to your vehicle is always unsettling, but Nationwide Insurance strives to make the claims process as smooth and hassle-free as possible for its policyholders.

To file a claim with Nationwide, you’re provided with several convenient options. You can initiate the process online via the Nationwide website or use their mobile app for quick access. For those who prefer a more personal touch, Nationwide’s claim service is available 24/7 at 1-800-421-3535, allowing you to speak directly with a claims representative.

Upon filing, Nationwide promptly reviews your claim, recognizing the unique circumstances of each situation. The company is committed to handling your claim on an individual basis, ensuring personalized attention.

Nationwide offers flexible solutions when it comes to resolving your claim. This could include covering repair costs, replacing your vehicle, or compensating you for your vehicle’s actual cash value if it’s deemed a total loss. Throughout the total loss process, Nationwide guides you every step of the way, simplifying what can be a complex situation.

Nationwide Coverage

Nationwide provides a comprehensive suite of auto insurance coverages, designed to protect you in a wide array of scenarios, whether you’re responsible for an accident or a victim of one.

Comprehensive Coverage

This coverage from Nationwide is there to support you if your vehicle suffers damage from non-collision incidents such as theft, fire, vandalism, weather events, or hitting an animal. It’s an essential safeguard for those seeking peace of mind from the unexpected.

Liability Coverage

Essential for every driver, liability insurance from Nationwide covers costs when you’re at fault in an accident. It extends to damage to other vehicles, property, and injuries to other people involved. Most states require this type of coverage, making it a fundamental aspect of your insurance policy.

Collision Coverage

Nationwide’s collision coverage takes care of repair or replacement costs for your vehicle in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage is indispensable for ensuring that collision damages won’t be a major financial burden.

Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Nationwide also offers protection if you’re hit by a driver who lacks sufficient insurance or any at all. This coverage is crucial for safeguarding against losses caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers.

Pros And Cons Of Nationwide Car Insurance

Pros

  • Varied Discounts: Safe driver, multi-policy, SmartRide.
  • Flexible Coverage: Choose from liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist.
  • Accident Forgiveness: Prevents rate increase after first at-fault accident.

Cons

  • Rate Fluctuations: Unexplained rate increases at renewal.
  • Coverage Limits: Not available in all states.
  • Claims Variability: Some customers report delays and dissatisfaction.

Nationwide Car Insurance Discounts

Nationwide recognizes the importance of affordable premiums and offers a variety of discounts to help lower your costs:

  • Multi-policy discount: Bundle auto insurance with other policies like homeowners or life insurance for savings.
  • Multi-car discount: Insuring multiple vehicles with Nationwide can reduce your overall premium.
  • Safe driver discount: Keep your driving record clean to enjoy lower premiums.
  • Good student discount: Achieving good grades can lead to significant savings for full-time student drivers under a certain age.
  • Student away at school discount: If your student driver is away at school without a car, you may be eligible for a discount.
  • Vehicle safety discount: Cars equipped with advanced safety features or anti-theft systems may qualify for additional savings.

Nationwide Home Insurance Review

Nationwide Homeowners Insurance Quotes

Dwelling Coverage Nationwide Average Annual Cost National Average Annual Cost
$200,000 Dwelling Coverage $1,045 $1,117
$350,000 Dwelling Coverage $1,500 $1,582
$500,000 Dwelling Coverage $2,025 $2,090
$750,000 Dwelling Coverage $2,835 $2,950
Average $1,851 $1,935

Is Nationwide Home Insurance Expensive Compared To Other Companies?

Company Average Annual Rate
Progressive $1,815
State Farm $1,935
Travelers $2,010
Allstate $2,205
Nationwide $2,270
Farmers $2,415
USAA* $1,875

*USAA homeowners insurance is available only to active-duty military members, veterans, and their families.

Nationwide Home Insurance Discounts

Similar to other insurers in the industry, Nationwide Insurance offers its policyholders opportunities to save on their home insurance costs through various discounts for bundling policies and taking measures to minimize loss risks. Here are some avenues through which you could potentially lower your Nationwide home insurance expenses.

Bundling

By choosing Nationwide for both your home and vehicle insurance needs, you can significantly reduce your annual home insurance costs. Nationwide provides attractive bundling discounts that make combining policies not only convenient but also economically beneficial.

High Deductible

The deductible is the portion you pay before your insurance coverage kicks in for a claim. Opting for a higher deductible can reduce your home insurance premiums with Nationwide. However, this means you’ll bear a greater share of any repair costs. Increasing your deductible is a balance between lower premiums and your readiness to pay out of pocket for potential repairs.

Home Safety And Security

Nationwide recognizes the value of home safety devices, such as burglar alarms and smoke detectors, by offering discounts on homeowners insurance premiums. These measures not only enhance your home’s security but also signal to Nationwide your commitment to risk reduction, potentially lowering your insurance costs.

Roofing

In certain states, Nationwide offers discounts for homes equipped with impact-resistant roofing materials. This discount acknowledges the reduced risk of damage from environmental factors, benefiting homeowners who invest in durable roofing solutions.

Nationwide Home Insurance Coverage

Nationwide tailors its home insurance offerings to accommodate the varied needs of homeowners, providing a range of coverage options that include:

  • Dwelling Coverage: This essential coverage protects the physical structure of your home, including walls, roofs, floors, and built-in appliances, against damage from insured events like fires, windstorms, or acts of vandalism.
  • Other Structures Coverage: Coverage is extended to structures not attached to your main home, such as fences, sheds, detached garages, and guesthouses, providing broad protection across your property.
  • Personal Property Coverage: Nationwide covers your personal belongings, from electronics to clothing, within your home against theft, damage, or destruction, ensuring peace of mind for your valuable items.
  • Loss of Use Coverage: Should your home become uninhabitable due to a covered peril, this coverage assists with additional living expenses, including temporary housing and meals, while your primary residence is under repair or reconstruction.
  • Personal Liability Coverage: If you’re deemed legally responsible for causing injury or property damage to others, this coverage can help with associated legal costs, medical expenses, or damages awarded in a lawsuit.
  • Medical Payments Coverage: This provides for the medical expenses of guests injured on your property, regardless of fault, covering costs like hospital stays or surgeries to ensure prompt treatment.

Additionally, Nationwide offers optional enhancements and endorsements for homeowners seeking extra layers of protection, such as identity theft coverage, earthquake insurance, and increased limits for high-value items like jewelry and art collections.

Benefits Of Nationwide Home Insurance

  • Broad Coverage Options: Includes identity theft and valuables.
  • Brand New Belongings®: Costs covered for new replacements.
  • Multiple Discounts: Savings from bundling, home safety devices.

Drawbacks Of Nationwide Home Insurance

  • Higher Pricing Possible: May cost more than competitors.
  • State-based Coverage Variability: Not all options available everywhere.
  • Complex Policy Details: Understanding exclusions, limitations can be challenging.

Nationwide Life Insurance Review

Nationwide Life Insurance Quotes

Age & Gender Nationwide Monthly Premium
Age 35 Female $39.00
Age 35 Male $48.00
Age 45 Female $72.00
Age 45 Male $99.00
Age 55 Female $92.00
Age 55 Male $126.00

Nationwide Life Insurance Coverage

Nationwide offers a comprehensive range of life insurance options tailored to the unique requirements of individuals and families, ensuring financial security and peace of mind. Below are the types of life insurance coverage available through Nationwide:

Term Life Insurance

Nationwide’s term life insurance provides coverage for a predetermined period, generally from 10 to 30 years, offering a death benefit to the designated beneficiaries if the insured passes away within the policy term. This type of insurance is typically more budget-friendly than permanent life options and is ideal for those needing coverage to replace income during working years, secure a mortgage, or protect family interests during critical periods.

Whole Life Insurance

Whole life insurance from Nationwide offers lifetime coverage, with the policy remaining active for the insured’s entire life as long as premiums are paid. It not only provides a death benefit to beneficiaries but also builds cash value over time. This cash value can be borrowed against or withdrawn, offering a financial resource. With fixed premiums and built-in guarantees, whole life insurance serves as a reliable foundation for long-term financial planning and legacy building.

Universal Life Insurance

Nationwide’s universal life insurance features adjustable premiums and death benefits, giving policyholders the flexibility to modify their coverage according to life’s changing circumstances. It also accumulates cash value, which may earn interest, enhancing the policy’s value over time. This option combines the permanence of lifelong coverage with the adaptability to adjust financial contributions and coverage levels, catering to various life stages and financial goals.

Variable Universal Life Insurance

Variable universal life insurance by Nationwide merges the adaptable premium and death benefit structure of universal life with investment opportunities akin to variable life insurance. Policyholders have the liberty to direct their premiums among a selection of investment options, potentially increasing the policy’s cash value and death benefit. However, it’s important to note that the cash value and the policy’s effectiveness may vary with the market performance of the chosen investments, introducing a level of risk alongside the opportunity for growth.

Nationwide also provides a variety of additional riders and options that can be attached to life insurance policies, giving policyholders the opportunity to tailor and enhance their coverage. Among these options are accelerated death benefits, child riders, and disability income riders, each designed to offer extra security and flexibility to meet the changing needs of policyholders and their families.

Benefits Of Nationwide Life Insurance

  • Diverse Life Insurance Products: Offers term, whole, universal, variable options.
  • Living Benefits Option: Access portion of death benefits for a terminal illness.
  • Strong Financial Ratings: Reliable claim payouts ensure policy security.

Drawbacks Of Nationwide Life Insurance

  • Complex Policy Options: Wide array of choices can overwhelm some buyers.
  • Higher Premium Potential: Costs vary, may be higher than other major life insurers.
  • Investment Risk: Variable policies’ value tied to market performance carries investment risk.

Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

Nationwide Pet Insurance Quotes

Pet Type Plan Type Monthly Rate Estimate
Cat Wellness $35 – $45
Medical $20 – $40
Comprehensive $30 – $60
Dog Wellness $40 – $60
Medical $25 – $50
Comprehensive $45 – $75

Nationwide Pet Insurance Discounts

Nationwide offers a variety of discounts for its pet insurance policies to help make pet healthcare more affordable for owners. Here are the main discounts available:

  • Multi-Pet Discount: If you insure more than one pet with Nationwide, you can qualify for a discount. This is ideal for households with multiple pets, as it reduces the overall cost of insuring each animal under the same policy.
  • Employer Benefit Discount: Nationwide partners with many employers to offer pet insurance as a voluntary benefit, often at a discounted rate. If your employer offers pet insurance through Nationwide, you may be eligible for special pricing.
  • Professional Affiliations Discount: Members of certain professional or special interest groups that have partnered with Nationwide might also qualify for discounts. This includes various occupational and membership-based organizations.
  • Annual Payment Discount: Choosing to pay your pet insurance premium on an annual basis, rather than monthly, can result in savings. This discount rewards policyholders for committing to a year of coverage upfront.

Nationwide Pet Insurance Coverage

Nationwide offers a variety of pet insurance coverage options designed to suit the diverse needs of pet owners. These options range from comprehensive plans that cover a wide array of medical expenses to more basic plans focusing on major medical events. Here’s an overview of the main types of coverage available:

Whole Pet with Wellness®

This is Nationwide’s most comprehensive plan, offering coverage for accidents, illnesses, surgeries, hospital visits, and even wellness care, such as vaccinations, flea/heartworm prevention, and wellness exams. It reimburses a percentage of the vet bill for covered conditions after the deductible is met, providing broad protection for your pet’s health needs.

Major Medical

The Major Medical plan is designed to cover accidents and illnesses, including surgeries, prescriptions, and some hereditary conditions, but it does not include routine wellness care. This plan is a good middle ground for those seeking solid protection against significant health issues without the wellness add-ons.

Pet Wellness

For those primarily interested in coverage for preventative care, the Pet Wellness plan offers reimbursement for routine procedures such as vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and annual wellness exams. It’s an excellent option for maintaining the general health of your pet with predictable costs.

In addition to these main plans, Nationwide allows customization of coverage through various add-ons and riders, enabling pet owners to tailor their insurance to meet specific needs..

Benefits Of Nationwide Pet Insurance

  • Comprehensive Pet Plans: Covers accidents, illnesses, wellness care.
  • Covers Various Pets: Includes birds, reptiles, exotic animals.
  • Wellness Plan Option: Covers routine care, vaccinations, exams.

Drawbacks Of Nationwide Pet Insurance

  • Annual Benefit Limits: May not cover significant medical costs.
  • No Pre-existing Condition Coverage: Limitation for chronic issues.
  • Age and Breed Restrictions: Affects coverage for some pets.

Compare Nationwide With Other Insurance Companies

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Overview

A trusted provider with a wide range of services.

Overview

Excellent customer service and claim satisfaction

Overview

Offers innovative tools and local agents support.

J.D. Power Score
Auto: 876/1000, Home: 808/1000
J.D. Power Score
Auto: 881/1000, Home: 835/1000
J.D. Power Score
Auto: 876/1000, Home: 829/1000
Auto Insurance Rate
$1,473/year
Auto Insurance Rate
$1,234/year
Auto Insurance Rate
$1,880/year
Home Insurance Rate
$1,172/year
Home Insurance Rate
$1,143/year
Home Insurance Rate
$1,211/year
Life Insurance Rate
Varies based on policy details
Life Insurance Rate
Varies based on policy details
Life Insurance Rate
Varies based on policy details
Pet Insurance Rate
$35-$60/month (Cats), $40-$75/month (Dogs)
Pet Insurance Rate
Not Available
Pet Insurance Rate
$20-$70/month (Cats), $30-$90/month (Dogs)
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Online Reviews Of Nationwide Insurance

BBB Initial Complaint (Complaint Type: Service Or Repair Issues)

“Nationwide has consistently misled consumers regarding their coverage. For pet insurance, we have the major medical plan. It clearly states on the major medical plan inline that they cover 80% of vet bills. However, in the “sample” benefits schedule, they only cover a specific dollar amount. They are lying to consumers.”

fizzy66 (Reddit: r/insurance)

“Nationwide used to be incredibly aggressive with rates and risk appetite. I used to love quoting on their system.

They’ve stopped writing business and starting yesterday are purging our clients by non-renewing them over the smallest things. And now they’re sending out verification requests which require a whole bunch of documents and proofs. Get ready for an influx of non-renewals everyone!

For example, a client of mine, who has been with them for 7 years, no claims, perfect payment history, was a day late to make his auto payment. Got canceled and they refuse to reinstate.”

Our Methodology

We reviewed Nationwide Insurance by analyzing its financial stability, confirmed through ratings by A.M. Best, Moody's, and Standard & Poor's, highlighting its strong financial foundation. Our examination extended to its wide range of insurance products, such as auto, home, life, and pet insurance, evaluating the coverage options, flexibility, and custom solutions available for diverse customer needs.

Our evaluation also covered customer satisfaction and claims handling, informed by policyholder feedback and J.D. Power ratings. This allowed us to assess Nationwide's customer service effectiveness and its ability to address and solve claims efficiently, reflecting the company’s dedication to its clients.

As noted in the Sources section found below, we also analyzed data from other insurance review sites, social media sites, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Nationwide’s website.

65

Quotes Analyzed

15+

Years Of Industry Experience

22

Brands Reviewed

35+

Research Hours

FAQs

Is Nationwide good at paying out claims?

Nationwide is known for its reliable claims process, with a positive track record of paying out claims efficiently and fairly, according to customer feedback and industry ratings.

Is Nationwide insurance legit?

Yes, Nationwide Insurance is a legitimate company with a long history, offering a wide range of insurance products and financial services across the United States.

Is Nationwide expensive?

Nationwide’s premiums vary by policy type and individual circumstances, but it offers competitive pricing along with discounts that can make its policies affordable for many.

Does Nationwide Have A Good Reputation?

Nationwide holds a strong reputation in the insurance industry, recognized for its customer service, comprehensive coverage options, and financial stability.

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