Name: Nationwide Review
Item: Nationwide
Rating: 3.50
Author: Penny Gusner

Ratings

Auto

Overall Rating

Claims Processing

Customer Service

Value for Price

Website and Apps

% Who Would Recommend to a Friend

% Who Plan to Renew

93%

AM Best Financial Strength Ratings

July 01, 2021

A+

HOW WE WEIGH OUR SCORE

Price35%
Customer service25%
Claims20%
Website and app10%
Renew/Recommend10%

WHAT IS THIS RATING?

A.M. Best's Financial Strength Rating is an independent opinion of an insurer's financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations.

A.M. Best's rating is NOT used to calculate the overall score but it is important information to consider when choosing an insurance company.

Reasons for Buying

Customers of Nationwide originally decided to purchase from the company for these reasons:

29% Offered best price
19% Reputation
15% Recommended by friend or family member
9% Saw TV commercial
8% I had other insurance with this company
7% Financial strength rating
6% Was the company my parents had
5% Saw online ad
2% The company website and mobile apps are easy to use and helpful

Would you renew?

93% Yes
7% No

Ratings on Website & Apps

Completely satisfied / Outstanding website & apps that give me what I need and more 38%
Fairly satisfied / Fulfills my needs OK 27%
Average website and apps 18%
Very unsatisfied / digital offering is severely lacking 10%
Unsatisfied / website and/or apps are not fulfilling my needs 4%

How do you prefer to deal with insurer and policy?

Phone 36%
In person 21%
Email 17%
Interactive website 14%
Mobile App 12%

Go to Nationwide site now to get a quote

Customer Complaint Ratio

( Nationwide’s customer complaint ratio for Private Passenger Auto insurance is 0.46 )

0.46

0 1 3 10+

Lower number is better

0 to 1.00

1.01 to 3.00

3.01 and above

About Nationwide

Types of auto coverage

Auto
Pay-as-you-drive plan
Motorcycle
Scooter
Classic car
Boat/Personal water craft
RV
ATV/Snowmobile

Additional policies offered

Homeowners
Renters
Condominium
Flood
Umbrella liability
Life
Farm
Wedding
Dental
Legal

Best Auto Insurance Companies 2021: How Nationwide auto insurance compares

Nationwide earned an overall InsureScore of three and a half out of five stars in our annual review of Best Auto Insurance Companies. They got a three and a half out of five-stars across the board in customer service, claims, price and website app.

When we asked Nationwide customers if they would recommend the company to others, 82% said yes and 93% said they planned to renew their plan.

In the 2020 J.D. Power Auto Insurance study, Nationwide earned a score of 876 out of 1,000, which is slightly higher than the industry average of 872 for auto insurance claims. However, they got below-average scores in overall customer satisfaction.

Gauging an insurance company

Before buying with a company it is wise to check on a company's financial strength and complaint record. The A.M. Best rating listed above gives you an idea of Nationwide's financial strength to pay claims. A complaint ratio can be found on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) site. The median complaint ratio from the NAIC is always 1.00. This means half of the insurers have a complaint ratio of under 1.00 and half have a ratio above. Basically, numbers lower than 1.00 are better with fewer complaints than the median and a number higher than 1.00 has more complaints than the median.

Company Background

Roots in farming

Since its beginning providing policies to farmers in 1925, Nationwide has grown to become the 8th largest auto insurance carrier in the nation, writing auto coverage in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana and Massachusetts. The famous “Nationwide is on your side” marketing slogan has been in use since 1966.

Nationwide has grown to offer far more than insurance. In 1997, Nationwide Financial went public and has grown to become a Fortune 100 company offering retirement plans, mutual funds and annuities.

Consider Nationwide for families or personal assessments

Under the Nationwide Family Plan, anyone living with you can receive the same discounts and benefits you’re entitled to. Parents, children, aunts, cousins – anyone who lives under your roof can enjoy the same insurance discounts you do, such as multi-car and multi-policy discounts. Teen drivers are still eligible for their own discount such as Good Student.

Nationwide’s On Your Side review is a personal assessment of your insurance needs with an agent. The agents can help you better understand your current coverage and help you understand how various life changes will change your coverage needs.

As a member, Nationwide will complete a free personal assessment annually – or any time you have a major life event, such as a wedding or buying a home. By completing an On Your Side review, agents are better equipped with the knowledge about your life to help find discounts for which you might be eligible.

Contact information

One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
Customer service: 877-669-6877
Claims: 800-421-3535

Coverage Options

Usage-based/Telematics

Rates can be based on your mileage and how you drive.

Accident forgiveness

Your rates won't increase after your first accident.

Vanishing deductible

Your deductible will be reduced as long as you have no accidents or moving violations.

New car replacement

If you total your car the insurer will pay for a new car.

Mobile app

The insurer offers an app for smartphones.

Discounts

Multi-policy

Discount for more than one type of policy with the same insurance provider.

Multi-vehicle

Discount for two or more vehicles on the same car insurance policy.

Driver training/Defensive driving

Discount for an approved defensive driving or driver improvement class.

Academic achievement

Discount for full-time students who meet certain academic criteria.

Passive -restraint (air bag)

Discount for factory-installed safety devices such as an air bag.

Safe driver/clean driving record/good driver

Discount for no accidents or traffic violations, usually for three or five years.

In which states Nationwide is available?

States in which Nationwide is available
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Washington D.C.

Our survey asked policyholders to share experiences or give feedback that they would like to share with others looking to potentially buy from their current insurance company. Here's what they had to say:

"This was just one of the best ways to determine what I needed and the price was worth switch for."

-Age 18, California

"It's good and reliable"

-Age 23, Florida

"They are reliable and affordable"

-Age 25, Virginia

"I have had a great experience. They have great customer service and resonable prices."

-Age 26, North Carolina

"I do not really like."

-Age 27, California

"Good company to have."

-Age 28, North Carolina

"I have had no issues, they're great"

-Age 28, Ohio

"Good service"

-Age 30, Georgia

"Great products great customer service"

-Age 30, North Carolina

"Don't go and switch to them unless they give you the best price."

-Age 30, Arkansas

"no hassle"

-Age 31, Pennsylvania

"Not the best but okay"

-Age 31, Texas

"Use Nationwide because they have the best prices around and also I tell others that they are there for you whenever you need them they are excellent with their customers they have the best overall rating customer service."

-Age 33, North Carolina

"Great service."

-Age 33, California

"Best customer service"

-Age 34, California

"Very reliable and friendly customer service"

-Age 34, California

"This is one of the best I have ever served"

-Age 35, Florida

"Overall claims, coverage and customer service is four stars."

-Age 35, New York

"It was easy to sign up for with no problems."

-Age 35, North Carolina

"Nationwide has always being reliable and people are available to tell you about all packages they have available. They will give you plenty of options to choose from and will let you know what all you can do to save money with bundles."

-Age 35, West Virginia

"Customer service is key ever far more important than price because you get what you pay for."

-Age 36, Georgia

"They do pay out on claims, but they are not as generous as USAA."

-Age 36, North Carolina

"They always answer all my questions"

-Age 37, Florida

"Great company with great coverage and outstanding prices"

-Age 37, North Carolina

"Easy to work with, different ways to earn discounts, affordable and good custom policies"

-Age 38, Maryland

"I would tell them thst this is a company that prides itself on keeping their customers extremely happy. They also focus on those main points of insurance that any person seeking a policy would want their insurer to do best"

-Age 38, Maryland

"Nice service."

-Age 39, Maryland

"Has a great policy, excellent customer services and many plans of coverage"

-Age 39, Mississippi

"Good value rating and goo coverage options."

-Age 40, Washington

"Great customer service"

-Age 41, Connecticut

"I have thoroughly researched my auto insurance options and have come to the conclusion that Nationwide Insurance is the best in many ways. Not only is their service affordable but it also comes with the ability to bundle services for a deeper discount. I have made two claims in my ten years of coverage through Nationwide and both times have been overwhelmingly satisfied with their performance. I highly recommend anyone and everyone, give Nationwide Insurance a try. You won't regret it."

-Age 41, North Carolina

"They are really good."

-Age 41, North Carolina

"Keeps on increasing the prices on my policy's every year."

-Age 42, Kentucky

"This ia is a strong message that I do not care for Nationwide."

-Age 42, California

"Its coverage, nothing special. It gets the job done."

-Age 43, Pennsylvania

"They offer excellent coverage at fair rates and the customer service is unbeatable."

-Age 49, Kentucky

"Good stable company with good price"

-Age 49, Texas

"Ease of use. Support ready for help."

-Age 50, Florida

"They have excellent customer customer, great rates and discounts"

-Age 50, Virginia

"It was cool"

-Age 51, New Jersey

"Best prices and discounts you will find"

-Age 54, North Carolina

"Lowest rate for full Coverage. Lowered their prices during Covid-19 virus and still lowered by one hundred dollars."

-Age 54, South Carolina

"For the most part, we've had a good experience with the company when we've had to add or take off cars, file a claim, use roadside assistance, etc. I've been able to take care of business over the phone or by email which makes it quick and easy. They've given us many good discounts including for bundling our auto/home."

-Age 55, Ohio

"I've had a very good experience with him"

-Age 56, Ohio

"My overall experience with them is always positive, they are always there when you need help or if you need to talk to someone."

-Age 56, Arkansas

"They are a good company to work with"

-Age 57, Iowa

"Bundling is a positive and so is the reputation of this company."

-Age 58, Illinois

"Nothing but great interactions"

-Age 58, Tennessee

"Reliable claims service. Great deals, esp. if you have multi-policies. Unbeatable premiums."

-Age 59, Ohio

"not sure"

-Age 60, Pennsylvania

"They are very helpful but their prices are higher"

-Age 60, Virginia

"Never had a problem. Very competitive rates and good customer service."

-Age 62, Indiana

"Good coverage for the price"

-Age 62, Iowa

"Nationwide is a fairly good company"

-Age 62, Pennsylvania

"There prices are great and the agents are tremendous"

-Age 62, Pennsylvania

"Excellent customer service and very easy claims process"

-Age 62, Utah

"Great customer service and affordable"

-Age 62, Virginia

"The agents are friendly and work hard to best meet my needs"

-Age 64, Vermont

"Do your research / go to website and decide if it's for you."

-Age 64, Washington

"Knowledgeable agents. Good customer service. Fast acting on claims"

-Age 65, North Carolina

"They 're well known for fast service and have been with them since i was 16 years old."

-Age 65, North Carolina

"We have used Nationwide for more than 40 years. We have always had great customer service."

-Age 66, North Carolina

"Nationwide has competitive rates, a good helpful website and good service."

-Age 66, California

"Easy to deal with and great coverage"

-Age 67, Iowa

"Friendly, knowledgeable, professional, competent local agents whom look out for your best interest. Fast, dependable claims refunds."

-Age 67, Ohio

"I think that they have settled our very few claims over the years fairly."

-Age 67, Virginia

"Great customer service and the car looked new after the repairs following an accident."

-Age 68, California

"Good company to look into"

-Age 69, Arizona

"They are great to work with"

-Age 69, Colorado

"Natiomwide is the best."

-Age 70, Florida

"I have had no problems with the company and every time I check prices they are the best deal"

-Age 70, Virginia

"Fast claims"

-Age 71, Illinois

"They have been good to us in the few interactions we've had."

-Age 71, Iowa

"The price seems fair and they listen to me when I call but I've had better."

-Age 71, Pennsylvania

"They add a fee for online payments. Agent rarely if ever calls/emails with better coverage/prices."

-Age 71, Tennessee

"About them raising the rates every renewal"

-Age 72, New York

"Pricey but great claims service"

-Age 74, North Carolina

"My agent is always responsive to any and all questions. Have had no problems."

-Age 74, Ohio

"I would tell them my experience has been good because I have both my home and car insurance policy bundled with them, but that they should check reviews from other customers and make their own decision."

-Age 75, South Carolina

"It has been good for many years."

-Age 76, Virginia

"They got the best price for our needs, excellent customer service, and easy to reach an agent."

-Age 76, Virginia

"My claim was settled fast and had another insurance agent tell my daughter that if I was with Nationwide I better stay right there."

-Age 76, Colorado

"That they are straight forward and treat their customers as if they were family."

-Age 77, North Carolina

"So far, they have been okay when it comes to customer service especially when filing claims."

-Age 82, Arizona

"Easy to work with. Competitive. Local agents."

-Age 88, Iowa

"I have received excellent service fron this company during the 50 years I have been a customer. I have auto, home, personal property and excess liability policies with it and have had no reason to change even though I have researched other companies every five years or so."

-Age 91, Pennsylvania