Nationwide Auto Insurance Review: Is It the Right Fit for You?

When you’re shopping for auto insurance, it’s easy to feel like you’re wading through an alphabet soup of premiums, deductibles, discounts, and endorsements. But here’s the truth: choosing the right insurer doesn’t have to be complicated especially if you have the right information at your fingertips.

That’s why I took a fresh look at Nationwide Auto Insurance, one of the oldest names in the business. In this guide, I’ll break down what it actually offers in 2025, who it’s best for, how it stacks up in pricing and satisfaction, and how you can decide whether it fits your needs.

Let’s dig in.

A Quick Look: What Is Nationwide Auto Insurance?

Nationwide has been around for nearly a century. It’s not just a household name it’s one of the largest insurance providers in the U.S., serving millions of policyholders.

But name recognition isn’t everything. What matters is value, customer service, claims experience, and how well the coverage meets your needs.

And while Nationwide markets itself with slogans like “On Your Side,” the real question is are they really on your side when it counts?

Pros and Cons of Nationwide Auto Insurance

Every insurer has its strengths and trade-offs. Here’s a quick breakdown of what Nationwide gets right and where it could improve.

Pros:

• Strong digital tools, including the SmartRide and SmartMiles usage-based insurance programs

• Multiple bundling options, including home, auto, life, and renters

• Vanishing Deductible, which rewards safe driving

• High financial stability, rated A+ by AM Best

Cons:

• Not the cheapest option for drivers with poor credit or recent accidents

• Fewer local agents compared to competitors like State Farm or Allstate

• Some users report claims processing delays, especially in busy urban areas

Nationwide Coverage Options: More Than Just the Basics

Nationwide doesn’t stop at liability and collision. It offers a wide range of coverage options to help you customize your policy.

Here’s what’s included and what you can add on:

Standard Coverage:

• Liability coverage (bodily injury and property damage)

• Comprehensive and collision

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection

• Medical payments coverage (MedPay)

Optional Add-ons:

• Roadside assistance

• Rental car reimbursement

• Gap insurance

• Vanishing Deductible: Your deductible goes down $100 for every year of safe driving

• SmartRide/SmartMiles: Usage-based programs that reward safe or infrequent driving with discounts

These features are especially useful if you’re looking for ways to save on premiums without cutting essential coverage.

Nationwide Auto Insurance Costs in 2025

Let’s talk dollars and cents.

Nationwide tends to be moderately priced, but rates can vary significantly based on age, driving history, and even ZIP code.

In 2025, here’s what the data shows for average annual premiums:

Source: The Zebra, 2025 National Auto Insurance Rate Comparison

Keep in mind that these are averages. I’ve spoken with drivers who’ve paid much less—especially those who took advantage of usage-based discounts or bundling policies.

Nationwide Discounts: Can You Really Save?

Absolutely. Nationwide offers a long list of discounts, though not everyone qualifies for all of them.

Some of the most valuable ones include:

• Safe driver discount

• Multi-policy discount (bundle auto with home or renters insurance)

• SmartRide: You can earn up to 40% off based on driving behavior

• SmartMiles: Perfect for people who drive less than 8,000 miles per year

• Good student discount

• Anti-theft device discount

A friend of mine recently switched to Nationwide and signed up for SmartRide. After 90 days of careful driving, he qualified for a 25% discount. Not bad for just keeping both hands on the wheel and following the speed limit.

Customer Experience: How Do Real Drivers Feel?

When it comes to customer satisfaction, Nationwide earns mixed but generally solid reviews.

According to the 2025 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study, Nationwide scored above average in policy offerings and digital experience, but slightly below average for claims satisfaction in some regions.

Common praise:

• Easy-to-use mobile app

• Helpful local agents

• Clear explanations of policy options

Common complaints:

• Delays in claims processing

• Premium hikes after a claim or ticket

• Limited availability in certain rural areas

Real people’s experiences vary, of course. But overall, Nationwide seems to do well when it comes to digital support and policy flexibility.

Claims Process: What to Expect

Filing a claim with Nationwide is generally straightforward. You can do it online, through the app, or by calling their 24/7 claims center.

Here’s what the typical process looks like:

1. Submit the claim (online or phone)

2. Upload photos and documents

3. Get matched with a claims adjuster

4. Estimate is issued within 2–5 business days

5. Repair process begins (you can use your own shop or one from Nationwide’s network)

Nationwide offers a Guaranteed Repair Network, which can speed up the process and often includes a lifetime repair guarantee.

Just know that claims times can vary, especially after large storms or regional disasters.

Nationwide’s Digital Tools: A Step Ahead

Tech-savvy drivers will appreciate what Nationwide offers on the digital front.

The Nationwide mobile app lets you:

• Pay bills

• File and track claims

• Access ID cards

• Enroll in SmartRide or SmartMiles

• Request roadside assistance

As of mid-2025, the app holds a 4.6-star rating on the App Store and 4.4 on Google Play, making it one of the better-rated insurance apps on the market.

How Does Nationwide Compare to Other Insurers?

Here’s a quick head-to-head:

Nationwide isn’t always the cheapest, but it offers a balance of service, customization, and digital experience that appeals to a lot of drivers.

Is Nationwide Auto Insurance Right for You?

Nationwide could be a great choice if:

• You’re a safe driver who wants to lower costs with usage-based programs

• You’re looking to bundle multiple types of coverage

• You value solid mobile tools and digital account access

• You don’t mind sacrificing a bit on claims speed in exchange for savings and features

It may not be the best fit if you have recent tickets or accidents, as premiums tend to climb faster in those situations.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Auto Insurance

At the end of the day, auto insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for your neighbor might not work for you and that’s okay. Nationwide offers a strong mix of customization, stability, and tech features, especially for safe drivers and bundlers.

But if you’re still unsure, or want to compare rates side-by-side with other providers, that’s where Budget Insurance Agency comes in.

We specialize in helping you navigate your options without the sales pressure. Whether you’re comparing Nationwide with other major insurers or exploring more budget-friendly options, we’ll help you make a smart, confident decision because that’s what being “on your side” really means.

Need help deciding?
Reach out to Budget Insurance Agency today and let us help you compare the best rates and coverage for your needs.