Whether you know Nationwide from its commercials or its catchy tagline “Nationwide is on your side,” it’s a popular choice for insurance. It’s the 10th-largest property and casualty insurer based on direct premiums written, and it works with over 11,000 independent agents all over the country. However, Nationwide has paused issuing policies in some states, so some people may find it difficult to get coverage.
Learn about the company’s customer satisfaction ratings, products and costs. All rates and fees listed are current as of March 19, 2024.
Nationwide at a glance
- Property insurance: $1,700 per year for a $300,000 home
- Pet insurance: $55 per month for dogs
- Vehicle Insurance: $1,476 per year
Who is Nationwide for?
Nationwide is best for homeowners in eligible states; it offers comprehensive coverage options, and it’s also one of the few companies that sells standalone flood policies. If you live in an area prone to flooding, purchasing flood coverage ensures you’re covered in case of a disaster.
For those that drive fewer miles than most, it can also be a useful option thanks to its telematics coverage; you can save money on your auto insurance by using a telematics device for tracking your driving habits with a mobile app.
Who shouldn’t use Nationwide?
Despite its name, Nationwide doesn’t issue all of its insurance products in all 50 states. For example, its homeowners and renters insurance policies are only available in 43 states; notably, it paused issuing homeowners policies in Florida. As a result, homeowners in those states aren’t eligible for coverage.
| Pros | Cons |
| Multiple coverage discounts | Some coverage options only available to high net worth individuals |
| Sells standalone flood insurance coverage | Paused coverage in certain states |
| Offers coverage for exotic pets | Poor customer satisfaction ratings |
Nationwide rates and products
Nationwide’s personal insurance segment covers homeowners, renters and auto policies. It also sells small business insurance, as well as other products like dental insurance, pet insurance and travel coverage.
| Nationwide insurance product | Average Annual Rate |
| Home | $1,700 per year |
| Renters | $240 per year |
| Auto | $1,476 per year |
| Business | Not disclosed |
Nationwide Property Insurance
Nationwide sells a variety of property insurance products, including homeowners, renters, condo and flood insurance. We researched quotes from several insurance comparison sites and found that Nationwide averages about $1,700 per year for a $300,000 home, in line with the industry average.
| Property Insurance Options | Average rates |
| Home | $1,700 per year for a $300,000 home |
| Renters | $240 per year |
| Condo | Not disclosed |
| Flood | Not disclosed |
Nationwide Vehicle Insurance
Nationwide sells insurance coverage for cars, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles and even antique cars. Its coverage tends to be slightly cheaper than the national average; its car insurance averages $123 per month. Nationwide also has a telematics or usage-based insurance program; through its SmartRide or SmartMiles programs, you can save money by driving safely.
| Nationwide Vehicle Insurance options | |
| Auto | Bodily liability Comprehensive Collision Gap Roadside assistance Uninsured/underinsured motorist |
| Boat | Bodily injury liability Collision Comprehensive Medical payments coverage Property damage liability Uninsured/underinsured motorist |
| RV | Bodily injury liability Collision Comprehensive Medical payments coverage Property damage liability Uninsured/underinsured motorist |
| Motorcycle | Bodily injury liability Collision Comprehensive Custom equipment Medical payments coverage Property damage liability Uninsured/underinsured motorist |
Nationwide Small Business Insurance
Nationwide is a top-rated small business insurer. It offers comprehensive commercial insurance options, including business owners’ policies (BOPs), commercial auto, workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. It’s also a provider of employee retirement plans and group benefits.
Nationwide Personal Insurance
Nationwide does offer jewelry insurance to private client customers — high net worth individuals.
With a Nationwide Private Client homeowners policy, you’re covered for up to $25,000 of lost, misplaced or stolen jewelry. If your collection is over that amount, you may want to consider a private client personal collections policy. You can get per-item coverage up to $100,000, and no deductible applies.
However, Nationwide is scaling back that segment of its business, so it may be more difficult to get coverage.
| Nationwide Personal Insurance Options | Private Clients Homeowners Policies | Private Clients Personal Collections Policy |
| Deductible | Homeowners Deductible Applies | No deductible |
| Coverage | Up to $25,000 | Up to $100,000 per piece, up to $1 million for the full collection |
| Cost | Not disclosed; must work with a private client agent | Not disclosed; must work with a private client agent |
Other services Nationwide offers
Besides its core personal and business insurance coverage options, Nationwide also offers the following products:
- Dental: Through Nationwide, you can get dental coverage for preventative, basic and major services.
- Investment services: Nationwide investment services include personal retirement plans and annuities. You can get advice through a financial professional and invest for your future.
- Long-term care: Long-term care insurance helps pay for long-term care in a nursing home or community living facility.
- Pet insurance: Nationwide is one of the oldest pet insurance companies in the country. It covers dogs, cats and exotic pets.
- Life insurance: Nationwide sells term and whole life insurance in all 50 states.
- Travel: With Nationwide, you can purchase travel insurance for a single trip or multi-trip plans.
The Nationwide platform and customer support
Nationwide is well-known for the ease of its online platform and mobile app; it was ranked third out of eight large insurers in the J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study. With the insurer, you can get quotes for most forms of insurance and file a claim online or over the phone.
Unlike some other insurers that have captive agents — meaning the agents only sell policies from one insurer — Nationwide partners with over 11,000 agents nationwide.
Customer support is available 24/7 and reachable via phone, email or text.
What is Nationwide’s reputation for paying claims?
Nationwide’s reputation for claims handling varies by product.
With homeowners insurance, it tends to be regarded well within the industry. In the J.D. Power 2023 Property Claims Satisfaction Study, it was ranked third out of 17 insurers.
However, its auto insurance segment tends to be less positively reviewed. Nationwide scored lower than the industry average in the J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. And in The Crash Network’s Insurer Report Card — a report that surveys auto repair shops on their experience with insurance companies — Nationwide was given a “C” grade, and it was ranked 60th out of 88 insurers.
Nationwide user reviews
Nationwide reviews are often negative. With the Better Business Bureau, it has an A+ rating, but customer reviews give it 1.14 out of 5. In the reviews, customers complained about claim denials and unresponsive customer support.
Nationwide Insurance Company of America, one of the largest companies under the Nationwide brand, has a 1.45 complaint index with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). That number shows that Nationwide has received slightly more complaints than is typical for its size.
Compare Nationwide alternatives
| Insurance Companies | AM Best Rating | J.D. Power Shopping Study Ranking | Earthquake or Flood Coverage | Insurance Product offering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Selection Nationwide | A (Excellent) | 3rd out of 8 insurers | Flood coverage available | Commercial auto Homeowners Dental Flood Identity restoration Life Personal auto Pet Renters Travel |
| State Farm | A++ (superior) | 1st out of 8 insurers | Not available | Commercial auto Homeowners Identity restoration Life Personal auto Renters |
| Allstate | A+ (superior) | 5th out of 8 insurers | Not available | Commercial auto Event Homeowners Identity restoration Life Personal auto Pet Renters Travel |
| Chubb | A++ (superior) | Not ranked | Earthquake and flood coverages available | Commercial auto Cyber Earthquake Flood Homeowners Life Personal auto Travel Jewelry and valuables |
| Current Selection Nationwide | Commercial auto Homeowners Dental Flood Identity restoration Life Personal auto Pet Renters Travel |
|---|---|
| A (Excellent) | |
| 3rd out of 8 insurers | |
| Flood coverage available | |
| State Farm | Commercial auto Homeowners Identity restoration Life Personal auto Renters |
| A++ (superior) | |
| 1st out of 8 insurers | |
| Not available | |
| Allstate | Commercial auto Event Homeowners Identity restoration Life Personal auto Pet Renters Travel |
| A+ (superior) | |
| 5th out of 8 insurers | |
| Not available | |
| Chubb | Commercial auto Cyber Earthquake Flood Homeowners Life Personal auto Travel Jewelry and valuables |
| A++ (superior) | |
| Not ranked | |
| Earthquake and flood coverages available |
Is Nationwide right for you?
Nationwide could be a good option if you live in one of the states where it issues both homeowners and auto insurance policies; you could qualify for valuable discounts, and even purchase additional coverage like insurance for your pets or flood insurance.
However, Nationwide has paused or completely ended operations in some states, such as Florida. For those who have struggled with insurers leaving certain states, that development can be frustrating, and you may need to look elsewhere for coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nationwide have good rates?
Nationwide generally has better-than-average rates for both car insurance and property insurance.
Is Nationwide good at paying out claims?
Nationwide’s reputation for paying out claims is mixed. Nationwide was ranked lower than the industry average in the J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study for customer satisfaction. However, it performed well in the J.D. Power Property Claims Satisfaction Study, so you may have a better experience with their homeowners or renters insurance divisions than its car insurance department.
Does Nationwide pet insurance cover reptiles?
Nationwide sells pet insurance for dogs and cats, but it’s also one of the only insurers that issues policies for exotic animals. Its policies cover reptiles, lizards, birds and even mini pigs.
Where does Nationwide issue renters insurance?
Nationwide doesn’t issue renters insurance everywhere. It only issues policies to residents of 43 states and Washington, D.C. Residents of Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New Mexico will have to get coverage elsewhere.
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