#1 Digital

Nationwide Review: The Real Story

The underrated insurer with best-in-class digital experience

⚡ Quick Verdict

$1,548

Avg annual premium

A

AM Best rating

0.63

NAIC complaint

#1

Digital experience

Why Nationwide Deserves More Attention

Nationwide flies under the radar compared to GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm—but the data shows they're genuinely excellent:

96%

Would recommend

(Highest in survey)

86%

Discount satisfaction

(Above average)

4.8

App Store rating

(Best among majors)

💫 Vanishing Deductible® Explained

Nationwide's signature feature: your deductible shrinks every year you don't have an accident.

How It Works:

Year 1 (no accident) -$100 off deductible
Year 2 (no accident) -$200 total
Year 3 (no accident) -$300 total
Year 4 (no accident) -$400 total
Year 5 (no accident) -$500 total (max)

Example: Start with a $1,000 deductible. After 5 accident-free years, it's $500. If you have a $2,000 claim, you pay $500 instead of $1,000.

Usage-Based Programs

SmartRide®

Traditional telematics—rewards safe driving behavior.

Up to 40% discount possible

SmartMiles®

Pay-per-mile pricing for low-mileage drivers.

Great for remote workers

⚠️ Limited Availability

Nationwide doesn't operate in all states:

Not Available In:

Alaska, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and some others

Check availability before falling in love with the features.

❌ The One Weakness

Claims Satisfaction: Below Average

J.D. Power ranks Nationwide below average for claims handling. Only 83% of customers satisfied with claims (middle of pack).

The trade-off: Great price, great digital experience, but claims experience may not match competitors like Farmers or USAA.

Who Should Choose Nationwide?

âś“ Good Fit If You...

  • • Want competitive pricing
  • • Prefer digital-first experience
  • • Are a safe driver (Vanishing Deductible)
  • • Drive low miles (SmartMiles)
  • • Value bundling discounts

❌ Look Elsewhere If You...

  • • Live in an excluded state
  • • Prioritize claims experience
  • • Want local agent service
  • • Have had claims issues before

Our Verdict

7.5 /10

Nationwide is the underrated choice: competitive pricing, best-in-class digital experience, innovative features like Vanishing Deductible, and 96% would recommend. Claims satisfaction is the one weak spot. Best for: digital-first consumers, safe drivers, and low-mileage drivers who want value without the claims concerns of budget insurers.