What Nationwide Insurance Is and Who Sells It

Nationwide is a mutual insurance company based in Columbus, Ohio, that sells auto, home, life, and business insurance directly and through independent agents. A mutual company means policyholders own a stake in the company rather than outside shareholders. You can buy Nationwide coverage online, by phone, or through an independent agent who represents Nationwide alongside other insurers.

Nationwide operates in all 50 states and has been in business since 1926. The company is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, a financial strength rating service. This rating indicates the company has the financial reserves to pay claims. You can verify this rating yourself on A.M. Best's website.

Because Nationwide uses both direct sales (online and phone) and independent agents, your experience buying and managing a policy depends on which channel you choose. Direct customers handle everything through Nationwide's website or app. Customers who buy through an independent agent work with that agent for quotes, changes, and claims questions, though the policy itself is still underwritten and serviced by Nationwide.

Key Takeaways

  • Nationwide sells auto, home, life, and business insurance through its website, phone line, and independent agents in all 50 states.
  • The company is a mutual insurer, meaning policyholders own it rather than outside investors, and holds an A+ financial strength rating from A.M. Best.
  • You can buy directly from Nationwide or through an independent agent, and your choice affects how you manage your policy and file claims.
  • Nationwide offers discounts for bundling policies, maintaining a clean driving record, completing safety courses, and installing home security systems.
  • Complaint rates and claim handling speed vary by state and line of business, so checking your state's insurance department records is more useful than national averages.

Auto Insurance Coverage Types and Limits

Nationwide auto insurance includes liability coverage (which pays for damage you cause to someone else's car or property), collision coverage (which pays for damage to your car from an accident), and comprehensive coverage (which covers theft, weather, and vandalism). You choose your deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — and your liability limits, which set the maximum the company will pay for injuries or property damage you cause.

State minimum liability limits vary. Most states require at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage, though some states set higher minimums. Nationwide lets you choose limits above your state minimum. You can also add uninsured motorist coverage (which protects you if hit by someone without insurance) and medical payments coverage (which covers medical bills regardless of fault).

Nationwide does not publish a single rate for any coverage type because rates depend on your age, driving history, location, vehicle type, and the specific coverage and deductible you choose. You can get a quote on Nationwide's website or by calling 1-877-669-6877 to see what your actual premium would be.

Homeowners Insurance and What It Covers

Nationwide homeowners insurance covers the structure of your home, personal property inside it, liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if your home becomes unlivable. The structure coverage (called "dwelling" coverage) reimburses you to rebuild or repair your home after a covered loss like fire, wind, or theft. Personal property coverage reimburses you for belongings like furniture, electronics, and clothing up to a limit you choose.

Homeowners policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage. If you live in a flood zone, you need a separate flood insurance policy, which you can buy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or from private insurers. Earthquake coverage is also sold separately. Nationwide offers both as add-ons you can purchase alongside your main homeowners policy.

Like auto insurance, homeowners premiums vary by location, home age, construction type, claims history, and the coverage limits you choose. Nationwide offers discounts for bundling home and auto policies, installing a security system, and completing a home safety inspection. You can request a quote through Nationwide's website or an agent.

Life Insurance Options Nationwide Offers

Nationwide sells term life insurance (coverage for a set number of years, typically 10, 20, or 30 years) and whole life insurance (permanent coverage that builds cash value). Term life is less expensive and straightforward: you pay a monthly or annual premium, and if you die during the term, Nationwide pays your beneficiary the death benefit you chose. Whole life costs more but never expires, and part of your premium goes into a cash value account you can borrow against.

You choose your death benefit amount — the sum Nationwide will pay your beneficiary. Common amounts range from $100,000 to $1 million, though you can request higher or lower amounts. Nationwide will ask about your health, age, and sometimes require a medical exam, to set your rate. Rates are locked in when you buy the policy and do not change during the term (for term life) or for the life of the policy (for whole life).

Nationwide also offers universal life insurance, a permanent option with more flexible premiums and death benefits than whole life, and variable universal life insurance, which lets you direct how the cash value is invested. You can get a life insurance quote by phone or through an independent agent; Nationwide does not quote life insurance online.

How Nationwide Discounts Work

Nationwide offers discounts that reduce your premium if you meet certain conditions. The most common are a multi-policy discount (bundling auto and home insurance), a safe driver discount (no accidents or violations in a set period), a defensive driving course discount (completing an approved safety course), and a home security system discount (having a monitored alarm). Some discounts stack, meaning you can receive multiple discounts on the same policy.

Discounts vary by state and by insurance line. An auto discount available in one state may not be available in another. The best way to see which discounts explore to you is to get a quote and ask the agent or representative which discounts are included. Nationwide's website and app show your current discounts once you have a policy.

Nationwide also offers usage-based insurance through a program called Nationwide SmartRide, which tracks your driving habits through a mobile app and can lower your rate if you drive safely. You opt in voluntarily, and the app monitors speed, hard braking, and time of day you drive. Safe driving can result in discounts of up to 30 percent, though actual savings depend on your driving behavior.

Filing a Claim and What to Expect

To file a claim with Nationwide, you can call 1-800-NATIONWIDE (1-800-628-4825), use the Nationwide mobile app, or go online through your account. For auto claims, you can also visit a Nationwide claims office in person. When you file, have your policy number, details of what happened, and photos of any damage ready. For auto claims, you will also need the other driver's information if another vehicle was involved.

Nationwide assigns a claims adjuster to your case. The adjuster contacts you to schedule an inspection (for home or auto damage) and reviews your claim to determine what is covered under your policy. For auto claims, Nationwide can direct you to a repair shop or let you choose your own. For home claims, the adjuster inspects the damage and estimates repair costs. The time from filing to payment varies but typically ranges from a few days for straightforward claims to several weeks for complex ones.

You can track your claim status through the Nationwide app or website, or by calling your adjuster. If you disagree with how much Nationwide is offering to pay, you can request a review or hire an independent appraiser to assess the damage. Your policy outlines the process for disputes.

Comparing Nationwide to Other Insurers

Nationwide competes with State Farm, Allstate, GEICO, Progressive, and regional insurers. The main differences are price, available discounts, customer service channels, and complaint rates. Nationwide's rates are not consistently higher or lower than competitors — they depend on your specific situation. A rate that is competitive for a 35-year-old driver in Ohio may be higher or lower for a 25-year-old in California.

The best way to compare is to get quotes from at least three insurers using the same coverage limits and deductibles. Most insurers offer online quotes in minutes. You can also check your state's insurance department website for complaint data. Each state publishes complaint ratios showing how many complaints each insurer received per policy sold. This gives you a sense of how Nationwide's customer service compares to competitors in your state specifically.

Nationwide's main advantage for some customers is the ability to bundle multiple types of insurance (auto, home, life, business) with one company, which can simplify billing and claims. Its main disadvantage for price-conscious customers is that it is often not the cheapest option, though it is rarely the most expensive either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Nationwide insurance if I have a poor driving record?

Yes. Nationwide insures drivers with accidents, violations, and even DUIs, though your premium will be higher than a driver with a clean record. High-risk drivers may pay 50 to 200 percent more depending on the violation and how recent it is. You can get a quote to see your actual rate.

Does Nationwide offer discounts for low mileage?

Nationwide does not have a traditional low-mileage discount, but the SmartRide usage-based program can lower your rate if you drive less and drive safely. You opt in to SmartRide voluntarily through the mobile app, and the company tracks your driving to calculate discounts.

What happens if I miss a premium payment?

Nationwide typically gives you a grace period of 10 days after your due date before canceling your policy for non-payment. During the grace period, your coverage remains active. If you pay within the grace period, your policy continues without interruption. If you do not pay, your policy lapses and you will need to reapply and go through underwriting again to restore coverage.

Can I cancel my Nationwide policy anytime?

Yes. You can cancel by calling Nationwide, using the mobile app, or contacting your agent. Cancellation is effective on the date you request or a future date you specify. If you have paid your premium in advance, Nationwide refunds the unused portion. Some states require a short waiting period before cancellation takes effect, typically 10 to 30 days.

Does Nationwide cover rental cars after an accident?

Only if you add rental reimbursement coverage to your auto policy. This optional coverage pays for a rental car while yours is being repaired after a covered accident. The daily limit and maximum reimbursement vary depending on the coverage limit you choose. You can add this coverage when you buy your policy or anytime after.