Liberty Mutual vs Nationwide
Last updated July 2026
Liberty Mutual
Only pay for what you need
Advantages
- Coverage customization tool lets you drop coverages you don't want
- RightTrack telematics can drop premiums up to 30% for safe drivers
- Accident forgiveness available after four years claim-free
- Wide bundling menu across auto, home, boat, motorcycle, and umbrella
- Available in all 50 states with mixed direct and agent channels
Drawbacks
- Base rates run above average in many states
- Claims satisfaction scores are middle-of-pack in recent J.D. Power studies
- Marketing-heavy quoting funnel can feel pushy without an agent
Nationwide
On your side, and increasingly online
Advantages
- SmartRide telematics gives up to 40% off for consistently safe drivers
- Vanishing Deductible cuts your deductible by $100 each claim-free year
- Multi-policy discounts stack well when bundling auto with home or renters
- Accident forgiveness available as an add-on for eligible drivers
- Roadside assistance and rental car coverage are affordable add-ons
Drawbacks
- Not available in every state, notably Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Massachusetts
- Base rates can trail Geico or Progressive for younger or single-policy drivers
- Agent quality varies widely by region
Liberty Mutual and Nationwide both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. Liberty Mutual is built for drivers who want to trim optional coverages and DIY their policy. Nationwide is built for drivers who want strong telematics savings and plan to bundle multiple policies. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Liberty Mutual | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $160-$215/mo; discounts stack quickly | Avg $130-$185/mo before bundling |
| Quote Process | Online, phone, or captive agent | Local agent, online, or phone |
| Available Discounts | RightTrack, multi-policy, homeowner, paid in full | SmartRide, multi-policy, safe driver, accident-free, good student |
| Claims Experience | App, phone, 24/7 online submission | 24/7 phone, app, and agent-assisted |
| Customer Support | Phone, chat, app, captive agents | Local agents, phone, app, online chat |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, gap, new-car replacement | Liability, collision, comprehensive, gap, roadside, rental car |
| Mobile App Quality | Solid, RightTrack, claims, ID cards | Good, ID cards, claims, payments, SmartRide |
| Bundling Options | Auto, home, boat, motorcycle, umbrella | Auto, home, renters, life, pet, umbrella |
Nationwide Wins
Nationwide takes it overall (8/10 vs 7/10), but Liberty Mutual is still the sharper pick for drivers who want to trim optional coverages and DIY their policy.
Nationwide's standout strength: SmartRide telematics gives up to 40% off for consistently safe drivers. Its biggest drawback (not available in every state, notably Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Massachusetts) is easier to live with than Liberty Mutual's (base rates run above average in many states). Liberty Mutual isn't out of the running though — its own standout strength is coverage customization tool lets you drop coverages you don't want. If you fit the profile of drivers who want to trim optional coverages and DIY their policy, that alone can flip the decision.
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