Nationwide vs Progressive
Last updated July 2026
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
Progressive
Name your price
Advantages
- Snapshot telematics can deliver large discounts for safe drivers
- Competitive rates for high-risk, young, and SR-22 drivers
- Name Your Price tool helps find coverage that fits your budget
- Comparison tool shows competitor rates alongside Progressive's
- Strong bundling options including boat, motorcycle, and RV
Drawbacks
- Base rates without Snapshot can be higher than Geico
- Customer service satisfaction scores trail some competitors
- Snapshot can increase your rate if you have poor driving habits
- Claims process satisfaction is middling in surveys
Nationwide and Progressive both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. Nationwide is built for drivers who want strong telematics savings and plan to bundle multiple policies. Progressive is built for high-risk drivers, young drivers, and safe drivers willing to use Snapshot for deeper discounts. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Nationwide | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $130-$185/mo before bundling | $130-$160/mo national average |
| Quote Process | Local agent, online, or phone | Online with competitor comparison tool |
| Available Discounts | SmartRide, multi-policy, safe driver, accident-free, good student | Snapshot, multi-policy, homeowner, paid-in-full |
| Claims Experience | 24/7 phone, app, and agent-assisted | App, phone, local adjusters in some areas |
| Customer Support | Local agents, phone, app, online chat | -- |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, gap, roadside, rental car | -- |
| Mobile App Quality | Good, ID cards, claims, payments, SmartRide | Good, Snapshot integration, policy management |
| Bundling Options | Auto, home, renters, life, pet, umbrella | Direct, auto, home, boat, motorcycle, RV |
| Telematics Program | -- | Snapshot, mature, well-proven program |
| High-Risk Drivers | -- | Strong, one of the best for high-risk drivers |
Too Close to Call
Nationwide and Progressive land roughly even overall; the right pick depends on which of their strengths matters more to you.
Nationwide's standout strength: SmartRide telematics gives up to 40% off for consistently safe drivers. Progressive's standout strength: Snapshot telematics can deliver large discounts for safe drivers. Neither dominates across the board, and both have well-known weak spots. Nationwide's biggest drawback: Not available in every state, notably Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Massachusetts. Progressive's biggest drawback: Base rates without Snapshot can be higher than Geico. Pick the one whose strengths line up with what you actually need.
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