Nationwide vs The General
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
The General
Coverage for drivers who need to get back on the road
Advantages
- Approves drivers other carriers reject, DUI, SR-22, lapses in coverage
- Instant SR-22 filing available in most states, often same-day
- Low upfront down payment options make it easy to get started
- Simple online quote and purchase, no agent required
- Payment flexibility including monthly and bi-weekly plans
Drawbacks
- Base rates are among the highest in the industry for its underwriting pool
- Coverage limits and add-ons more limited than mainstream carriers
- Customer satisfaction scores consistently trail Progressive and Geico
- Claims service reviews are mixed, expect longer resolution times
Nationwide and The General 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. The General is built for drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Nationwide | The General |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $130-$185/mo before bundling | Avg $180-$300/mo for high-risk profiles |
| Quote Process | Local agent, online, or phone | Online, phone, no agent |
| Available Discounts | SmartRide, multi-policy, safe driver, accident-free, good student | Multi-vehicle, safe driver over time, prior insurance |
| Claims Experience | 24/7 phone, app, and agent-assisted | Phone or online submission |
| Customer Support | Local agents, phone, app, online chat | Phone, online, limited hours |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, gap, roadside, rental car | Liability, collision, comprehensive, SR-22 filing |
| Mobile App Quality | Good, ID cards, claims, payments, SmartRide | Basic, ID cards, payments, claim start |
| Bundling Options | Auto, home, renters, life, pet, umbrella | Auto only, limited bundling options |
Nationwide Wins
Nationwide takes it overall (8/10 vs 6/10), but The General is still the sharper pick for drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast.
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 The General's (base rates are among the highest in the industry for its underwriting pool). The General isn't out of the running though — its own standout strength is approves drivers other carriers reject, DUI, SR-22, lapses in coverage. If you fit the profile of drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast, that alone can flip the decision.
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