Nationwide vs. Travelers Car Insurance: Expert Recommended (2024)
In this comprehensive comparison between Nationwide and Travelers car insurance, we delve into the critical factors of rates, coverage, and overall value to assist you in making an informed decision.
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Zach Fagiano
Licensed Insurance Broker
Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...
Licensed Insurance Broker
UPDATED: Mar 11, 2024
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Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 11, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Selecting the ideal auto insurance provider demands a nuanced understanding of multiple factors, and our scrutiny of Nationwide and Travelers illuminates the landscape. In this exploration, we dissect the rates influenced by credit scores, mileage, coverage extent, and driving records, revealing a standout performer for diverse customer profiles. From spotless driving records to the complexities of tickets, accidents, DUIs, and credit challenges, we meticulously dissect the data to spotlight which company excels. This concise guide serves as a compass, directing readers toward the most advantageous insurance choices amid the intricacies of their unique circumstances.
Factor | Nationwide | Travelers |
---|---|---|
Clean Record | $115 | $99 |
1+ Ticket | 137 | $134 |
1+ Accident | $161 | $139 |
DUI | $237 | $206 |
Poor Credit | $198 | $170 |
*monthly rates are based on an average of minimum and full coverage for a 45-year-old male driver
Discount | Nationwide | Travelers |
---|---|---|
Anti Theft | 35% | 23% |
Good Student | 10% | 10% |
Low Mileage | 25% | 5% |
Paperless | 5% | 3% |
Safe Driver | 10% | 15% |
Senior Driver | 10% | 8% |
Nationwide Car Insurance
Pros:
- Affordable Rates for Young Drivers: Nationwide offers competitive rates for young drivers, making it an attractive option for families with teen drivers.
- Better for Poor Driving Records: Nationwide is a preferred choice for individuals with a poor driving record, as it tends to have lower rates compared to Travelers.
- Extensive Discounts: Nationwide provides a variety of discounts, including significant savings for anti-theft systems, safe driving, and paperless billing.
Cons:
- Higher Rate Increase for Credit Score Changes: If your credit score drops with Nationwide, the car insurance rates may increase by 40%, which is relatively steep.
- Fewer Discounts Than Travelers: While Nationwide offers substantial discounts, it has fewer options (24) compared to Travelers (17), potentially limiting savings opportunities.
- Usage-Based Program Savings: Although Nationwide has a usage-based program offering a 40% discount, it may not appeal to all drivers.
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Travelers Car Insurance
Pros:
- Lower Rates for 25 and Older: Travelers offer an average of 9% cheaper rates for individuals aged 25 and older, making it a cost-effective option for more experienced drivers.
- Better Customer Satisfaction: Travelers excel in customer satisfaction, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize a positive customer experience.
- Usage-Based Program Savings: Travelers’ usage-based programs can provide savings of up to 30%, appealing to drivers who want to be rewarded for safe driving habits.
Cons:
- Higher Rates for Teen Drivers: Travelers tend to have higher rates for teen drivers, making it less attractive for families with young drivers.
- Slightly Higher Rates for Poor Driving Records: Individuals with a poor driving record might find Travelers to be slightly more expensive than Nationwide.
- Fewer Discounts Compared to Nationwide: While Travelers offers good discounts, it has fewer (17) than Nationwide, potentially limiting the opportunities for savings.
Read more: What discounts are available for Travelers car insurance customers?
Nationwide Takes the Lead for Overall Value
After a thorough analysis of Nationwide and Travelers car insurance, one company stands out as the superior choice: Nationwide. While both companies have their merits, Nationwide edges ahead when considering a comprehensive view of rates and offerings.
Affordability for Young Drivers: Nationwide’s competitive rates for young drivers make it an excellent choice for families with teen drivers, providing a cost-effective solution.
Better Rates for Poor Driving Records: Nationwide outshines Travelers when it comes to individuals with a less-than-perfect driving record. With rates approximately $1000 less per year for those with infractions, Nationwide offers a more forgiving option.
Extensive Discounts: Nationwide’s robust discount program, offering substantial savings for anti-theft systems, safe driving, and paperless billing, provides more opportunities for customers to save on their premiums.
Overall Customer Satisfaction: While both companies have positive customer feedback, Nationwide’s combination of affordability and customer satisfaction places it as the preferred choice for consumers.
While Travelers excel in customer satisfaction, it falls slightly short in terms of rates, especially for young and less experienced drivers. Although Travelers offers a commendable usage-based program, Nationwide’s overall value proposition, including a variety of discounts and competitive rates for various driver profiles, makes it the clear winner in this head-to-head comparison.
Table of Contents
Is Nationwide or Travelers Car Insurance Cheaper Based on age?
It’s completely fair for car insurance companies to base rates on your age. After all, the more experience driving we have, the better drivers we become. Some states will also base your car insurance rates on gender and/or marital status, though several states have outlawed this practice.
Nationwide vs Travelers Car Insurance Rates by Age, Gender, and Marital Status
Age, Gender, and Marital Status | Nationwide Average Annual Rates | Travelers Average Annual Rates |
---|---|---|
Single 17-year-old female | $5,756 | $9,307 |
Single 17-year-old male | $7,175 | $12,851 |
Single 25-year-old female | $2,686 | $2,325 |
Single 25-year-old male | $2,889 | $2,491 |
Married 35-year-old female | $2,360 | $2,179 |
Married 35-year-old male | $2,387 | $2,200 |
Married 60-year-old female | $2,130 | $2,052 |
Married 60-year-old male | $2,215 | $2,074 |
For 25 and older, Traveler’s car insurance rates are an average of 9 percent cheaper than Nationwide car insurance rates.
Nationwide car insurance is a better choice if you have a young driver. Travelers’ teen car insurance rates are 70 percent higher than Nationwide.
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Is Nationwide or Travelers Car Insurance Cheaper Based on Driving Record?
Speeding tickets, accidents, DUIs, and other traffic violations will increase your Nationwide and Travelers car insurance rates.
Nationwide vs Travelers Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record
Infraction | Nationwide Average Annual Rates | Travelers Average Annual Rates |
---|---|---|
Clean record | $2,746 | $3,448 |
With one speeding violation | $3,114 | $4,261 |
With one accident | $3,397 | $4,290 |
With one DUI | $4,543 | $5,741 |
Nationwide is the better option if you have a poor driving record. Travelers’ car insurance rates are around $1000 more per year than Nationwide when it comes to having different infractions on your driving record.
As for current customers, Nationwide and Travelers increase rates about the same for getting a speeding ticket, causing an accident, or getting a DUI. Nationwide is a little more forgiving (13 percent increase) when it comes to speeding tickets.
Is Nationwide or Travelers Car Insurance Cheaper Based on Credit Score?
Just like gender and marital status, more states are outlawing car insurance rates based on credit score.
Your credit score is a strong reflection of your consistency with paying your bills, but the reason it is being outlawed is that rates quoted by insurance companies assume those with higher credit scores are better drivers.
Nationwide vs Travelers Car Insurance Rates by Credit History
Credit Score | Nationwide Average Annual Rates | Travelers Average Annual Rates |
---|---|---|
Good Credit (670-739) | $2,926 | $4,059 |
Fair Credit Score (580-669) | $3,255 | $4,344 |
Poor Credit Score (300-579) | $4,083 | $5,160 |
Nationwide is a better choice if you currently have any type of credit.
However, once you are with Nationwide, your car insurance rates will increase by 40 percent if you experience financial hardship and your credit score drops.
Where you live is the biggest factor in determining your car insurance rates because of state laws. Be sure to check your state car insurance guide before judging Nationwide and Travelers car insurance rates by credit score.
Do Nationwide or Travelers Have Better Car Insurance Discounts?
Each company has its selling point, and sometimes that comes down to who has the best discount that applies to your specific situation.
Nationwide vs Travelers Car Insurance Discounts
Discounts | Nationwide Discounts Offered (Percentage) | Travelers Discounts Offered (Percentage) |
---|---|---|
Anti-lock Brakes | 5 | N/A |
Anti-Theft | 25 | N/A |
Claim Free | 10 | 23 |
Continuous Coverage | N/A | 15 |
Daytime Running Lights | 5 | N/A |
Defensive Driver | 5 | 10 |
Distant Student | 10 | 7 |
Driver's Ed | N/A | 8 |
Driving Device/App | 40 | 30 |
Early Signing | 8 | 10 |
Family Plan | 25 | N/A |
Full Payment | N/A | 8 |
Further Education | 15 | N/A |
Good Student | 10 | 8 |
Green Vehicle | N/A | 10 |
Homeowner | 5 | 5 |
Loyalty | 5 | N/A |
Membership/Group | 7 | N/A |
Multiple Policies | 10 | 13 |
Multiple Vehicles | 20 | 8 |
Newer Vehicle | N/A | 10 |
Occupation | 15 | N/A |
On Time Payments | N/A | 15 |
Paperless Documents | 5 | N/A |
Paperless/Auto Billing | 30 | 3 |
Passive Restraint | 20 | N/A |
Safe Driver | 35 | 23 |
Students & Alumni | 7 | N/A |
Vehicle Recovery | 25 | N/A |
When reviewing discounts offered by either company, Nationwide has 24 car insurance discounts, and Travelers has only 17 discounts.
Nationwide offers heftier discounts compared to Travelers.
Travelers’ best car insurance discounts range from 15 to 30 percent for having continuous coverage, making payments on time, being claim-free, or being a safe driver.
You can also save 30 percent by participating in Travelers’ usage-based car insurance program.
Nationwide’s best car insurance discounts range from 25 to 40 percent for having anti-theft and vehicle recovery systems in your car, having a family plan, being a safe driver, and using paperless billing and auto-pay.
You can also save 40 percent by participating in Nationwide’s usage-based car insurance program.
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What Types of Auto Insurance Coverages are Offered by Nationwide and Travelers?
Since both Nationwide and Travelers are two of the companies that hold the majority of the market share, they will offer many different types of coverages, and that includes the basic six listed below:
- Liability auto insurance coverage – bodily injury and property damage
- Comprehensive auto insurance coverage
- Collision auto insurance coverage
- Uninsured/Underinsured auto insurance coverage
- Medical Payments (MedPay) auto insurance coverage – particularly important in states that require no-fault auto insurance
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) auto insurance coverage
Other optional coverages may include rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, guaranteed auto protection (GAP), mechanical breakdown, and recreational vehicles such as ATVs or boats. Be sure to check out Nationwide pet insurance and Nationwide retirement when reviewing coverage options.
Do Nationwide or Travelers Have Better Car Insurance Mobile Apps?
Most of the top 10 car insurance companies have mobile apps to access policy information and/or make payments and a separate mobile app that tracks your driving habits (usage-based car insurance).
If you notice your rate has gone up when it’s time to renew your six-month policy, it could be because your credit score dropped. Use your Nationwide insurance login or Travelers insurance login to temporarily change your coverage levels and deductibles to lower your rate while you start improving your credit score.
If you don’t notice a change in your credit score, and your rates still go up, it may be a good time to get quotes from other insurance providers.
Read our reviews of Nationwide’s SmartRide and Travelers’ IntelliDrive usage-based car insurance apps to learn more.
How do Nationwide and Travelers Car Insurance Compare in Financial Strength and Customer Satisfaction?
Reviewing ratings from three different agencies will provide you with a good picture of how a car insurance company works with its consumers, handles complaints, and their overall financial strength.
A.M. Best scores companies based on their ability to meet their ongoing insurance obligations such as balancing premiums collected and claims paid. The highest score A.M. Best awards is Superior A++.
Consumer Reports collects annual data from its subscribers regarding customer satisfaction of the claims process, step by step. In their 2017 survey, 27 insurance companies were rated, and scores ranged between 86 to 96.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) calculates a complaint ratio based on a total number of customers against the total number of complaints. In 2017, the national average complaint ratio was 1. The lower the ratio, the better.
Nationwide vs Travelers Company Ratings
Consumer Reports | Nationwide | Travelers |
---|---|---|
AM Best Rating | A+ | N/A |
Consumer Reports | 88 | 90 |
NAIC Company Complaint Ratio | 0.28 | 0.09 |
NAIC Total Complaints | 25 | 2 |
Both Nationwide and Travelers are highly competitive based on ratings from consumer and government agencies. Nationwide earns an A+ for financial stability.
Now that you’ve finished this Nationwide vs. Travelers car insurance review, use our FREE comparison tool to compare car insurance companies in your area.
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Nationwide vs. Travelers Car Insurance: Unveiling the Claims Process Comparison
Ease of Filing a Claim
Both Nationwide and Travelers offer multiple convenient methods for filing insurance claims. Customers can file claims online through the respective company’s website or mobile apps. They can also file claims over the phone, providing flexibility in the claims process.
Average Claim Processing Time
The average claim processing time for both Nationwide and Travelers can vary based on the complexity of the claim and other factors. However, both companies aim to process claims efficiently to ensure a timely resolution for their customers.
Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts
Customer feedback regarding claim resolutions and payouts is an essential aspect of evaluating an insurance provider. Both Nationwide and Travelers strive to provide satisfactory claim resolutions and payouts. Customer reviews and ratings can provide insights into their experiences with the claims process and their level of satisfaction with the outcomes.
Read more:
- How do I file a car insurance claim with Nationwide?
- Will my insurance premium increase if I file a car insurance claim with Nationwide?
Nationwide vs. Travelers Car Insurance: Analyzing Digital and Technological Features for Informed Choices
Mobile App Features and Functionality
Both Nationwide and Travelers offer mobile apps with features that allow customers to manage their insurance policies, access important policy information, file claims, and track their claims’ status. The mobile apps are designed to provide a user-friendly interface and convenient access to insurance-related services.
Online Account Management Capabilities
Customers of Nationwide and Travelers can manage their insurance policies and accounts online. This includes viewing policy details, making payments, updating personal information, and accessing important documents related to their policies. The online account management capabilities aim to streamline the insurance experience for customers.
Digital Tools and Resources
Both Nationwide and Travelers provide digital tools and resources to assist customers in understanding their insurance coverage, calculating premiums, exploring discounts, and making informed decisions about their policies. These digital tools enhance the overall customer experience and provide valuable information to policyholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should I consider when choosing between Nationwide and Travelers car insurance?
When comparing Nationwide and Travelers car insurance, factors to consider include rates based on age, driving record, and credit score, available discounts, types of coverages offered, mobile app functionality, and overall financial strength and customer satisfaction.
Are Nationwide and Travelers the only car insurance companies I should consider?
No, Nationwide and Travelers are two of the top car insurance companies, but there are other reputable insurers available. It’s always a good idea to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best coverage and rates for your specific needs.
Can I bundle my car insurance with other insurance policies?
Yes, both Nationwide and Travelers offer multi-policy discounts, allowing you to bundle your car insurance with other types of insurance policies such as homeowners or renters insurance. Bundling can often result in savings on your premiums.
How can I obtain a car insurance quote from Nationwide and Travelers?
To get a car insurance quote from Nationwide, you can visit their website or contact their customer service. Travelers also provides online quotes on their website or through their agents.
Can I switch my car insurance provider if I’m not satisfied with Nationwide or Travelers?
Yes, you can switch car insurance providers at any time. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of your current policy and consider any potential cancellation fees or timing constraints before making a switch.
Do Nationwide and Travelers offer 24/7 customer support?
Both Nationwide and Travelers provide customer support services, including 24/7 claims reporting. This ensures that you can reach out for assistance at any time, especially in case of emergencies or accidents.
Are you looking for free insurance quotes?
Your one-stop online insurance guide. Get free quotes now!
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Zach Fagiano
Licensed Insurance Broker
Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...
Licensed Insurance Broker
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.