Today we will be comparing two well-known insurance companies known for their awesome commercials. Although we will be differentiating Allstate vs Nationwide, there is no denying that these companies are slightly similar.
In this article, we will be comparing claims, mobile apps, financial strength, and more to help you make the right choice.
Car insurance rates comparison
Who has the cheapest car insurance rates? On average Nationwide is slightly cheaper than Allstate. However, auto insurance pricing is difficult to calculate because rates differ from state to state.
On average drivers who live in Florida, California, Louisiana, Georgia, Oklahoma, Washington, D.C, and Michigan pay more for insurance than drivers who live in North Carolina, Maine, Ohio, New Hampshire, and Idaho. It is important and beneficial for you to compare quotes.
Claims Comparison
Let’s find out how each company does in handling insurance claims. Both companies did better than most insurance companies in both the J.D Power Overall Customer Satisfaction Auto and Homeowner’s Study. In the Auto Study both companies are neck and neck. On a 1000-point scale Allstate received 864 points while Nationwide received 863 points. In the Power Circle Ratings Legend both insurance providers received 3 out of 5 Power Circles. When we check other insurance studies such as the J.D. Power Homeowners Study we notice the same trend. Both companies are neck and neck in claims and rated higher than most insurance companies. In the home study Allstate received 817 points while Nationwide received 806 points. According to J.D. Power Allstate slightly takes the edge.
Financial strength rating – Let’s find out if each insurance company has the financial backing to support its claims.
Allstate has over $108 billion in assets.
- Allstate received an A+ rating from A.M. Best, which was the second highest of 16 categories.
- Standard & Poor’s rewarded Allstate with an AA- rating.
- Moody’s Investors Service gave Allstate an Aa3 rating.
Nationwide Insurance Company has over $209 billion in total assets.
- A+ from A.M. Best.
- A+ from S&P.
- A1 from Moody’s
Insurance discounts and features comparison
Nationwide discounts
pay more for insurance than drivers who live in North Carolina – When you sign up for their awesome plan Nationwide will extend your discounts. Any discount that is entitled to you can be enjoyed by your family as well. The Nationwide family discount can save you 25% on your auto insurance plan.
Accident free discount – Depending on what state that you live in you can save up to 10% on auto insurance if you haven’t had any at-fault accidents or major violations for the past 5 years.
Multi-Policy discount – With Nationwide and most insurance companies you can bundle different policies such as life, renters, motorcycle, business, home, and auto insurance for cheaper rates. The more that you bundle together the more savings you will receive. With Nationwide, you can save up to 20%. Not only will you be able to save more, but it’ll be easier to manage your insurance policies when they all come from one place.
Paperless documents – It takes 2 minutes to sign up for paperless and when you do you may be eligible for a discount on your policy.
SmartRide – Nationwide policyholders can enjoy SmartRide, which is a usage-based insurance program. SmartRide rewards your safe driving habits. With SmartRide you can receive up to a 40% discount for your safe driving habits. For signing up you will receive a 10% insurance discount.
Affinity car insurance discounts – You are easily able to save on car insurance if you are a member of a partner business or organization. Today Nationwide has over 400 active affinity partnerships.
Allstate discounts
Deductible Rewards – When you sign up for deductible rewards you will receive $100 off your deductible. Every year that you drive safely you will receive an additional $100 dollars off.
Accident Forgiveness – If you have ever been in an accident before even a small accident, then you know that insurance companies can increase your insurance by over 30% after an accident. With accident forgiveness, your rates will not increase after an at-fault accident.
Drivewise Program – Drivewise is a great way for safe drivers to save up to 30% with Allstate. Unlike some other programs Drivewise will not increase your premium if you have high-risk habits.
Safe Driving Bonus – For every six months that you’re accident free with Allstate you will receive a Safe Driving Bonus check in the mail.
New Car Discounts – For those who just purchased a new BMW, Dodge, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, etc. they can benefit from Allstate’s new driver discount. This discount allows you to save up to 15%.
Smart Student Discount – To receive this discount the driver must be under the age of 25 and unmarried. Also, the driver must qualify for one of these options. The driver must be a full-time student getting good grades, complete the teenSMART driver education program, attend college at least 100 miles away from where your car is garaged.
Website comparison
The Nationwide website is very simple and plain compared to Allstate’s website. The Allstate site has more bells and whistles and seems more beautiful overall. On the right side of the Allstate homepage you are given smart search and find an agent tabs. Although the Nationwide site is easy to navigate through it is definitely thin and it needs some working on.
Mobile app comparison
Nationwide app
Just like their website the Nationwide app is easy to use, but it is also basic and plain compared to the other insurance apps that we reviewed. Nationwide needs to work on their overall creativity. With this app, you will be able to view your accounts, pay your insurance bills, get an auto policy quote, call emergency services, call for towing, collect and exchange accident info, store your insurance info for easy lookup, take accident photos and record details, and more.
Allstate app
The Allstate app is definitely an upgrade compared to the Nationwide app. The app is more visually compelling and comes with more features. The free and easy to use app offers features such as instant agent access, digital ID cards, QuickFoto Claim, contact information management, gas finder, and more. The only drawback of the Allstate app is that there have been some complaints of the app draining device battery life.
Roadside assistance comparison
Allstate
There are very few companies that can compete with Allstate in roadside assistance. Allstate roadside services offer towing, tire changes, jump-starts, lockouts, fuel delivery(without the cost of the fuel.)
Allstate has 3 options for those who desire roadside assistance.
One thing that you can do is join the Allstate Motor Club. First year membership fees cost $52 to $99. Benefits of joining the Allstate Motor Club include on-time arrival, extended protection for your family at a greater discount, travel discounts, and more.
With Allstate, you can also use Good Hands Rescue, which is a pay-per-use service. Only pay for roadside emergency when you need it. Lastly, with Allstate you can add Towing & Labor Coverage which is going to cost you a little more on your monthly car insurance policy.
Nationwide
Nationwide’s 24-hour emergency roadside program provides customers with towing, ditch extraction, a jump start, gas delivery, a lock smith, and a flat tire change. Nationwide’s second level of roadside services, which is their Roadside Assistance Plus offers up to 100 miles of car towing service instead of 15. Their Roadside Assistance Plus option also offers trip interruption coverage.
Bottom line
Both companies handle complaints and claims well. Also, their financial strength rating from various financial analysts were similar. Compare a quote to see which insurance company is cheaper and allow the price differences to help you with your decision.