Nationwide vs AAA: Which is Better for You?
- Winner: Nationwide
- Nationwide is cheaper while having similar ratings as AAA.
- Your experience with Nationwide and AAA will vary based on individual rating factors.
Why you can trust The Zebra
Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as a licensed insurance professional and content strategis…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- 5 years of experience in the insurance industry
Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- Associate in Insurance (AINS)
- Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
- Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specialized in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.
Ross h…
Credentials
- 5+ years in the Insurance Industry
Nationwide vs. AAA: What's the difference?
The Zebra's choice: Nationwide
While scores for both companies are similar, Nationwide offers lower rates on average.
Nationwide:
- Cost: $88/month for full coverage
- Customer service: 3.6
- Claims handling: 2
- Digital experience: 4
- Trust: 4.5
- Overall rating: 3.6
Nationwide comes out on top when it comes to customer service and trust
AAA:
- Cost: $101/month for full coverage
- Customer service: 3.3
- Claims handling: 3
- Digital experience: 4.8
- Trust: 4
- Overall rating: 3.9
AAA takes the win for claims handling and digital experience
Nationwide vs. AAA: rates for high-risk drivers
If you're carrying an at-fault accident, speeding violation, reckless driving violation or DUI on your driving record, Nationwide could be a better choice than AAA. Every car insurance company will handle driving offenses differently, so don't be afraid to shop around and get quotes to find out which insurance company suits you.
RATES BY CITATION: AAA VS. NATIONWIDE
| Citation | Nationwide avg. annual premium | AAA avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $1,836 | $4,078 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $1,475 | $4,002 |
| DUI/DWI | $2,691 | $5,530 |
| Reckless driving | $2,508 | $5,530 |
| Speeding ticket | $1,469 | $4,078 |
The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Nationwide vs. AAA: rates by age
Insurance companies use age as an estimator of risk, pricing premiums accordingly. An auto insurance policy is typically most expensive for teen drivers — thanks to their inexperience — and more affordable for drivers aged 25 or older. Because every insurance company rates ages in a different way, it's smart to shop around and find the perfect policy for you.
In general, teen drivers should choose Nationwide over AAA: Nationwide offers average yearly savings of $6,632, compared to AAA.
RATES BY AGE: AAA VS. NATIONWIDE
| Age bracket | Nationwide avg. annual premium | AAA avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $3,624 | $10,256 |
| 20s | $1,582 | $4,644 |
| 30s | $1,582 | $4,644 |
| 40s | $1,151 | $3,195 |
| 50s | $1,114 | $3,083 |
| 60s | $1,028 | $2,887 |
Affordability aside, Nationwide and AAA each carry pros and cons, including their discount programs, add-ons, customer satisfaction ratings, and financial stability. Be sure to get quotes and compare rates before purchasing a policy.
Compare rates and start saving today!
Nationwide vs. AAA: discount comparison
Discounts are a great way to bring down the costs of your car insurance. See how each company's available discount options stack up below.
Due to AAA's partnerships with other car insurance companies to provide policies, some of these discount options may not be available in some locations. Always ask about what discounts you are eligible for when shopping for your policy.
Telematics options: Nationwide vs. AAA
Nationwide and AAA both offer telematics programs that can help to measure your driving habits and calculate the level of risk you pose. Take a look at our rundown of available options from both carriers below.
SmartRide is Nationwide's telematics offering, giving safe drivers the chance to save money. Because the app tracks your driving habits, it also provides feedback in an effort to help you avoid risk and stay safe.
In addition to the SmartRide program, Nationwide also offers a usage-based program aimed at low-mileage drivers. Commonly referred to as pay-per-mile car insurance, SmartMiles offers savings potential for drivers who aren't often behind the wheel.
Depending on the state in which they reside, some customers may be able to sign up for OnBoard, AAA's telematics option. The company boasts savings of 15% at sign-up, with total savings of up to 30% possible for eligible drivers. However, there is no separate app at the time of writing, meaning that all participants must download the AAA mobile app.
Zebra Tip: Explore Nationwide for telematics offerings
Nationwide offers both a telematics and usage-based program that could appeal to a wider group of drivers.
Roadside assistance: Nationwide vs. AAA
No one wants to be stuck on the side of the road. If you ever find yourself in that situation, you'll want a roadside assistance program that can get you back on the road quickly. Take a look at each company's roadside assistance options below.
Nationwide
To provide roadside assistance to its customers, Nationwide also partners with Agero. Drivers who choose to add roadside assistance, the following services are available:
- Towing
- Battery jump start
- Fuel delivery
- Flat-tire change
- Winching services
- Lock-out services
AAA
Perhaps no other company is more closely associated with roadside assistance than AAA. For that reason, it's no surprise that the company has an expansive selection of options available to both members and policyholders. Below is a list of options available:
- Jumpstarts
- Towing
- Fuel delivery
- Vehicle lockout
- flat tire service
- Stuck vehicle services
AAA offers different levels of membership that apply to roadside assistance. Those in higher tiers are often reimbursed for larger amounts or eligible for towing for longer distances. The highest tier even offers trip interruption coverage.
Nationwide vs. AAA: home insurance
Both Nationwide and AAA have popular home insurance options to accompany their auto coverage. Below, we take a look at how the two companies compare.
Nationwide homeowners insurance review
Nationwide insurance has a strong presence in the home insurance space, offering a variety of coverage options at competitive rates.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.3/5: Nationwide placed 10th overall in The Zebra's homeowners insurance customer survey.
- Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Above average: J.D. Power's property claims satisfaction study for 2021 gave Nationwide an above-average score of 892 out of 1,000.
- Customer satisfaction — (J.D. Power) — Below average: Nationwide earned below-average marks in J.D. Power's study of customer satisfaction.
- Financial strength — Superior: AM Best rates Nationwide an A+.
- NAIC Rating — Good: Nationwide received fewer complaints than other major homeowners insurance companies.
AAA homeowners review
As with AAA's car insurance offering, the company partners with a number of affiliated insurers to provide homeowners coverage. These companies include CSAA and Auto Club Indemnity Company. Ratings of AAA's home insurance offering are a composite of these companies in an effort to give a broad idea of what customers can expect.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.2/5: AAA ranked 14th in the overall homeowners carrier category of The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey.
- Customer Service (J.D. Power) — Below Average: The average J.D. Power ranking of CSAA and Auto Club of Southern California Insurance group comes in just shy of the average for customer satisfaction.
- Financial Strength (AM Best) — Excellent: With a financial rating of “excellent,” you can rest assured AAA will be able to handle your claims.
- Claims Satisfaction (NAIC) — Good: The average number of complaints across different branches of AAA homeowners insurance companies is fewer than average.
Which company comes out on top?
Tie
Both AAA and Nationwide can pair customers with good homeowners policies. They are evenly matched in terms of customer satisfaction and financial strength. For these reason, we feel that both companies are worth exploring for homeowners insurance.
Nationwide vs. AAA: home insurance rate comparison
Nationwide's average annual homeowners insurance rate is $1,236. The average rates for AAA comes in slightly pricier at $1,296 per year. It's important to note that every company has its own underwriting methods, meaning that prices can vary one company to another. This is even true amongst AAA partner companies.
Home insurance rates are comprised of both individual and environmental factors. This can include things such as your claims history, area crime and your proximity to fire fighting services. For this reason, it's important to shop around when looking for home insurance quotes.
AAA has cheaper rates than Nationwide on average, coming in at around $108 per month to Nationwide's average of $119 per month.
The Zebra’s homeowners insurance data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Nationwide vs. AAA: homeowners discount comparison
Discounts can be enticing to prospective insurance shoppers. See how the homeowners discount options from Nationwide and AAA compare below.
Zebra tip: Check out Nationwide is you are seeking home insurance discounts
Nationwide offers more discounts than AAA for qualifying customers, but keep in mind this doesn't necessarily mean that they'll be cheaper for everyone.
Other insurance products and bundling options
Nationwide and AAA both offer multiple lines of insurance that can be bundled together. This can streamline your insurance policies and also lead to potential savings. Along with auto and home, customers may be able to add life, pet, or even small business coverage from Nationwide and AAA. Take a look at the additional coverage types available from each company below.
| Other products | Nationwide | AAA |
|---|---|---|
| Boat insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Condo insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Life insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Homeowners insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renters insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| RV insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Motorcycle insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile home insurance | ||
| Umbrella | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offroad vehicles and ATVs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Classic car | ✓ | ✓ |
| Small business | ✓ | ✓ |
| Farm and ranch | ✓ | |
| Pet | ✓ | ✓ |
Find the best insurance policy for your needs.
Related Questions
Can I get AAA roadside assistance if I don't have insurance with them?
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.
