Allstate vs Nationwide: Which is Better for You?

Read on to see which company is best for you.

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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Credentials
  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Allstate or Nationwide: Which company is best for you?

As two of the country's most popular insurance companies, Allstate and Nationwide both offer appealing insurance options for a variety of drivers and homeowners. Read on to see which company comes out on top.

Allstate car insurance

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Thanks to its extensive coverage options and wide geographic availability, Allstate is one of the most popular insurance carriers in the country. For drivers with complex needs, Allstate is a great option, though rates are a bit more expensive than those of some other large companies. 

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Pros Cons
  • Favorable third-party reviews
  • Wide-ranging coverage options
  • Few customer complaints, considering its size
  • More expensive than average rates                                      

Nationwide car insurance

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Nationwide is also one of the largest car insurance companies in the U.S. Customers can expect relatively affordable rates, a variety of discount options and a wide selection of other coverage types to bundle with their auto policy. Nationwide customers can combine auto insurance with homeowners, renters and life insurance policies, earning potential multi-line savings.

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Pros Cons
  • Wide-ranging coverage options
  • Multiple telematics options
  • Affordable rates
  • Plentiful discount options
  • Overall customer satisfaction scores are poor
  • Frequent customer complaints (according to the NAIC)                          

Which company comes out on top?

Tie


The two companies cater to insurance customers with different preferences. Allstate's policies may cost more, but the company's customer satisfaction ratings exceed those of Nationwide. Meanwhile, Nationwide's ratings and reviews leave room for improvement but its rates are second-to-none for many drivers. If you're deciding between these two carriers, compare quotes and weigh your individual situation before making a decision. 


Allstate vs. Nationwide: car insurance rate comparison

Choosing an auto insurance company on price alone can be difficult: rates vary based on your location, vehicle, and driving record, and insurers often offer varying perks. Allstate and Nationwide are two the nation's most popular insurers. Each sells high-quality insurance policies across most of the country.

To simplify the shopping process, we've gathered average rates from Nationwide and Allstate. These rates take into account various factors, including credit history, driving record, and age. Examine these figures and find the right policy for you.

To learn more about these companies, check out our detailed reviews of Allstate and Nationwide.

Cheapest average rates
Cheapest average rates

The insurer with the cheaper car insurance rates is Nationwide, at $90 per month, far less expensive than Allstate's $170 per month. 


Allstate vs. Nationwide: pricing by credit score

If you have a less-than-stellar credit history, Nationwide presents a relatively affordable option. Nationwide offers some of the most affordable rates for drivers with credit scores lower than 580. In fact, Nationwide's average rates are more affordable than Allstate's for drivers at every credit level. See below detailed insurance rates by credit tier for the two companies.

 

RATES BY CREDIT LEVEL: NATIONWIDE VS. ALLSTATE
Credit level Allstate avg. annual premium Nationwide avg. annual premium
Very Poor (300-579) $3,117 $1,593
Fair (580-669) $2,162 $1,262
Good (670-739) $2,021 $1,283
Very Good (740-799) $1,820 $1,109
Exceptional (800-850) $1,743 $1,037

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.

Allstate vs. Nationwide: rates for high-risk drivers

If you have a violation such as a DUI, reckless driving conviction, at-fault crash or speeding ticket on your résumé, your rates could be more affordable with Nationwide than with Allstate. Each car insurance company evaluates rates differently after a driving violation, so don't hesitate to shop around to figure out which insurer suits you.

 

RATES BY CITATION: NATIONWIDE VS. ALLSTATE
Citation Allstate avg. annual premium Nationwide avg. annual premium
At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) $3,006 $1,836
At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) $1,580 $1,475
DUI/DWI $3,637 $2,691
Reckless driving $3,388 $2,508
Speeding ticket $2,256 $1,469

Allstate vs. Nationwide: rates by age

Auto insurance companies use a driver's age to gauge risk, setting their rates accordingly. Insurance is usually expensive for teen drivers and relatively affordable for middle-aged drivers. Because every car insurance company establishes its prices in a different manner, it's usually worthwhile to compare quotes.

Cost-conscious young drivers should consider Nationwide over Allstate. The former is one of the most affordable choices for teen drivers, while the latter charges young drivers more than $500 per month, on average. 

 

RATES BY AGE: NATIONWIDE VS. ALLSTATE
Age tier Allstate avg. annual premium Nationwide avg. annual premium
Teens $6,442 $3,624
20s $2,636 $1,582
30s $2,636 $1,582
40s $1,912 $1,151
50s $1,893 $1,114
60s $1,768 $1,028

Costs aside, Allstate and Nationwide each have pros and cons: ranging from their customer satisfaction ratings to their discount programs and various policy extras. To ensure you're making an informed insurance decision, get quotes and compare rates before buying a policy.

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Ratings comparison: Allstate vs. Nationwide

Allstate and Nationwide have plenty of ratings and reviews to evaluate. We've gathered some of these ratings to provide perspective on each company's customer satisfaction standards, complaint ratios and financial stability standing.

Allstate vs. Nationwide
Ratings comparison Allstate Nationwide
Financial strength (A.M. Best) Excellent Superior
JD Power (claims satisfaction) Average Average
JD Power (customer satisfaction) Average Poor
NAIC rating Excellent Below Average
The Zebra's editorial review score 4/5 3.5/5
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey 4.5/5 4.3/5

Which company scores best?

Allstate


Allstate boasts better ratings than Nationwide for its superior customer satisfaction, claims satisfaction and number of consumer complaints. The Zebra's editorial reviews — taking into account all of these factors — placed Allstate in front of Nationwide.


The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey

The Zebra conducted an in-house survey of insurance consumers to discover how they viewed their insurance companies across a number of topics. See below how each of these companies performed.

survey logo
Allstate

Allstate came in eighth place overall for car insurance with a score of 4.3. Highlights of the survey included:

  • Scored sixth place for trustworthiness
  • Preferred by older drivers
  • Struggled with claims satisfaction
survey logo
Nationwide

Nationwide earned near-average marks in most categories. Out of the 15 companies for which we gathered data, Nationwide auto insurance placed 9th overall with a score of 4.3. While it struggled in the claims satisfaction category, Nationwide is generally viewed as a trustworthy company.

  • Nationwide auto insurance placed 9th overall
  • Millennial and Gen X respondents rated Nationwide highly for ease of interaction
  • Scored poorly for claims satisfaction and online satisfaction

The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey methodology

Methodology:

These results are based on a survey of 2,722 U.S. insurance policyholders assessing satisfaction with their car and homeowners insurance providers. The survey was conducted using Survey Monkey and designed by our in-house team. It aimed to collect detailed insights from a census-balanced sample reflecting age, gender, and region.

Questionnaire

The questionnaire included demographic questions about age and gender identification and detailed inquiries into insurance experiences. Key topics:

  • Duration with insurance provider and coverage specifics, including teen drivers.
  • Claim filing experiences and satisfaction with claims handling.
  • Customer service interactions, trust in providers, and likelihood of recommending their insurance.
  • Use and satisfaction with digital tools and usage-based insurance programs.

Respondents rated their satisfaction on a Likert scale from 1 to 10 and provided qualitative feedback.

Data Analysis

Data were analyzed focusing on descriptive and inferential statistics to identify satisfaction trends and demographic impacts. Data cleaning and weighting were applied to ensure accuracy, alongside strict confidentiality protocols to protect data security.


Allstate vs. Nationwide: discount comparison

See below a head-to-head comparison of the companies' discount options for car insurance.

Allstate vs. Nationwide: discount comparison
Discount comparison Allstate Nationwide
Good student ✓ ✓
Multiple policies ✓ ✓
Multiple vehicles
Anti-theft device(s) ✓ ✓
Anti-lock brake system ✓
Air bags ✓
Good driver ✓ ✓
Defensive driver ✓ ✓
Student away at school ✓
Driver training ✓
Green vehicles ✓
Affinity membership alum ✓
Advanced purchase ✓
Pay in full ✓
Home owner
eSign or ePay ✓
Telematics ✓ ✓
New Vehicle ✓
Annual Mileage
Military

Telematics options: Allstate vs. Nationwide

Both insurers offer telematics-powered policies. The companies' offerings are similar, but Allstate Drivewise stands out for offering 3% cashback at signup. See more information about each company's mobile app below. 

Also worth mentioning is Allstate's pay-per-mile program, Milewise.

Allstate logo
Allstate Drivewise

Allstate Drivewise relies on a mobile app to track customers' driving. In addition to receiving 3% cashback for signing up, drivers can potentially earn discounts and rate reductions by driving safely. Interestingly, Allstate's app is available to both policyholders and "non-customers" alike to view driving data and receive feedback.

Allstate milewise
Allstate Milewise

Allstate's pay-per-mile insurance program, Milewise, could benefit low-mileage drivers. Mileage is tracked using a plug-in device. Allstate plans to expand Milewise to additional locations.

nationwide logo
Nationwide SmartRide

SmartRide is Nationwide's telematics offering, giving safe drivers the opportunity 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.

Zebra Tip: Opt for Allstate if you're looking for telematics


Allstate's combination of pay-per-mile and telematics-powered insurance policies is unmatched by Nationwide's offerings. If you're a low-mileage driver, look into Allstate's options.


Roadside assistance: Allstate vs. Nationwide

Find below summaries of the roadside assistance programs available via Allstate and Nationwide.

Allstate

Allstate offers three levels of roadside service alongside or seperate from an Allstate insurance policy. Annual roadside membership plans and pay-per-use plans are available. If you have Allstate insurance, you can add roadside coverage to your policy. The pay-per-use coverage allows you to pay only for service when you need it (typically with a charge of $119 per tow and $84 for other services like tire changes, jump starts, fuel delivery and locksmith services).

 

Nationwide

Nationwide partners with Agero to provide roadside assistance services. Drivers who add roadside assistance receive access to:

  • Towing
  • Battery jump start
  • Fuel delivery
  • Flat-tire change
  • Winching services
  • Lock-out services
tow truck

Allstate vs. Nationwide: home insurance

In addition to their car insurance products, both companies have unique homeowners insurance offerings at differing price points. Consult our comparison below to find out which company suits your home insurance situation.

Allstate homeowners insurance review

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In The Zebra's customer satisfaction survey of 15 popular homeowners insurance companies, Allstate finished in ninth place. Allstate's home insurance is expensive than other similar home insurance companies. The higher-than-average price of an Allstate policy could be worth it if good customer service and efficient claims processing are important to you.

While Allstate doesn't have the longest list of home insurance discounts, the company offers a number of add-on coverages.

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  • The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.3/5: Allstate earned satisfactory marks in The Zebra's consumer survey.
  • Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Average: Allstate was rated as average in claims satisfaction by J.D. Power.
  • Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Above average: Allstate was among the top performers in J.D. Power's most recent study of customer satisfaction. 
  • Financial strength — Excellent: Allstate's finances earn an A+ from A.M. Best.
  • NAIC Rating — Above Average: Allstate's home insurance received fewer customer complaints than the national median.

Nationwide homeowners review

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Nationwide is a popular option for homeowners insurance, due to its solid product offerings and relatively affordable rates. The company earned roughly average reviews from various third-party reviewers and consumers, placing 10th in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey. 

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  • 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 — Above Average: Nationwide received fewer complaints than did other major homeowners insurance companies.

Which company comes out on top?

Tie


Each company's home insurance product comes with pros and cons. As an insurance customer, be sure to compare quotes, discounts and coverage options to come to an understanding of which company meets your home coverage needs.


Allstate vs. Nationwide: home insurance rate comparison

Allstate's average homeowners insurance rates are $1,594. Nationwide's average is substantially less ($1,236 per year). The carriers' products and pricing strategies differ depending on your situation, so it's important to consider your quotes may not match these exactly when looking for coverage. 

Much like auto insurance rates, homeowners insurance prices can vary based on certain factors. Companies use your insurance history — along with your location — when establishing your rate.

Cheapest average rates
Cheapest average rates

The cheaper of the two insurance companies is Nationwide, at $103 per month. Allstate's homeowners insurance costs an average of $118 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.


Allstate vs. Nationwide: homeowners discount comparison

Nationwide and Allstate both offer home insurance discounts for customers meeting certain criteria. Compare these discounts head-to-head below.

ALLSTATE VS. NATIONWIDE: HOMEOWNERS DISCOUNT COMPARISON
Discount comparison Allstate Nationwide
Claims free ✓ ✓
Recent home buyer ✓ ✓
Multi-policy ✓ ✓
Early signing ✓ ✓
Newer/more durable roof ✓
Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc...) ✓ ✓
Paid in full ✓
Auto pay ✓
New home construction ✓

Zebra tip: Consider Allstate if you're interested in homeowners insurance discounts


Allstate's collection of home insurance discounts is among the most comprehensive of any company. This doesn't necessarily mean the company will be the cheapest option for everyone.


Other insurance products and bundling options

Allstate and Nationwide offer a variety of insurance products, along with the option to bundle policies for extra savings. Compare product offerings from the two carriers below.

Nationwide vs. Allstate: other insurance products
Other products Allstate Nationwide
Boat insurance ✓ ✓
Condo insurance ✓ ✓
Life insurance ✓ ✓
Homeowners insurance ✓ ✓
Travel trailer insurance ✓ ✓
Renters insurance ✓ ✓
RV insurance ✓ ✓
Motorcycle insurance ✓ ✓
Mobile home insurance ✓
Umbrella ✓ ✓
ATV insurance ✓ ✓
Pet insurance ✓ ✓
Commercial insurance ✓

Find the best insurance policy for your needs.

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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.