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.
Edited By Kristine Lee
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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Nationwide car insurance
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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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
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 |
Auto insurance data methodology
The auto insurance rates published in this guide are based on the results of The Zebra's State of Insurance car insurance pricing analysis. This analysis of more than 83 million insurance rates spans every U.S. ZIP code, using a sample user profile: a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord, good credit and full coverage at these levels:
- $50,000 per person/$100,000 per incident for bodily injury liability
- $50,000 per incident for property damage liability
- $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage
To generate pricing for particular rating factors, we adjusted the driving profile based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies. These factors include credit score, coverage level, driving record and others.
In some instances, average rates from Liberty Mutual were derived from internally sourced sales data.
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.
| 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.
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
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
Findings are based on an online quantitative survey of 4,134 current U.S. auto and home insurance customers, with Census-balanced sampling by age, gender and region. Categories with n=<20 responses are considered insufficient sample size and are not reported. This survey was developed by The Zebra and executed by independent research firm Maru/Blue in 2021.
Allstate vs. Nationwide: discount comparison
See below a head-to-head comparison of the companies' discount options for car insurance.
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 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'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 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
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
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.
- 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
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.
- 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
The cheaper of the two insurance companies is Nationwide, at $103 per month. Allstate's homeowners insurance costs an average of $118 per month.
Homeowners insurance data methodology
The homeowners insurance rates published in this guide are based on The Zebra's analysis of the cost of home insurance in every U.S. ZIP code. These rates are based on a sample user profile: a 45-year-old married homeowner living in a 2,500-square-foot single-story home built in 2011 with these coverage levels:
- $200,000 for the dwelling
- $20,000 for other structures
- $100,000 for personal property
- $100,000 for personal liability
- $1,000 deductible
To generate pricing for particular rating factors, we adjusted the homeowner profile based on common pricing factors used by major home insurance companies. These factors include location, coverage limits, claims record and others.
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.
| 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.
| 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.
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The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
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The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
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The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
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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.