GEICO vs. Nationwide: Which company is best for you?
Both GEICO and Nationwide enjoy widespread brand recognition and a large share of the auto insurance market, but which one is best for you? We've compared both companies to give you an idea of what you can expect as a customer. Read on to find out more.
GEICO car insurance
GEICO has the second-largest share of the auto insurance market and is one of the most recognizable carriers in the country. The company generally receives good customer satisfaction ratings. Furthermore, GEICO is known for having some of the most affordable rates among major carriers.Â
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Nationwide car insurance
Nationwide is another one of the largest car insurance companies in the country. Customers can generally expect affordable rates, discount options and a large selection of additional coverage lines to pair with an auto policy, including homeowners, renters and life insurance just to name a few.
| Pros | Cons |
|
                   |
Which company comes out on top?
GEICO
GEICO comes out on top in most categories, including customer satisfaction, coverage options, and price. These factors make GEICO a strong choice for most drivers.
GEICO vs. Nationwide:Â car insurance rate comparison
Choosing a car insurance company can be tough: companies' rates differ by driving history, age and location. GEICO and Nationwide are two of the most popular insurers, providing competitively priced policies in most states.
In an effort to simplify the comparison process, we've collected average rates from Nationwide and GEICO. These rates cover a variety of pricing components, including credit rating, driving history, and age. Take a look at these rates to help you in your search for an affordable policy. Keep in mind, however, that your rates are likely to be different than our samples.Â
Want to learn more? Read our full reviews of GEICO and Nationwide.
Nationwide has the cheapest rates overall on average, with an average monthly rate of $90 compared to GEICO's $94. However, this can vary from person to person, so it's always a good idea to get quotes from many different insurers to see which policy is most affordable.
GEICO vs. Nationwide:Â pricing by credit score
If you have very poor credit, Nationwide could be the way to go. On average, Nationwide offers more affordable rates than GEICO for drivers with credit scores of less than 580. Drivers with outstanding credit — a score of 800 or better — could consider both carriers as premiums are relatively close, with a difference of just $27 per year. View common insurance rates by credit level for Nationwide and GEICO below.
Â
RATES BY CREDIT LEVEL: NATIONWIDE VS. GEICO
| Credit score | GEICO avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $2,051 | $1,593 |
| Fair (580-669) | $1,358 | $1,262 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,485 | $1,283 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,120 | $1,109 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,064 | $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.
GEICO vs. Nationwide: rates for high-risk drivers
If you're dealing with an at-fault collision, speeding ticket, reckless driving citation, or DWI on your driving résumé, Nationwide could be a better choice than GEICO, though the rates are very similar to one another. Each insurer has different post-violation pricing structures, so it's worth comparing quotes to understand which insurer suits you.
RATES BY CITATION: NATIONWIDE VS. GEICO
| Violation | GEICO avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $1,857 | $1,836 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $1,580 | $1,475 |
| DUI/DWI | $2,550 | $2,691 |
| Reckless driving | $2,238 | $2,508 |
| Speeding ticket | $1,395 | $1,469 |
GEICO vs. Nationwide: rates by age
Insurance companies use a driver's age as an estimator of risk, pricing premiums accordingly. An auto insurance policy is usually priciest for teen drivers — due to their increased odds of being involved in an accident — and more affordable for older drivers. Because every car insurance company prices age brackets differently, it's worth doing some comparison shopping.
As a general rule, teen drivers should choose GEICO instead of Nationwidel: GEICO offers average yearly savings of $116, compared to Nationwide.
RATES BY AGE: NATIONWIDE VS. GEICO
| Age tier | GEICO avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $3,508 | $3,624 |
| 20s | $1,438 | $1,582 |
| 30s | $1,218 | $1,582 |
| 40s | $1,189 | $1,151 |
| 50s | $1,160 | $1,114 |
| 60s | $1,065 | $1,028 |
Costs aside, GEICO and Nationwide both have pros and cons, including discount programs, customer satisfaction ratings, policy add-ons and financial stability. Be sure to get quotes and compare rates before making a decision.
Compare rates and start saving today!
Ratings comparison: GEICO vs. Nationwide
When looking for a new auto policy, prices aren't the only thing to compare. Good scores from customers and third-party rating agencies can help you find an insurance company that provides good rates and great customer service. To help, we've found a variety of ratings for both GEICO and Nationwide to help you determine each company's customer satisfaction level, number of complaints and fiscal security outlook.
| Ratings comparison | GEICO | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Financial strength (A.M. Best) | Superior | Superior |
| JD Power (claims satisfaction) | Average | Average |
| JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Average | Poor |
| NAIC rating | Average | Below Average |
| The Zebra's editorial review score | 5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
Which company scores best?
GEICO
GEICO scores higher than Nationwide in most areas, including The Zebra's own editorial review and our annual Customer Satisfaction Survey, which you can see in more detail below.
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey
The Zebra conducted a survey to get a sense of which major car insurance providers are viewed by their customers. Find a rundown of the results below.Â
GEICO came in fourth place overall with a score of 4.4. Below are some highlights from the survey.
- GEICO placed first for Online Satisfaction (website and apps)
- Scored well for Customer Service and Willingness to Recommend
- Viewed most favorably by drivers in the Boomer generation
Nationwide placed among the middle of the pack in most categories. Out of the fifteen major insurers included, 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 car insurance option.
- 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.
GEICO vs. Nationwide: discount comparison
Car insurance discounts can help you save big on your insurance premiums. Take a look at how discounts from GEICO and Nationwide stack up below.
In addition to the discounts above, GEICO also offers a senior citizen discount to qualifying drivers. If unsure, ask a representative about which discounts for which you may qualify.Â
Telematics options: GEICO vs. Nationwide
GEICO and Nationwide both offer telematics car insurance programs that can be beneficial to certain types of drivers. Have a look at the comparison below to see if one stands out as a better option for your insurance needs.
GEICO Drive Easy Pro is an app that tracks your driving habits to better assess your level of risk. For safe drivers, this can sometimes result in cheaper rates. Currently, the app is rated on app stores at 3.5 out of 5 stars (both Google Play and the Apple Store).
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.Â
Zebra tip: Explore Nationwide for telematics offerings
While GEICO boasts great online reviews overall, their telematics app suffers lower scores across multiple platforms. Furthermore, Nationwide offers both a telematics and usage-based program that could appeal to a wider group of drivers.Â
Roadside assistance: GEICO vs. Nationwide
No one wants to be caught on the side of the road after a breakdown. Check out the different roadside assistance packages offered by both GEICO and Nationwide below.
GEICO
GEICO's roadside assistance offers the following:
- Towing
- Jump starts
- Tire changes (when you have a spare)
- Up to $100 for lockout services
- Fuel delivery
- Winching for stuck vehicles (depending on severity)
Â
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
GEICO vs. Nationwide: home insurance
While both companies are major providers of auto insurance, Nationwide has a much stronger presence in the world of home insurance. GEICO offers homeowners insurance through a number of partner companies instead of under its own banner. That said, both companies can offer a variety of coverage types with plentiful add-ons that many homeowners could find satisfying. Read more about each company's home insurance offerings in our comparison below.
GEICO homeowners insurance review
While not as large a portion of its business as auto insurance, homeowners coverage remains an important part of GEICO's product offerings. The company partners with many insurers throughout the nation to provide home insurance. Still, customer service scores and third-party ratings remain high.Â
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey – 4.4/5: GEICO's home insurance coverage earned a relatively high score in The Zebra's 2021 customer satisfaction survey.
- Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power) – Not ratedÂ
- Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) – Not ratedÂ
- Financial strength (AM Best) – Superior: GEICO received an 'A' rating from AM Best, underlining its solid financial standing.Â
- NAIC Rating – Excellent: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) received fewer customer complaints than average regarding GEICO homeowners insurance in 2020.
Nationwide homeowners 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.Â
- 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.Â
- Financial strength — Superior: AM Best rates Nationwide an A+.
- NAIC Rating — Good: Nationwide received fewer complaints than other major homeowners insurance companies.
Which company comes out on top?
Tie
Both GEICO and Nationwide can pair customers with good homeowners policies. Because GEICO doesn't actually underwrite their own policies, it's harder to rate them higher than Nationwide. They are evenly matched by The Zebra's editorial review and A.M. Best, and receive lower than the average number of complaints. For these reason, we feel that both companies are worth exploring for homeowners insurance.
GEICO vs. Nationwide: home insurance rate comparison
Nationwide's average annual homeowners insurance rate is $1,236. Because GEICO does not underwrite its own homeowners policies, it's more difficult to provide accurate rate data.
Your individual rates are likely to vary from one company to another. This is because companies have different methods for underwriting. Your rates are highly dependent upon both where you live and your individual profile, and each company will place a different weight upon factors such as area crime, proximity to fire-fighting services and the age of your home. For this reason, it's highly recommended that you shop for homeowners quotes from a number of different sources, as this will likely lead you to the best rate.
Based on the data we have available, Nationwide has the cheapest home insurance rates at around $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.
GEICO vs. Nationwide: homeowners discount comparison
Home insurance discounts are a great way to save money on your premiums. Both companies offer such discounts, though Nationwide provides far more options for saving.Â
| Discount comparison | GEICO | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Claims free | ✓ | |
| Recent home buyer | ✓ | |
| Multi-policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Early signing | ✓ | |
| Newer/more durable roof | ✓ | |
| Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc...) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paid in full | ||
| Early signing | ||
| Auto pay | ||
| Gated community | ✓ | |
| Home renovation | ✓ | |
| Smart home | ✓ |
It's important to note that there may be more options for discounts through GEICO's partner companies.Â
Zebra tip: Check out Nationwide if you are seeking home insurance discounts
Qualifying customers have a number of discounts to choose from, including discounts for being claims-free, having a newer or updated roof and bundling car and home insurance together. However, even with extra discounts, other companies may still offer more affordable rates.Â
Other insurance products and bundling options
GEICO and Natoinwide both have options for bundling multiple policy types. Bundling policies can lead to savings in many cases. See our table below for a side-by-side comparison.
| Other products | GEICO | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Boat insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Condo insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Life insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Homeowners insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Travel trailer insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renters insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| RV insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Motorcycle insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile home insurance | ✓ | |
| Umbrella | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offroad vehicles and ATVs | ✓ | ✓ |
Find the best insurance policy for your needs.
Related Content
RECENT QUESTIONS
Other people are also asking...
Will a hit and run impact my car insurance premium in CA?
What should I do with my car insurance after I pay off my car loan?
Why can I not remove my son from my auto insurance policy with GEICO?
Will comprehensive insurance cover damages caused by road debris?
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.