Choosing an auto insurance company can be difficult: companies' rates differ by driving history, location, and age, and every company provides a different set of discounts. Nationwide and 21st Century are two of the most popular insurance companies, providing competitively priced insurance policies across large portions of the US.
To take the sting out of shopping for car insurance, we pulled typical insurance premiums from 21st Century and Nationwide. These take into account a variety of rating factors, including credit quality, driving history, and demographics. Take a look at these rates and find your next car insurance policy today.
Go in-depth: Check out our reviews of Nationwide and 21st Century.
If you have extremely bad credit, 21st Century could be a better option for you. On average, 21st Century offers better rates than Nationwide for drivers with credit scores of lower than 580. Those with extraordinary credit — a score of 800 or higher — should lean toward Nationwide, which typically beats 21st Century by $326 annually. View typical insurance rates by credit level for 21st Century and Nationwide below.
| Credit score | Nationwide avg. annual premium | 21st Century avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $1,593 | $1,363 |
| Fair (580-669) | $1,262 | $1,363 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,283 | $1,657 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,109 | $1,363 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,037 | $1,363 |
If you are dealing with an at-fault accident, speeding violation, reckless driving violation, or DUI offense in your rear view mirror, Nationwide could be a better choice than 21st Century. Each insurer prices policies differently after a violation, so don't hesitate to shop around to understand which insurance company suits you.
| Violation | Nationwide avg. annual premium | 21st Century avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $1,836 | $2,440 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $1,475 | $1,273 |
| DUI/DWI | $2,691 | $3,949 |
| Reckless driving | $2,508 | $3,949 |
| Speeding ticket | $1,469 | $1,781 |
Insurance companies use a driver's age to outline risk potential, pricing policies accordingly. Insurance is often more expensive for teens — due to their increased odds of being involved in an accident — and more affordable for older drivers. Since each insurance company prices age brackets differently, it's wise to compare rates and find a great fit.
As a general rule, teen drivers should choose Nationwide instead of 21st Century: Nationwide offers average yearly savings of $1,609 versus21st Century.
| Age | Nationwide avg. annual premium | 21st Century avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $3,624 | $5,233 |
| 20s | $1,582 | $1,795 |
| 30s | $1,163 | $1,795 |
| 40s | $1,151 | $1,313 |
| 50s | $1,114 | $1,244 |
| 60s | $1,028 | $1,117 |
Costs aside, Nationwide and 21st Century each carry pros and cons, including their customer satisfaction ratings, discount programs, add-ons, and financial stability. Be sure to get quotes and compare rates before purchasing a policy.
| Discount Comparison | Nationwide | 21st Century |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Ratings Comparison | Nationwide | 21st Century |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Strength | Superior | Excellent |
| JD Power Rankings | Above average | N/A |
| User Satisfaction | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Other Products | Nationwide | 21st Century |
|---|---|---|
| Boat Insurance | ||
| Condo Insurance | ||
| Life Insurance | ||
| Homeowners Insurance | ||
| Travel Trailer Insurance | ||
| Renters Insurance | ||
| RV Insurance | ||
| Motorcycle Insurance | ||
| Mobile Home Insurance |
| Other Features | Nationwide | 21st Century |
|---|---|---|
| About | Auto insurance from Nationwide gives you peace of mind. When you choose an On Your Side Auto Repair Network® facility, you can get a written guarantee on your car repairs. With our On Your Side Claims® Service, you also get personal service like the On Your Side® Review, an annual check-in with your insurance professional to review your coverage. And with multi-policy and other discounts, such as the SmartRide® and SmartMiles® usage-based programs, you get peace of mind and value. | 21st Century, part of the Farmers Insurance Group, is a leading US insurer of automobiles, dedicated to providing customers with superior coverage and service. |
| Roadside Assistance | Nationwide's Roadside Assistance is available in select states. Two levels of emergency Roadside Assistance coverage—Basic and Plus—are available. Nationwide Roadside Assistance Basic applies to everyone on your policy, in any car you might occupy with coverage that includes towing up to 15 miles, ditch extraction service, emergency fuel, battery jump-start, locksmith services up to $100 and tire changes. Nationwide Roadside Assistance Plus includes all the previously listed services in addition to a tow up to 100 miles and trip interruption coverage that may reimburse your expenses up to $500 for alternate transportation, lodging and meals if you find yourself broken down 100 or more miles from home. | 21st Century customers are automatically enrolled in the 21st Roadside Assistance program at no additional cost. 21st Roadside Assistance provides 24/7 towing, lock-out service and other emergency services, limited to five service calls per vehicle per calendar year. 21st Roadside Assistance coverage is provided for up to $75 ($80 in TX, $100 in NC) in roadside services. Service applies to labor only. Parts (tires, batteries, belts, etc.) and gasoline are not included. |
| Additional Discounts | Nationwide offers additional savings through a Family Discount, which allows you to share discounts with members of your family. | 21st Century offers an additional discount for seniors in select states. |
| Recent Questions | Can I get an EMT discount with Nationwide? To my knowledge, Nationwide does offer discounts to EMT but I'm not 100% if there are any specifics to the state of California. Because car insurance is regulated at the state, there could be some implications regarding California's state legislator that would prohibit employment status being considered. What's the ADOT code for NationwideThe ADOT code for Nationwide would be listed on your policy documents. But for Nationwide, it is 0014. Is accident forgiveness a good idea for me?You might be a good contender for this policy option. Most lease contracts will require you to keep the vehicle in good condition. See More Questions | |
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| Top States | Arizona California Florida Illinois Michigan New Jersey New York Ohio Pennsylvania Texas | California |