Nationwide vs Safeco: Which is Better for You?
- The Zebra's pick: Nationwide
- Nationwide is much cheaper while being rated the same as Safeco.
- Your experience with Nationwide and Safeco will vary based on individual rating factors.
Learn more about how Nationwide and Safeco compare based on your credit score, age and driving history below.
Safeco or Nationwide: Which company is best for you?
As two of the country's most popular insurance companies, Safeco and Nationwide both offer appealing insurance options for a variety of drivers and homeowners. Read on to see which company comes out on top.
Safeco car insurance
Safeco Insurance is a popular choice for many car insurance shoppers. As a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual, Safeco customers can enjoy a wide array of policy options and coverage levels. There are also many additional lines of insurance that may be bundled with auto policies, potentially allowing customers to streamline their insurance needs and even save money. Find out more about Safeco Insurance below.
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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?
Nationwide
Nationwide has the edge and is the better choice for most drivers. Nationwide and Safeco are rated similarly, but Nationwide is generally much cheaper.
Safeco 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. Safeco 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 Safeco. 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 Safeco and Nationwide.
The insurer with the cheaper car insurance rates is Nationwide, at $90 per month.
Safeco 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 Safeco's for drivers at every credit level. See below detailed insurance rates by credit tier for the two companies.
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RATES BY CREDIT LEVEL: NATIONWIDE VS. SAFECO
| Credit level | Safeco 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.
Safeco 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 Safeco. 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.
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RATES BY CITATION: NATIONWIDE VS. SAFECO
| Citation | Safeco avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $2,546 | $1,836 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $1,969 | $1,475 |
| DUI/DWI | $2,796 | $2,691 |
| Reckless driving | $2,853 | $2,508 |
| Speeding ticket | $2,512 | $1,469 |
Safeco 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 Safeco. The former is one of the most affordable choices for teen drivers, while the latter charges young drivers more than $600 per month, on average.Â
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RATES BY AGE: NATIONWIDE VS. SAFECO
| Age tier | Safeco avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $7,765 | $3,624 |
| 20s | $2,566 | $1,582 |
| 30s | $2,566 | $1,582 |
| 40s | $2,128 | $1,151 |
| 50s | $1,114 | $1,114 |
| 60s | $1,028 | $1,028 |
Costs aside, Safeco 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: Safeco vs. Nationwide
Safeco 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 | Safeco | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Financial strength (A.M. Best) | Excellent | Superior |
| JD Power (claims satisfaction) | Average | Average |
| JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Average | Poor |
| NAIC rating | Poor | Poor |
| The Zebra's editorial review score | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey | N/A | 4.3/5 |
Which company scores best?
Tie
These two companies are evenly matched in an overall sense— both boast solid financial strength and have been rated similarly by The Zebra reviewers, but have more than the average number of complaints. Both compnaies are worth checking out.
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.afeco did not meet the criteria to be included in this survey, but you can see how customers viewed their experiences with Nationwide below.
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.
Safeco vs. Nationwide: discount comparison
See below a head-to-head comparison of the companies'Â discount options for car insurance.
Telematics options: Safeco vs. Nationwide
Both insurers offer telematics-powered policies. See more information about each company's mobile app below.Â
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.
Safeco RightTrack® allows customers to choose either a plug-in device or an app to monitor your driving for 90 days. The company claims that safe drivers may be eligible for savings between 5 and 30%, though no savings are guaranteed.
Zebra Tip: Consider both companies for telematics offerings
Both companies offer similar telematics options that monitor driving habits and apply possible discounts.Â
Roadside assistance: Safeco vs. Nationwide
Find below summaries of the roadside assistance programs available via Safeco and Nationwide.
Safeco
Safeco offers and optional roadside assistance package that is on par with most other major carriers. Roadside assistance can be requested through the company's mobile app or by calling 1-877-762-3101. Drivers who choose to add roadside assistance from Safeco can expect the following services:
- Towing
- Battery jump start
- Fuel and fluids
- Flat-tire change
- Lock-out services
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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
Safeco 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.
Safeco homeowners insurance review
Safeco homeowners insurance is a good option for many customers. In general, homeowners can expect good coverage at competitive rates. While Safeco doesn't offer a vast number of endorsements, those that they do are very reasonably priced. One thing that potential customers will want to consider is the overall satisfaction of Safeco customers. The company's homeowners coverage receives fewer complaints than their auto coverage, though customer satisfaction is still well below average. To find out more about the different types of coverage offered — as well as average rates — have a look at our guide below.Â
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — N/A: Safeco was not included in The Zebra's homeowners insurance customer survey.Â
- Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Average: Safeco customers expressed average levels of satisfaction, according to J.D. Power's 2021 study.Â
- Financial strength — Excellent: Safeco's excellent financial strength — tracked by AM Best — indicates a strong ability to pay out claims.
- NAIC rating — Poor: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) received more complaints than average regarding Safeco in 2020.
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.Â
- 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 did other major homeowners insurance companies.
Which company comes out on top?
Nationwide
Each company's home insurance product comes with pros and cons. Nationwide wins by a hair here, as its third party ratings are positive and it has strong customer satisfaction scores. 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.
Safeco vs. Nationwide: home insurance rate comparison
Both Nationwide and Safeco offer homeowners policies at competitive rates: both companies average annual homeowners insurance rates are $1,236. 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.Â
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.
Since both of these insurers offer the same average monthly rate for homeowners, this is a tie.Â
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.
Safeco vs. Nationwide: homeowners discount comparison
Nationwide and Safeco both offer home insurance discounts for customers meeting certain criteria. Compare these discounts head-to-head below.
| Discount comparison | Safeco | 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 Nationwide if you're interested in homeowners insurance discounts
Nationwide'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
Safeco 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 | Safeco | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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.