Nationwide vs Travelers: Which is Better for You?
Read on to see which company is best for you.
Nationwide or Travelers: Which company is best for you?
As two of the country's most popular insurance companies, Travelers and Nationwide both offer appealing insurance options for a variety of drivers and homeowners. Read on to see which company comes out on top.
Travelers car insurance
Among the oldest insurers in the United States, Travelers remains a popular insurance carrier that provides a number of bundling options. Available coverage types are similar to those offered by most other major insurance companies, and they offer a wide variety of discount options. However, Travelers receives scores less well than competitors regarding overall customer satisfaction.
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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. Both insurers struggle with customer satisfaction scores but offer affordable rates and multiple discount opportunities. If you're deciding between these two carriers, compare quotes and weigh your individual situation before making a decision.Â
Nationwide vs. Travelers: 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. Travelers 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 Travelers. 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 Travelers and Nationwide.
The insurer with the cheaper car insurance rates is Nationwide, at $90 per month.
Nationwide vs. Travelers: 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 Travelers' 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. TRAVELERS
| Credit level | Travelers avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $3,224 | $1,593 |
| Fair (580-669) | $1,773 | $1,262 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,375 | $1,283 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,182 | $1,109 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,069 | $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.
Nationwide vs. Travelers: rates for high-risk drivers
If you've got a speeding ticket or DUI/DWI in your driving record, Travelers could be a better choice than Nationwide. 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. TRAVELERS
| Citation | Travelers avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | N/A | $1,836 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | N/A | $1,475 |
| DUI/DWI | $2,004 | $2,691 |
| Reckless driving | N/A | $2,508 |
| Speeding ticket | $1,752 | $1,469 |
Nationwide vs Travelers: 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 Travelers over Nationwide. Teen drivers could consider either insurer as rates are nearly the same.Â
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RATES BY AGE: NATIONWIDE VS. TRAVELERS
| Age tier | Travelers avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $3,622 | $3,624 |
| 20s | $1,645 | $1,582 |
| 30s | $1,648 | $1,582 |
| 40s | $1,237 | $1,151 |
| 50s | $1,167 | $1,114 |
| 60s | $1,165 | $1,028 |
Costs aside, Nationwide and Travelers 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: Nationwide vs. Travelers
Travelers 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 | Nationwide | Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Strength (A.M. Best) | Superior | Superior |
| JD Power (Claims satisfaction) | Average | Average |
| JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Poor | Below Average |
| NAIC Rating | Poor | Good |
| The Zebra's editorial review score | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
Which company scores best?
Travelers
These two companies are evenly matched in financial strength and have been rated similarly by JD Power, But The Zebra reviewers have rated Travelers more highly. However, 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
Travelers auto insurance came in sixth place overall (out of 15 carriers) with a score of 4.3. The company scored well in most categories. See highlights below.
- Scored well in Online Satisfaction (4.4)
- In the top five for Claims and Customer Service Satisfaction
The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey methodology
Findings are based on an online quantitative survey of 4,794 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 2023.
Nationwide vs. Travelers: discount comparison
See below a head-to-head comparison of the companies'Â discount options for car insurance.
Telematics options: Nationwide vs. Travelers
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.
Travelers IntelliDrive offers drivers the chance to save up to 20%. Participating policyholders must download a mobile app that tracks your driving habits for 90 days, after which time you might see savings. Bear in mind that this program is not available in all states
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: Nationwide vs. Travelers
Find below summaries of the roadside assistance programs available via Travelers and Nationwide.
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
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Travelers
Travelers offers two tiers of Roadside assistance, both available 24-hours a day. Have a look at how each package compares below:
| Plan features | Basic plan | Premier Roadside Assistance |
| Towing |
Yes (up to 15 miles)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â |
Yes (up to 100 miles) |
| Jump starts |
Yes |
Yes |
| Fuel Delivery |
Yes |
Yes |
| Flat tire change |
Yes |
Yes |
| Lockout services |
Yes |
Yes |
| Winching services |
Yes |
Yes |
| Trip interruption coverage* |
No |
Yes |
| Personal property coverage** |
No |
Yes |
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*Covers up to $200 per day, up to a maximum of $600
** Provides $500 of coverage for personal property damaged or stolen
Nationwide vs. Travelers: 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.
Travelers homeowners insurance review
Travelers has a large footprint in the home insurance space. The company has a variety of coverage options, discounts and reasonable rates overall. However, the company's homeowners offering didn't do quite as well in The Zebra Customers Satisfaction Survey. Find out more about the company and its ratings below.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.3/5: Travelers received a 4.3 out of 5 in The Zebra's survey of customer satisfaction, 14th out of 15 companies.
- Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power Rating) — Average: In J.D. Power's most recent property claims satisfaction report, Travelers came in just below the industry average.
- Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power Rating) — Below average: Travelers fell below the industry average in J.D. Power's customer satisfaction study.
- Financial strength — Excellent: According to AM Best, Travelers has strong financials and will be able to handle your claims.
- NAIC Rating — Good: Fewer complaints were logged by the NAIC in regards to Travelers' homeowners insurance, falling just below the national complaint index.
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.
Nationwide vs. Travelers: home insurance rate comparison
Both Nationwide and Travelers offer homeowners policies at competitive rates:The average annual home insurance rate for Nationwide is $1,236, while Travelers comes in higher at about $1,500. 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.
The insurer with the cheapest home insurance rates is Nationwide at around $103 per month, somewhat cheaper than Traveler's average of $125 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.
Nationwide vs. Travelers: homeowners discount comparison
Nationwide and Travelers both offer home insurance discounts for customers meeting certain criteria. Compare these discounts head-to-head below.
| Discount comparison | Travelers | 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 | ✓ | |
| Green home | ✓ |
Zebra tip: Consider both companies if you're interested in homeowners insurance discounts
Both Nationwide and Travelers offer the same number of discounts for homeowners on insurance policies.Â
Other insurance products and bundling options
Nationwide and Travelers 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 | Travelers | 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 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.