Progressive vs Nationwide: Which company is best for you?
Progressive and Nationwide are two of the most recognizable companies in insurance as each company offers a wide selection of policy types and coverage options. Take a closer look at each of the two companies below in our in-depth comparison.
Progressive car insurance
Progressive has become one of the most popular choices for auto insurance in recent years. The company offers wide-ranging coverage options and its vast selection of discounts means that most drivers will find Progressive’s insurance rates to be reasonably affordable. It’s also one of the top companies for commercial auto insurance coverage.
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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.
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Which company comes out on top?
Progressive
While both companies have great coverage options and reasonable rates, Progressive comes out on top due to the company’s higher customer satisfaction ratings. However, Nationwide could still be a better option for some drivers, so don’t count the company out when searching for quotes.
Progressive vs. Nationwide:Â car insurance rate comparison
Both Progressive and Nationwide tend to be among the more reasonably-priced car insurance providers. However, there are many factors that go into determining your car insurance rate, meaning that your rates can vary widely from one company to another. To help simplify the insurance-shopping process, we pulled average rates from Nationwide and Progressive. These take into account a variety of pricing components, chief among which are credit quality, driving record, and age. Take a look at these rates and find an affordable policy today.
Nationwide comes out on top as cheapest overall with an average monthly rate of $90. However, Progressive's average monthly rate of $104 is somewhat close. It's important to remember that your unique driving profile could be a better match for one company over another in some situations. Our advice is to get quotes from each company to see which better fits your budget.
Progressive vs. Nationwide: pricing by credit score
If you have extremely bad credit, Nationwide could be the way to go. Typically, Nationwide offers cheaper rates than Progressive for drivers with credit scores of less than 580. Those with extraordinary credit — a score of 800 or better — should favor Check out average insurance rates by credit level for Nationwide and Progressive below.
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CREDIT SCORE INSURANCE RATE COMPARISON: NATIONWIDE VS. PROGRESSIVE
| Credit level | Progressive avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $3,602 | $1,593 |
| Fair (580-669) | $2,127 | $1,262 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,708 | $1,283 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,453 | $1,109 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,320 | $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.
Progressive vs. Nationwide: rates for high-risk drivers
If you have an at-fault collision, speeding violation, reckless driving citation, or DUI in your recent history, Nationwide could be a better choice than Progressive. Every auto insurance company will handle driving offenses differently, so it's worth comparing quotes to figure out which insurer suits you.
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RATES BY VIOLATION: NATIONWIDE VS. PROGRESSIVE
| Citation | Progressive avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $2,720 | $1,836 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $2,245 | $1,475 |
| DUI/DWI | $2,201 | $2,691 |
| Reckless driving | $2,457 | $2,508 |
| Speeding ticket | $2,091 | $1,469 |
Progressive vs. Nationwide: rates by age bracket
Car insurance companies rely on age to estimate risk, pricing policies accordingly. A car insurance policy is usually more expensive for young drivers — due to their inexperience — and relatively affordable for older drivers. Because every insurance company prices age tiers in a different way, it's wise to compare rates and find a suitable policy.
As a general rule, teen drivers should choose Nationwide over Progressive: the former's average annual rates are $4,624 less than the latter's.
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COMPARING AUTO INSURANCE RATES BY AGE: NATIONWIDE VS. PROGRESSIVE
| Age | Progressive avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $8,248 | $3,624 |
| 20s | $2,287 | $1,582 |
| 30s | $1,646 | $1,582 |
| 40s | $1,644 | $1,151 |
| 50s | $1,542 | $1,114 |
| 60s | $1,403 | $1,028 |
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Aside from affordability, Progressive and Nationwide each come with pros and cons, including the insurers' discount programs, add-ons, customer satisfaction ratings, and financial stability. Dive into the data before making your decision.
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Ratings comparison: Progressive vs. Nationwide
Price should not be the only factor when making your decision about a new car insurance policy. The coverage and service that you get from your insurer should also play into your decision. For this reason, we've compiled ratings from a variety of trusted sources to help you better compare Progressive and Nationwide. See how the two companies compare below.
| Ratings comparison | Progressive | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Financial strength (A.M. Best) | Superior | Superior |
| JD Power (claims satisfaction) | Below Average | Average |
| JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Below Average | Poor |
| NAIC rating | Good | Below Average |
| The Zebra's editorial review score | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
Which company scores best?
Progressive
While the two companies are reasonably close in most ratings, Progressive scores slightly better in key areas including overall customer service.
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey
To get a better sense of how customers viewed the level of service they received from their insurance companies, The Zebra conducted a survey covering a wide range of topics. Below you can see how both customers viewed their experiences with both Progressive and Nationwide.
Progressive car insurance placed among the top five companies overall with a score of 4.3, signifying that customers are generally pleased with the level of service they receive from the company. The company place in the top three for online satisfaction, indicating that Progressive's website and app selection are considered quite valuable by its customers.
- Top five overall for auto insurance
- Number three for online satisfaction
- Among the top five companies for bundling home and auto
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
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.
Progressive vs. Nationwide: discount comparison
If you are looking to save money on your premiums, it's important to consider each insurer's auto insurance discount selection. Compare discount options from Progressive and Nationwide below.
| Discount comparison | Progressive | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
| Continuous coverage | ✓ |
Telematics options: Progressive vs. Nationwide
For drivers interested in potentially saving money through telematics programs, both Progressive and Nationwide offer compelling options. Take a look at how the telematics offerings from both companies compare below.
Snapshot is Progressive's telematics option. The app tracks drivers' behavior while behind the wheel (including hard braking, speeding, and more) to give a more accurate level of risk. Good drivers stand to save an average of $145 on their premium according to the company.
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 telematics offerings from both companies
If you are a safe driver, telematics can be a great way to find savings. Both Progressive and Nationwide offer popular telematics options. For low-mileage drivers, Nationwide's SmartMiles program should certainly be considered.
Roadside assistance: Progressive vs. Nationwide
If you find yourself on the side of the road after a breakdown, you'll definitely come to appreciate a great roadside assistance program. Have a look at the different options provided by both Progressive and Nationwide below.
Progressive
Progressive partners with a company called Agero to provide roadside assistance. These services can be used for your car, boat, motorcycle or RV. When added to your policy, Progressive's roadside assistance program offers the following:
- Fuel delivery
- Flat-tire changes
- Battery jump-start
- Battery recharge for EVs
- Lock-out services
- On-scene labor
- Winching services
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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
Progressive vs. Nationwide: home insurance
Both Progressive and Nationwide offer homeowners insurance that can either be paired with your auto insurance or purchased on its own. While Progressive has a more dominant role in auto insurance, Nationwide has a larger footprint in the homeowners coverage space. Compare ratings for each company below.
Progressive homeowners insurance review
Progressive offers homeowners insurance in all 50 states plus Washington D.C. While it provides basic coverage options, homeowners looking for more robust policies might find Progressive's options lacking. That, paired with lower-than-average customer satisfaction scores, may give some shoppers pause.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey – 4.1/5: While a rating above 4 stars is sufficient, Progressive home ranked last overall among the 15 carriers surveyed.
- J.D. Power Rating – Below average: J.D. Power rates Progressive auto insurance as below-average in overall customer satisfaction.Â
- Financial Strength – Superior: A "Superior" financial strength rating from AM Best shows Progressive has a solid ability to pay out claims.
- NAIC Rating– Poor: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) received significantly more customer complaints than average regarding Progressive homeowners insurance in 2020.
Nationwide homeowners review
Nationwide is a popular option for homeowners insurance, due to its solid product offerings and relatively affordable rates. Customers can expect a wide range of coverages and add-ons that are flexible to your specific needs. The company also provides a good number of discounts that may be helpful to eligible policyholders. Still, the company's overall customer satisfaction is somewhat below average, meaning that some customers may be hesitant when shopping with Nationwide. Read more below.
- 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 — Above Average: Nationwide received fewer complaints than did other major homeowners insurance companies.
Which company comes out on top?
Nationwide
Nationwide is likely to be a better option for most average homeowners. However, many customers may find Progressive's coverage sufficient for their needs.
Progressive vs. Nationwide: home insurance rate comparison
Homeowners insurance rates can vary widely depending on the location, person or company. Progressive's average yearly home insurance rate is $1,355, breaking down to roughly $113 per month. Nationwide comes in a bit cheaper at $1,236 per year or $103 per month.
Remember that while cost is an important factor when shopping for homeowners insurance, it's most important to have good coverage from an insurer that you can trust.Â
Nationwide provides cheaper rates than Progressive on average, coming it $1,236 per year to Progressive's $1,355.
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.
Progressive vs. Nationwide: homeowners discount comparison
For those looking to save money on their homeowners coverage, home insurance discounts can be a great option. Both Progressive and Nationwide offer homeowners discounts to eligible policyholders. See how these discounts compare below.
| Discount comparison | Progressive | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Claims free | ✓ | |
| Recent home buyer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Newer/more durable roof | ✓ | |
| Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc...) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paid in full | ✓ | |
| Auto pay | ||
| New home consturction | ✓ | |
| Gated community | ✓ | |
| Home renovation | ✓ | |
| Smart home | ✓ |
Zebra tip: Check out Nationwide if you are seeking home insurance discounts
Nationwide offers a broad selection of helpful homeowners insurance discounts. Furthermore, the company is continually embracing new technology, offering extra discounts for smart home technology that can improve the safety of your home.
Other insurance products and bundling options
Both Progressive and Nationwide have a number of options for bundling policy types. Have a look at the extra insurance lines that each company provides to see which could possibly fulfill all of your insurance needs.
| Other products | Progressive | 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 | ✓ |
In general, Progressive offers a wider selection of additional coverages. Progressive is a major carrier for many types of commercial insurance, including for both automobiles and small businesses. For those who use their vehicles for commercial purposes (delivery or rideshare drivers), this could make them a better option. They also offer a number of additional coverages such as identity theft protection and insurance for small events.
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.