Why you can trust The Zebra
Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specialized in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.
Ross h…
Credentials
- 5+ years in the Insurance Industry
Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- Associate in Insurance (AINS)
- Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
- Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
Kristine joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer, with a property and casualty insurance license. Before joining The Ze…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- 6+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry
Progressive vs. Nationwide: What's the difference?
The Zebra's choice: Progressive
Progressive scored higher ratings and offers similar rates
Progressive:
- Cost: $90/month for full coverage
- Customer service: 4
- Claims handling: 2.8
- Digital experience: 4.8
- Trust: 4.8
- Overall rating: 4
Progressive comes out on top when it comes to customer service, claims handling, digital experience and trust scores
Nationwide:
- Cost: $88/month for full coverage
- Customer service: 3.6
- Claims handling: 2
- Digital experience: 4
- Trust: 4.5
- Overall rating: 3.6
Nationwide takes the win for cheaper rates
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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 |
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.
Compare rates and start saving today!
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.
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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Nationwide provides cheaper rates than Progressive on average, coming it $1,236 per year to Progressive's $1,355.
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.
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 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.
