USAA vs Nationwide: Which is Better for You?
Read on to see which company is best for you.
USAA or Nationwide: Which company is best for you?
USAA and Nationwide are among the most popular insurance companies in the United States. USAA policies are only available to members of the armed forces and certain family members, and membership is required before you can purchase a policy. Nationwide has widespread brand recognition and comes in eighth place in market share for auto insurance.
Both companies have coverage options that will satisfy the needs of most customers — but which one is right for you? Have a look at our in-depth comparison to see which company comes out on top.
USAA car insurance
USAA is unique in that customers must be in the armed forces or be close family members. The company has many insurance options that can be paired with your auto policy. Membership also allows access to other benefits, like banking services. In terms of market share, USAA comes in fifth place.
In general, USAA receives stellar ratings from customers and third-party rating agencies alike, including the top score in The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey. If membership is an option for you, the company is definitely worth looking into.
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Nationwide car insurance
Nationwide customers should expect affordable rates, many discount options and a wide selection of coverages available for bundling. Nationwide customers can easily combine auto insurance with homeowners, renters and life insurance policies.
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Which company comes out on top?
USAA
While not all customers will be eligible for USAA's coverage, those who are can expect affordable rates and all-around great customer service. However, even those eligible may still find Nationwide to be a good option.
USAA vs. Nationwide: car insurance rate comparison
Car insurance rates are determined by a number of factors, including where you live, your driving history and even your credit score (a factor in almost all states). Both USAA and Nationwide weigh these factors differently, meaning that you are very likely to get a different quote from each company.
To give you a sense of how USAA and Nationwide insurance rates compare rates, we've put together average rates based on a few different factors. Have a look at the figures below to get a sense of which company could be most affordable for you.
Want to find out more? Check out our full reviews of USAAÂ and Nationwide.
We found that Nationwide is more affordable than USAA, with an average monthly cost of $90. USAA's average was $106 per month.
USAA vs. Nationwide: pricing by credit score
If you have bad credit, Nationwide could be the way to go. But if you have fair to excellent credit, USAA is generally more affordable. Check out average insurance costs by credit tier for Nationwide and USAA below.
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RATES BY CREDIT LEVEL: NATIONWIDE VS. USAA
| Credit level | USAA avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $2,682 | $1,593 |
| Fair (580-669) | $1,247 | $1,262 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,057 | $1,283 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $910 | $1,109 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $840 | $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.
USAA vs. Nationwide: rates for high-risk drivers
If you have an at-fault accident, speeding violation, reckless driving violation or DUI on your driving record, USAA could be a better choice than Nationwide. USAA was significantly less expensive for those with violations in their recent driving history. Every car insurance company prices policies differently after a violation, so don't be afraid to shop around to understand which insurer suits you.
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RATES BY CITATION: NATIONWIDE VS. USAA
| Citation | USAA avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $1,304 | $1,836 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $947 | $1,475 |
| DUI/DWI | $1,952 | $2,691 |
| Reckless driving | $1,472 | $2,508 |
| Speeding ticket | $1,124 | $1,469 |
USAA vs. Nationwide: rates by age
Auto insurance companies use a driver's age as an indicator of potential risk and price policies accordingly. Car insurance is commonly priciest for young drivers under the age of 25 — due to their relative inexperience compared to older drivers. Because every car insurance company rates age brackets in a different way, it's worth shopping around and finding the best rate for you.
As a general rule, teen drivers should choose USAA, which we found was more affordable than Nationwide. USAA was also cheapest for drivers of all ages.
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RATES BY AGE: NATIONWIDE VS. USAA
| Age | USAA avg. annual premium | Nationwide avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $2,864 | $3,624 |
| 20s | $1,261 | $1,582 |
| 30s | $963 | $1,582 |
| 40s | $957 | $1,151 |
| 50s | $889 | $1,114 |
| 60s | $845 | $1,028 |
Cost aside, USAA and Nationwide each carry pros and cons, including discount programs, customer satisfaction ratings, add-ons and financial stability. Dive into the data before making your decision and be sure to shop around and view quotes from multiple insurance companies before purchasing a policy.
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Ratings comparison: USAA vs. Nationwide
Both USAA and Nationwide are among the largest car insurance companies and are popular options for car insurance. Leading third-party information sources — along with The Zebra — have evaluated the customer service and claims satisfaction standards of USAA and Nationwide in recent years. To get a fairer assessment of the service you can expect to receive, we've compiled a list to compare recent ratings from each company below, including scores for financial strength, customer complaints and overall customer satisfaction.
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| Ratings comparison | USAA | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Financial strength (A.M. Best) | Superior | Superior |
| JD Power (claims satisfaction) | Excellent | Average |
| JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Excellent | Poor |
| NAIC rating | Excellent | Below Average |
| The Zebra's editorial review score | 5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey | 4.6/5 | 4.3/5 |
Which company scores best?
USAA
USAA consistently ranks as one of the top-rated insurers in the U.S. If you're able to qualify for coverage, this insurer comes with extra benefits and a good reputation.
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey
To get a better sense of how the overall customer experience, The Zebra conducted an independent survey taking a look at many different factors. Below you'll find each company's results.
USAA topped the list as the best auto insurance carrier with an overall score of 4.6, winning in every category except Online Experience. Here are some other highlights:
- Top-rated overall
- Highly rated by both male and female respondents
- Highly rated by drivers in all age groups
Nationwide earned middling reviews from customers 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.Â
- Nationwide car 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.
USAA vs. Nationwide: discount comparison
Discounts on car insurance are usually quite small but they can add up to sizable savings, making it a good way for eligible drivers to save money on their premiums. See each company's available discount selections below. Note that discount availability may vary by state and other factors.
Nationwide and USAA offer a comparable number of discount opportunities. Keep in mind that even with discounts, another company may have cheaper car insurance for you. If unsure, ask a representative about which discounts for which you may qualify.
Telematics options: USAA vs. Nationwide
For safe drivers, enrolling in a telematics program can translate to savings. Telematics programs use technology to help track your driving habits and set a rate based on its findings on the way you drive, and in some cases, mileage.
Both USAA and Nationwide offer telematics options. Have a look at the options available from both companies below.
SafePilot offers customers the chance to have their driving habits monitored in exchange for cheaper car insurance rates. A discount of 10% is offered just for signing up, with up to 30% savings possible for safe drivers at policy renewal.
SmartRide is Nationwide's telematics app. Nationwide's mobile application tracks customers' driving habits and provides feedback in an effort to help drivers avoid risk (and claims).
Zebra Tip: Explore telematics offerings from each company if you are a safe driver
Both USAA's SafePilot and Nationwide's SmartRide are good options overall, and worth checking out for potential savings if you're interested in trying out telematics car insurance.
Roadside assistance: USAA vs. Nationwide
A roadside assistance program can be a great safety net to have in case of emergencies. Below you can find a quick rundown of the roadside assistance options offered by both USAA and Nationwide.
USAA
USAA offers the following roadside assistance services to policyholders:
- Towing
- Flat tire changing
- Fuel delivery
- Jump-starts
- Lock-out service
- Stuck vehicle assistance
Another perk of USAA membership is that these services are also available at reduced rates to policyholders without roadside assistance on their policy.
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
USAA vs. Nationwide: home insurance
As with auto coverage, both USAA and Nationwide have home insurance options that offer sufficient coverage options for most homeowners. Nationwide comes in eighth place in market share for homeowners insurance, while USAA comes in third. However, price points and other benefits may differ. See our analysis below to find out which company might be the best fit for your home insurance needs.
USAA homeowners insurance review
Similar to USAA's car insurance, customer eligibility is limited to those in the armed forces and their families. As the third most popular option for homeowners insurance in the U.S., the company's coverage is highly rated and quite popular. Most customers will find the coverage satisfactory for their needs, and policies can be amended with a good number of add-ons and opportunities to save with discounts.
USAA topped every category in the homeowners portion of The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey, indicating a strong focus on the customer and affirming its esteemed standing in the home insurance market.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.6/5: USAA topped every category of our homeowners customer satisfaction survey.
- J.D. Power Rating — Among the Best: J.D. Power rates USAA above average in claims and customer service satisfaction.
- Financial strength — Superior: A "Superior" financial strength rating by A.M. Best shows USAA's ability to pay out claims is solid.
- NAIC Rating — Excellent: Regarding USAA, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) received relatively few customer complaints when compared to the market median.
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.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.3/5: Nationwide placed 10th 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?
USAA
USAA has a strong reputation for taking care of its policyholders and is consistently rated as a top insurer. For eligible customers, USAA has a robust selection of coverage options and typically very affordable rates, making it a great choice for homeowners insurance.
USAA vs. Nationwide: home insurance rate comparison
USAA's average homeowners insurance rate is around $127 per month, while Nationwide's monthly cost is slightly more affordable, at $103.
Similar to auto insurance quotes, each company has its own underwriting methods for homeowners insurance. This means your rates are highly likely to vary from one company to another. Learn more about the factors insurers use to price your home insurance quote.
Things such as your claims history, crime rates in your area and your proximity to fire stations can have a big impact on how much you pay. As with car insurance shopping, we suggest getting a home quote from many different companies when looking for home insurance policies.
According to our data, Nationwide has the cheapest home insurance rates at around $103 per month.
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.
USAA vs. Nationwide: homeowners discount comparison
Homeowners insurance discounts are a good way to chip away at the cost of your premium. To be eligible for such discounts, policyholders must meet certain criteria. See how the homeowners discounts from USAA and Nationwide stack up below.
| Discount comparison | USAA | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Claims free | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recent home buyer | ✓ | |
| Multi-policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Newer/more durable roof | ✓ | |
| Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc.) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paid in full | ||
| Early signing | ✓ | |
| Auto pay | ||
| Newer home | ✓ | |
| Renovated home | ||
| Senior citizen |
Zebra tip: Check out Nationwide if you are seeking home insurance discounts
Nationwide offers more discount options than USAA for qualifying customers. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that it will be cheaper for everyone, as every company generates quotes differently.
Other insurance products and bundling options
USAA and Nationwide both offer multiple lines of insurance. Oftentimes, these separate insurance lines can be bundled together, allowing you to streamline your insurance policies and potentially save some money with a discount. While shopping for auto or home coverage, you may want to check into coverages such as life, pet or small business insurance available from USAA and Nationwide. Take a look at the additional coverage types available from each company below.
| Other products | USAA | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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.