Allstate vs. Nationwide: Which Is the Best? (2024)

Allstate’s lower prices and higher customer service rating earn it an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 8.9 out of 5, slightly beating out Nationwide’s 8.7.

Courtney Washington
Courtney Washington

Courtney Washington is a Texas A&M University graduate. Her extensive knowledge and background in auto, home, and umbrella policies make her a one-stop shop for insurance advice and information. She loves to help her readers understand their insurance choices so they can make informed decisions about their coverage.

Katie Powers
Edited byKatie Powers
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Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

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Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Updated October 29, 2024

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Allstate and Nationwide are two of the largest car insurance companies in the country. The insurers have similar coverage options and discount programs with a few key differences. For example, Allstate has more discount offerings, while Nationwide offers more coverage add-ons, like a total loss deductible waiver.

Both companies offer competitive rates below the national average of $158 per month. You should always compare quotes from multiple insurers, including Allstate and Nationwide, to find the cheapest car insurance and type of policy that meets your insurance needs.

Here’s what you need to know about Allstate and Nationwide before buying a new car insurance policy.

Quick Facts
  • The national average cost of coverage from Allstate is $62 per month for liability coverage and $137 for full-coverage insurance.

  • Nationwide policyholders pay $84 per month for liability insurance and $185 for full coverage, on average.

  • Allstate has 14 available discounts, and Nationwide has 11.

Allstate vs. Nationwide: The verdict

The two car insurance companies have a similar quality of coverage, but Allstate’s lower prices and slightly higher J.D. Power rankings for customer and claims satisfaction make it the better choice for many drivers.

See how the two insurers compare below.

Factor
Allstate
Nationwide
Insurify Quality (IQ) Score8.98.7
Customer satisfaction score814806
Average quote: liability only$62$84
Number of available discounts1411
Number of states where it operates5047
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
  • Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.

    We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.

    • Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
    • Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
    • Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
    • Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
    • Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.

Allstate

Allstate personal auto insurance policies make up about 11% of the market share in the U.S. Its the fourth-largest car insurance company in the country.[1]

Allstate logo
User Reviews
4.0
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.9 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$62/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$137/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 5531 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Allstate

Drivers appreciate the initial pricing and overall service but dislike the frequent rate increases and misleading pricing tactics.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Accident forgiveness
Wide availability
Cheap rates
How drivers feel about Allstate

Drivers appreciate the initial pricing and overall service but dislike the frequent rate increases and misleading pricing tactics.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Accident forgiveness
Wide availability
Cheap rates
Reviews (3,016)

Howard

October 29, 2024

Verified Review

They Have You By The Short Hairs

I was on a three-lane highway in heavy traffic and couldn't avoid a piece of metal in my lane. I couldn't swerve or I would have hit other cars. Allstate said the accident was the driver's fault and then doubled my insurance cost.

Hugh

October 29, 2024

Verified Review

Actual Crash Damages vs. Damages Quoted Over the Phone

There were problems getting the correct amount paid out when I made a claim. I had to escalate the issue to the Senior Vice President to get a proper settlement when a deer hit my truck. There was a $5000 difference between what was paid out when the estimator assessed the value of damage to my truck and the actual estimate done by a local car dealership. The Senior Vice President agreed that the amount of damage done was the amount quoted by the local car dealership.

Miriam

October 29, 2024

Verified Review

Best Overall

Check around before choosing. Allstate has been my choice for years.
See all Allstate reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
833
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.94
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A-
Why we picked this company

Founded by Sears department store executives in 1931, Allstate offers auto, home, motorcycle, ATV, renters, condo, and term life insurance. Operating in all 50 states, the company has superior ratings from A.M. Best for financial strength and credit. However, Allstate has many negative reviews on consumer websites, and a slightly higher-than-average complaint rating in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Consumer Complaint Index. Allstate offers many discounts, including for good students, multiple policies, bundling auto and home insurance, new vehicles, safe driving, and good payment history.

Pros
  • Well-established with superior ratings from A.M. Best

  • Pay-per-mile option available

Cons
  • Low customer satisfaction

  • Rates are merely average compared to other insurers

Nationwide

Nationwide has about 2% of the overall insurance market share, making it the 10th-largest U.S. car insurance company.[1]

Nationwide logo
User Reviews
4.4
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.7 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$84/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$185/mo
4.4
Best choiceBased on 771 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Nationwide

Drivers appreciate the excellent coverage, reliable claims process, and good initial rates but dislike the frequent price increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
How drivers feel about Nationwide

Drivers appreciate the excellent coverage, reliable claims process, and good initial rates but dislike the frequent price increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
Reviews (436)

Ashley

October 29, 2024

Verified Review

Great company

Nationwide is a great company. I regret messing up with them!

Keirh

October 28, 2024

Verified Review

Unsatisfactory Service

I cancelled my insurance. Their rates are too high, they don't treat you properly, and they haven't refunded my money yet.

Earl

October 28, 2024

Verified Review

I was upset that I received a non-renewal letter over two issues that were resolved a year prior. My local representative resolved the issue quickly.

I was upset that I received a non-renewal letter over two issues that were resolved a year prior. My local representative resolved the issue quickly.
See all Nationwide reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
815
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.64
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

In business since 1925, Nationwide is one of the largest insurers, and sells car, homeowners, life insurance, umbrella insurance, and more. In addition to liability, collision and comprehensive, Nationwide provides optional coverages such as towing and labor, rental car, and gap. The company also offers accident forgiveness, and a vanishing deductible that lowers your deductible for each year you drive safely. Nationwide has an A+ rating from A.M. Best for financial stability, and an only slightly higher-than-expected number of customer complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index.

Pros
  • Numerous discount and savings opportunities

  • SmartRide (for safe drivers) and SmartMiles (for low-mileage drivers)

Cons
  • Not available in every state

  • Some discounts and programs not available in all states

Allstate Drivewise vs. Nationwide SmartRide

Both Nationwide and Allstate offer telematics programs that reward safe drivers with helpful discounts. The mobile apps score you based on mileage, braking, acceleration, and speed habits. Enrolling in one of these programs also provides direct feedback about the safest way to operate your vehicle.

You can earn a 10% discount just for signing up for Nationwide’s SmartRide program, and up to 25% for safe driving habits. Allstate auto insurance also offers an initial discount for signing up for Drivewise and a safe driving discount every six months you’re accident-free. You’ll receive rates based on your driving habits.

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Allstate vs. Nationwide: Which is the cheapest?

Generally speaking, Allstate has lower rates for coverage than Nationwide. But the cheapest car insurance company for you depends on several factors, including your driving record, marital status, ZIP code, chosen insurance coverage, past car insurance claims, and more.

More mature drivers with a clean record can expect to pay lower insurance rates than young drivers and people with many incidents on their driving record. Insurers typically view drivers with past incidents like speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, moving violations, and DUIs as high-risk drivers to insure.

Allstate: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record

Allstate offers the best deal for drivers with a clean record.

Driver Type
Allstate
Nationwide
Clean driving record$62$84
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Allstate: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket

For drivers with a speeding ticket, Allstate has more affordable coverage, on average.

Driver Type
Allstate
Nationwide
Drivers with a speeding ticket$73$101
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Allstate: Cheapest for teen drivers

Teen drivers pay lower average car insurance rates with Allstate than Nationwide.

Driver Type
Allstate
Nationwide
18-year-old$111$144
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Allstate: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit

Drivers with a poor credit score can find cheaper coverage from Allstate, on average.

Driver Type
Allstate
Nationwide
Drivers with bad credit$74$101
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Allstate: Cheapest for senior drivers

Senior drivers can find the best rates with Allstate insurance.

Driver Type
Allstate
Nationwide
Senior drivers$48$56
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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Compare coverages: Allstate vs. Nationwide

As with most national auto insurance companies on the market, Allstate and Nationwide auto insurance have many of the same coverage offerings, including standard coverages like:

Allstate car insurance and Nationwide car insurance both also offer a number of add-on policies, with some variation. Compare available insurance endorsements below.

Coverage
Allstate
Nationwide
Gap insuranceYesNo
Rental reimbursementYesYes
Vanishing deductibleYesYes
Total vanishing deductible waiverNoYes
Roadside assistanceYesYes
Rideshare coverageYesNo

Compare discounts: Allstate vs. Nationwide

Allstate and Nationwide offer almost the same number of auto insurance discounts, but Allstate policyholders can benefit from a few more, including a new-car discount. Nationwide offers discounts for driving fewer miles during a policy period, but it doesn’t have a discount for military members.

You can compare discount offerings from the two companies below.

Discount
Allstate
Nationwide
Clean driving recordYesYes
Defensive driving courseYesYes
Multi-policyYesYes
Multi-carYesYes
Low mileageNoYes
Telematics (safe driving app)YesYes
Anti-theft deviceYesYes
New carYesNo
Military/affiliationYesNo
Good studentYesYes
LoyaltyNoYes
Auto payYesYes
Student away at schoolYesYes
HomeownerYesYes
Alternative fuelNoYes

Allstate vs. Nationwide FAQs

Deciding on the right insurer that meets your specific needs and price point can be hard. The following information should help answer your remaining questions and help you make an informed decision.

  • Is Nationwide the same as Allstate?

    No. Though the companies offer similar coverage nationwide, they’re different companies. Allstate has lower average auto insurance rates than Nationwide, but both companies offer coverage below the national average. Both companies have good reputations in the insurance industry.

  • Is Nationwide good at paying claims?

    Yes. Nationwide has an AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior), which indicates an ability to pay claims. But the company ranked slightly below average in customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.[2]

  • What are the main differences between Allstate and Nationwide insurance policies?

    On average, Allstate offers cheaper car insurance policies than Nationwide. Allstate has more available discounts, but Nationwide has a few extra coverage offerings.

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.

Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).

Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:

  • Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
  • Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
  • No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
  • Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
  • Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible

Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.

Sources

  1. National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "2022 Property and Casualty Market."
  2. J.D. Power. "Auto Insurers Manage Customer Expectations as Repair Cycle Times Double in Two Years, J.D. Power Finds."
Courtney Washington
Courtney Washington

Courtney Washington is a Texas A&M University graduate. Her extensive knowledge and background in auto, home, and umbrella policies make her a one-stop shop for insurance advice and information. She loves to help her readers understand their insurance choices so they can make informed decisions about their coverage.

Katie Powers
Edited byKatie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
Photo of an Insurify author
Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Featured in

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Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

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