Nationwide and American Family are both large insurance companies with reputable coverage options. American Family offers lower rates, higher customer satisfaction, and more discounts. But it’s only available in 19 U.S. states.1
On the other hand, Nationwide offers coverage in nearly every state, making it more accessible to drivers. Even though you may pay more for coverage with Nationwide, you can find lower prices in certain states.
As you shop for car insurance, comparing rates, discounts, and coverage options is essential to finding the best car insurance.
Here’s how to determine whether American Family or Nationwide is the best option.
American Family’s average rates are lower for nearly every type of driver, including teens and drivers with violations. The average price difference between the two companies is relatively small — about $15 per month — but it adds up. American Family also earns above-average rankings for customer satisfaction, while Nationwide is consistently below average.1
Nationwide stands out with unique coverage options in nearly twice as many states as American Family. Drivers with Nationwide usually pay more, but the company’s numerous discounts might help lower the cost.
American Family stands out with excellent customer service, low rates, and an almost-perfect IQ Score of 9.3.
Nationwide offers unique coverage options and extensive discounts, but rates are higher, and customer satisfaction is below average.
American Family’s MilesMyWay is a pay-as-you-drive program that allows low-mileage drivers to save up to 25% each month. You must install the MyAmFamDrive mobile app and put a sensor in your car, where it uses mileage data to determine your rates.
Nationwide’s SmartRide program tracks four factors: miles driven, hard braking and acceleration, idle time, and nighttime driving. The less you drive and the safer you are, the bigger the discount — up to 15% for fewer miles and 25% for safer driving.
Both programs can help you save a significant amount on coverage. Still, American Family’s program is better if you don’t drive often. The SmartRide program through Nationwide makes more sense if you’re a safe driver who avoids speeding and hard braking.
American Family has cheaper rates than Nationwide for liability and full coverage. Average rates are also cheaper for different types of drivers, including people with speeding tickets, DUIs, and accidents.
The cost of coverage can vary depending on your location, driving record, age, and vehicle. Average insurance rates can help you determine which insurers are more likely to have competitive pricing.2
American Family has cheaper average liability-only rates for drivers with clean driving records. If you don’t have any driving violations, you’ll likely pay less with American Family.
Coverage costs are similar, but drivers with a speeding ticket can get the best liability-only rates for car insurance through American Family.
American Family and Nationwide both have competitive minimum-coverage rates for young drivers, but American Family has cheaper coverage options.
American Family and Nationwide have similar average liability-only rates for senior drivers, so you might want to focus on other factors — like coverage options and discounts — when deciding between the two.
Drivers with bad credit typically pay more for car insurance, but you can find the best liability-only rates with an insurance policy from American Family.
Both insurers offer car insurance coverage that meets state-mandated requirements. The main difference between the two insurers is that Nationwide has additional unique options you can’t get from American Family.
Nationwide and American Family offer coverage for bodily injury liability, property damage liability, personal injury protection, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision, and comprehensive.
Liability-only coverage meets state minimum requirements. But if you want additional financial security, you can opt for full coverage, which includes liability, comprehensive, and collision. If you lease or finance your vehicle, your leasing company or lender will require you to have full coverage.
If you’re looking for unique or specific coverage add-ons, Nationwide is a better pick. Drivers with Nationwide can get extra coverage, like accident forgiveness and vanishing deductibles, which American Family doesn’t offer.
Here are the extra coverage options from American Family and Nationwide.
American Family and Nationwide offer similar discounts, with American Family offering more options. The main difference between the two insurers is that American Family offers a loyalty discount based on the number of years you’ve been a customer. Nationwide doesn’t have a loyalty discount, but you can save money if your car has an anti-theft device — a discount American Family doesn’t offer.
Here’s a list of insurance discounts for each insurer.
Choosing between American Family and Nationwide is a big decision. Here are answers to common questions about the insurers.
According to the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study, American Family ranks as one of the top insurers for customer satisfaction. California and the Central region customers rank American Family as the second-best insurance option.3
American Family Mutual Insurance Company owns American Family and other insurance companies, including The General and Homesite. American Family is a mutual insurance company, which means that policyholders are also the owners.
Nationwide car insurance has an AM Best rating of A (Excellent), which indicates strong financial strength and stable finances.4 It also indicates that the company is good at paying claims and has enough money to do so.
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
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