Nationwide vs. GEICO: Which Is the Best? (2025)

Nationwide and GEICO are two of the largest insurance companies in the United States, offering a wide variety of insurance products, including car insurance. While Nationwide stands out for its robust coverage options, GEICO offers a slightly better selection of discounts. GEICO also has cheaper average rates, according to Insurify’s study of recent cost data from both insurers.

Before choosing an insurer, it’s a good idea to compare quotes from a few auto insurance companies and consider factors like customer service, discounts, and coverage. Every driver has specific needs for insurance, so the best option for you will ultimately depend on your budget and personal situation.

Nationwide vs. GEICO: The verdict

Nationwide has an IQ Score of 9.0, while GEICO has an IQ Score of 9.2. However, each company stands out in different categories.

In terms of cost, Insurify found that GEICO has cheaper rates than Nationwide. GEICO’s average monthly rate for full-coverage car insurance is $138 per month, lower than Nationwide’s average rate of $179 per month. Additionally, GEICO offers more discounts, which could help reduce your premium even more.

When it comes to additional coverages, however, Nationwide is the clear winner. Nationwide offers a variety of add-ons, including roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, a disappearing deductible, gap insurance, and a few others.1 GEICO only offers three endorsements — roadside assistance, rental reimbursement coverage, and mechanical breakdown insurance.2

Nationwide

As of 2022, Nationwide was the 10th-largest car insurance company, with just under 2% of the total market share.3 In J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, Nationwide was rated below average for overall customer satisfaction in every region.4

GEICO

GEICO is owned by Berkshire Hathaway and is the third-largest car insurance company, with nearly 14% of the total market share.3 The company is rated above average for overall customer satisfaction in half of the regions in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.4

Nationwide SmartRide vs. GEICO DriveEasy

Nationwide and GEICO both offer telematics-based safe driver rewards programs.

Nationwide SmartRide uses a free mobile app to track your driving behaviors, like speed and brake force. You get a 15% discount for signing up and a maximum discount of 40% for demonstrating safe driving habits. SmartRide is strictly a discount program, so your rate won’t increase if the app tracks unsafe driving behaviors.5

GEICO DriveEasy also uses a mobile app to record your habits behind the wheel, such as acceleration, phone use, and how fast you drive around corners. The company doesn’t advertise a sign-up discount or maximum discount online, so it may vary by state. However, unlike SmartRide, your rate can go up if the app detects unsafe driving.6

Nationwide vs. GEICO: Which is the cheapest?

GEICO has cheaper car insurance than Nationwide, based on Insurify’s rate data. However, the cost of car insurance depends on various factors, including your location, age, credit history, marital status, vehicle type, and the duration of your insurance policy (one year versus six months). 

To find the cheapest car insurance and the best choice for you, it’s important to compare personalized rates from both Nationwide and GEICO.

GEICO: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record

A GEICO car insurance policy is cheaper than a Nationwide one for drivers with a clean record.

GEICO: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket

For drivers with a speeding ticket on their record, GEICO offers lower average car insurance premiums.

GEICO: Cheapest for teen drivers

GEICO offers more affordable rates for teen drivers, who typically pay the highest car insurance rates.

GEICO: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit

Drivers with bad credit are often considered high-risk drivers and usually pay more for coverage. For drivers with a bad credit score, GEICO offers the lowest rates.

GEICO: Cheapest for senior drivers

Senior drivers who want affordable car insurance should consider GEICO, which offers cheaper rates compared to Nationwide.

Compare coverages: Nationwide vs. GEICO

Both Nationwide and GEICO offer liability-only insurance and full-coverage car insurance policies with collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, medical payments insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection.

Nationwide and GEICO also sell optional endorsements for additional protection. Nationwide has slightly more coverage options than GEICO. Below, you can see how Nationwide and GEICO stack up in terms of coverage.

Compare discounts: Nationwide vs. GEICO

Nationwide and GEICO both offer a good selection of auto insurance discounts. However, GEICO customers get access to a few more discounts, including savings for military members, federal employees, and affinity group members. Below, you can see how these two companies compare in terms of discounts.7 8

Nationwide vs. GEICO FAQs