Nationwide and Progressive are two of the top car insurance companies in the U.S. by market share. Both companies offer various coverages, but Progressive’s car insurance rates are slightly more affordable, according to Insurify data. Also, Progressive serves customers in all 50 states, but Nationwide doesn’t sell car insurance in Alaska, Hawaii, or Louisiana.

Before you choose a car insurance company, make sure you compare rates, customer service, discounts, coverages, financial strength ratings, and more. Here’s what you need to know about Nationwide versus Progressive so you can make an informed decision and choose the right insurance company for your needs.

Nationwide vs. Progressive: The verdict

When you compare Nationwide and Progressive, you’ll find that these two auto insurance companies are very similar. They offer the same main coverage levels plus very similar add-ons and discounts.

Both insurers sell optional insurance policies such as gap insurance, roadside assistance, and rental car assistance. Popular discounts from both companies include a loyalty discount, multi-car discount, and good student discount.

Overall, Progressive’s premiums are cheaper than Nationwide’s for various driver profiles. In addition, Progressive has a slightly higher Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and holds a larger market share than Nationwide. 

Nationwide

Nationwide is one of the largest auto insurers, with just less than 2% of the overall market share, but it scored below average in many regions in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.2 3

Progressive

Progressive is the third-largest car insurance company and holds about 14% of the industry’s total market share.2 It also scored below average in several regions in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.3

Nationwide SmartRide vs. Progressive Snapshot

Both Nationwide and Progressive offer a discount program for safe drivers. These programs use telematics tools, such as mobile apps and plug-in devices, to track driving behaviors like speeding and phone usage behind the wheel.

With Nationwide SmartRide, you can land a 15% discount just for enrolling and a maximum discount of 40% for proving you’re a safe driver. Unlike many other telematics programs, SmartRide won’t cause your premiums to increase if the mobile app detects dangerous driving behaviors.

Progressive Snapshot lets customers choose between a mobile app or plug-in device that can collect data like aggressive driving, abrupt braking, speeding, phone usage, and late-night driving. Since Snapshot is also a mileage-based program, you can save even more on your car insurance policy if you’re a low-mileage driver.

Unlike SmartRide from Nationwide, Progressive’s Snapshot may increase your rate if it detects unsafe driving behaviors. According to Progressive, Snapshot participants save an average of $231 per year on their auto policy.

Nationwide vs. Progressive: Which is the cheapest?

Car insurance is slightly cheaper with Progressive than Nationwide. But your premiums will depend on various factors like your location, ZIP code, age, marital status, credit score, driving record, and annual mileage. That’s why it’s a good idea to shop around, explore the best car insurance companies, and compare car insurance quotes.

Progressive: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record

Your driving record is one of the most important factors that influences your car insurance rates. For people with a clean driving record, Progressive car insurance coverage is slightly cheaper than Nationwide.

Nationwide: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket

Getting a speeding ticket can signal to insurers that you’re a risky driver, so they may increase your rates to offset that higher risk. Drivers with speeding tickets may find cheaper car insurance rates with Nationwide.

Nationwide: Cheapest for teen drivers

Young drivers with minimal experience on the road pay more expensive premiums than older, more experienced drivers. For teen drivers and young adults, Nationwide has cheaper rates than Progressive, on average.

Nationwide: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit

Many states allow car insurance companies to consider a driver’s credit history when calculating car insurance rates.4 Drivers with bad credit may find more affordable auto insurance coverage through Nationwide.

Progressive: Cheapest for senior drivers

Due to physical impairments like poor vision and slower reflexes, drivers’ rates may increase when they reach their 70s.5 Compared to Nationwide, Progressive has cheaper average premiums for senior drivers.

Compare coverages: Nationwide vs. Progressive

Nationwide and Progressive are two of the leading car insurance companies in the U.S., offering standard coverage options as well as plenty of add-ons. Both insurers sell state-minimum coverages like liability, collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Keep in mind that the exact coverage options available depend on your location. Nationwide and Progressive also have optional coverages that can provide you with additional protection and peace of mind while driving.

Here’s how Nationwide’s and Progressive’s optional coverages compare.

Compare discounts: Nationwide vs. Progressive

Nationwide and Progressive advertise similar car insurance discounts that can help you save money on your auto insurance rates. While Nationwide stands out for its low-mileage discount, Progressive has the student-away-at-school discount. Here’s a look at both insurers’ discounts.

Nationwide vs. Progressive FAQs

Use Insurify’s guide to switching car insurance if you want a new policy. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions when considering Nationwide’s coverage versus Progressive’s auto insurance coverage.

  • Is Nationwide the same as Progressive?

    No. While Nationwide and Progressive are similar insurance companies, they’re not the same. Progressive holds a larger market share and has lower premiums.

  • Is Nationwide good at paying out claims?

    Nationwide earned below-average ratings for overall claims satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.1 But AM Best gave Nationwide an A (Excellent) financial strength rating, indicating it can pay out future policyholder claims.6

  • Is Progressive really cheaper?

    Yes. Progressive offers cheaper car insurance and more competitive rates than Nationwide, according to Insurify’s proprietary data. But your auto insurance quotes depend on factors like your location, age, driving history, credit score, vehicle safety features, and coverage needs.

Anna Baluch
Anna BaluchInsurance Writer

Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert. With an MBA from Roosevelt University, she enjoys writing educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions. Her work can be seen across the internet on many publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and the Balance. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.

Anna has been a contributor at Insurify since December 2022.