Auto Insurance · Head-to-head
Allstate vs Nationwide: Which auto insurance wins?
Side-by-side comparison of Allstate and Nationwide auto insurances — APR ranges, credit floors, application speed, and editorial verdict.
Allstate
Premiums run 30-50% above the GEICO baseline for clean-record drivers — Allstate competes on coverage extras, not price. The Drivewise telematics program offers 10-25% off, and the Accident Forgiveness rider is genuinely first-accident-free (unlike Progressive's which expires after 3 years). Best for drivers who've had a claim in the last 36 months.
Nationwide
SmartMiles pay-per-mile policy is the most aggressive pay-as-you-drive program among the top-10 carriers — under 8,000 miles/year drivers can save 30-50% vs. flat-rate competitors. Vanishing Deductible rider knocks $100/year off your deductible for each clean-driving year (up to $500).
Editor's verdict
Nationwide is cheaper; Allstate wins on accident forgiveness + claims rank.
Nationwide's $1,640/year national average is $468 cheaper than Allstate's $2,108 — a 22% gap. Allstate's premium pays for free accident forgiveness after 5 years, a higher J.D. Power claims rank (#7 vs. Nationwide's #14), and a stronger umbrella-policy product. Nationwide's edge beyond price is its member-pricing arrangements (federal employees, certain unions, college alumni). Verdict: standard-risk drivers focused on price → Nationwide. Allstate-bundle households or claims-quality-prioritized drivers → Allstate.
- Nationwide is $468/year cheaper on average (Quadrant 2024).
- Allstate ranks #7 on J.D. Power claims; Nationwide ranks #14.
- Allstate is AM Best A+; Nationwide is A+ — financial strength is identical.
- Allstate's accident forgiveness is free at 5 years tenure.
- Nationwide's SmartRide telematics caps at 40% — highest single discount among top-10 carriers.
Side-by-side breakdown
| Feature | Allstate | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| APR range | — | — |
| Min credit score | — | — |
| Loan amount | — | — |
| Term length | — | — |
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Rates & APR score (40%) | 3.8 | 4.2 |
| Loan terms score (25%) | 4.4 | 4.4 |
| Application score (20%) | 4.2 | 4.3 |
| Support score (15%) | 4.3 | 4.4 |
APR range
Allstate
—
Nationwide
—
Min credit score
Allstate
—
Nationwide
—
Loan amount
Allstate
—
Nationwide
—
Term length
Allstate
—
Nationwide
—
Overall rating
Allstate
4.1/5
Nationwide
4.3/5
Rates & APR score (40%)
Allstate
3.8
Nationwide
4.2
Loan terms score (25%)
Allstate
4.4
Nationwide
4.4
Application score (20%)
Allstate
4.2
Nationwide
4.3
Support score (15%)
Allstate
4.3
Nationwide
4.4
Editor verdicts
Why we rate Allstate 4.1/5
Premiums run 30-50% above the GEICO baseline for clean-record drivers — Allstate competes on coverage extras, not price. The Drivewise telematics program offers 10-25% off, and the Accident Forgiveness rider is genuinely first-accident-free (unlike Progressive's which expires after 3 years). Best for drivers who've had a claim in the last 36 months.
Why we rate Nationwide 4.3/5
SmartMiles pay-per-mile policy is the most aggressive pay-as-you-drive program among the top-10 carriers — under 8,000 miles/year drivers can save 30-50% vs. flat-rate competitors. Vanishing Deductible rider knocks $100/year off your deductible for each clean-driving year (up to $500).
Who should pick which?
Pick Allstate if…
- You trust Allstate's 4.1/5 editorial score.
Pick Nationwide if…
- You prefer a fast, soft-pull-friendly online application.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most-searched questions about Allstate vs Nationwide.
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