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Auto Insurance · Head-to-head

The Zebra vs Nationwide: Which auto insurance wins?

Side-by-side comparison of The Zebra and Nationwide auto insurance — average premiums, coverage strength, claims & support, and editorial verdict.

Compare 100+ insurers

The Zebra

4.7·Marketplace

Compares 100+ insurers in a single 2-minute form. Surfaces every discount you qualify for, with email-first contact (no phone spam by default).

Best for low-mileage drivers

Nationwide

4.3·$1,640/yr full

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).

In plain English

The Zebra edges out Nationwide on editorial score (4.7/5 vs 4.3/5). Both shine in different scenarios — see the verdicts below.

Side-by-side breakdown

Avg full-coverage premium

The Zebra

Nationwide

$1,640/yr

Avg liability-only premium

The Zebra

Nationwide

$590/yr

A.M. Best financial strength

The Zebra

Nationwide

Best for

The Zebra

Compare 100+ insurers

Nationwide

low mileage · bundling

Overall rating

The Zebra

4.7/5

Nationwide

4.3/5

Price & savings score (40%)

The Zebra

4.7

Nationwide

4.2

Coverage strength score (25%)

The Zebra

4.6

Nationwide

4.4

Quote & buy experience (20%)

The Zebra

4.9

Nationwide

4.3

Claims & support score (15%)

The Zebra

4.6

Nationwide

4.4

Editor verdicts

Why we rate The Zebra 4.7/5

Compares 100+ insurers in a single 2-minute form. Surfaces every discount you qualify for, with email-first contact (no phone spam by default).

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).

Read the full Nationwide review

Who should pick which?

Pick The Zebra if…

  • You value claims responsiveness — The Zebra scores higher on claims & support.
  • You want a smooth quote-and-buy flow with minimal phone follow-up.
  • You want broader coverage options and add-on flexibility (gap, rideshare, accident forgiveness).

Pick Nationwide if…

  • Your driver profile leans low mileage — Nationwide's underwriting is best-in-class there.