Auto Insurance · Head-to-head
USAA vs Nationwide: Which auto insurance wins?
Side-by-side comparison of USAA and Nationwide auto insurance — average premiums, coverage strength, claims & support, and editorial verdict.
USAA
Cheapest national carrier across virtually every driver profile — but eligibility is restricted to active-duty military, veterans, and their immediate family members. Customer service consistently ranks #1 in J.D. Power surveys (2018-2025). If you qualify, USAA is almost always the right answer.
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).
In plain English
USAA runs $575 less per year on average for full coverage ($1,065 vs $1,640/yr). Nationwide can still be the better fit when low mileage matter more — see the verdicts below.
Side-by-side breakdown
| Feature | USAA | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Avg full-coverage premium | $1,065/yr | $1,640/yr |
| Avg liability-only premium | $420/yr | $590/yr |
| A.M. Best financial strength | — | — |
| Best for | military · good credit | low mileage · bundling |
| Overall rating | 4.9/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Price & savings score (40%) | 4.9 | 4.2 |
| Coverage strength score (25%) | 4.8 | 4.4 |
| Quote & buy experience (20%) | 4.8 | 4.3 |
| Claims & support score (15%) | 4.9 | 4.4 |
Avg full-coverage premium
USAA
$1,065/yr
Nationwide
$1,640/yr
Avg liability-only premium
USAA
$420/yr
Nationwide
$590/yr
A.M. Best financial strength
USAA
—
Nationwide
—
Best for
USAA
military · good credit
Nationwide
low mileage · bundling
Overall rating
USAA
4.9/5
Nationwide
4.3/5
Price & savings score (40%)
USAA
4.9
Nationwide
4.2
Coverage strength score (25%)
USAA
4.8
Nationwide
4.4
Quote & buy experience (20%)
USAA
4.8
Nationwide
4.3
Claims & support score (15%)
USAA
4.9
Nationwide
4.4
Editor verdicts
Why we rate USAA 4.9/5
Cheapest national carrier across virtually every driver profile — but eligibility is restricted to active-duty military, veterans, and their immediate family members. Customer service consistently ranks #1 in J.D. Power surveys (2018-2025). If you qualify, USAA is almost always the right answer.
Read the full USAA reviewWhy 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 reviewWho should pick which?
Pick USAA if…
- You want the lowest annual premium — USAA averages $1,065/yr for full coverage, $575 less than Nationwide.
- You value claims responsiveness — USAA scores higher on claims & support.
- You want a smooth quote-and-buy flow with minimal phone follow-up.
Pick Nationwide if…
- Your driver profile leans low mileage — Nationwide's underwriting is best-in-class there.