Nationwide vs. Liberty Mutual: Which Insurance Provider is Right for You?
As the owner of Blake Insurance Group, I work with clients to help them find the best insurance coverage for their needs. Two of the largest and most well-known insurance companies in the United States are Nationwide and Liberty Mutual. Both providers offer a wide range of auto, home, and business insurance policies, but they differ in pricing, customer service, coverage options, and claims handling.
If you’re considering Nationwide vs. Liberty Mutual, this guide will provide a detailed comparison based on coverage options, pricing and discounts, claims process, customer service, unique features, availability, and reputation to help you make an informed decision.
Coverage Options
Both Nationwide and Liberty Mutual offer standard auto and home insurance policies, as well as optional add-ons for more comprehensive protection.
Nationwide Insurance Coverage Options
- Auto Insurance: Liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments (MedPay), uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Vanishing Deductible: Reduces deductible for each year of safe driving
- Accident Forgiveness: Prevents premium increases after the first at-fault accident
- Total Loss Deductible Waiver: Waives the deductible if your car is totaled
- Home Insurance: Standard dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage with options for replacement cost coverage
Liberty Mutual Insurance Coverage Options
- Auto Insurance: Standard liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage
- Better Car Replacement®: Pays for a car that’s one model year newer if yours is totaled
- New Car Replacement: Covers the cost of a brand-new vehicle if your car is totaled within the first year
- Roadside Assistance: Available as an add-on for emergency towing and repairs
- Home Insurance: Offers standard home protection with optional water backup and identity theft protection
Key Takeaway: Nationwide is great for safe drivers looking to lower their deductible over time, while Liberty Mutual offers better new car replacement coverage.
Pricing and Discounts
Pricing is always an important factor when choosing an insurance provider. Nationwide and Liberty Mutual both offer competitive rates, but their discounts and pricing models differ.
Nationwide Pricing & Discounts
- Multi-policy discount (bundle home and auto for savings)
- SmartRide® telematics program rewards safe driving habits
- SmartMiles® pay-per-mile insurance for low-mileage drivers
- Good student and accident-free discounts
Liberty Mutual Pricing & Discounts
- RightTrack® telematics program provides discounts for safe driving
- Multi-policy, multi-vehicle, and home security discounts
- Military and teacher discounts available
- Accident-free and defensive driver discounts
Key Takeaway: Nationwide is better for low-mileage drivers and those looking to lower their deductible, while Liberty Mutual offers more discounts for military members and safe drivers.
Claims Process
A smooth claims process is crucial when choosing an insurer. Both Nationwide and Liberty Mutual offer online claims filing, but there are differences in efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Nationwide Claims Process
- 24/7 claims filing via phone, online, or mobile app
- On Your Side® Review: Personalized claims assistance
- Strong financial stability for claims payouts
Liberty Mutual Claims Process
- 24/7 claims support via mobile app, online, or phone
- Guaranteed Repair Network provides access to Liberty-approved repair shops
- Mixed reviews on claim resolution times
Key Takeaway: Nationwide has better overall claims satisfaction, while Liberty Mutual offers convenience through its Guaranteed Repair Network.
Customer Service
Customer service plays a big role in policyholder satisfaction.
Nationwide Customer Service
- Highly rated for personalized agent support
- Strong online and mobile tools for policy management
- Some complaints about policy rate increases after the first term
Liberty Mutual Customer Service
- Mixed customer satisfaction reviews
- Convenient mobile app for policy management and claims tracking
- Some customers report longer claims processing times
Key Takeaway: Nationwide ranks higher for customer service, while Liberty Mutual offers more digital tools but has mixed customer feedback.
Unique Features
Both companies offer specialized features that set them apart.
Nationwide Unique Features
- SmartMiles® pay-per-mile insurance (ideal for low-mileage drivers)
- Vanishing Deductible program (reduces deductible over time)
- On Your Side® Review (customized policy check-up)
Liberty Mutual Unique Features
- Better Car Replacement® (one model year newer if your car is totaled)
- RightTrack® telematics program (tracks driving habits for discounts)
- 12-month auto policy options (locks in your rate for a full year)
Key Takeaway: If you’re a low-mileage driver, Nationwide’s SmartMiles® program is a big advantage. If you want better car replacement coverage, Liberty Mutual is the better choice.
Availability
- Nationwide: Available in 47 states, excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.
- Liberty Mutual: Available nationwide in all 50 states.
If you live in Alaska, Hawaii, or Massachusetts, Liberty Mutual is the better option since Nationwide does not operate in those states.
Reputation and Reviews
Both companies are financially strong, but customer reviews vary.
Nationwide Reputation
- Highly rated for customer satisfaction and claims handling
- A+ rating from A.M. Best for financial strength
- Some complaints about rate increases after the first term
Liberty Mutual Reputation
- A (Excellent) financial strength rating from A.M. Best
- Mixed reviews on claims resolution speed
- Well-known brand with strong digital tools for policy management
Key Takeaway: Nationwide has a stronger reputation for customer service and claims satisfaction, while Liberty Mutual offers more digital convenience.
Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
The best insurance provider between Nationwide and Liberty Mutual depends on your coverage needs, driving habits, and service preferences.
Choose Nationwide if:
✔️ You are a low-mileage driver and want to save with SmartMiles®
✔️ You prefer lower deductibles over time through Vanishing Deductible
✔️ You value strong claims handling and personalized service
Choose Liberty Mutual if:
✔️ You want better car replacement coverage
✔️ You prefer more digital convenience with online claims support
✔️ You need nationwide availability
Both Nationwide and Liberty Mutual are reliable insurance providers, but Nationwide is ideal for drivers looking to lower their deductible and save with SmartMiles®, while Liberty Mutual is better for those wanting comprehensive vehicle replacement coverage.
Still unsure which is best for you? Contact Blake Insurance Group today for a personalized quote and expert guidance!
Nationwide vs. Liberty Mutual - Frequently Asked Questions
Nationwide generally offers more affordable auto insurance rates compared to Liberty Mutual. Nationwide's average monthly rate is $90, while Liberty Mutual's average is $144 per month.
Both companies have received mixed customer satisfaction ratings. J.D. Power rates both Nationwide and Liberty Mutual as "About Average" for overall customer satisfaction.
Nationwide tends to offer significantly lower rates for drivers across all credit tiers, including those with poor credit. For drivers with very poor credit (300-579), Nationwide's average annual premium is $1,593 compared to Liberty Mutual's $3,228.
Nationwide generally offers more affordable rates for high-risk drivers. For example, for drivers with a DUI, Nationwide's average annual premium is $2,691, while Liberty Mutual's is $4,182.
Nationwide tends to be more affordable for young drivers. For teen drivers, Nationwide's average annual premium is $3,624, while Liberty Mutual's is $6,559.
Liberty Mutual offers a RightTrack telematics program and a ByMile program for low-mileage drivers. Nationwide offers a SmartRide telematics program and a "DreamKeep Rewards" program where policyholders can earn points for insurance-related activities.
Nationwide's average homeowners insurance rate is $1,236 per year ($103 per month), while Liberty Mutual's average is $1,414 per year ($117 per month).

Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent
Expertise: All personal and commercial line insurance, including auto, home, business, health, and life insurance.
License: 16117464
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed