nationwide vs Progressive
Share This
Customer Reviews
START FREE ONLINE QUOTE NOW
At Blake Insurance Group, we respect your privacy. Your personal information is used solely for quote purposes and is not shared or sold
Nationwide vs. Progressive: Which Insurance Provider is Best for You?
As the owner of Blake Insurance Group, I understand that choosing between Nationwide and Progressive can be a tough decision. Both insurers are financially strong, offer comprehensive coverage, and provide a range of discounts, but they cater to different types of drivers and policyholders.
If you’re deciding between Nationwide vs. Progressive, this guide will help compare their coverage options, pricing, claims handling, customer service, unique features, availability, and reputation to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Coverage Options
Both Nationwide and Progressive offer standard auto, home, and renters insurance policies, but their additional coverages set them apart.
Nationwide Coverage Options
- Auto Insurance: Liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and medical payments (MedPay)
- Vanishing Deductible: Reduces your deductible for every year you drive without an accident
- Total Loss Deductible Waiver: Waives deductible if your car is totaled
- Accident Forgiveness: Available to prevent premium increases after your first at-fault accident
- Home Insurance: Covers dwelling, personal property, loss of use, and liability with optional add-ons like water backup and earthquake coverage
Progressive Coverage Options
- Auto Insurance: Standard liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage
- Snapshot® Telematics Program: Uses real-time driving data to adjust your rates
- Custom Parts & Equipment Coverage: Covers aftermarket modifications to your car
- Rideshare Insurance: Protects Uber and Lyft drivers
- Home Insurance: Standard coverage, but policies are often underwritten by third-party insurers
Key Takeaway: Nationwide is ideal for safe drivers who want deductible savings and accident forgiveness, while Progressive offers more flexibility for high-risk drivers, rideshare drivers, and those with custom vehicles.
Pricing and Discounts
Insurance rates vary based on location, driving history, credit score, and coverage level. Progressive generally offers lower base rates than Nationwide, but Nationwide’s discounts can help reduce costs.
Nationwide Pricing & Discounts
- Multi-policy discount for bundling home and auto insurance
- SmartRide® Telematics Program rewards safe driving
- SmartMiles® Pay-Per-Mile Insurance for low-mileage drivers
- Accident-free and good student discounts
Progressive Pricing & Discounts
- Snapshot® Telematics Program offers discounts for safe driving
- Multi-car and multi-policy discounts
- Continuous insurance discount for long-term customers
- Homeowner, military, and pay-in-full discounts
Key Takeaway: Progressive tends to be cheaper, especially for high-risk drivers, while Nationwide is a better option for low-mileage drivers and policyholders looking to bundle coverage.
Claims Process
A smooth claims process is essential when choosing an insurer. Both Nationwide and Progressive offer 24/7 claims support, but they differ in their claims satisfaction ratings.
Nationwide Claims Process
- 24/7 claims filing via phone, online, or mobile app
- On Your Side® Review: A policy check-up to ensure proper coverage
- Vanishing Deductible rewards encourage safe driving
- Generally higher customer satisfaction for claims resolution
Progressive Claims Process
- 24/7 claims support with online tracking
- Name Your Price® Tool helps policyholders adjust coverage based on budget
- Concierge repair program offers a network of approved body shops
- Some customers report delays in claims processing
Key Takeaway: Nationwide has a better reputation for claims satisfaction, while Progressive provides more digital tools but has mixed reviews for claims handling.
Customer Service
Nationwide Customer Service
- Agent-based model for personalized service
- Highly rated for policyholder satisfaction
- Some complaints about premium increases over time
Progressive Customer Service
- Direct-to-consumer model with a strong online presence
- 24/7 phone and digital support
- Some customers report difficulties reaching a live representative
Key Takeaway: Nationwide excels in personalized service with dedicated agents, while Progressive offers more digital convenience.
Unique Features
Each company has specialized benefits that appeal to different policyholders.
Nationwide Unique Features
- SmartMiles® Pay-Per-Mile Insurance: Ideal for drivers who don’t drive often
- Vanishing Deductible: Reduces deductible over time for accident-free driving
- On Your Side® Review: Free coverage check-ups with a Nationwide agent
Progressive Unique Features
- Snapshot® Telematics Program: Discounts based on driving habits
- Name Your Price® Tool: Lets customers customize coverage based on budget
- Rideshare Coverage: Ideal for Uber and Lyft drivers
Key Takeaway: Nationwide is best for drivers who want low-mileage savings and deductible reductions, while Progressive is a great choice for budget-conscious drivers and those needing rideshare coverage.
Availability
- Nationwide: Available in 47 states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and Massachusetts).
- Progressive: Available in all 50 states.
Key Takeaway: Progressive has a wider reach, but both companies offer coverage in most areas.
Reputation and Reviews
Both companies are financially strong, but they differ in customer satisfaction ratings.
Nationwide Reputation
- A+ rating from A.M. Best (excellent financial strength)
- Above-average customer service ratings
- Highly rated for claims handling
Progressive Reputation
- A+ rating from A.M. Best (strong financial stability)
- Highly rated for affordability and pricing flexibility
- Mixed reviews on claims processing times
Key Takeaway: Nationwide is better for customer service and claims handling, while Progressive is preferred for affordability and flexible pricing options.
Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
The best insurance provider between Nationwide and Progressive depends on your driving habits, coverage needs, and budget.
Choose Nationwide if:
✔️ You drive less frequently and want to save with SmartMiles®
✔️ You want a vanishing deductible and accident forgiveness
✔️ You prefer working with an agent for personalized service
Choose Progressive if:
✔️ You want lower rates and telematics-based discounts
✔️ You need rideshare insurance for Uber or Lyft
✔️ You prefer managing policies online and customizing your price
Both Nationwide and Progressive offer strong coverage options and financial stability, but Progressive is better for cost-conscious drivers, while Nationwide is ideal for those wanting agent support and safe driving rewards.
Still unsure which is right for you? Contact Blake Insurance Group today for a personalized quote and expert advice! 🚗🏡
Nationwide vs. Progressive - Frequently Asked Questions
Progressive generally offers lower base auto insurance rates compared to Nationwide. Progressive’s average monthly premium is around $104, while Nationwide’s average is $120. However, Nationwide’s discounts, such as SmartMiles® for low-mileage drivers, can help reduce costs.
Both companies receive mixed customer satisfaction ratings. According to J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study, Nationwide scores above average for customer service and claims satisfaction, while Progressive is rated average but is highly regarded for affordability and pricing flexibility.
Both Nationwide and Progressive provide various discount options:
✔ Nationwide Discounts: SmartRide® Telematics Program – Rewards safe drivers, SmartMiles® Pay-Per-Mile Insurance – Ideal for low-mileage drivers, Multi-policy and bundling discounts, Accident-free and good student discounts.
✔ Progressive Discounts: Snapshot® Telematics Program – Discounts based on real-time driving behavior, Multi-car and multi-policy discounts, Continuous insurance discount for long-term customers, Homeowner and good student discounts.
Nationwide has a higher customer satisfaction rating for claims handling, while Progressive has a more digital-driven claims process.
✔ Nationwide Claims Process: 24/7 claims support via phone, online, or mobile app, On Your Side® Review for personalized policy check-ups, Vanishing Deductible rewards encourage safe driving.
✔ Progressive Claims Process: 24/7 claims support with online tracking tools, Concierge repair program offers access to Progressive’s network of approved body shops, Mixed reviews on claims resolution speed.
Progressive is known for offering more affordable coverage for high-risk drivers, such as those with DUIs, speeding tickets, or at-fault accidents. Nationwide tends to have stricter underwriting guidelines, making it harder for high-risk drivers to find affordable rates.
Nationwide offers SmartMiles® Pay-Per-Mile Insurance, which is ideal for drivers who don’t drive often and want to pay only for the miles they drive. Progressive does not have a comparable program.
Nationwide offers larger bundling discounts, often saving customers up to 20% on auto and home insurance policies. Progressive also provides bundling discounts, but since Progressive’s home insurance is often underwritten by third-party companies, the bundling savings may not be as high as with Nationwide.
Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed