Nationwide vs. Travelers Car Insurance: Expert Recommended (2024)

Selecting the ideal auto insurance provider demands a nuanced understanding of multiple factors, and our scrutiny of Nationwide and Travelers illuminates the landscape. In this exploration, we dissect the rates influenced by credit scores, mileage, coverage extent, and driving records, revealing a standout performer for diverse customer profiles. From spotless driving records to the complexities of tickets, accidents, DUIs, and credit challenges, we meticulously dissect the data to spotlight which company excels. This concise guide serves as a compass, directing readers toward the most advantageous insurance choices amid the intricacies of their unique circumstances.

Nationwide Car Insurance

Pros:

• Affordable Rates for Young Drivers: Nationwide offers competitive rates for young drivers, making it an attractive option for families with teen drivers.
• Better for Poor Driving Records: Nationwide is a preferred choice for individuals with a poor driving record, as it tends to have lower rates compared to Travelers.
• Extensive Discounts: Nationwide provides a variety of discounts, including significant savings for anti-theft systems, safe driving, and paperless billing.

Cons:

• Higher Rate Increase for Credit Score Changes: If your credit score drops with Nationwide, the car insurance rates may increase by 40%, which is relatively steep.
• Fewer Discounts Than Travelers: While Nationwide offers substantial discounts, it has fewer options (24) compared to Travelers (17), potentially limiting savings opportunities.
• Usage-Based Program Savings: Although Nationwide has a usage-based program offering a 40% discount, it may not appeal to all drivers.

Travelers Car Insurance

Pros:

• Lower Rates for 25 and Older: Travelers offer an average of 9% cheaper rates for individuals aged 25 and older, making it a cost-effective option for more experienced drivers.
• Better Customer Satisfaction: Travelers excel in customer satisfaction, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize a positive customer experience.
• Usage-Based Program Savings: Travelers’ usage-based programs can provide savings of up to 30%, appealing to drivers who want to be rewarded for safe driving habits.

Cons:

• Higher Rates for Teen Drivers: Travelers tend to have higher rates for teen drivers, making it less attractive for families with young drivers.
• Slightly Higher Rates for Poor Driving Records: Individuals with a poor driving record might find Travelers to be slightly more expensive than Nationwide.
• Fewer Discounts Compared to Nationwide: While Travelers offers good discounts, it has fewer (17) than Nationwide, potentially limiting the opportunities for savings.

Read more: What discounts are available for Travelers car insurance customers?

Nationwide Takes the Lead for Overall Value

After a thorough analysis of Nationwide and Travelers car insurance, one company stands out as the superior choice: Nationwide. While both companies have their merits, Nationwide edges ahead when considering a comprehensive view of rates and offerings.

Affordability for Young Drivers: Nationwide’s competitive rates for young drivers make it an excellent choice for families with teen drivers, providing a cost-effective solution.

Better Rates for Poor Driving Records: Nationwide outshines Travelers when it comes to individuals with a less-than-perfect driving record. With rates approximately $1000 less per year for those with infractions, Nationwide offers a more forgiving option.

Extensive Discounts: Nationwide’s robust discount program, offering substantial savings for anti-theft systems, safe driving, and paperless billing, provides more opportunities for customers to save on their premiums.

Overall Customer Satisfaction: While both companies have positive customer feedback, Nationwide’s combination of affordability and customer satisfaction places it as the preferred choice for consumers.

While Travelers excel in customer satisfaction, it falls slightly short in terms of rates, especially for young and less experienced drivers. Although Travelers offers a commendable usage-based program, Nationwide’s overall value proposition, including a variety of discounts and competitive rates for various driver profiles, makes it the clear winner in this head-to-head comparison.

Is Nationwide or Travelers Car Insurance Cheaper Based on age?

It’s completely fair for car insurance companies to base rates on your age. After all, the more experience driving we have, the better drivers we become. Some states will also base your car insurance rates on gender and/or marital status, though several states have outlawed this practice.

Nationwide vs Travelers Car Insurance Rates by Age, Gender, and Marital Status

For 25 and older, Traveler’s car insurance rates are an average of 9 percent cheaper than Nationwide car insurance rates.

Nationwide car insurance is a better choice if you have a young driver. Travelers’ teen car insurance rates are 70 percent higher than Nationwide.

Is Nationwide or Travelers Car Insurance Cheaper Based on Driving Record?

Speeding tickets, accidents, DUIs, and other traffic violations will increase your Nationwide and Travelers car insurance rates.

Nationwide vs Travelers Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record

Nationwide is the better option if you have a poor driving record. Travelers’ car insurance rates are around $1000 more per year than Nationwide when it comes to having different infractions on your driving record.

As for current customers, Nationwide and Travelers increase rates about the same for getting a speeding ticket, causing an accident, or getting a DUI. Nationwide is a little more forgiving (13 percent increase) when it comes to speeding tickets.

Is Nationwide or Travelers Car Insurance Cheaper Based on Credit Score?

Just like gender and marital status, more states are outlawing car insurance rates based on credit score.

Your credit score is a strong reflection of your consistency with paying your bills, but the reason it is being outlawed is that rates quoted by insurance companies assume those with higher credit scores are better drivers.

Nationwide vs Travelers Car Insurance Rates by Credit History

Nationwide is a better choice if you currently have any type of credit.

However, once you are with Nationwide, your car insurance rates will increase by 40 percent if you experience financial hardship and your credit score drops.

Where you live is the biggest factor in determining your car insurance rates because of state laws. Be sure to check your state car insurance guide before judging Nationwide and Travelers car insurance rates by credit score.

Do Nationwide or Travelers Have Better Car Insurance Discounts?

Each company has its selling point, and sometimes that comes down to who has the best discount that applies to your specific situation.

Nationwide vs Travelers Car Insurance Discounts

When reviewing discounts offered by either company, Nationwide has 24 car insurance discounts, and Travelers has only 17 discounts.

Nationwide offers heftier discounts compared to Travelers.

Travelers’ best car insurance discounts range from 15 to 30 percent for having continuous coverage, making payments on time, being claim-free, or being a safe driver.

You can also save 30 percent by participating in Travelers’ usage-based car insurance program.

Nationwide’s best car insurance discounts range from 25 to 40 percent for having anti-theft and vehicle recovery systems in your car, having a family plan, being a safe driver, and using paperless billing and auto-pay.

You can also save 40 percent by participating in Nationwide’s usage-based car insurance program.

What Types of Auto Insurance Coverages are Offered by Nationwide and Travelers?

Since both Nationwide and Travelers are two of the companies that hold the majority of the market share, they will offer many different types of coverages, and that includes the basic six listed below:

• Liability auto insurance coverage – bodily injury and property damage
• Comprehensive auto insurance coverage
• Collision auto insurance coverage
• Uninsured/Underinsured auto insurance coverage
• Medical Payments (MedPay) auto insurance coverage – particularly important in states that require no-fault auto insurance
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) auto insurance coverage

Other optional coverages may include rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, guaranteed auto protection (GAP), mechanical breakdown, and recreational vehicles such as ATVs or boats. Be sure to check out Nationwide pet insurance and Nationwide retirement when reviewing coverage options.

Do Nationwide or Travelers Have Better Car Insurance Mobile Apps?

Most of the top 10 car insurance companies have mobile apps to access policy information and/or make payments and a separate mobile app that tracks your driving habits (usage-based car insurance).

If you notice your rate has gone up when it’s time to renew your six-month policy, it could be because your credit score dropped. Use your Nationwide insurance login or Travelers insurance login to temporarily change your coverage levels and deductibles to lower your rate while you start improving your credit score.

If you don’t notice a change in your credit score, and your rates still go up, it may be a good time to get quotes from other insurance providers.

Read our reviews of Nationwide’s SmartRide and Travelers’ IntelliDrive usage-based car insurance apps to learn more.

How do Nationwide and Travelers Car Insurance Compare in Financial Strength and Customer Satisfaction?

Reviewing ratings from three different agencies will provide you with a good picture of how a car insurance company works with its consumers, handles complaints, and their overall financial strength.

A.M. Best scores companies based on their ability to meet their ongoing insurance obligations such as balancing premiums collected and claims paid. The highest score A.M. Best awards is Superior A++.

Consumer Reports collects annual data from its subscribers regarding customer satisfaction of the claims process, step by step. In their 2017 survey, 27 insurance companies were rated, and scores ranged between 86 to 96.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) calculates a complaint ratio based on a total number of customers against the total number of complaints. In 2017, the national average complaint ratio was 1. The lower the ratio, the better.

Nationwide vs Travelers Company Ratings

Both Nationwide and Travelers are highly competitive based on ratings from consumer and government agencies. Nationwide earns an A+ for financial stability.

Now that you’ve finished this Nationwide vs. Travelers car insurance review, use our FREE comparison tool to compare car insurance companies in your area.

Nationwide vs. Travelers Car Insurance: Unveiling the Claims Process Comparison

Ease of Filing a Claim

Both Nationwide and Travelers offer multiple convenient methods for filing insurance claims. Customers can file claims online through the respective company’s website or mobile apps. They can also file claims over the phone, providing flexibility in the claims process.

Average Claim Processing Time

The average claim processing time for both Nationwide and Travelers can vary based on the complexity of the claim and other factors. However, both companies aim to process claims efficiently to ensure a timely resolution for their customers.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

Customer feedback regarding claim resolutions and payouts is an essential aspect of evaluating an insurance provider. Both Nationwide and Travelers strive to provide satisfactory claim resolutions and payouts. Customer reviews and ratings can provide insights into their experiences with the claims process and their level of satisfaction with the outcomes.

Read more:

• How do I file a car insurance claim with Nationwide?
• Will my insurance premium increase if I file a car insurance claim with Nationwide?

Mobile App Features and Functionality

Both Nationwide and Travelers offer mobile apps with features that allow customers to manage their insurance policies, access important policy information, file claims, and track their claims’ status. The mobile apps are designed to provide a user-friendly interface and convenient access to insurance-related services.

Online Account Management Capabilities

Customers of Nationwide and Travelers can manage their insurance policies and accounts online. This includes viewing policy details, making payments, updating personal information, and accessing important documents related to their policies. The online account management capabilities aim to streamline the insurance experience for customers.

Digital Tools and Resources

Both Nationwide and Travelers provide digital tools and resources to assist customers in understanding their insurance coverage, calculating premiums, exploring discounts, and making informed decisions about their policies. These digital tools enhance the overall customer experience and provide valuable information to policyholders.