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Ben Luthi is a Utah-based insurance writer for Compare.com. With more than a decade of experience covering various insurance and personal finance topics, Ben is passionate about helping people make smart decisions with their money. His work has appeared on a variety of well-known personal finance websites, including the Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Credit Karma, Yahoo! Finance, Experian, NerdWallet, Insurify, and many more.
Ben has been writing for Compare.com since 2025.
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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).
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At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
When comparing auto insurance companies, Nationwide and Progressive both offer solid insurance coverage, but each prioritizes different things. While both insurers provide comprehensive coverage options and competitive insurance rates, each differs in key areas like pricing, customer satisfaction, and availability.
Progressive typically offers cheaper rates for most drivers and operates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, Nationwide scores higher for customer satisfaction but offers coverage in four fewer states. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about which insurer best fits your needs and budget.
Read on to learn more about how Nationwide and Progressive compare in terms of coverage, customer satisfaction, and cost.
Progressive generally offers lower insurance rates than Nationwide, making it the more affordable choice for budget-conscious drivers.
Nationwide significantly outperforms Progressive in customer satisfaction, particularly in claims handling.[1]
Progressive provides broader availability, though Nationwide is available in most states.
Picking the right car insurance company involves more than just finding the cheapest rate. You’ll want to look at customer satisfaction ratings, how easy it is to manage your insurance policy, whether the insurer operates in your state, and its overall reputation.
The quality of the claims process, available discounts, and coverage options are also crucial considerations. Here’s how the two insurers stack up based on Compare.com data.
Category  | Nationwide | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Customer satisfaction | 4.7/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Policy management | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Availability | 4.7/5 | 5/5 |
| Industry reputation | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Overall Score | 4.87/5 | 4.50/5 |
Progressive delivers more competitive pricing and operates in all 50 states. Nationwide counters with significantly higher customer satisfaction ratings and a telematics program that doesn’t come with the risk of rate increases. Both companies provide strong policy management tools and maintain solid industry reputations.
Our editorial team analyzes and grades each insurer based on factors like its average rates, customer reviews, policy management features, availability, industry standing, and more. This includes countless hours of research and in-depth analysis of millions of auto insurance quotes from real Compare.com customers.
We grade each factor on a weighted five-point scale to determine an insurer’s proprietary Compare.com Rating, which highlights its overall standing among the industry’s best companies.
| User Reviews | 3.1 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $98/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $182/mo |
Drivers appreciate the available discounts but dislike the high prices and lack of communication.
Drivers appreciate the available discounts but dislike the high prices and lack of communication.
Nationwide’s rates are a bit higher than Progressive’s, but the company makes up for it with better customer service. You also get plenty of coverage options to customize your insurance policy, though not as many as Progressive’s offerings.
Nationwide sets itself apart with its SmartRide telematics program, which offers up to 40% discounts without any risk of rate increases. That’s a significant advantage over Progressive, which may raise your premium if you exhibit high-risk driving habits.
Exceptional customer satisfaction ratings
SmartRide won’t increase rates
Superior claims handling experience
Higher insurance premiums than Progressive
Available in only 46 states
Fewer optional coverages
| User Reviews | 3.2 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.3 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $98/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $161/mo |
Customers appreciate the initial affordability and claim handling but dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, as well as the poor customer service.
Customers appreciate the initial affordability and claim handling but dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, as well as the poor customer service.
Progressive’s primary advantage is affordability, offering lower auto insurance rates than Nationwide on average. The insurer provides innovative coverage, such as automatic pet injury protection when you add collision coverage, and serves drivers in all 50 states.
But the company’s customer satisfaction ratings lag considerably behind Nationwide’s. Its Snapshot telematics program can also increase rates for roughly 20% of drivers who demonstrate risky driving habits.
More competitive insurance rates
Available in all 50 states
More options for customizing your policy
Significantly lower customer satisfaction scores
Snapshot can increase premiums
Below-average claims satisfaction ratings
Get quotes from top companies and find the right coverage.
Progressive generally offers more competitive insurance rates than Nationwide. That said, your actual insurance premiums depend on individual factors like your driving record, age, credit history, location, and coverage selections. A speeding ticket, at-fault accident, or DUI conviction can dramatically affect costs, as can having young drivers on your policy.
Every insurer calculates rates differently, so two identical drivers can end up with very different quotes. Your best bet is to get personalized quotes from multiple companies and compare what each one offers for your specific situation.
Here’s how the two insurers compare on average premiums for full coverage, according to Compare.com data.
Driver Type | Nationwide | Progressive | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| All drivers | $182 | $161 | $173 |
| Teens | $381 | $301 | $331 |
| Seniors | $122 | $100 | $149 |
| Recent ticket | $244 | $202 | $224 |
| Recent accident | $248 | $220 | $231 |
| DUI conviction | $271 | $243 | $257 |
| Poor credit | $220 | $198 | $209 |
Insurance premiums fluctuate significantly from state to state due to factors like local weather patterns, traffic congestion, crime rates, and state insurance regulations.[2] Some states require higher minimum coverage than others, while states prone to natural disasters often see elevated auto insurance rates.
While Progressive has more competitive pricing overall, here’s how the gap between the two companies varies by state, based on our data for average full-coverage insurance rates.
State | Nationwide | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $162 | $124 |
| Alaska | N/A | N/A |
| Arizona | $299 | $161 |
| Arkansas | $200 | $110 |
| California | $401 | $${AUTO_CARRIER_PROGRESSIVE_FULL_STATE_CA_PRICE} |
| Colorado | $204 | $176 |
| Connecticut | $354 | $212 |
| Delaware | $369 | $230 |
| Florida | N/A | N/A |
| Georgia | $331 | $229 |
| Hawaii | N/A | N/A |
| Idaho | $163 | $110 |
| Illinois | $186 | $142 |
| Indiana | $219 | $102 |
| Iowa | $148 | $135 |
| Kansas | $226 | $156 |
| Kentucky | $360 | $161 |
| Louisiana | N/A | N/A |
| Maine | N/A | N/A |
| Maryland | $582 | $273 |
| Massachusetts | N/A | N/A |
| Michigan | $236 | $202 |
| Minnesota | $182 | $140 |
| Mississippi | $134 | $149 |
| Missouri | $300 | $122 |
| Montana | N/A | N/A |
| Nebraska | $190 | $98 |
| Nevada | $315 | $191 |
| New Hampshire | $257 | $${AUTO_CARRIER_PROGRESSIVE_FULL_STATE_NH_PRICE} |
| New Jersey | N/A | N/A |
| New Mexico | $267 | $188 |
| New York | $208 | $448 |
| North Carolina | $95 | $78 |
| North Dakota | N/A | N/A |
| Ohio | $112 | $88 |
| Oklahoma | N/A | N/A |
| Oregon | $163 | $146 |
| Pennsylvania | $160 | $145 |
| Rhode Island | $290 | $253 |
| South Carolina | $177 | $187 |
| South Dakota | $178 | $${AUTO_CARRIER_PROGRESSIVE_FULL_STATE_SD_PRICE} |
| Tennessee | $240 | $116 |
| Texas | $228 | $136 |
| Utah | $178 | $142 |
| Vermont | $128 | $141 |
| Virginia | $181 | $123 |
| Washington | $177 | $186 |
| Washington D.C. | $600 | $300 |
| West Virginia | $170 | $119 |
| Wisconsin | $131 | $92 |
| Wyoming | N/A | N/A |
Nationwide and Progressive both offer comprehensive coverage options beyond basic bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability, and full-coverage options. But there are some differences in the optional add-ons you can get with each insurer, and Progressive offers more flexibility overall. The table below shows coverage options for both insurance companies, according to publicly available information.
Coverage Type | Nationwide | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive | ✔ | ✔ |
| Collision | ✔ | ✔ |
| Medical payments (MedPay) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Roadside assistance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rental reimbursement | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gap insurance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Accident forgiveness | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mechanical breakdown | ✔ | |
| Rideshare endorsement | ✔ | |
| Vanishing deductibles | ✔ | ✔ |
| New car replacement | ✔ | |
| Pet injury | ✔ | |
| Trip interruption | ✔ | |
| Custom parts and equipment | ✔ |
Both insurers provide essential coverage options, but Progressive has an advantage with coverage for pet injuries, custom parts and equipment, trip interruptions, ridesharing, and mechanical breakdowns on new vehicles. For new car owners, though, Nationwide’s new car replacement coverage can be appealing.
Insurance discounts can significantly reduce your annual premium, but available discounts vary between insurers. Each insurer determines which behaviors or characteristics qualify for savings, and discount amounts differ based on state regulations and company policies.
Common insurance discounts include multi-policy discounts for bundling with other insurance products, safe driver discounts, and multi-vehicle discounts.
Here’s a look at the discounts that Progressive and Nationwide offer, based on advertised discounts.
Discount Type | Nationwide | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-theft | ✔ | |
| Automatic payments | ✔ | ✔ |
| Defensive driver | ✔ | |
| Good student | ✔ | ✔ |
| Homeowner | ✔ | |
| Low mileage | ✔ | |
| Multi-policy | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-vehicle | ✔ | ✔ |
| Paperless billing | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pay in full | ✔ | |
| Safe driver | ✔ | |
| Student away at school | ✔ | |
| Usage-based/telematics | ✔ | ✔ |
| Teen driver | ✔ | |
| Online quote and purchase | ✔ |
Progressive offers 11 total discounts compared to Nationwide’s 10, giving it a slight edge in savings opportunities.
Progressive includes a few unique options that can add up, like a discount for buying your car insurance policy online, a teen driver discount, and savings for students away at school. Nationwide takes a different approach, rewarding specific behaviors like completing a defensive driver course or maintaining a safe driving record.
Customer reviews from real policyholders provide valuable insight into the claims process, customer service quality, and overall satisfaction with an insurance company. While both insurers receive mixed feedback, examining patterns in recent reviews helps identify each company’s strengths and weaknesses.
Below, we highlight what real Compare.com customers have to say about their experiences with Progressive and Nationwide.
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Usage-based insurance programs use telematics technology to track driving habits through a mobile app or plug-in device, then reward safe drivers with lower insurance rates. These programs monitor factors like hard braking, rapid acceleration, miles driven, and nighttime driving.
Nationwide’s SmartRide provides a 15% enrollment discount, with final discounts up to 40% based on safe driving over four to six months. SmartRide never increases your rates regardless of driving behavior.
Progressive’s Snapshot offers average savings of $169 up front and $322 upon renewal, but approximately 20% of Snapshot participants see rate increases if the program detects unsafe driving habits. Also, the program requires ongoing enrollment to maintain your discount. Both programs offer mobile app and plug-in device options.
Compare quotes from 100+ top insurance companies and save money in seconds.
Picking an auto insurer comes down to your unique needs, but if you still have questions, here are the answers to some common questions about Nationwide and Progressive.
The better choice depends on your priorities. Progressive offers more competitive insurance rates, broader availability, and more coverage options. On the other hand, Nationwide provides superior customer satisfaction and claims handling. Compare insurance quotes from both to determine which fits your needs.
It depends. No single company will be the best insurer for everyone since it’ll vary based on personal needs and circumstances. This is why it’s so important to compare insurance quotes from the best car insurance companies to find the combination of rates, coverage options, and customer service that fits your situation.
Not typically. Progressive typically offers more competitive car insurance rates than Nationwide for most drivers. Still, personal rates can vary significantly based on your driving history, credit, age, location, and coverage options. Nationwide may be cheaper for some drivers, while Progressive may be cheaper for others — that’s why it’s still worth it to shop around.
Yes. Nationwide provides quality car insurance with strong financial stability (A+ rating from AM Best) and excellent customer satisfaction scores, according to our research.[3] The company also ranks particularly high in claims satisfaction.
Nationwide significantly outperforms Progressive in customer satisfaction. Nationwide ranked first in J.D. Power’s 2025 usage-based insurance category and fourth in claims satisfaction, while Progressive consistently scores below industry averages.[4]
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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Ben Luthi is a Utah-based insurance writer for Compare.com. With more than a decade of experience covering various insurance and personal finance topics, Ben is passionate about helping people make smart decisions with their money. His work has appeared on a variety of well-known personal finance websites, including the Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Credit Karma, Yahoo! Finance, Experian, NerdWallet, Insurify, and many more.
Ben has been writing for Compare.com since 2025.
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).