Are you trying to decide between Liberty Mutual and Nationwide? Both companies offer major coverage options to drivers, but they provide these options at different rates.
Below, we compare car insurance options from the two insurers so you can make the best choice for your situation. Check out our Nationwide Car Insurance Review and Liberty Mutual Car Insurance Review for more information on the companies.
Both Liberty Mutual and Nationwide offer major insurance coverage options:
Our article on the common types of auto insurance gives you more information on what to look for when buying coverage.
Additional features and products from Liberty Mutual and Nationwide may be available as add-ons to basic coverage. Some insurance products might not be available in every state.
Nationwide and Liberty Mutual offer home insurance, allowing policyholders to obtain discounts by bundling coverage types. The companies also provide coverage for other vehicles, including motorcycles and boats.
Also, both companies offer guaranteed asset protection, commonly known as GAP insurance. This product covers the difference between what your car is worth and what you owe on your car lease or loan, and you will pay for the supplemental coverage on your monthly bill. For more information about this type of coverage, check out our article: What is GAP Insurance?
If you financed a newer car, GAP insurance helps you avoid making payments on a wrecked car you don’t own anymore. Both companies can add it to your plan if you need this coverage.
One difference between coverage options is that Liberty Mutual offers rideshare insurance in some states. This coverage provides additional protection for drivers using their vehicles for commercial operation through services like Uber or Lyft.
Ridesharing companies offer their own policies to cover their drivers. Additional rideshare insurance provides coverage when the driver’s status is “available for hire.” This means they will only pay for coverage when driving, and details vary by state. If you’re using your car for ridesharing services, check with your agent to see what additional protection these companies can offer you.
Many factors influence car insurance rates. Each person’s premium is unique because of risk factors that include their driving record, age, and creditworthiness. Liberty Mutual’s insurance rates are generally higher among major insurers, and Nationwide’s coverage costs are lower. According to The Zebra, the average monthly premium from Liberty Mutual is $144. With Nationwide, the average policy costs $90 per month.
According to The Zebra, Nationwide offers lower average annual premiums in all age tiers of drivers.
| Age Group | Nationwide | Liberty Mutual |
| Teens | $3,624 | $6,559 |
| 20s | $1,582 | $2,686 |
| 30s | $1,582 | $1,942 |
| 40s | $1,151 | $1,926 |
| 50s | $1,114 | $1,793 |
| 60s | $1,028 | $1,746 |
Source: The Zebra
When buying car insurance, you should consider more than just who offers the lowest price. Your insurance company should provide good customer service, quickly respond when you need help, and pay submitted claims.
A J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study provides key insights into customer satisfaction. The survey considers vital criteria:
The survey results for Liberty Mutual and Nationwide are similar. Customers’ opinions and experiences with the companies are rated “average.”
An insurance company’s ability to meet its financial obligations becomes critical if you get into a fender bender, your car gets stolen, or there’s a tornado and your car got destroyed, and you need a claim paid.
Financial strength assessments and ratings from A.M Best, Moody’s, and S&P indicate an insurance company’s ability to meet its financial obligations. According to The Zebra, Liberty Mutual operates with “good” financial strength. Nationwide’s ratings indicate its strength is “superior.”
While the company ratings are different, both carriers can cover their customers’ claims.
One of the easiest discounts you can obtain from carriers is bundling auto insurance with home, renters, boat, motorcycle, or another insurance policy. Most insurers will encourage customers to take advantage of bundling their coverage. Be sure to ask about multi-policy and multi-vehicle bundling options through Nationwide and Liberty Mutual.
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Policyholders with Liberty Mutual and Nationwide may be eligible for perks that are available as policy add-ons and premium discounts:
Liberty Mutual offers a discount on coverage for environmentally friendly vehicles and a military discount. If you choose Nationwide, be sure to ask about discounts for completing a defensive driving course.
Request a quote from different insurance companies before making your final decision. Shopping around will always get you the best price but remember that cost is just one factor you must consider.
The best car insurance company for you will vary based on your requirements. Both Liberty Mutual and Nationwide offer all major insurance options so you can get the level of coverage that suits your needs. Liberty Mutual and Nationwide bring average customer satisfaction. However, Nationwide will likely provide a policy with a lower premium.
While the cost of insurance is a significant concern for most drivers, you should examine many different factors. Above all, be sure that you understand the details of what the policy covers before signing a new insurance policy, especially when purchasing a new vehicle.
