Shopping for car insurance can be a confusing chore with so many variables contributing to the price of a good policy. Progressive and Nationwide are reputable and well-known carriers to consider for your needs. Continue reading for a comparison of coverage, price, discounts, and more.
For more information on these two companies, check out our Progressive Car Insurance Review and Nationwide Car Insurance Review.
Progressive and Nationwide both offer standard auto insurance coverage options such as:
Our article about the common types of auto insurance will help you learn more about basic coverage.
Additional coverage from Progressive and Nationwide may be available as add-ons to basic coverage in some states.
Progressive offers an accident forgiveness perk that’s designed to ensure your rates won’t rise following an accident.
Nationwide is known for its affordable rates that are on the low end of the car insurance expense spectrum. According to The Zebra, the average monthly premium from Nationwide is $90. With Progressive, the average policy is competitive at $104 per month.
A popular feature of Progressive is its “name your price” tool. A shopper can input how much they want to pay for insurance, and the company provides available options for coverage within that price range.
While the cost of a policy tops the list of considerations for most drivers, it should not be the only factor when looking for insurance. This table compares average annual premiums between Progressive and Nationwide by age tier.
| Age Group | Progressive | Nationwide |
| Teens | $8,248 | $3,624 |
| 20s | $2,287 | $1,582 |
| 30s | $2,287 | $1,582 |
| 40s | $1,644 | $1,151 |
| 50s | $1,542 | $1,114 |
| 60s | $1,403 | $1,028 |
Source: The Zebra
Your driving record is just one thing insurance companies consider when giving you a rate quote. Your age, geographic location, gender, marital status, credit history, and the car your drive are among the factors that influence the overall insurance cost.
One of the better discounts you can get 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 Progressive.
Policyholders with these insurers may be eligible for multiple auto insurance discounts and perks:
You might be eligible for a discount from Progressive if you’re a homeowner, even if you don’t bundle your policies. If you choose Nationwide, be sure to ask about discounts for completing a defensive driving course.
For many drivers, the cost of a policy is the primary consideration when shopping for car insurance. Still, many people believe that good customer service is worth a higher price.
For car insurance shoppers, high customer satisfaction ratings mean a strong likelihood of the insurer processing claims quickly and efficiently. The 2021 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study includes responses from almost 39,000 customers. The results provide insights into customer satisfaction in key areas:
J.D. Power assessments give Nationwide an “average” rating based on customers’ opinions of and experiences with the company. Progressive was rated “below average.”
It is critical for an insurance company to have the ability to meet its financial obligations and cover any claims that must be paid.
Progressive and Nationwide both have “superior” financial strength ratings from A.M. Best. The rating indicates that these insurers have the ability to pay their claims obligations.
Your car insurance requirements are unique to your situation. Request a quote from Progressive and Nationwide. Speak with company representatives and choose the company and the coverage levels that best meet your needs.
These insurers provide auto policies with different levels of coverage for a broad range of drivers. Nationwide often has less expensive premiums. Sill, Progressive offers many discounts that may lower its competitive rates.
Shopping around will always get you the best price but remember that cost is just one factor you must consider. No matter which company you choose, be sure to understand the details of what is covered and know what is best for your situation before signing a new car insurance policy or renewing your coverage.