Choosing between GEICO and Nationwide for your car insurance can be challenging. Both insurers have solid reputations and offer affordable rates for drivers across the United States. Continue reading for our comparison of these well-known companies.
Check out our GEICO car insurance review and Nationwide car insurance review for more information about these carriers.
GEICO and Nationwide offer standard car insurance coverage such as:
Read our article on common types of auto insurance for more information about basic coverage.
Additional coverage from GEICO and Nationwide may be available as add-ons to enhance basic coverage in some states, such as:
One difference in coverage options is that GEICO offers rideshare insurance in some states. This coverage provides additional protection for drivers using their vehicles for commercial operation through services such as Uber and Lyft.
GEICO and Nationwide often have rates priced lower than other major insurers. According to The Zebra, the average monthly cost for a Nationwide policy is $90. GEICO coverage also falls in the lower range in the car insurance cost spectrum. Its average monthly cost is $94.
An insurance company uses many considerations to determine its rates. The driver’s age, geographic location, gender, marital status, vehicle type, and credit history are among the factors that influence the overall insurance cost.
See the table below comparing average annual premiums between GEICO and Nationwide by age tier.
| Age Group | GEICO | Nationwide |
| Teens | $3,508 | $3,624 |
| 20s | $1,438 | $1,582 |
| 30s | $1,218 | $1,582 |
| 40s | $1,189 | $1,151 |
| 50s | $1,160 | $1,114 |
| 60s | $1,065 | $1,028 |
Source: The Zebra
Insurance companies often give generous discounts for bundling auto coverage with a home, renters, boat, motorcycle, or other policy. Most insurers encourage customers to take advantage of bundling their coverage, but you should ask about multi-policy and multi-vehicle bundling options through GEICO and Nationwide.
You may be eligible for some other savings opportunities from an array of discounts, such as:
Additional discounts may be available for some drivers. For example, GEICO provides a discount to military members. Both companies offer telematics programs in select states, which monitor driving habits to determine the premium.
The cost of a policy is the primary consideration for most people shopping for car insurance. Still, many drivers emphasize the level of customer care companies provide. Higher ratings often correspond with the 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 car insurance consumers. It provides insights into customer satisfaction in key areas:
Insurance companies often receive mixed reviews for their service. J.D. Power survey results indicate customers’ opinions of and experiences with Nationwide aren’t as favorable as other companies’ ratings. It ranked near the middle in terms of claims satisfaction. The company earned near the lowest of marks in the customer satisfaction study. GEICO is rated “average” for customer satisfaction among other insurers.
An insurance company’s ability to meet its financial obligations is critical. Your insurer must be able to pay any covered claim you make following a loss from an accident, theft, or weather-related damage.
GEICO and Nationwide have “superior” financial strength ratings from A.M. Best. The rating indicates that these insurers can pay their claims obligations.
Car insurance policies vary because every driver has a unique need, specific coverage requirement, and financial situation. GEICO and Nationwide typically provide competitive premiums that are less expensive than most major insurers. Customer satisfaction is one area where these companies are separated, with Nationwide reviews falling below GEICO’s middle-of-the-road ratings.
Request a quote from GEICO, Nationwide, and other insurers to find the best policy for you. Speak to company representatives and ask questions about coverage levels. It’s crucial that you understand your options before signing a new insurance policy. Shopping around will help you find the best price, but remember that cost is just one factor you must consider, especially when buying a new vehicle.
