Nationwide vs Root Insurance
Last updated September 2026
Nationwide
On your side, and increasingly online
Advantages
- SmartRide telematics gives up to 40% off for consistently safe drivers
- Vanishing Deductible cuts your deductible by $100 each claim-free year
- Multi-policy discounts stack well when bundling auto with home or renters
- Accident forgiveness available as an add-on for eligible drivers
- Roadside assistance and rental car coverage are affordable add-ons
Drawbacks
- Not available in every state, notably Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Massachusetts
- Base rates can trail Geico or Progressive for younger or single-policy drivers
- Agent quality varies widely by region
Root Insurance
Fair rates based on how you drive
Advantages
- Rates are primarily based on your actual driving behavior, not demographics
- Entirely app-based experience with fast quotes and digital ID cards
- No upfront commitment, test drive the app before buying a policy
- Discounts stack quickly for consistently safe drivers
- Roadside assistance available as an affordable add-on
- Behavior-based rate access is also available through partner platforms such as Jerry
- The Zebra integration can deliver personalized quotes and let eligible shoppers bind in as little as three minutes
- Hugo partnership offers flexible payments to eligible drivers in 16 states
- Florida rates are down an average of 15%, saving about $21 million annually for more than 52,000 policyholders
Drawbacks
- Available in 37 states, including New Jersey, covering more than 80% of the U.S. population
- No local agent network for in-person support
- Limited bundling options compared to full-line carriers
- Risky or new drivers may get higher quotes than expected
Nationwide and Root Insurance both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. Nationwide is built for drivers who want strong telematics savings and plan to bundle multiple policies. Root Insurance is built for safe drivers who want their habits rewarded with lower premiums. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Nationwide | Root Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $130-$185/mo before bundling | Varies by driving score; avg $80-$140/mo |
| Quote Process | Local agent, online, or phone | The Zebra comparison search can bind eligible policies in as little as 3 minutes; the app remains the path for behavior-based pricing |
| Available Discounts | SmartRide, multi-policy, safe driver, accident-free, good student | Safe driving, multi-policy, homeowner |
| Claims Experience | 24/7 phone, app, and agent-assisted | In-app filing, digital estimates |
| Customer Support | Local agents, phone, app, online chat | In-app chat, phone, email |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, gap, roadside, rental car | Liability, comprehensive, collision, roadside |
| Mobile App Quality | Good, ID cards, claims, payments, SmartRide | Excellent, core product is app-first |
| Bundling Options | Auto, home, renters, life, pet, umbrella | Renters only |
| Current Availability | -- | Available in 37 states, including New Jersey, covering more than 80% of the U.S. population |
| Partner Distribution | -- | Jerry behavior-based rates; The Zebra personalized quote integration |
| Flexible Payment Option | -- | Hugo partnership for eligible drivers in 16 states |
| Florida Rate Update | -- | Average rate reduction of 15%; about $21M annualized savings for 52,000+ policyholders |
Nationwide Wins
Nationwide takes it overall (8/10 vs 7/10), but Root Insurance is still the sharper pick for safe drivers who want their habits rewarded with lower premiums.
Nationwide's standout strength: SmartRide telematics gives up to 40% off for consistently safe drivers. Its biggest drawback (a 37-state footprint including New Jersey, notably Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Massachusetts) is easier to live with than Root Insurance's (a 37-state footprint including New Jersey). Root Insurance isn't out of the running though — its own standout strength is rates are primarily based on your actual driving behavior, not demographics. If you fit the profile of safe drivers who want their habits rewarded with lower premiums, that alone can flip the decision. Root now operates in 37 states, including New Jersey, reaching more than 80% of the U.S. population.
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