Nationwide Review

The sixth-largest auto insurer in the United States, Nationwide Mutual Insurance offers an array of quality financial products and services. Read our Nationwide review to find out if this is the carrier for you.

Company Overview

In 1925, Nationwide began as the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, providing car insurance to Ohio farmers. Over time, the insurer added fire insurance to its line of products and began issuing coverage in other states. Farm Bureau Mutual became Nationwide Insurance in 1955. Currently, the company employs 36,000 people and has over 16 million insurance policies in force. Nationwide provides property, auto, and life insurance as well as mutual funds, mortgage loans, and other financial services.

Insurance Rates and Discounts

Nationwide continues to focus on car insurance but also offers specialty coverage like farm insurance and motorcycle insurance. One of the most unique features of Nationwide auto insurance policies is their 100 percent repair guarantee, which guarantees the repair work of any Blue Ribbon-certified repair shop for as long as the policyholder owns the vehicle. Policyholders can earn discounts on Nationwide car insurance policies by insuring more than one vehicle, purchasing life or home insurance as well as car insurance, remaining a customer for five years, and staying accident-free.

Ratings and Awards

Nationwide delivered an average performance on the 2009 J.D. Power National Auto Insurance Study, earning three out of five stars in overall policyholder satisfaction. Nationwide's worst ratings were in the pricing category, where it earned two out of five stars. Financially, Nationwide has receive solid marks. A.M Best rated Nationwide as "A+" (superior), Moody's as "A1" (good), and Standard and Poor's as "A+" (superior).

Company Health

The unusual number of natural disasters and adverse market conditions of 2008 forced Nationwide to drop thousands of homeowners policies in disaster-prone areas of the country. The insurer also received financial downgrades from several financial rating indexes. For more information, view Nationwide's current annual report online in addition to reports from 2001-2007.

How to File a Claim

Nationwide lets policyholders file a car insurance claim online or via telephone by calling 1-800-421-3535. After you file your claim, you can check its status through the Nationwide website. Available 24/7, Nationwide's Blue Ribbon Claims Services has an excellent track record for service. In fact, nine out of ten Nationwide policyholders who file a claim with the insurer would recommend the company to a friend or relative.

Summary

Although Nationwide is one of the top ten auto insurers in the United States, its customer service levels and prices have remained average in recent years. Nationwide has a large network of agents and offices, however, and has maintained financial stability in spite of recent economic troubles. If name recognition and financial consistency are important to you, consider Nationwide when choosing an insurance company.