Nationwide vs. American Family: Which provider is right for you?

Nationwide vs. American Family

Having a hard time deciding between getting car insurance through Nationwide or American Family?

It can be frustrating trying to choose, as most providers offer similar discounts and similar rates. For example, both Nationwide and American Family offer a defensive driver discount. And both companies do well in the customer satisfaction department. So how is one to choose?

We’ve lined up the two companies side by side in a comprehensive comparison so you can get the facts you need to make the best decision for your personal situation.

	Nationwide	American Family
About the provider	Nationwide is not just an auto insurance company, it is also one of the largest financial services companies in America. Its flexible options and member resources are among a few of the reasons people have chosen Nationwide since 1926.	For 90 years, American Family has worked hard to give quality rates and services. In addition to auto insurance, it offers home, life, business, and farm and ranch insurance with a strong commitment to protect its customers.
Price	Policy costs depend your personal situation. Visit Nationwide for a quote based on your specific needs.	Policy costs depend your personal situation. Visit American Family for a quote based on your specific needs.
States served	46	19
User satisfaction*	A	B+
J.D. Power ratings**	3/5 on overall claims satisfaction	4/5 on overall claims satisfaction
Driver discounts	View driver discounts	View driver discounts
Vehicle discounts	View vehicle discounts	View vehicle discounts
	Read Review	Read Review

* Based on Better Business Bureau’s company rating ** Based on the 2016 U.S Auto Claims Satisfaction Study

Driver discounts

	Nationwide	American Family
Good student	Varies (full-time student, B average or higher, 16 to 24)	Varies. Teen Safe Driver Discount + Generational Discount (18-24 with a parent who is an American Family customer)
Defensive driver		5-10% (55+, completed defensive driving course)
Good driver	Up to 10% (no at-fault accidents and free of major violations for at least 5 years)
Pay in full discount
Multicar
Military
Homeowner
Other discounts	Multi policy discount – Up to 20% SmartRide discount – 5-40% (usage based discount using plug-in device) USAA Family Plan – Up to 25% Easy-Pay sign-up discount Affinity car insurance discounts – For members of partner business or organization Paperless documents discount – Varies	Loyalty discount Early-bird discount Steer into Savings discount Low mileage discount – Drive less than 7,500 miles per year Teen Safe Driver discount – Enroll teen in free program Young volunteer discount – Under 25, 40+ hours per year volunteering for non-profit Generational discount – 18-24 with a parent who is an American Family customer KnowYourDrive discount – Up to 40% on your car insurance (based on evaluation during KnowYourDrive periods)
	Read Review	Read Review

Vehicle discounts

	Nationwide	American Family
Anti-theft device	Varies (factory-installed deterrents)
Anti-lock brake
Passive restraints	N/A
Air bag
Other discounts		Auto safety equipment – 10-30%
	Read Review	Read Review

Bottom line

Both companies have been in the insurance industry for a long time and have solid reputations. When comparing discounts, remember to keep your personal situation in mind. The company that offers the most discounts won’t necessarily be the best choice for you. It’s the one that has the most discounts that apply to you that will provide the most cost savings.

Also keep in mind that American Family only provides insurance in 19 states. If you don’t live in one of those states, it’s not even an option for you.

Compare your car insurance options to find the best insurance company for you.