What Nationwide Insurance Is and Who Sells It

Nationwide is a mutual insurance company — meaning it is owned by its policyholders rather than by shareholders — that sells auto, home, life, and business insurance across all 50 states. You buy Nationwide policies through licensed agents, either in person, by phone, or online. The company does not sell policies directly through a government program or subsidy; you pay the full premium yourself, though you may be able to deduct some business insurance costs on your taxes.

Nationwide operates as both a direct writer (selling through its own agents and website) and through independent agents who represent multiple insurers. The coverage you get, the price you pay, and the claims process are the same regardless of which sales channel you use. What varies is how you interact with the company — a direct agent works only for Nationwide, while an independent agent can compare Nationwide against other carriers.

Key Takeaways

  • Nationwide sells auto, home, life, and business insurance in all states, and you pay the full premium yourself with no government subsidy involved.
  • Your rate depends on your age, driving record, home location, claims history, and the coverage limits you choose — not on income or family size.
  • You can buy a policy online, by phone, or through an agent, and you can cancel anytime, though some states require notice periods.
  • Claims are filed through Nationwide's website, mobile app, or by phone, and the company has a 24/7 claims line for emergencies like accidents or theft.
  • Nationwide offers discounts for bundling policies, maintaining a clean driving record, completing safety courses, and installing home security systems.

How Nationwide Rates and Prices Policies

Nationwide uses several factors to set your premium: your age, driving history (for auto), credit score, the location of your home or vehicle, the coverage limits you select, and your claims history with any insurer. The company does not use income or family size to set rates. A 25-year-old with a clean record in a rural area will pay far less than a 45-year-old with two accidents in an urban area, even if both buy the same coverage level.

You can get a quote online without providing your Social Security number or committing to anything. Nationwide will ask for your address, vehicle information (if auto), and basic household details. The quote is usually valid for 30 to 60 days, meaning the price holds if you buy within that window. Rates can change when you renew your policy — typically every six or twelve months — based on new claims, traffic violations, or changes to your home or vehicle.

Bundling multiple policies (auto and home together, for example) usually lowers your overall cost. Nationwide also offers discounts for completing a defensive driving course, maintaining continuous coverage without lapses, paying your premium in full rather than monthly, and installing anti-theft devices in your car or security systems in your home.

Types of Coverage Nationwide Offers

Auto insurance through Nationwide includes liability (which pays for damage you cause to others), collision (which covers damage to your car from an accident), comprehensive (which covers theft, weather, and vandalism), and uninsured motorist protection (which covers you if hit by someone without insurance). You choose your deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — and your coverage limits. State minimums vary, but most states require at least $25,000 in liability coverage per person.

Home insurance covers the structure of your house, your personal belongings, liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if you cannot stay in your home due to a covered loss. Like auto, you choose your deductible and coverage limits. Nationwide does not automatically cover flood or earthquake damage; those require separate policies purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (for flood) or a private earthquake policy.

Life insurance through Nationwide comes in two main forms: term life (coverage for a set number of years, usually 10, 20, or 30) and whole life (permanent coverage that builds cash value). Term is cheaper; whole life costs more but does not expire. You choose the death benefit — the amount paid to your beneficiary — based on your income and debts.

Business insurance includes general liability, property coverage, workers' compensation (if you have employees), and commercial auto. The coverage you need depends on your business type and size.

How to Buy a Nationwide Policy

You can start online at nationwide.com, by calling 1-877-669-6877, or by meeting with a local agent. Online, you will answer questions about your home or vehicle, choose your coverage limits and deductible, and review the quote. You can buy when ready or save the quote to review later. Payment is usually by credit card, debit card, or bank account transfer.

If you buy by phone, a Nationwide representative walks you through the same questions and can answer coverage questions in real time. If you work with an independent agent, they can compare Nationwide against other insurers and help you decide which is best for your situation.

Your policy becomes active on the date you choose — you do not have to wait for a physical policy document to arrive. You can view your policy, make changes, and file claims through the Nationwide mobile app or website when ready after purchase. A physical document will arrive by mail within a few days.

Filing a Claim and Getting Paid

To file a claim, call Nationwide's 24/7 claims line at 1-800-955-9060, use the mobile app, or log into your account online. For auto claims, have your policy number, driver's license, and details about the accident ready. For home claims, describe the damage and take photos if safe to do so. Nationwide will assign an adjuster who contacts you within one business day for most claims.

The adjuster inspects the damage, reviews your coverage, and determines what Nationwide will pay. You pay your deductible, and Nationwide covers the rest up to your policy limit. For auto claims, you can choose any repair shop; Nationwide does not require you to use a preferred vendor, though some shops have agreements with the company that may speed payment. For home claims, Nationwide may require estimates from multiple contractors before approving repairs.

Most auto claims are resolved within two to four weeks. Home claims can take longer if structural damage requires investigation or if multiple contractors need to bid on repairs. You can track your claim status through the app or website at any time.

Canceling a Policy or Making Changes

You can cancel your Nationwide policy anytime by calling, logging into your account, or contacting your agent. Some states require 10 to 30 days' written notice, but Nationwide will handle that requirement for you. If you have paid your premium in full and cancel mid-term, Nationwide refunds the unused portion. If you pay monthly, your cancellation takes effect on the date you request (or the date required by your state, whichever is later).

You can also make changes to your policy without canceling — adding a vehicle, increasing coverage limits, or removing a driver. Changes take effect when ready for most updates, though some require a new underwriting review and may affect your rate. You can make changes online, by phone, or through your agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nationwide offer discounts for good driving or bundling policies?

Yes. Nationwide offers discounts for a clean driving record, completing a defensive driving course, bundling auto and home policies, paying your full premium upfront, and installing anti-theft or home security devices. The exact discounts vary by state and your personal situation. You can ask about all available discounts when you get a quote.

What happens if I get in an accident but the other driver does not have insurance?

Uninsured motorist coverage, which you can add to your auto policy, pays for your medical bills and vehicle damage when hit by an uninsured driver. You still pay your deductible. If you do not have this coverage, you would have to pursue the other driver in small claims court or civil court to recover costs.

Can I change my coverage limits or deductible after I buy a policy?

Yes. You can increase or decrease your coverage limits and change your deductible anytime by logging into your account, calling Nationwide, or contacting your agent. Changes usually take effect when ready, though some may require a new quote and affect your rate.

How long does it take to get a quote from Nationwide?

An online quote takes about 10 to 15 minutes and is provided when ready. A phone quote takes 15 to 20 minutes. Once you have a quote, it is usually valid for 30 to 60 days, meaning you can buy at that price within that window without getting a new quote.

What if I need to file a claim on a weekend or holiday?

Nationwide's claims line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. You can also file a claim through the mobile app or website anytime. An adjuster will contact you during business hours to begin the investigation.