Nationwide vs AAA: Which is Better for You?
Read on to see which company is best for you.
Nationwide or AAA: Which company is best for you?
Nationwide and AAA are two very popular options for insurance, but which one is best for you? We've compared both companies to give you an idea of what you can expect as a customer. Read on to find out more.
Nationwide car insurance
Nationwide is another one of the largest car insurance companies in the country. Customers can generally expect affordable rates, discount options and a large selection of additional coverage lines to pair with an auto policy, including homeowners, renters and life insurance just to name a few.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
AAA car insurance
Perhaps best known for its roadside assistance programs, AAA also offers car insurance to its members. In most cases, coverage is not provided by AAA themselves, but through partner companies. AAA simply acts as an intermediary, meaning that coverage options and experiences can be vastly different based on location.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Which company comes out on top?
Nationwide
Nationwide's affordable rates and broad list of coverage options, plus its higher review score, make it worthy of the top spot.
Nationwide vs. AAA: car insurance rate comparison
Affordability is an important consideration when shopping for an auto policy. Your rates are determined by many factors, including your driving history, state regulations and your credit score — at least in most states.
To give you a better sense of how Nationwide and AAA rates stack up, we've gathered average rates based on a few different factors. Take a look at the figures below to get a sense of which company could be most affordable for you.
Nationwide has the cheapest rates at $90 per month. AAA comes in considerably higher at $151 per month.
Nationwide vs. AAA: pricing by credit score
For those with very poor credit, Nationwide could be preferable to AAA. Typically, Nationwide offers better rates than AAA for drivers with credit scores lower than 580. Insurance shoppers with exceptional credit — a score of 800 or better — should consider Nationwide, which typically beats AAA by $1,750 annually. Check out typical insurance rates by credit level for AAA and Nationwide below.
RATES BY CREDIT LEVEL: AAA VS. NATIONWIDE
| Credit level | Nstionwide avg. annual premium | AAA avg. annual premium |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $1,593 | $6,569 |
| Fair (580-669) | $1,262 | $4,023 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,283 | $3,723 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,109 | $3,004 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,064 | $2,814 |
The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Nationwide vs. AAA: rates for high-risk drivers
If you're carrying an at-fault accident, speeding violation, reckless driving violation or DUI on your driving record, Nationwide could be a better choice than AAA. Every car insurance company will handle driving offenses differently, so don't be afraid to shop around and get quotes to find out which insurance company suits you.
RATES BY CITATION: AAA VS. NATIONWIDE
| Citation | Nationwide avg. annual premium | AAA avg. annual premium |
| At-fault accident (damage < $1,000) | $1,836 | $4,078 |
| At-fault accident (damage > $1,000) | $1,475 | $4,002 |
| DUI/DWI | $2,691 | $5,530 |
| Reckless driving | $2,508 | $5,530 |
| Speeding ticket | $1,469 | $4,078 |
Nationwide vs. AAA: rates by age
Insurance companies use age as an estimator of risk, pricing premiums accordingly. An auto insurance policy is typically most expensive for teen drivers — thanks to their inexperience — and more affordable for drivers aged 25 or older. Because every insurance company rates ages in a different way, it's smart to shop around and find the perfect policy for you.
In general, teen drivers should choose Nationwide over AAA: Nationwide offers average yearly savings of $6,632, compared to AAA.
RATES BY AGE: AAA VS. NATIONWIDE
| Age bracket | Nationwide avg. annual premium | AAA avg. annual premium |
| Teens | $3,624 | $10,256 |
| 20s | $1,582 | $4,644 |
| 30s | $1,582 | $4,644 |
| 40s | $1,151 | $3,195 |
| 50s | $1,114 | $3,083 |
| 60s | $1,028 | $2,887 |
Affordability aside, Nationwide and AAA each carry pros and cons, including their discount programs, add-ons, customer satisfaction ratings, and financial stability. Be sure to get quotes and compare rates before purchasing a policy.
Compare rates and start saving today!
Ratings comparison: Nationwide vs. AAA
Both Nationwide and AAA are widely known companies, each with a long history of third-party ratings and customer satisfaction scores. Below you'll find the compiled results of many of these most recent ratings. Included are scores for financial strength, customer complaints, and overall customer satisfaction.
| Ratings comparison | Nationwide | AAA |
|---|---|---|
| Financial strength (A.M. Best) | Superior | Superior |
| JD Power (claims satisfaction) | Average | Below average |
| JD Power (customer satisfaction) | Poor | Average |
| NAIC rating | Good | Poor |
| The Zebra's editorial review score | 3.5/5 | 3/5 |
| The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey | 4.3/5 | 4.2 |
Which company scores best?
Nationwide
Nationwide receives slightly better scores in most categories compared to AAA.
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey
To get a better sense of how the overall customer experience, The Zebra conducted an independent survey taking a look at many different factors. Below you'll find the results for each company.
Nationwide placed among the middle of the pack in most categories. Out of the fifteen major insurers included, Nationwide auto insurance placed 9th overall with a score of 4.3. While it struggled in the claims satisfaction category, Nationwide is generally viewed as a trustworthy car insurance option.
- Nationwide auto insurance placed 9th overall
- Millennial and Gen X respondents rated Nationwide highly for ease of interaction
- Scored poorly for claims satisfaction and online satisfaction
Among the carriers on our survey, AAA ranked 13th (out of 15) with a score of 4.2. In general, the company placed near the bottom in almost every category.
- Younger respondents had a more favorable view than older drivers
- Best scores came in the trust category
The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey methodology
Methodology:
These results are based on a survey of 2,722 U.S. insurance policyholders assessing satisfaction with their car and homeowners insurance providers. The survey was conducted using Survey Monkey and designed by our in-house team. It aimed to collect detailed insights from a census-balanced sample reflecting age, gender, and region.
Questionnaire
The questionnaire included demographic questions about age and gender identification and detailed inquiries into insurance experiences. Key topics:
- Duration with insurance provider and coverage specifics, including teen drivers.
- Claim filing experiences and satisfaction with claims handling.
- Customer service interactions, trust in providers, and likelihood of recommending their insurance.
- Use and satisfaction with digital tools and usage-based insurance programs.
Respondents rated their satisfaction on a Likert scale from 1 to 10 and provided qualitative feedback.
Data Analysis
Data were analyzed focusing on descriptive and inferential statistics to identify satisfaction trends and demographic impacts. Data cleaning and weighting were applied to ensure accuracy, alongside strict confidentiality protocols to protect data security.
Nationwide vs. AAA: discount comparison
Discounts are a great way to bring down the costs of your car insurance. See how each company's available discount options stack up below.
Due to AAA's partnerships with other car insurance companies to provide policies, some of these discount options may not be available in some locations. Always ask about what discounts you are eligible for when shopping for your policy.
Telematics options: Nationwide vs. AAA
Nationwide and AAA both offer telematics programs that can help to measure your driving habits and calculate the level of risk you pose. Take a look at our rundown of available options from both carriers below.
SmartRide is Nationwide's telematics offering, giving safe drivers the chance to save money. Because the app tracks your driving habits, it also provides feedback in an effort to help you avoid risk and stay safe.
In addition to the SmartRide program, Nationwide also offers a usage-based program aimed at low-mileage drivers. Commonly referred to as pay-per-mile car insurance, SmartMiles offers savings potential for drivers who aren't often behind the wheel.
Depending on the state in which they reside, some customers may be able to sign up for OnBoard, AAA's telematics option. The company boasts savings of 15% at sign-up, with total savings of up to 30% possible for eligible drivers. However, there is no separate app at the time of writing, meaning that all participants must download the AAA mobile app.
Zebra Tip: Explore Nationwide for telematics offerings
Nationwide offers both a telematics and usage-based program that could appeal to a wider group of drivers.
Roadside assistance: Nationwide vs. AAA
No one wants to be stuck on the side of the road. If you ever find yourself in that situation, you'll want a roadside assistance program that can get you back on the road quickly. Take a look at each company's roadside assistance options below.
Nationwide
To provide roadside assistance to its customers, Nationwide also partners with Agero. Drivers who choose to add roadside assistance, the following services are available:
- Towing
- Battery jump start
- Fuel delivery
- Flat-tire change
- Winching services
- Lock-out services
AAA
Perhaps no other company is more closely associated with roadside assistance than AAA. For that reason, it's no surprise that the company has an expansive selection of options available to both members and policyholders. Below is a list of options available:
- Jumpstarts
- Towing
- Fuel delivery
- Vehicle lockout
- flat tire service
- Stuck vehicle services
AAA offers different levels of membership that apply to roadside assistance. Those in higher tiers are often reimbursed for larger amounts or eligible for towing for longer distances. The highest tier even offers trip interruption coverage.
Nationwide vs. AAA: home insurance
Both Nationwide and AAA have popular home insurance options to accompany their auto coverage. Below, we take a look at how the two companies compare.
Nationwide homeowners insurance review
Nationwide insurance has a strong presence in the home insurance space, offering a variety of coverage options at competitive rates.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.3/5: Nationwide placed 10th overall in The Zebra's homeowners insurance customer survey.
- Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Above average: J.D. Power's property claims satisfaction study for 2021 gave Nationwide an above-average score of 892 out of 1,000.
- Customer satisfaction — (J.D. Power) — Below average: Nationwide earned below-average marks in J.D. Power's study of customer satisfaction.
- Financial strength — Superior: AM Best rates Nationwide an A+.
- NAIC Rating — Good: Nationwide received fewer complaints than other major homeowners insurance companies.
AAA homeowners review
As with AAA's car insurance offering, the company partners with a number of affiliated insurers to provide homeowners coverage. These companies include CSAA and Auto Club Indemnity Company. Ratings of AAA's home insurance offering are a composite of these companies in an effort to give a broad idea of what customers can expect.
- The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey — 4.2/5: AAA ranked 14th in the overall homeowners carrier category of The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey.
- Customer Service (J.D. Power) — Below Average: The average J.D. Power ranking of CSAA and Auto Club of Southern California Insurance group comes in just shy of the average for customer satisfaction.
- Financial Strength (AM Best) — Excellent: With a financial rating of “excellent,” you can rest assured AAA will be able to handle your claims.
- Claims Satisfaction (NAIC) — Good: The average number of complaints across different branches of AAA homeowners insurance companies is fewer than average.
Which company comes out on top?
Tie
Both AAA and Nationwide can pair customers with good homeowners policies. They are evenly matched in terms of customer satisfaction and financial strength. For these reason, we feel that both companies are worth exploring for homeowners insurance.
Nationwide vs. AAA: home insurance rate comparison
Nationwide's average annual homeowners insurance rate is $1,236. The average rates for AAA comes in slightly pricier at $1,296 per year. It's important to note that every company has its own underwriting methods, meaning that prices can vary one company to another. This is even true amongst AAA partner companies.
Home insurance rates are comprised of both individual and environmental factors. This can include things such as your claims history, area crime and your proximity to fire fighting services. For this reason, it's important to shop around when looking for home insurance quotes.
AAA has cheaper rates than Nationwide on average, coming in at around $108 per month to Nationwide's average of $119 per month.
The Zebra’s homeowners insurance data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Nationwide vs. AAA: homeowners discount comparison
Discounts can be enticing to prospective insurance shoppers. See how the homeowners discount options from Nationwide and AAA compare below.
Zebra tip: Check out Nationwide is you are seeking home insurance discounts
Nationwide offers more discounts than AAA for qualifying customers, but keep in mind this doesn't necessarily mean that they'll be cheaper for everyone.
Other insurance products and bundling options
Nationwide and AAA both offer multiple lines of insurance that can be bundled together. This can streamline your insurance policies and also lead to potential savings. Along with auto and home, customers may be able to add life, pet, or even small business coverage from Nationwide and AAA. Take a look at the additional coverage types available from each company below.
| Other products | Nationwide | AAA |
|---|---|---|
| Boat insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Condo insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Life insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Homeowners insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renters insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| RV insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Motorcycle insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile home insurance | ||
| Umbrella | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offroad vehicles and ATVs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Classic car | ✓ | ✓ |
| Small business | ✓ | ✓ |
| Farm and ranch | ✓ | |
| Pet | ✓ | ✓ |
Find the best insurance policy for your needs.
Related Content
Related Questions
Other people are also asking...
Can I get AAA roadside assistance without having insurance with them?
Can a bank add insurance to my loan when I already have insurance?
I want to get my own car insurance, but my mom won't let me.
How do I dispute a driving record with AAA?
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.