Nationwide SmartRide Review: Pros, Cons, & Alternatives

Discover how Nationwide SmartRide can help you save on car insurance rates. This usage-based insurance program tracks your driving habits and rewards safe driving with discounts of up to 40%. From monitoring speed and braking to analyzing acceleration and idling habits, SmartRide calculates personalized discounts based on your driving behavior.

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Chris Tepedino

Insurance Feature Writer

Chris Tepedino is a feature writer that has written extensively about home, life, and car insurance for numerous websites. He has a college degree in communication from the University of Tennessee and has experience reporting, researching investigative pieces, and crafting detailed, data-driven features. His works have been featured on CB Blog Nation, Flow Words, Healing Law, WIBW Kansas, and C...

Insurance Feature Writer

Laura Walker

Former Licensed Agent

Laura Walker graduated college with a BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science. She married her husband and began working in the family insurance business in 2005. She became a licensed agent and wrote P&C business focusing on personal lines insurance for 10 years. Laura serviced existing business and wrote new business. She now uses her insurance background to help educate...

Former Licensed Agent

UPDATED: May 24, 2023

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Company Details
Address: One Nationwide Plaza
City: Columbus
State: OH
ZIP Code: 43215-2220
Phone Number: 1-800-882-2822
Year Founded: 1926
AM Best Rating: A+

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Nationwide SmartRide and how it can help you save on car insurance. In this article, we will explore the key features and benefits of Nationwide SmartRide, a usage-based insurance program that rewards safe driving with potential discounts of up to 40%. We will delve into how it works, what driving habits it tracks, and the potential savings you can enjoy. Additionally, we will discuss the pros and cons of Nationwide SmartRide and provide alternatives to consider.

To find the best insurance rates tailored to your needs, enter your ZIP code now and compare quotes from top insurance providers. Take control of your car insurance costs and start driving smarter with Nationwide SmartRide.

What is Nationwide SmartRide, and how does it work?

SmartRide is Nationwide insurance company’s usage-based insurance rewards program (along with the SmartMiles program). Like most usage-based insurance programs, SmartRide uses telematics technology to track driver behavior and provide discounts unique to the individual.

The company, which has a wide variety of offerings, including Nationwide pet insurance and Nationwide retirement plans, has also partnered with Amazon Alexa so you can get up-to-date information on recently-collected SmartRide data and how it affects your discount.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QbY6GEpMbw

To benefit from SmartRide, you’ll need to enroll in the program. All you need to do is speak with your Nationwide insurance agent. They’ll get you signed up. Download the SmartRide app, go for a drive, and watch the discounts roll in.

When you’re considering whether to buy Nationwide SmartRide car insurance, you’re probably wondering what counts toward discounts when you’re behind the wheel. What does Nationwide SmartRide track? When you’re driving, the SmartRide app will track your:

  • Miles driven (fewer miles is better for discounts)
  • Hard braking and acceleration (this can count against you)
  • Idle time (indicates traffic congestion; less is better)
  • Nighttime driving (avoid driving between midnight at 5 a.m. when possible)

Keep reading to find out how much you can save with SmartRide.

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How much can you save with Nationwide SmartRide, and is it worth it?

We can’t give you specific car insurance quotes with Nationwide SmartRide or average Nationwide SmartRide car insurance rates because these are based on your unique driving habits.

However, you’ll get an initial 10 percent discount as soon as you’ve enrolled in the program and downloaded the SmartRide app. The app will track your driving for the program’s duration (usually four to six months) and calculate your discount based on the results.

You can earn up to an additional 40 percent off your car insurance rates, depending on how safely you drive. Your earned discount will be applied to your monthly rates at your next policy renewal.

What if you have a connected car? A connected car is one that already tracks your driving habits. If your vehicle does this and you elected to share the data, you may already be qualified for a SmartRide discount without even downloading the app. Speak with your insurance agent to find out more.

With up to 40 percent in discounts, this seems like an easy decision, right? One major concern drivers should consider when deciding whether or not to enroll in SmartRide (or other, similar, programs): privacy.

As we’ve already noted, apps like SmartRide track a variety of personal driving data. This can be an issue for some people, and according to the Insurance Information Institute, it has been enough of a concern that some states are now requiring insurance companies to be very clear about how data is tracked, stored, and used.

Nationwide SmartRide: The Bottom Line

With Nationwide SmartRide, you can save 10 percent for signing up and up to an additional 40 percent, based on your driving habits. The app tracks several metrics, including your braking, acceleration, and idling habits, to calculate your discount.

Wondering if Nationwide is a good insurance company or is a good fit for your needs? We have customer feedback and reviews on Nationwide to help you decide.

Before you leave this Nationwide SmartRide (or Nationwide Smart Ride) review, use your ZIP code in the tool on this page to get free quotes from car insurance companies in your area to start comparing rates today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nationwide SmartRide?

Nationwide SmartRide is a usage-based insurance program offered by Nationwide Insurance. It uses a telematics device installed in your car to track your driving habits and rewards safe driving with potential discounts on your auto insurance premiums.

How does Nationwide SmartRide work?

Nationwide SmartRide uses a telematics device that plugs into your car’s OBD-II port to collect data about your driving habits, such as speed, acceleration, braking, and the time of day you drive. This data is used to calculate your SmartRide discount, which can be up to 40% off your auto insurance premium.

What are the pros of Nationwide SmartRide?

The pros of Nationwide SmartRide include potential savings on your auto insurance premium, feedback on your driving habits, and the ability to improve your driving skills and become a safer driver.

What are the cons of Nationwide SmartRide?

The cons of Nationwide SmartRide include the potential for increased premiums if you don’t drive safely, concerns about privacy and data security, and the inconvenience of having to install and maintain the telematics device.

Are there any alternatives to Nationwide SmartRide?

Yes, there are several alternatives to Nationwide SmartRide, including Progressive Snapshot, State Farm Drive Safe and Save, and Allstate Drivewise. These programs work in a similar way to SmartRide, using telematics devices to track driving habits and offer potential discounts on auto insurance premiums.

Reviews
for Nationwide

4.02 (3,018 reviews)
1
December 7, 2021

brycelefevre

Long phone wait times

Had to call in a few times now for the same auto claim. The first time was nearly 1.5 hours before anyone picked up. Today I have been waiting over 2 hours for an answer and still nothing. Nationwide should learn to take care of their customers and answer the phones so they can provide the service they are being paid to provide!
5
January 16, 2021

Wareagle256205

Is Nationwide REALLY on your side?

Happy with Nationwide so far. Premiums are not too shabby. The agent and customer service has been more than helpful. This is good after having horrible experience with another provider.
5
January 16, 2021

Danielle202

Best Insurance Company

its best insurance company for me. i like this company. this companies policy suit every person. so anyone like it.
5
January 5, 2021

Purple1992_

Great service and worth the money

I enjoyed their service and think that they really do put their customer first by accommodating them as much possible
4
December 24, 2020

Lawanda

Delighted to have auto insurance and roadside assistance.

It was wintertime and I wasn't thinking clearly. I started my car to let it warm up and locked my keys inside. I had to go to a neighbor's house and call for a lock out. I had to wait at my neighbors until they came, but had to keep an eye on my car at the same time. I was so happy to have insurance to cover this experience. It could have been a lot worse. They were there within 30 minutes or so.
5
December 22, 2020

Anna5N

Nationwide is the best

They have fantastic rates and good quality coverage for the price. The staff are very knowledgeable and always help me with my auto insurance needs.
5
December 15, 2020

Jencorbin

Nationwide really is on your side

I have had nationwide auto insurance since I started driving. I watched nationwide cover my parent's auto and homeowners needs. Nationwide has helped me through a decent amount of claims. I have the perfect coverage for my auto needs at competitive prices. Nationwide representatives are helpful and truly have your best interests at heart. I'm able to bundle my auto insurance with my renter's insurance to get more of a discoun...
I have had nationwide auto insurance since I started driving. I watched nationwide cover my parent's auto and homeowners needs. Nationwide has helped me through a decent amount of claims. I have the perfect coverage for my auto needs at competitive prices. Nationwide representatives are helpful and truly have your best interests at heart. I'm able to bundle my auto insurance with my renter's insurance to get more of a discount. I have no plan switching insurance providers anytime soon because I am so satisfied.
4
November 26, 2020

Adelbert

In Nationwide I Trust

My experience with nationwide is really fascinating. They vaule their customers very much. They care about their customers. Their service is up to the mark. I am really happy to be with them.
2
October 21, 2020

RD2371

Misleading adice

I was quoted 1 price but every time interest rate went up so did my payment and I got to where I come afford payment
5
October 21, 2020

JealousGull

Staying with another 10+ years

I’ve had Nationwide for years because of their loyalty to their customers. My agent goes above and beyond while making sure to help anyway possible should the need arise. I’ve had to have my vehicle towed quite a few times and always dread trying to find a towing company due to a past experience of a towing company trying to be sent from an entirely different city over a hour away, I immediately called my agent who straightened everything out...
I’ve had Nationwide for years because of their loyalty to their customers. My agent goes above and beyond while making sure to help anyway possible should the need arise. I’ve had to have my vehicle towed quite a few times and always dread trying to find a towing company due to a past experience of a towing company trying to be sent from an entirely different city over a hour away, I immediately called my agent who straightened everything out and had a tow truck on the way arriving in 15 minutes. I also like my yearly calendar!
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