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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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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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.
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