+120 more)
Amy Beardsley is a seasoned insurance expert who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. She has more than 12 years of industry knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, commercial, and other insurance products. Amy’s work has been published by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Legal & General, NerdWallet, Robinhood, Insurify, NEXT Insurance, and more.
Amy worked as a court administrator before becoming a content marketing writer. Her legal background has equipped her with the ability to simplify complex technical language into easy-to-understand content.
She graduated magna cum laude from Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Legal Studies.
)
)
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
Updated
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
For lower car insurance rates, Root is the clear winner. Its average monthly premiums are just $83 — well below Nationwide’s average rate of $137 per month. Root has affordable prices for most drivers, young and old, and drivers with accidents or DUIs, according to our research.
But if you’re after more than just savings, Nationwide might be a better match. Nationwide has a wider range of coverage options — like gap insurance and accident forgiveness — making it a good fit if you value extra perks Root doesn’t offer.
Root bases its rates on your driving habits, which is great news for safe drivers who may have poor credit or other factors working against them.
Both companies offer usage-based discounts, but Root’s is automatic and mandatory, while Nationwide’s SmartRide program is optional.
Nationwide’s app gets higher ratings, but Root’s covers everything in one place, from managing your auto insurance policy to tracking your driving habits for discounts.
Price is important, but it’s not the only thing to consider when comparing insurance companies. We’ve researched dozens of companies to determine each insurer’s Compare.com Rating. It gives you a snapshot of price, customer happiness, ease of use, availability, reputation in the insurance industry, and more to help you determine the best car insurance company for you.
Below is a breakdown of how Root and Nationwide score across these key areas, according to our research.
Category  | Root | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 4/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Customer satisfaction | 1/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Ease of use | 4.2/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Availability | 2.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Industry reputation | 5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Overall Score* | 3.43/5 | 4.70/5 |
Nationwide takes the lead overall, especially when it comes to customer service and availability. If you want a reliable, easy-to-reach insurer, Nationwide might be your best bet.
On the other hand, Root holds its own in terms of cost — but it doesn’t offer many discounts, which affects its score. But the insurer has a strong industry reputation, despite it being a relative newcomer in the space.
)
How much you pay for auto insurance can vary — factors like your location, your driving record, and even your credit history play into your rates. Plus, companies can offer discounts to help you save more on auto coverage.
The table below shows how Root and Nationwide compare across different coverage types and driver profiles, as well as the national average for each group, according to Compare.com data.
Factor | Root | Nationwide | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall average | $83 | $137 | $135 |
| Liability coverage | $67 | $87 | $92 |
| Full coverage | $98 | $186 | $176 |
| At-fault accident | $132 | $171 | $181 |
| DUI | $114 | $212 | $203 |
| Poor credit | $100 | $143 | $162 |
| Teens | $109 | $224 | $232 |
| Seniors | $71 | $89 | $103 |
We found that Root’s average premiums are a bargain across the board, especially for teens, full coverage, and drivers with a DUI. It’s a better average rate, but your specific quote can be different depending on your situation. That’s why it’s important to compare quotes from multiple insurers every time you shop for coverage.
Compare personalized quotes and get your next policy in minutes
You’ll notice that your age can affect your car insurance costs no matter which insurance company you choose. Young drivers tend to pay the most because of their inexperience.
But rates usually drop as you get older and gain more time behind the wheel. Seniors, who typically drive less and have the most experience, often enjoy some of the cheapest rates of any group.
This table highlights how much Root and Nationwide charge by age group, according to our analysis.
Age Group | Root | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Teens | $109 | $224 |
| 20s | $98 | $155 |
| 30s | $77 | $128 |
| 40s | $81 | $118 |
| 50s | $75 | $103 |
| 60s | $71 | $94 |
| 70s | $72 | $89 |
Teen drivers have the highest insurance rates of any age group, largely because they’re newer to driving and more prone to accidents. In fact, car accidents are the number one cause of death for teens ages 15–18 in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Root charges teens an average rate of $109 per month, while Nationwide charges $224, according to Compare.com data.
By the time you’re a senior, you often see the lowest rates. Seniors drive fewer miles and often stick to daytime trips, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) — and that can contribute to more affordable car insurance coverage.
Root offers seniors an average rate of $71 per month, while Nationwide’s rates come in at $94, according to our data.
Your driving record also plays a big role in how much you pay for car insurance. In fact, it has the most influence on your cost, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Insurance companies view people with clean driving records as low-risk, which typically leads to lower premiums. But traffic violations like speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or a DUI conviction can raise your rates — sometimes, by quite a lot. That’s because insurers assume that drivers with past claims are more likely to have more in the future.
Here’s how Root’s and Nationwide’s average premiums stack up for drivers with different driving records, according to our research.
Driving Record | Root | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $83 | $137 |
| Speeding ticket | $126 | $160 |
| At-fault accident | $132 | $171 |
| DUI | $114 | $212 |
Keeping your driving record spotless is the easiest way to keep your car insurance costs down. If you’ve got a history of safe driving, you’ll almost always see the lowest insurance prices when shopping for quotes.
Root rewards good drivers with an average rate of just $83 per month — much lower than Nationwide’s monthly average cost of $137.
A single speeding ticket can increase your risk status in the eyes of insurers — in fact, it causes insurance prices to rise by 27% on average nationally, according Compare.com data.
Drivers with a ticket on their record pay an average of $126 per month from Root, while Nationwide charges $160 per month.
An at-fault accident can cause your insurance rates to jump by around 34% nationally, according to Compare.com data. Causing an accident signals higher risk to insurers, and companies adjust premiums to match the increased likelihood of future claims.
If you’ve been in a recent car crash, Root’s average monthly premium sits at $132, and Nationwide’s monthly cost is $171.
Our data shows that a DUI can have one of the biggest effects on car insurance premiums, increasing average rates by 50% nationally. Insurers see a DUI as a red flag, which bumps up your prices and can keep them higher for years after the incident.
Root auto insurance rates average $114 per month for drivers with a DUI, while Nationwide charges $212 per month.
Uncover better rates, regardless of your driving record
)
Car insurance isn’t just about meeting state requirements — it’s also about having the right protection for your needs. All auto insurance companies offer basic liability coverage, but additional options, like comprehensive, collision, rideshare, and gap insurance, depend on the insurer you pick.
The table below shows the coverage options available with Root and Nationwide, according to our research.
Nationwide offers more coverages than Root. It’s a good choice if you want coverage like gap insurance, vanishing deductibles, or new car replacement — options Root doesn’t offer.
But if you’re looking for more straightforward coverage without the frills, Root provides coverages you’d expect to see, and at potentially lower rates. It really comes down to how much coverage you want beyond the basics.
Nearly all insurance companies offer discounts to help lower your premiums. You can find savings for everything from safe driving habits to bundling multiple insurance policies with the same insurer. Each company has different types of savings, so check out every company’s available discounts when shopping for car coverage.
Here are the discounts that Root and Nationwide offer, according to our research.
Discount Type | Root | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Affinity | ||
| Alternative energy | ||
| Anti-theft | ✔ | |
| Automatic payments | ✔ | |
| Customer loyalty | ||
| Defensive driver | ✔ | |
| Good student | ✔ | |
| Early shopper | ||
| Federal employee | ||
| Homeowner | ||
| Low mileage | ✔ | |
| Military | ||
| Multi-policy | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-vehicle | ✔ | |
| New car | ||
| Paperless billing | ✔ | |
| Pay-in-full | ✔ | |
| Safe driver | ✔ | ✔ |
| Safety equipment | ||
| Student away at school | ✔ | |
| Teacher | ||
| Usage-based/telematics | ✔ | ✔ |
Root has just four discount options compared to Nationwide’s 11. Nationwide offers savings for things like anti-theft devices and signing up for paperless billing. Root focuses more on simpler discounts, like paying for your policy in full and usage-based programs.
Still, discounts don’t tell the whole story — Nationwide has more chances to save, but Root may offer affordable rates up front.
Find the company that's the best fit for you in minutes
)
Customer satisfaction for Root and Nationwide is a toss-up. We looked at reviews on several customer review platforms to see how both companies compare across each site. The table below shows what we found.
Review Site | Root | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.4/5 | 1.6/5 |
| Clearsurance | 3.59/5 | 4.02/5 |
| Better Business Bureau | 1.48/5 | 1.13/5 |
Root reviews are generally positive, especially on Trustpilot, where 71% of reviews give the company 5 stars. But Nationwide doesn’t score as well. For example, on Trustpilot, 86% of the company’s reviews give it 1 star.
For example, several Root customers say the website is easy to use to get coverage. Still, the reviewer below hasn’t gotten their car insurance quote yet — they’re still in their “test-drive” period, which can take up to 30 days.
)
The driver below says it was easy to get insurance, and they’re saving 50% on their full-coverage policy with Root. Saving on coverage is a welcome relief for many drivers after premiums increased in the first half of 2024.
)
Nationwide doesn’t fare quite as well. After 14 years with the company, the below customer expresses frustration with rising rates despite having no accidents or tickets.
)
Some other reviewers share problems with the claims process. For example, the reviewer below says Nationwide refuses to pay a claim after the adjuster’s investigation.
)
Price and customer reviews are important when choosing car insurance, but other factors might sway your decision. Perks like extra coverage options, a simple claims process, and the company’s mobile app can make one insurer stand out over another, depending on what you’re looking for.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Root and Nationwide unique beyond pricing and customer reviews.
The primary advantage of Root is its focus on your driving habits through telematics. You can still get a great rate if you’re a safe driver but have other factors that make you high-risk, like poor credit. Root has a referral program, too. It pays you if your friends take a test-drive and view their quotes.
Nationwide offers a bit more — first, its SmartRide program that tracks your driving habits is optional. It also has accident forgiveness and a vanishing deductible.
Root keeps things simple with its claims, letting you file through its app or over the phone. But it has limited hours if you make your claim by phone.
Nationwide gives you more flexibility. Besides being able to file a claim by phone or through the app, you can contact your insurance agent to file your claim. Nationwide also has an approved repair network that guarantees work for as long as you own your vehicle.
Both Root and Nationwide have apps in the App Store and Google Play. But there’s a key difference: The Root app is central to everything, from tracking your driving to filing claims and adjusting your coverage. Nationwide’s app handles claims and policy management, but you’ll need a separate app for its SmartRide usage-based car insurance.
It’s natural to have questions when sifting through your car insurance options. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about Root and Nationwide to help you find the best deal.
Root and Nationwide are strong contenders, but the “best” car insurance company really depends on your needs. Nationwide has more coverage options and perks, while Root tends to be cheaper. Other top companies like GEICO, Progressive, and Allstate offer a balance of cost and coverage and are also worth considering.
Yes. Root is cheaper than Nationwide for many drivers, especially if you practice safe driving habits. Root’s quotes are often lower because it bases premiums heavily on driving behavior. Nationwide offers broader coverage options, which can sometimes mean higher rates.
Yes, Root is a legitimate car insurance company. The company has been on the scene since 2015 and offers policies in 34 states. Root uses a unique approach to pricing car insurance, basing your cost on your driving behavior through its telematics program.
Root stands out for its heavy reliance on telematics. It uses your actual driving habits to calculate your premium. This makes it a great option for safe drivers who might get higher rates from other companies because of factors like age or credit history. Root also has a referral program where you can earn cash for referring friends.
Data Methodology:
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Rating Methodology:
Compare.com’s mission is to help our readers make more informed decisions about their personal finances. Our editorial staff has crafted a proprietary, objective rating formula — the Compare.com Rating — to make it easier for our readers to analyze and compare many of the industry’s most well-known insurers. The score you see referenced in this article is based on several factors, including:
Cost: How the insurer’s average rates compare to its direct competitors and the industry as a whole. This includes available savings opportunities, such as discounts and other factors.
Customer satisfaction: How satisfied existing customers are with the service they receive. This includes the insurer’s scores among various third-party studies, such as the J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping and Claims Satisfaction studies, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index, among others.
Ease of use: How easy it is for policyholders to utilize their policies. This includes mobile app availability, customer service availability, payment flexibility, and other related factors.
Availability: The overall scope of the company’s insurance offerings. This includes available coverage types, national footprint, and other related factors.
Industry reputation: A measure of the insurer’s overall standing within the industry. This includes its AM Best Financial Strength rating, BBB accreditation, and other related factors.
Sources:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Understanding the Problem,” accessed September 11, 2024.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Teen Driving,” accessed September 11, 2024.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Older Drivers,” accessed September 11, 2024.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “Best Practices for Insurance Rate Disclosures,” accessed September 11, 2024.
Insurify, “New Report: Insurify Projects 22% Increase in Car Insurance Costs After 15% Spike in First Half of 2024,” accessed September 11, 2024.
Trustpilot, “Root Insurance,” accessed September 12, 2024.
Clearsurance, “Root Insurance,” accessed September 12, 2024.
Better Business Bureau, “Root,” accessed September 12, 2024.
Google Play, “Root: Better car insurance,” accessed September 12, 2024.
App Store, “Root: Better car insurance,” accessed September 12, 2024.
Google Play, “Nationwide Mobile,” accessed September 12, 2024.
App Store, “Nationwide Mobile,” accessed September 12, 2024.
)
Amy Beardsley is a seasoned insurance expert who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. She has more than 12 years of industry knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, commercial, and other insurance products. Amy’s work has been published by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Legal & General, NerdWallet, Robinhood, Insurify, NEXT Insurance, and more.
Amy worked as a court administrator before becoming a content marketing writer. Her legal background has equipped her with the ability to simplify complex technical language into easy-to-understand content.
She graduated magna cum laude from Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Legal Studies.
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
)
