Nationwide vs USAA
Compare Nationwide and USAA auto insurance side by side, including coverage options, discounts, usage-based insurance programs, claims support, roadside assistance, vehicle protection and other important policy features.
“`Nationwide vs USAA at a Glance
Nationwide and USAA both offer customizable auto insurance policies, digital policy management, discounts and usage-based insurance programs. One of the most important differences is that USAA auto insurance is available only to people who meet USAA’s membership eligibility requirements.
Coverage Comparison
Both insurers offer core auto insurance protections, while specific coverages and optional features depend on state and policy eligibility. When comparing quotes, use matching limits and deductibles whenever possible.
| Coverage / Feature | Nationwide | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Liability Coverage | Available | Available |
| Collision Coverage | Available | Available |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Available | Available |
| Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist | Available depending on state and policy | Available depending on state and policy |
| Medical / PIP | Availability varies by state | Availability varies by state |
| Roadside Assistance | Available | Available |
| Rental / Transportation Protection | Available options | Available options |
| Gap / Vehicle Loan Protection | Available options | Vehicle protection options available |
| Accident Forgiveness | Available as an optional feature in qualifying situations | Available options may vary by state and policy |
| Usage-Based Insurance | SmartRide and SmartMiles | SafePilot and SafePilot Miles |
| Digital Claims | On Your Side Claims Service and digital tools | 24/7 policy and claims management through the USAA Mobile App |
Usage-Based Insurance: SmartRide & SmartMiles vs SafePilot & SafePilot Miles
Both companies offer more than one usage-based approach. The distinction between safe-driving programs and mileage-oriented programs is important when comparing how a policy may fit your driving pattern.
Nationwide offers SmartRide and SmartMiles, which address different usage-based insurance needs.
- SmartRide: a usage-based program that can provide a discount based on qualifying driving behavior.
- SmartRide evaluates driving factors such as miles driven, hard braking, acceleration, nighttime driving and other qualifying factors.
- SmartMiles: a pay-per-mile program designed for eligible drivers whose mileage may make this type of insurance relevant.
- SmartMiles uses mileage as part of its pricing structure.
USAA offers SafePilot and SafePilot Miles for eligible customers.
- SafePilot: an optional safe-driving program that can provide an enrollment discount and an earned discount at renewal.
- USAA currently states that SafePilot can provide up to 15% off at enrollment and up to 30% off at renewal for safe driving in select locations.
- SafePilot Miles: designed for lower-mileage drivers, with mileage contributing to the monthly rate.
- USAA currently advertises up to 20% savings for lower mileage and an earned safe-driving discount of up to 20%, subject to program terms and eligibility.
Safe-Driving Programs Compared
| Program Detail | Nationwide SmartRide | USAA SafePilot |
|---|---|---|
| Program Type | Usage-based safe-driving program | Optional safe-driving program |
| Driving Behavior | Used to determine qualifying savings | Used to determine earned renewal discount |
| Enrollment Savings | Program terms vary | Up to 15% in select locations |
| Potential Earned Discount | Up to 40%, depending on program and eligibility | Up to 30% at renewal in select locations |
| Mobile App / Telematics | Program-dependent | Mobile app required for participating drivers |
| State Restrictions | Yes | Yes |
Low-Mileage Insurance: SmartMiles vs SafePilot Miles
SmartMiles is Nationwide’s pay-per-mile insurance option for eligible customers. It is designed around mileage and can be relevant for drivers who do not use their vehicles extensively.
The program differs from SmartRide because mileage is directly incorporated into the pricing model rather than simply being one factor in a safe-driving discount program.
SafePilot Miles is USAA’s mileage-oriented program for eligible drivers. USAA states that the monthly rate is adjusted based on mileage and other factors.
USAA currently advertises up to 20% savings for lower mileage, along with an earned safe-driving discount of up to 20%, subject to program terms and location.
USAA Membership Eligibility
Who Can Generally Access USAA?
Unlike a conventional national insurer that sells policies to the general public, USAA limits membership to eligible members of the military community and qualifying family members.
- Active-duty military members
- National Guard and Reserve members
- Veterans who meet USAA’s service requirements
- Certain contracted ROTC cadets and midshipmen
- Officer and warrant officer candidates
- Eligible spouses and children of USAA members
- Service academy appointees
USAA’s current eligibility rules and qualifying relationships should be checked directly before requesting coverage.
Auto Insurance Discounts
| Discount / Savings Area | Nationwide | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Safe Driving | SmartRide | SafePilot |
| Low Mileage | SmartMiles | SafePilot Miles |
| Multi-Policy / Bundle | Available | Available |
| Multi-Vehicle | Available | Available |
| Good Student | Available for qualifying drivers | Available for qualifying drivers |
| Storage | Discount availability varies | Storage discount available for qualifying situations |
| Military / On-Base | Eligibility varies | Up to 15% on qualifying on-base situations |
| New Vehicle | Discount availability varies | Discount may be available for qualifying vehicles less than 3 years old |
| Automatic / Payment Options | Discount opportunities vary | Discount opportunities vary |
Claims and Digital Policy Management
Nationwide provides On Your Side Claims Service and digital tools for managing insurance needs.
- Digital policy management
- Online claim services
- On Your Side Claims Service
- On Your Side Auto Repair Network
- Written repair guarantee when using a qualifying network repair facility
- Roadside assistance options
USAA provides digital policy and claims management through its mobile platform.
- 24/7 mobile policy management
- Digital proof of insurance
- Online policy changes
- Mobile claim filing and tracking
- Roadside assistance requests through the mobile app
- Digital billing and account management
Vehicle Protection and Additional Features
Additional Protection Options
Nationwide offers multiple auto insurance options that can be customized according to the driver’s needs and state requirements.
- Liability, collision and comprehensive coverage
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist protection
- Medical and personal injury protection where applicable
- Rental-related protection options
- Roadside assistance
- Gap-related protection options
- Accident Forgiveness in qualifying situations
- Vanishing Deductible in qualifying policies
Additional Protection Options
USAA allows eligible members to customize auto insurance with different coverage options and additional protections.
- Liability coverage
- Collision and comprehensive coverage
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
- Roadside assistance
- Rental-related coverage options
- Car Replacement Assistance for qualifying policies
- Rideshare-related protection options
- Military-focused insurance considerations
Car Replacement Assistance and Vehicle Protection
Nationwide provides several optional protections that can address vehicle-related financial risks, including options for financed or leased vehicles. Exact availability depends on the state and policy.
USAA offers Car Replacement Assistance for qualifying policies. Current USAA information describes additional protection that can provide 20% more than the vehicle’s actual cash value when a covered vehicle is totaled or stolen, subject to the applicable policy terms.
Customers should verify eligibility and the exact coverage amount in their policy documents.
What Can Affect Your Auto Insurance Price?
Driving History
Accidents, tickets, claims history and driving experience can affect an individual auto insurance quote.
Car and Usage
Vehicle characteristics, annual mileage, location and how the vehicle is used can influence the quoted premium.
Coverage Choices
Liability limits, deductibles and optional coverage selections can substantially change the final premium.
How to Compare Nationwide and USAA Quotes Correctly
Confirm Eligibility
If considering USAA, first verify that you qualify for USAA membership and auto insurance.
Match Liability Limits
Request equivalent bodily injury and property damage liability limits from both insurers.
Match Deductibles
Use comparable collision and comprehensive deductibles when reviewing the two quotes.
Compare Optional Coverage
Check rental, roadside, vehicle replacement, gap and other optional protections on an equivalent basis.
Review Discounts
Ask which discounts actually apply to your household rather than comparing advertised discounts that may not be available in your state.
Review the Final Policy
Before purchasing, review the declarations page, coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions and endorsements.
Which Features May Be Relevant to Different Drivers?
| Driver Situation | Nationwide Features to Review | USAA Features to Review |
|---|---|---|
| Low-mileage driver | SmartMiles | SafePilot Miles |
| Safe-driving focused driver | SmartRide | SafePilot |
| Military household | Available discounts and coverage options | USAA membership, military discounts and usage-based programs |
| Driver with multiple vehicles | Multi-policy and multi-vehicle opportunities | Multi-vehicle discount |
| Household with multiple insurance policies | Multi-policy discount | Bundle and save options |
| Young student driver | Good-student eligibility should be checked | Good Student Discount for qualifying drivers |
| Vehicle kept in storage | Ask about applicable options | Storage discount may be available |
| Driver concerned about vehicle value after a total loss | Review applicable vehicle and gap protection | Review Car Replacement Assistance eligibility |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Nationwide and USAA the same insurance company?
No. Nationwide and USAA are separate insurance organizations with different products, discounts, usage-based programs and eligibility requirements.
Does Nationwide have a safe-driving program?
Yes. Nationwide offers SmartRide, a usage-based program designed to provide savings based on qualifying driving behavior.
Does Nationwide offer pay-per-mile insurance?
Nationwide offers SmartMiles, a usage-based program that incorporates mileage into its pricing structure for eligible customers.
Does USAA offer a safe-driving program?
Yes. USAA offers SafePilot, which can provide an enrollment discount and an earned renewal discount based on qualifying driving behavior.
Does USAA offer low-mileage insurance?
Yes. USAA offers SafePilot Miles, which is designed for eligible lower-mileage drivers. USAA states that the monthly rate is adjusted based on mileage and other factors.
Who is eligible for USAA auto insurance?
USAA generally serves eligible members of the military community and qualifying family members. Current eligibility categories include active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve members, qualifying veterans and certain family members and military candidates.
Can I compare Nationwide and USAA based only on the premium?
A premium-only comparison can be misleading. Compare equivalent liability limits, deductibles, optional coverage, discounts and vehicle protections before comparing the final premium.
Are Nationwide and USAA discounts available in every state?
No. Discount availability, eligibility and savings can vary by state. USAA also places specific geographic restrictions on programs such as SafePilot.
Explore the Nationwide and USAA Insurance Pages
Visit the dedicated company pages on Newest Cars Insurance to review more information before comparing policies and quotes.