Nationwide vs Farmers
Nationwide and Farmers both offer standard auto insurance coverage along with a wide range of optional protections and savings programs. This comparison examines their coverage, discounts, safe-driving programs, accident forgiveness, vehicle replacement options, deductibles, roadside assistance and other features that can affect an auto insurance policy.
“`Nationwide vs Farmers: At a Glance
Nationwide Auto Insurance
Nationwide provides standard auto insurance coverage with additional programs and protections including SmartRide, SmartMiles, Vanishing Deductible, Accident Forgiveness, GAP coverage and roadside assistance.
- Liability coverage
- Collision and comprehensive coverage
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical payments and PIP where applicable
- Rental car expense coverage
- GAP coverage
- Accident Forgiveness
- Vanishing Deductible
- Roadside Assistance
- SmartRide safe-driving program
- SmartMiles usage-based insurance
Farmers Auto Insurance
Farmers offers customizable auto insurance with standard liability, collision and comprehensive protection plus features such as Signal, Accident Forgiveness, Vehicle Replacement Plus, OEM parts, rental alternatives and Residual Debt coverage.
- Liability coverage
- Collision and comprehensive coverage
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical payments and PIP where applicable
- Rental car reimbursement
- Rental Alternative / Loss of Use
- Residual Debt / GAP coverage
- New Car Replacement / Vehicle Replacement Plus
- OEM / New Original Parts
- Accident Forgiveness
- Signal safe-driving program
- Roadside Assistance
Nationwide vs Farmers Coverage Comparison
Both companies provide the major types of auto insurance coverage used by U.S. drivers. Optional features, limits and eligibility can differ by state and policy.
| Coverage / Feature | Nationwide | Farmers |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Bodily injury and property damage liability coverage are available. | Bodily injury and property damage liability coverage are available. |
| Collision | Helps pay for covered damage to the insured vehicle resulting from a collision. | Helps cover damage to the insured vehicle caused by a covered collision. |
| Comprehensive | Helps cover qualifying non-collision losses such as theft, vandalism, weather and animal-related damage. | Helps cover qualifying non-collision losses such as theft, fire, vandalism and weather-related events. |
| Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist | Available to protect against qualifying losses involving uninsured or underinsured drivers, subject to state requirements. | Available as part of Farmers auto coverage options, subject to state requirements and policy terms. |
| Medical protection | Medical payments and PIP are available depending on state and policy. | Medical payments and PIP are available where applicable. |
| Rental coverage | Rental car expense coverage can help with transportation while a covered vehicle is being repaired. | Rental car reimbursement can cover a rental while a vehicle is being repaired, while Rental Alternative can provide a daily stipend. |
| GAP / Loan protection | GAP coverage can help cover the difference between a vehicle’s actual cash value and the remaining loan or lease balance. | Residual Debt / GAP coverage can cover up to 25% above actual cash value toward an eligible remaining loan or lease balance. |
| Roadside assistance | 24-hour roadside assistance is available as an optional feature. | Standard and enhanced roadside options are available, with enhanced options including additional transportation assistance. |
| Accident forgiveness | Optional Accident Forgiveness is available in select states. | Accident Forgiveness is available on eligible Farmers policies, subject to state and policy requirements. |
| OEM parts | Repair options depend on the applicable policy and network. | New Original Parts / OEM coverage can provide manufacturer-original parts when available under qualifying coverage. |
Nationwide SmartRide vs Farmers Signal
Nationwide and Farmers both offer smartphone-based usage-based insurance programs. However, their programs operate differently and can have different effects on renewal pricing.
SmartRide is Nationwide’s safe-driving usage-based insurance program. Nationwide states that eligible customers can receive an enrollment discount and can earn savings based on driving behavior.
- Miles driven
- Hard braking
- Acceleration
- Nighttime driving
- Driving feedback
Nationwide currently states that SmartRide savings can reach up to 40%, subject to program terms and eligibility.
Signal is Farmers’ smartphone-based driving program. It monitors driving behavior and can provide an initial discount and potential renewal savings.
- Focused driving
- Hard braking
- Excessive speed
- Time of day
- Total mileage
- Household participation
Farmers states that riskier driving behavior can increase the renewal premium under applicable Signal programs.
| Telematics Factor | Nationwide SmartRide | Farmers Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile-based program | Yes | Yes |
| Safe-driving evaluation | Yes | Yes |
| Hard braking | Measured | Measured |
| Acceleration | Measured | Driving behavior is evaluated through Signal metrics |
| Speed | Driving behavior contributes to the program evaluation | Excessive speed is measured |
| Night / time-of-day driving | Nighttime driving is measured | Time of day is measured |
| Mileage | Measured | Total mileage is measured |
| Potential premium impact | Designed to reward safe driving; Nationwide states that program savings can reach up to 40%. | Safe behavior can reduce renewal pricing, while riskier behavior can increase the renewal premium under applicable programs. |
Nationwide SmartMiles: A Different Type of Usage-Based Insurance
Designed around mileage
SmartMiles differs from SmartRide because it is specifically structured around mileage-based insurance. Nationwide describes SmartMiles as a flexible usage-based program where the monthly premium is influenced by the miles driven.
This can be particularly relevant when a driver does not use a vehicle frequently and wants an insurance structure that accounts for lower mileage.
SmartMiles and SmartRide are therefore not interchangeable: SmartMiles focuses on mileage, while SmartRide is primarily designed to reward safer driving behavior.
Accident Forgiveness: Nationwide vs Farmers
Accident Forgiveness
Nationwide offers Accident Forgiveness as an optional feature in select states. The feature can help prevent a qualifying first at-fault accident from causing a rate increase.
Availability and qualification requirements depend on the state and policy.
Accident Forgiveness
Farmers offers Accident Forgiveness on eligible policies. Farmers states that one at-fault accident can be forgiven every three years when the applicable coverage is included.
The feature is subject to state availability, policy terms and eligibility requirements.
Vanishing Deductible vs Declining Deductible
Nationwide Vanishing Deductible
Nationwide’s optional Vanishing Deductible can provide a $100 credit for each year of qualifying safe driving, up to a maximum accumulated credit of $500.
The credit can reduce the applicable comprehensive and/or collision deductible, subject to the specific policy and state.
Farmers Declining Deductible
Farmers offers Declining Deductible on applicable policies. Under the Farmers Flex program, each renewal without a claim can earn a deductible credit.
Farmers states that the credit can be $50 for a six-month renewal or $100 for an annual renewal, subject to applicable terms.
Vehicle Protection: Nationwide vs Farmers
Nationwide Vehicle Protection
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Rental car expense coverage
- GAP coverage
- Vanishing Deductible
- Accident Forgiveness
- Roadside Assistance
- On Your Side Auto Repair Network
Farmers Vehicle Protection
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Rental car reimbursement
- Rental Alternative / Loss of Use
- Residual Debt / GAP coverage
- New Car Replacement
- Vehicle Replacement Plus
- OEM / New Original Parts
- Glass deductible options
- Customized equipment coverage
Farmers Vehicle Replacement Plus
Farmers Vehicle Replacement Plus can help replace a qualifying totaled vehicle with a newer vehicle and can also help pay an eligible loan or lease gap.
Farmers states that for a vehicle less than two model years old with fewer than 24,000 miles, the coverage can provide a replacement with a new vehicle of the latest model year. For older qualifying vehicles, the replacement can be one model year newer with 20,000 fewer miles.
The exact coverage depends on the policy, state, vehicle and eligibility requirements.
OEM Parts: Nationwide vs Farmers
Repair Network
Nationwide’s On Your Side Auto Repair Network provides access to participating repair facilities and a written guarantee on covered repairs performed through the network, subject to applicable terms.
New Original Parts
Farmers offers New Original Parts coverage. When available, covered repairs can use new parts from the original equipment manufacturer.
Farmers states that OEM coverage is available on qualifying vehicles and subject to policy terms.
Rental Car and Alternative Transportation
| Feature | Nationwide | Farmers |
|---|---|---|
| Rental reimbursement | Available to help pay for rental transportation after an eligible covered loss. | Available and can cover a rental while the insured vehicle is being repaired. |
| Alternative transportation | Availability depends on the selected coverage and policy. | Rental Alternative / Loss of Use can provide a daily stipend that may be used for rental cars, rideshare, taxis or public transit. |
| Vehicle total-loss situation | Coverage depends on the policy and selected options. | Rental or alternative transportation can apply during a qualifying total-loss situation under the applicable policy. |
Roadside Assistance Comparison
| Roadside Feature | Nationwide | Farmers |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24-hour roadside assistance is available as an optional feature. | 24/7 roadside assistance is available through applicable coverage. |
| Towing | Available under roadside assistance. | Standard roadside assistance includes towing; enhanced roadside can provide towing up to 100 miles under applicable Farmers Flex coverage. |
| Battery assistance | Available. | Enhanced roadside includes mobile battery testing and installation, less the cost of the battery. |
| Tire assistance | Available under applicable roadside coverage. | Available through roadside assistance. |
| Transportation after breakdown | Subject to applicable roadside terms. | Enhanced Roadside and Ride Assistance can include funds for a rideshare to continue the trip. |
Nationwide vs Farmers Discounts and Savings
Nationwide Savings Opportunities
- SmartRide safe-driving program
- SmartMiles usage-based insurance
- Multi-policy discounts
- Multi-vehicle savings
- Good student discounts
- Defensive driving opportunities
- Safe-driver opportunities
- Anti-theft discounts
- Automatic payment options
Farmers Savings Opportunities
Farmers currently advertises more than 20 auto insurance discount options, although availability varies by state and customer eligibility.
- Signal safe-driving program
- Multi-policy bundling
- Multi-car savings
- Safe-driver discount
- Good student discount
- Distant student discount
- Youthful driver discount
- Defensive / mature driver opportunities
- Homeowner discount
- Pay-in-full discount
- AutoPay / EFT savings
- ePolicy discount
- Anti-theft equipment discount
- GroupSelect / affinity discounts
How Farmers Signal Can Affect Your Premium
Farmers states that Signal provides an initial discount when a driver enrolls and meets the applicable trip requirements. At renewal, a Signal Renewal Factor can be calculated based on driving behavior and household participation.
Farmers identifies focused driving, hard braking, time of day and total mileage among the factors used by Signal. Depending on the applicable program, excessive speed can also be considered.
Farmers also states that riskier driving behavior can raise the premium at renewal under applicable Signal programs. Drivers should therefore understand the program terms before enrolling.
What Determines Your Nationwide or Farmers Premium?
Neither company’s advertised features can determine an individual’s final premium. Actual pricing depends on the driver, vehicle, location, selected coverage and other rating factors.
Accidents, violations, claims history and other driving information can influence the premium.
State, ZIP code, local insurance conditions and required coverages can affect pricing.
Vehicle value, repair costs, safety equipment, theft risk and other characteristics can influence the premium.
Higher liability limits and additional optional protections can increase the cost of a policy.
Comprehensive and collision deductibles can materially affect the premium.
Safe driving, bundling, student status, payment method, vehicle equipment and other factors may affect available discounts.
Nationwide vs Farmers: Key Differences
| Feature | Nationwide | Farmers |
|---|---|---|
| Safe-driving program | SmartRide | Signal |
| Low-mileage option | SmartMiles pay-per-mile insurance | Signal evaluates mileage, but it is primarily a safe-driving telematics program rather than a dedicated pay-per-mile product. |
| Published telematics savings | SmartRide savings can reach up to 40%, subject to terms. | Signal provides an initial discount and potential renewal savings; amounts vary by state and policy. |
| Accident Forgiveness | Available as an optional feature in select states. | One qualifying at-fault accident can be forgiven every three years under applicable coverage. |
| Deductible reduction | Vanishing Deductible can accumulate $100 credits annually up to $500. | Declining Deductible can provide $50 or $100 credits depending on policy renewal structure. |
| New vehicle protection | Vehicle protection options depend on policy. | New Car Replacement and Vehicle Replacement Plus are available under applicable policies. |
| OEM parts | Repair network options depend on the applicable policy. | New Original Parts coverage can provide OEM parts when available. |
| GAP / loan protection | GAP coverage available. | Residual Debt / GAP coverage can provide up to 25% above ACV toward an eligible loan or lease balance. |
| Rental alternatives | Rental car expense coverage. | Rental coverage or Rental Alternative / Loss of Use options. |
| Discount variety | Multiple discounts and usage-based programs. | More than 20 advertised auto discount options, subject to eligibility. |
Which Features Should Different Drivers Examine?
Compare SmartRide and Signal carefully. The programs measure different factors and Farmers’ Signal can affect renewal pricing based on driving behavior under applicable policies.
Nationwide SmartMiles is specifically designed around mileage and should be examined if low annual mileage is an important part of your insurance profile.
Compare Farmers Vehicle Replacement Plus and New Car Replacement options with the vehicle protection available through the Nationwide policy being quoted.
Compare Nationwide Vanishing Deductible with Farmers Declining Deductible, including how credits are earned and which deductibles they can reduce.
Farmers specifically offers New Original Parts coverage on qualifying policies. Check whether the Nationwide quote includes comparable repair provisions.
Farmers offers a choice between Rental Coverage and Rental Alternative under applicable policies, which can be useful when comparing transportation options after a covered loss.
How to Compare Nationwide and Farmers Quotes Correctly
Enter the same drivers, address, vehicle information and driving history when requesting both quotes.
Compare quotes with the same bodily injury and property damage limits whenever possible.
Use comparable comprehensive and collision deductibles to avoid making an inaccurate price comparison.
Check GAP, rental coverage, roadside assistance, new-car replacement, OEM parts and deductible programs.
If you are considering SmartRide or Signal, understand the data collected, participation requirements and potential premium effects.
Review the actual declarations, limits, deductibles, exclusions and endorsements before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Nationwide and Farmers auto insurance?
Does Nationwide have a safe-driving program?
Does Farmers have a safe-driving program?
Does Nationwide offer pay-per-mile insurance?
Does Nationwide have a vanishing deductible?
Does Farmers offer accident forgiveness?
Does Farmers offer new car replacement?
Does Farmers offer GAP insurance?
Which company has cheaper car insurance, Nationwide or Farmers?
Explore the Nationwide and Farmers Company Pages
Visit the dedicated company pages on Newest Cars Insurance for additional information before comparing your actual coverage options and quotes.
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