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Compare Nationwide vs. The Hartford Insurance
The Hartford and Nationwide are both top companies in the world of auto insurance. The Hartford was founded in 1810, and Nationwide was founded in 1925. Nationwide is ranked the #2 auto insurer for 2016, with The Hartford ranked #11. Additionally, Nationwide has an excellent vanishing deductible program as well as a fast and fair claims process, while The Hartford offers a tremendous amount of additional discounts and benefits to AARP members, and has excellent claims services. However, The Hartford lacks 24-hour customer support, and Nationwide’s online and mobile services are subpar. Still, its financial strength ratings are superior to those of The Hartford, but The Hartford has 4 out of 5 stars from J.D. Power. So which one offers the kinds of discounts, services, and even customer ratings that best fit your car insurance wants and needs? Keep reading to find out.
Best If/Worst If
| Best If |
Nationwide
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The Hartford
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| Worst If |
Nationwide
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The Hartford
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Compare QuotesSpecial Car Insurance Discounts
Nationwide
Paperless DocumentsNationwide has a unique discount that saves customers money and saves the company (and the planet) paper. Going paperless simply means sending all the bills, or documents you’d otherwise receive in the mail over to e-mail. It’s an easy way to save paper and keep better track of your important insurance documents. Read more about the Paperless Documents discount. |
The Hartford
The Hartford offers multiple discounts to save you money on your auto insurance premium. These discounts include:
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Standard Car Insurance Discounts
| Bundling Coverage Discounts | Nationwide | The Hartford |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Car | ||
| Home and Car | ||
| Car and Life | ||
| Vehicle Type and Safety Features | Nationwide | The Hartford |
| Alternative Fuel | ||
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | ||
| Anti-Lock Brake | ||
| Anti-Theft | ||
| Passive Restraint | ||
| New Car | ||
| Economy Car | ||
| Utility Vehicle | ||
| Farm or Ranch Vehicle | ||
| Driving Record and Insurance History | Nationwide | The Hartford |
| Accident Free/Good Driver | ||
| Prior Insurance | ||
| Long Term Policy Holder | ||
| Defensive Driving Course | ||
| Student, Professional, and Club Memberships | Nationwide | The Hartford |
| Affinity Group | ||
| College Graduate | ||
| Good Student | ||
| Resident Student | ||
| Organization or Club Membership | ||
| Farm Bureau Member | ||
| Military | ||
| Special Circumstances | Nationwide | The Hartford |
| Telematics Device | ||
| Low Mileage | ||
| Short Commute | ||
| Days Per Week Driven | ||
| Other Discounts | Nationwide | The Hartford |
| Married | ||
| Paid in Full | ||
| Advance Renewal | ||
| Electronic Funds Transfer | ||
| Senior Driver | ||
| 55 and Retired |
Consumer Complaint Data
| Nationwide Auto Insurance | The Hartford Auto Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 53 | 30 |
| 2015 | 112 | 72 |
| 2014 | 90 | 69 |
| 2013 | 134 | 67 |
U.S. Auto Insurance Shopping Study (2016)
| Nationwide Auto Insurance | The Hartford Auto Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Purchase Experience | Average | Among the best |
| Policy Offerings | Average | Among the best |
| Pricing | Average | Among the best |
| Local Agent | Average | Average |
| Call Center Representative | Average | Average |
| Insurer Website | Average | Among the best |
U.S. Auto Insurance Claims Satisfaction Study (2015)
| Nationwide Auto Insurance | The Hartford Auto Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Satisfaction | Above average | Above average |
| First Notice of Loss | Above average | Above average |
| Service Interaction | Above average | Below average |
| Appraisal | Above average | Average |
| Repair Process | Above average | Among the best |
| Rental Car Experience | Average | Average |
| Settlement | Average | Above average |
Financial Strength Ratings
| Nationwide Auto Insurance | The Hartford Auto Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| A.M. Best | A+ | A |
| Moody's | A1 | A2 |
| S&P's | A+ | A |
Mobile Apps
Nationwide
Nationwide Mobile AppThis app allows you to:
Download the Nationwide Mobile App app. Nationwide Mobile Banking AppThis app can be downloaded to your web browser or your mobile phone. The app grants you access to your Nationwide bank accounts. It also lets you stay on top of your insurance related finances. You can deposit checks or pay insurance bills at home or by phone. Click here for more information and to download the Mobile Banking App. |
The Hartford
The Hartford Smartphone App for Auto and Home lets you manage your insurance policies directly and conveniently from your mobile device. You can store and view your ID cards, pay your premiums, and track any claims you’ve made. Even without having to log in, you’ll have access to roadside assistance as well as an emergency checklist. Also available is a repair service finder, replacement vehicle locator, insurance agent locator, and much more. Download the Hartford Smartphone app for iPhone or Android. |
Roadside Assistance
Nationwide
Nationwide Roadside AssistanceNationwide Roadside Assistance offers two levels of coverage that apply to everyone on your policy. It doesn't matter who's car you might be in. Nationwide Roadside Assistance BasicServices covered:
Nationwide Roadside Assistance PlusCovers all the services of the basic plan plus:
Contact Phone NumberCall 1 (800) 421-3535. Visit Nationwide's roadside service website here. This service can help if you need a: locksmith, jumpstart, tire fixed, tow, or gas delivered. |
The Hartford
The Hartford Towing and LaborTowing and Labor coverage is available on your existing auto insurance policy. It covers the tow and labor costs, but does not cover additional parts needed for repairs to the car. The Hartford offers Towing and Labor coverage, which includes all the services that a standard roadside assistance package would have. Services Covered
Contact Phone NumberFor immediate roadside assistance/claims service, call 1 (800) 322-7789. |