Nationwide Homeowners Insurance Review: Comprehensive and Customizable Coverage With Opportunities to Save

This homeowner insurance is a good fit for: Homeowners looking for comprehensive coverage that includes protections some insurers charge extra for.

Nationwide is a trusted name in the insurance industry and is one of America's oldest insurers. While the company ranks below some competitors when it comes to customer satisfaction, the insurer offers comprehensive, customizable homeowners insurance coverage.

Top perks

Nationwide's basic policy includes optional coverage that others don't

Nationwide's basic homeowners policy is one of the most comprehensive in the industry. It includes:

• Ordinance or law insurance, which pays any additional costs of bringing a home up to current building code standards after a covered loss
• Loss of use, which pays for a policyholder's additional living expenses if they are unable to live in their home while covered repairs are being made
• Credit card coverage, which pays for unauthorized transactions or fraud on a policyholder's credit card, bank account, or if policyholder's receive forged or counterfeit money or checks

Many other insurers charge extra for these coverages or don't offer them at all

The insurer offers many options for discounted premiums

Nationwide provides ample opportunities for homeowners to qualify for discounted coverage. The standard savings options include bundled policies and claims-free discounts. Nationwide also provides savings for homes with newer roofs or if homeowners upgrade their plumbing or HVAC systems.

In-person help is available throughout the United States

Nationwide has a large network of agents, so consumers can get in-person help with their insurance coverage needs throughout the United States. While the insurer doesn't offer an online chat or 24/7 customer service line, it does provide a 24/7 telephone number for claims filing.

What could be improved

Customer service ratings are below average

Nationwide ranks slightly below average on the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Home Insurance Study. While the overall average customer satisfaction rating was 819 on a 1,000-point scale, Nationwide had a score of just 816. This was below many competitors, including Erie Insurance, which had a score of 827, and The Hartford, which received 839 points. Claims satisfaction ratings are based on customer relationship factors and price.

When looking for homeowners insurance that offers better customer service: Erie Insurance and The Hartford shine when it comes to customer satisfaction. They both earn far higher ratings than Nationwide, but keep in mind that Erie Insurance has a much smaller agent network. And The Hartford doesn't include all of the same protections as standard features. Nationwide includes credit fraud protections, but this is an optional coverage with The Hartford.

Nationwide's prices are in line with industry averages, with some competitors charging more and others less. Nationwide offers plenty of opportunities for discounts, which can help reduce the cost of homeowners insurance premiums. Here's a look at how much it charges for four common insurance scenarios.

Nationwide offers numerous options for homeowners insurance discounts, including:

• Multi-policy discounts for bundled coverage
• Protective device discounts for qualifying devices including smoke detectors and burglar alarms
• Claims-free discounts if policyholder's avoid insurance claims
• Home renovation credits for upgrading plumbing, heating, cooling, or electrical systems
• Roof rating discounts based on the surface type and age of the roof
• Home purchase discount for policyholders who purchased a property within the past 12 months
• Prior insurance coverage which provides discounts based on the number of years of continuous insurance coverage
• Gated community discounts for policyholders who live in communities protected by security guards, residence cards, or key locks
• Smart home discounts for policyholders who purchase certain smart devices

Dwelling

Nationwide's basic policy includes dwelling coverage, which protects against losses to the structure of the property. This includes protection for wall-to-wall carpeting and built-in appliances.

Contents

Contents coverage pays for personal property. This includes items a homeowner would move along with them, such as their clothing or furniture or other personal possessions.

Personal liability coverage

When an accident occurs and someone else sustains damage, personal liability insurance coverage pays for losses that a policyholder is held responsible for.

Medical payments to others

Medical and funeral expenses are paid for under this type of coverage, in the event that someone is injured on the policyholder's property.

Ordinance or law insurance

This coverage is a unique offering in Nationwide's basic insurance policy plan, as many other insurers charge extra for it. It pays to bring a property's construction up to current building codes in the event of covered losses.

Other structures

This pays for damage to other structures on the property, such as sheds, gazebos, or barns.

Loss of use

A policyholder who incurs extra expenses due to the loss of use of a covered property will get coverage through this protection. It pays for expenses, such as laundry service or take-out food if a property is damaged and the homeowner can't use their laundry room or kitchen.

Credit card coverage

Unauthorized credit card, bank card, or ATM card transactions are covered under Nationwide's credit card coverage. Unlike many competitors, this insurance provider includes this protection in its basic homeowners insurance policies rather than charging extra for it.

Nationwide provides the opportunity to get an online home insurance quote in just five minutes. However, quotes are not available in all areas. Florida residents, for example, will need to talk with a Nationwide agent to find out about home insurance coverage options.

Homeowners eligible for an online quote must provide some basic information including:

• Birth date
• Address of the property
• Whether it is currently mortgaged
• When it was purchased
• When the roof was last replaced
• What protective devices -- if any -- are installed

Those who are satisfied with their quote can sign up directly online for their policy after setting an effective date and providing their payment information.

Nationwide has an overall customer satisfaction score from J.D. Power & Associates that is below average. However, the insurance provider scores better-than-average when it comes to claims handling on J.D. Power's 2022 U.S. Property Claims Satisfaction Survey. Nationwide also has an A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau. But customer reviews on the BBB website do include many dissatisfied customers.

All in all, the customer service reputation of the homeowners insurance company is mixed. Those who prioritize top-quality service may wish to consider alternatives.

Nationwide is best suited for people who:

• Want the most comprehensive basic insurance policy
• Need in-person support from a Nationwide agent
• Qualify for discounts for a new home purchase, new roof, remodeling, or maintaining coverage for a long time

But consider The Hartford or Erie Insurance if you want to work with a company that has a better customer satisfaction rating.