AAA vs. Nationwide Car Insurance Comparison [2024]

AAA and Nationwide provide a range of discounts to their customers. If you're contemplating AAA or Nationwide insurance, we recommend checking out our AAA vs. Nationwide car insurance comparison, which highlights how Nationwide, though newer, holds slightly superior customer service ratings compared to AAA.

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Luke Williams

Insurance and Finance Writer

Luke Williams is a finance, insurance, real estate, and home improvement expert based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializing in writing and researching for consumers. He studied finance, economics, and communications at Pennsylvania State University and graduated with a degree in Corporate Communications.  His insurance and finance writing has been featured on Spoxor, The Good Men Project...

Insurance and Finance Writer

Daniel Walker

Licensed Insurance Agent

Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...

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UPDATED: Mar 10, 2024

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Here's what you need to know...

  • AAA is an established, reputable member club with many benefits
  • Nationwide is a younger company that is rapidly growing
  • AAA and Nationwide offer various discounts to their clients

Are you considering AAA or Nationwide for car insurance? It’s a good idea to first learn some facts and company ratings so you can make an informed decision. While AAA was previously best known for their lockout services and other roadside services, they have expanded into car repair and insurance in North America.

Read through this Nationwide and AAA comparison, and then use the free tool on this page to compare car insurance rates from many of the best car insurance companies in your area!

Where did AAA come from?

The AAA member club used to be called the American Automobile Association. AAA was created in March of 1900 to lobby for roads to be fixed and built. Its purpose was to make driving safer across the US. In 1909, AAA published its first US road maps.

Since its humble beginnings, AAA has become synonymous with roadside service whether you need a battery or a new tire. Depending on which plan you choose, you can find more than one unique membership benefit that may appeal to you and your family.

AAA started in Chicago, Illinois with about 1,000 original members. The organization now has 50 million members in North America.

Its road services include travel guides, emergency automobile assistance, and maps for the states in the U.S. You can learn more about the company and its history at our AAA car insurance review.

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What insurance products does AAA offer?

AAA is different from any other insurer because its automobile insurance is exclusively provided through its 69 clubs that are located in state regions across the U.S. It’s common for other insurers to encourage customers to go to approved auto repair shops for discounts or a guarantee on the work. But because of its origins, AAA works a little differently.

AAA’s automobile insurance is called the Automobile Club Group or ACG. ACG insurance products include:

  • Automobile
  • Life
  • Travel
  • Homeowners
  • Dental
  • Medical

What discounts does AAA insurance offer?

You can receive a discount on your premium if you buy your life, automobile, and homeowners insurance from AAA. Like other insurance companies, AAA offers a range of car insurance discounts based on your car, driving record, and other factors. The exact list of discounts you may be eligible for will vary based on the driver.

Members are also given a discount on their deductible in an automobile collision when the other driver is also an AAA member. Visit our guide to AAA car insurance discounts for more.

Read more:

How does AAA insurance rate in customer satisfaction?

J.D. Power & Associates conducted a 2015 National Homeowners Insurance Survey on the major insurance companies. The survey ranked companies on a scale of 1, meaning less than the rest of the companies, to as high as 5, meaning being among the best.

Here are the results:

  1. Policy Offerings – 3
  2. Pricing – 3
  3. Billing and Payment – 3
  4. Contacting the Insurer – 2
  5. Claims – 2
  6. Customer overall experience – 3

If you aren’t satisfied with your service, you can always cancel your AAA membership or car insurance.

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What should you know about Nationwide insurance?

Nationwide started out in December of 1925 in Columbus, Ohio and became a public corporation over 72 years later in 1997. It was initially named the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company.

Nationwide insurance company is the 6th biggest auto insurer according to its recorded premiums. They offer standard car insurance policies with roadside assistance options at a low cost. Unlike AAA, they do not have a set network of clubs to service their members. They instead pay the mechanics and other professionals you go to at the time of service.

Their insurance products and financial services include:

  • Homeowners
  • Automobile
  • Renters
  • Life
  • Motorcycle
  • Farm
  • Banking
  • Mortgage loans

Read more: Is Nationwide motorcycle insurance right for you?

What discounts does Nationwide offer?

You can receive a discount on your homeowners and car insurance if they are both covered by Nationwide.

Also, you can get as much as 20% off your premiums if all the cars you own are insured by Nationwide.

More discounts are offered when you remain free of accidents for 5 years and if your teenage child maintains a B average grade in school. Their roadside service can provide tow truck services, mobile battery service, and more at a relatively affordable rate for just a few dollars per renewal period for most customers. If you look for safe driving, safety features, and other opportunities to save, Nationwide could be much cheaper than you think.

Check out our guide to Nationwide car insurance discounts to learn more.

What do customers think of Nationwide Insurance?

Nationwide was also reviewed in the “2009 National Homeowners Study” conducted by J. D. Power & Associates.

Here are the ratings:

  1. Policy Offerings – 3
  2. Pricing – 3
  3. Billing and Payment – 3
  4. Contacting the Insurer – 3
  5. Claims – 3
  6. Customer overall experience – 3

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Should you choose Nationwide or AAA car insurance?

When deciding between AAA or Nationwide, remember that there are many different companies to compare. If you have a particular mechanic or body shop you use, you may want to be sure they offer approved auto repair for certain insurance companies. In general, it’s best to get quotes and compare insurance services that way. You may be surprised at how much you can save just by comparing quotes.

Enter your zip code for your FREE car insurance comparison today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of AAA?

AAA, formerly known as the American Automobile Association, was established in 1900 in Chicago, Illinois, with a membership of 1,000. It was created to advocate for road improvements and promote safer driving in the United States.

What insurance products does AAA offer?

AAA offers automobile insurance through its exclusive provider, the Automobile Club Group (ACG). ACG provides various insurance products, including auto, home, renters, and life insurance.

What discounts does AAA insurance offer?

AAA offers discounts on premiums for customers who bundle their life, automobile, and homeowners insurance. They also provide discounts based on factors such as your vehicle, driving record, and membership status.

How does AAA insurance rate customer satisfaction?

AAA received high ratings for customer satisfaction, with a score of 5, indicating being among the best.

What should you know about Nationwide insurance?

Nationwide is one of the largest auto insurers in the United States. It started in 1925 as the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and offers standard car insurance policies with optional roadside assistance. Unlike AAA, Nationwide does not have a network of clubs but instead partners with service providers directly.

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