Nationwide SmartRide Review [2024]
Nationwide SmartRide is a program offered by Nationwide insurance company to encourage its customers to practice safe driving behaviors. This usage-based insurance program tracks a drivers nighttime driving, braking and accelerating, idle time, and miles driven. Just make sure that once it is plugged in, it stays plugged in.
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jun 8, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 8, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Nationwide SmartRide is a program that is an incentive for Nationwide’s customers to practice safe driving
- SmartRide is a usage-based insurance program
- There are three different ways that a consumer can participate in the SmartRide program
If you have auto insurance through Nationwide insurance company, you are eligible to enroll in their SmartRide program.
Nationwide SmartRide install is quick and easy and can be completed in a few different ways. Participating in this program is an easy way to save money, and also make good driving behaviors a habit.
Find out if you can get a SmartRide discount. Enter your ZIP code and get a free quote today.
What is Nationwide SmartRide?
Nationwide SmartRide is Nationwide’s incentive for their customers to have safer driving behaviors and habits. SmartRide is a usage-based insurance program that gives you personalized feedback to help you make even safer driving decisions. SmartRide, a usage-based insurance program, allows you to earn a 15% discount for just signing up and up to a 40% discount on your next policy renewal.
A difference between this program and other telematic programs is that your driving is monitored for between four to six months. After the time is up, you can keep whatever discount you’ve earned as long as you are insured with Nationwide.
Participants in the program can choose between the mobile app to track their driving behaviors or a device that connects to their cars. The device will collect data via the data communication module in the car, rather than the app on the smartphone.
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What is the difference between the Nationwide SmartRide mobile app and the Nationwide SmartRide device?
The Nationwide SmartRide mobile app uses your phone to monitor how you drive and award you insurance discounts. The app is separate from the standard Nationwide app.
If you decide to use the app, contact your insurance agent and have them help you to enroll your policy into the program. After the app is downloaded, make sure location services are turned on.
Because the app follows the driver rather than the car, all vehicles and all drivers on the policy must be enrolled. The SmartRide app is available for both iPhone and Android users.
Continuously check the app to review driving feedback from Nationwide. The Nationwide SmartRide plug-in program uses a device that you plug into your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics port (OBD).
Cars that are eligible for Nationwide SmartRide include cars with a DCM, made after 2015 by one of the following manufacturers:
- Acura
- General Motors
- Genesis
- Honda
- Hyundai
California auto insurance only participates with the device-based version of the program.
If you are a part of the Nationwide prequalified connected car program, you may be able to receive a Nationwide SmartRide discount without downloading the app or installing a device.
After requesting a quote online or via an agent, Nationwide can view your data and let you know whether your performance makes you eligible for a SmartRide performance discount – if you continue car insurance with Nationwide.
How does it work?
There are four driving factors that SmartRide measures:
- Miles driven: SmartRide measures the number of miles driven during a trip. On average, the more miles that are driven, the higher chances of an accident.
- Hard braking and acceleration: If a driver is abruptly slowing down or excessively accelerating, that could be a sign of aggressive driving.
- Idle time: This is measured because it could be an indication of driving in congested traffic.
- Nighttime driving: Nationwide measures driving between midnight and 5 a.m. because driving during a certain time increases an accident.
After enrolling in SmartRide, you should download and activate the SmartRide app. You will drive as you normally do, confirming the first few trips you take during the app.
At your leisure, you can check the app and see your progress and track any discounts. At the end of the program, lock in your final discount, and Nationwide will apply it at your next policy renewal.
The program will not raise your rates or surcharge your policy, so there is nothing to lose by adding it. While other telematics programs penalize drivers for phone usage, SmartRide does not.
This is how SmartRide compares to other usage-based programs.
| Program Name | Maximum Discount | Length of Review Period | Can premiums go up? | Phone usage impacts discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide SmartRide | 40% | Four to six months | No | No |
| Progressive Snapshot | $37 average sign-up discount, $145 avg. final discount | First policy period (six months) | Yes | Yes, if using Snapshot mobile app |
| Allstate Drivewise | No maximum discount; initial sign-up discount, then drivers receive performance discounts for safe driving | First 50 trips (minimum of 60 days), then every six months | Discount may increase or decrease depending on driving performance during previous policy periods | No |
| Liberty Mutual RightTrack | 30% | 90 days | No | No |
| Geico DriveEasy | 25% | First policy period | Yes | Yes |
| State Farm Drive Safe & Save | 30%, 50% for some customers | Each policy renewal period (six months) | Discount may increase or decrease depending on driving performance during previous policy periods | Yes |
| USAA SafePilot | 20% | Each policy renewal | Discount may increase or decrease based on performance during the policy period immediately prior to the discount | Yes |
What happens if I unplug SmartRide?
If possible, avoid unplugging your Nationwide SmartRide device – it can lead you to potentially having to restart the program and forfeit any performance discount you may have earned.
Nationwide would be unable to calculate your discount. At this point, you can either re-enroll in the program and start over, or you can mail the device back to Nationwide.
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How can I contact Nationwide?
If you need assistance from Nationwide, call 1-877-669-6877. If you need investment or financial help, call 1-800-848-6331.
Learn more about Nationwide SmartRide. Enter your ZIP code and get a free quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of participating in Nationwide SmartRide?
Participating in Nationwide SmartRide offers several benefits. First and foremost, it promotes safer driving habits by providing you with real-time feedback and insights on your driving behavior. Additionally, if you consistently exhibit safe driving habits, you may qualify for discounts on your auto insurance premiums. SmartRide also allows you to monitor your driving patterns, helping you identify areas for improvement and become a more responsible driver.
How does Nationwide SmartRide work?
Nationwide SmartRide works by installing a small telematics device in your vehicle, or by using the SmartRide mobile app, which utilizes your smartphone’s sensors. This device collects data about your driving behavior, including factors like mileage, speed, and acceleration. The data is then analyzed to determine your eligibility for potential insurance premium discounts based on safe driving habits.
Are there any limitations on participating in Nationwide SmartRide?
While Nationwide SmartRide is available to most drivers, there may be some limitations based on factors such as your state of residence and the type of vehicle you drive. Additionally, the program requires a compatible telematics device or the SmartRide mobile app to collect and transmit driving data accurately.
Is my privacy compromised when participating in Nationwide SmartRide?
Nationwide takes privacy seriously and implements measures to protect your personal information. The data collected through SmartRide is used solely for the purpose of evaluating your driving habits and determining eligibility for potential premium discounts. Nationwide follows strict privacy policies and guidelines to ensure that your data is secure and treated confidentially.
Can I track my driving habits while participating in Nationwide SmartRide?
Yes, you can track your driving habits while participating in Nationwide SmartRide. The program provides you with access to a personalized online dashboard or a mobile app where you can monitor your driving data and view detailed feedback. This allows you to gain insights into your driving patterns, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments to become a safer driver.
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.