3.9/5
Service Evaluation
Key Takeaway: Nationwide (Expert Score: 3.9/5.0)
Nationwide scores 3.9/5.0 based on our expert panel evaluation, performing strongest in financial stability with an A+ rating from AM Best. The company excels in specialized protections, allowing up to $30,000 in custom parts coverage and policy options for up to 12 bikes. However, customer service complaints and limited 43-state availability remain notable limitations.
Nationwide earns an Expert Score of 3.9/5.0 from BestGuide, ranking it as a highly reliable option for specialized motorcycle coverage. This Nationwide review examines the cost factors, coverage limitations, and claim structures that riders must understand before signing a policy. Our evaluation team analyzed policy details and claims data to help you find the best motorcycle insurance for your personal riding habits.
If you own a heavily modified bike or want to combine your auto and motorcycle insurance, Nationwide provides a solid framework. According to BestGuide’s expert panel, the provider stands out for its custom motorcycle insurance add-ons and safe-driver benefits. However, those seeking cheap motorcycle insurance with an instant online checkout experience should carefully weigh their alternatives.
Compare Nationwide with other top-rated motorcycle insurance companies to see how it stacks up.
Recent Nationwide reviews highlight both praise for specialized vintage motorcycle insurance and criticism regarding slow claims processing. By looking at verified metrics rather than marketing promises, we can evaluate whether the provider matches your budget and protection needs.
How Nationwide Works
Nationwide operates as a traditional insurance provider, allowing customers to build policies that cover physical damage, liability, and specialized accessories. To get a motorcycle insurance quote, you start the process online by inputting your vehicle identification number (VIN), driving history, and safety details. While the digital system provides an initial estimation, you must speak to a licensed agent to complete the purchase and confirm final pricing.
To get a motorcycle insurance quote, you start the process online by inputting your details directly on the Nationwide platform. The system allows you to add up to 12 motorcycles to a single policy, making it an efficient option for collectors. Claims can be submitted online or via phone, but our analysis of regulatory data reveals some processing delays that require patience.
The company offers standard coverages such as bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision, and non-collision physical damage protection. For specialized needs, you can opt for custom equipment coverage up to $30,000 to protect aftermarket additions. This structural approach makes the provider particularly suitable for riders who own custom motorcycle insurance policies and require specific valuation agreements.
Who Nationwide Is Best For
Nationwide is best for riders who own custom or vintage models and need high coverage limits for aftermarket upgrades. If you have up to $30,000 in specialized parts or custom paint jobs, Nationwide provides the specific policy riders that generic insurers lack. It is also an excellent option for multi-bike owners who want to insure up to 12 vehicles under one policy to secure multi-bike discounts.
However, the provider is not ideal for riders who want an entirely automated digital experience or those who reside in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oklahoma, or New Mexico, where Nationwide does not write motorcycle policies. If you live in these seven states or demand an immediate, agent-free online checkout, you should seek coverage elsewhere.
Nationwide Standout Features
Vanishing Deductible Program: Nationwide reward programs allow riders to lower their out-of-pocket costs over time. Under this program, safe drivers earn a $100 deductible reduction for each year of accident-free driving, up to a maximum savings of $500. If you maintain a clean record for five consecutive years, your deductible could drop to $0 depending on your initial selection.
Custom Parts Coverage: While many competitors cap custom parts protection at $1,000, Nationwide offers up to $30,000 in coverage for vintage motorcycle insurance and custom modifications. Why it matters: This option is highly beneficial for trikes, custom choppers, and vintage restorations where the cost of original manufacturer parts exceeds standard policy limits.
Roadside Assistance Add-On: Nationwide provides an optional 24-hour roadside assistance package that covers towing, flat tires, and fuel delivery. This service is available across all 43 states where the company operates, offering direct emergency support through their primary claims dispatch system.
Nationwide Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong Financial Security: Holds an A+ rating from AM Best and S&P Global, indicating exceptional capacity to pay out claims. | Geographic Gaps: Motorcycle coverage is unavailable in 7 states, limiting options for riders in those regions. |
| High Custom Limits: Provides custom equipment protection up to $30,000, which is higher than the industry average of $10,000. | Agent Required: Online quote tool requires an agent call to finalize and purchase policies, slowing down the signup. |
| Multi-Bike Capacity: Allows you to register up to 12 bikes on a single policy to optimize bulk discount rates. | Elevated Complaints: Scores a 1.49 on the NAIC complaint index, indicating a higher-than-average volume of customer grievances. |
Is Nationwide Legit?
Nationwide is an exceptionally established financial institution founded in 1926. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the company has operated for a century and ranks as one of the largest insurance providers in the United States. Its long-standing corporate history and massive asset reserves confirm its legitimacy and operational scale.
To evaluate its financial reliability, our expert panel reviewed ratings from independent credit rating agencies. Nationwide holds an A+ credit rating from AM Best, an A+ from S&P Global, and an A1 rating from Moody’s. These scores indicate that the company possesses outstanding financial strength to fulfill its long-term policy obligations.
Despite its strong financial foundation, customer satisfaction metrics show areas of friction. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reports a complaint index of 1.49 for Nationwide’s auto and motorcycle lines, which exceeds the national baseline of 1.0. Common complaints center on delayed claims processing and billing administration, which are factors you should consider when evaluating your options.
Nationwide BestGuide Rating
Based on our Service Evaluation methodology, Nationwide receives an Expert Score of 3.9/5.0. This score is calculated by evaluating five key categories: Reputation, Services, Transparency, Customer Satisfaction, and Scalability. Our expert panel weighs these criteria to provide an objective assessment of how each insurance carrier serves its policyholders.
The company scored highest in Reputation (90%) and Services (90%) due to its century-long history, strong balance sheet, and customizable policies. However, its weakest category is Transparency (60%), driven by the requirement to complete sales via phone agents and a lack of clear online pricing lists. Scalability scored 80% due to its 43-state footprint, while Customer Satisfaction scored 70% due to claims-handling complaints.
In comparison to the motorcycle insurance vertical average of 4.1, Nationwide ranks slightly below average for overall client experience, though it remains a top-tier choice for specialized physical damage protections. Our panel concludes that while the digital interface lacks modern speed, the underlying financial protections are exceptionally secure.
Nationwide Cost: What You Should Expect to Pay
To understand how much is motorcycle insurance, riders must evaluate specific coverage selections, engine sizes, and geographic locations. The average motorcycle insurance cost with Nationwide ranges from $200 to $600 annually for standard coverage, placing it in the moderate pricing tier for nationwide carriers. High-performance sport bikes or extensive custom motorcycle insurance policies can push annual premiums above $1,200 depending on your personal risk profile.
The following table details key factors that influence your overall policy rates with Nationwide:
| Cost Factor | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | Bikes over 1,000cc typically increase costs by 25-40%. |
| Rider Age and Experience | Riders under age 25 face premiums up to 50% higher than older riders. |
| Custom Equipment Value | Adding $30,000 of parts coverage adds $150-$300 annually. |
Riders can lower their costs by using various motorcycle insurance discounts. Nationwide offers a multi-policy discount of up to 20% when you bundle auto and motorcycle insurance. Additional savings of 5% to 15% are available for completing an approved motorcycle safety course, installing anti-theft devices, or maintaining a clean three-year riding record.
Final Verdict: Nationwide Review
Nationwide earns an Expert Score of 3.9/5.0 from BestGuide, reflecting solid coverage flexibility paired with middling customer service marks. Our Nationwide review indicates that the company is a premium option for collectors who need custom parts protection up to $30,000 and the ability to insure up to 12 vehicles under one account. The financial security ratings of A+ from AM Best and S&P Global provide peace of mind that claims will be paid.
However, real limitations like the 1.49 NAIC complaint index and limited 43-state footprint mean it is not the perfect fit for everyone. Those seeking a fully digital sign-up or cheap motorcycle insurance with instant checkout may find better value elsewhere. We recommend comparing quotes from multiple providers to find the absolute best rates for your specific bike.
See our full Buyers Guide for the best motorcycle insurance companies before making your decision.