07/17/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/17/2026 07:45
About the award: The JD Power 2026 U.S. Auto Insurance Study measures customer satisfaction with auto insurance in 11 geographic regions. A separate category that addresses UBI, along with diagnostics that influence UBI participants' experience with their insurer's usage-based auto products, ranks Nationwide as the top auto insurer for usage-based insurance.
What we're saying: "Nationwide recognizes that customers want insurance solutions that are as smart and connected as the world around them," said Casey Kempton, President, P&C Personal Lines for Nationwide. "Usage-based insurance delivers that by combining technology, innovation and practical insights to help drivers improve habits and make roadways safer for everyone."
Starting "Smart" in 2012: Nationwide launched its first UBI product, SmartRide®2 in 2012 followed by SmartMiles® 3 in 2019 as options for drivers seeking products that personalize rates based on driving habits.
Beyond UBI: Nationwide rolled out the Focused Driving Rewards® (FDR) program4, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help reduce phone-related distractions and reward safe driving with e-gift cards from popular retailers. The program is open to all drivers, not just Nationwide customers.
Where usage-based insurance is headed: Nationwide sees usage-based insurance as the foundation for smarter, more personalized protection. Through advanced telematics, it aims to deliver coverage tailored to each customer's lifestyle while promoting safety, transparency, and trust. The goal is to make insurance feel more like a partnership that rewards safe, responsible driving.
Go deeper: Learn more about usage-based insurance from Nationwide.
1 Nationwide received the highest score in the Usage Based Insurance (UBI) segment of the JD Power 2024-2026 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,SM of customers' satisfaction with their auto insurance provider. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.
2 Availability varies; program criteria differs in California and North Carolina. Stated discounts are approximations. Discounts do not apply to all coverage elements; actual savings, availability, and program criteria vary by state, coverage selections, rating factors, and policy changes. Enrollment discount applies until a driving behavior discount can be calculated, which could be zero. Driving behavior discount is applied to a policy when all drivers have activated the SmartRide Mobile app within 30 days of the policy's effective date and the app remains active for 80 days. All discounts are subject to change based upon actuarial support and driving behavior at subsequent renewals or with changes in drivers or vehicles on the policy.
In Virginia and Washington, the discount may decrease at renewal based on changes in driving behavior. In Michigan and Washington, the driving behavior discount is applied at renewal.
3 Program information reflects SmartMiles in Arizona, Ohio, Oregon and Nebraska. Details and availability vary by state, policy original effective date and other factors. SmartMiles variable premium is based upon the Cost Per Mile established for the coverages in force and the number of days and miles driven when the coverage is in force. Cost Per Mile may vary monthly based on driving trends. Estimated premium is subject change based upon final rated mileage during the mileage period and policy changes.
4 Focused Driving Rewards is not currently available in AK, CA, HI, LA, MA, NY or OK. Drivers 29 years and younger can earn up to $60 every 6 months. Drivers 30 years and older can earn $2.50 every 2 weeks, up to $30 every 6 months. Focused Driving Rewards is not insurance and does not require the purchase of a policy or a quote. Participation is optional and subject to terms and conditions. Nationwide may terminate the program at any time.