Nationwide SmartRide Review

Telematics programs are increasingly popular with insurance providers since they provide data that can help providers determine risk. Most programs track things like speed, travel distance, braking habits and more. Since each telematics program is a little different, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team analyzed Nationwide’s program, SmartRide. We’ll answer your questions and explain how it works so you can decide whether or not the program is a good fit for you.

What is Nationwide SmartRide?

Nationwide SmartRide is a program that rewards drivers for good habits with discounts on their auto insurance premiums. SmartRide is optional for Nationwide policyholders and even includes up to a 10 percent discount for signing up. Nationwide advises that the smartphone app is the best way to participate in the program, but if you prefer, you may have the option to have a plug-in device mailed to you.

However, if your car was manufactured before 1996 or you drive a hybrid or diesel vehicle, you may not be eligible. Nationwide SmartRide is entirely free, and unlike other telematics programs, there is no risk of your premium going up if your driving habits do not qualify for a discount. You may lose your 10% participation discount at the end of the policy term, but you will not see a surcharge put on your policy.

Once you sign up, your driving habits will be monitored for four to six months. Throughout the driving period, you will get regular updates from Nationwide. These updates will include your current estimated discount and suggestions for ways to improve your driving habits, which could increase your discount. Once the initial period has been completed, you will be advised that you can delete the app or return the device in the prepaid envelope provided.

What does SmartRide monitor?

SmartRide monitors four aspects of your driving behavior that are commonly associated with your overall risk of getting in an accident. These include:

• Miles driven: Research shows that drivers who are on the road more are at a higher risk of getting into an accident. SmartRide tracks how many miles you drive and rewards those who drive shorter distances or don’t put as many miles on their vehicle.
• Hard braking and acceleration: If you frequently slam on the brakes or accelerate at a rate greater than 7.7 mph, you might have aggressive driving tendencies. Nationwide monitors these habits and might reduce your discount.
• Nighttime driving: Nighttime drivers, especially those traveling between midnight and 5:00 AM, face the challenges of being tired or distracted, which could increase their risk of getting into an accident. To earn the highest possible discount, try to avoid driving between this window of time.
• Idle time: It might seem odd to measure the amount of time your car sits while on but not moving, but it can reveal if you’re often stuck in heavy traffic. Insurers tend to raise rates for drivers who travel in congested areas since they’re at a higher risk of getting into an accident. Don’t worry — SmartRide doesn’t count warming up your car in chilly weather as idle time.

Each week, you will get reports from SmartRide. Nationwide fills these reports with a breakdown of each of the factors it tracks. You will know exactly how far you drove, how many times you braked or accelerated too quickly, how much time you spent driving at night and how long you idled. These reports could help you make changes to your driving behavior that might increase the chances of you getting a larger car insurance discount.

How much can you save with Nationwide SmartRide?

Like several telematics programs, SmartRide rewards drivers just for signing up for the program. You’ll see an immediate 10 percent discount off your Nationwide policy. Then, you’ll need to participate in the program for four to six months. Each week, you’ll receive detailed feedback about your driving habits and see a discount estimate.

After you’ve participated for at least four to six months, Nationwide will review your data and provide a final discount. Drivers can earn anywhere from one to 40 percent off specific types of coverage, not their overall insurance premium. Be aware that although Nationwide will not increase your premium if the data reveals unsafe driving habits, you could lose the initial signup discount.

Who should sign up for SmartRide?

Just because SmartRide is available to most Nationwide policyholders doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone would benefit from the program. Consider the things that SmartRide tracks — nighttime driving, mileage driven, idle time and braking and acceleration. If you often drive overnight, commute long distances, drive in heavy traffic or often find yourself driving aggressively, you might not see a discount.

However, if you’re trying to improve your driving habits, SmartRide could help you be more aware of your sudden starting and stopping. Plus, if you’re someone who doesn’t drive often or very far and rarely drives at night, you might earn a discount that makes the program worth it.

The table below lists the pros and cons to consider with the program.

Pros

• No participation cost
• Will not increase premium
• Monitoring only lasts up to six months
• Discount lasts as long as vehicle remains insured with Nationwide

Cons

• Savings is applied at next renewal, not immediately
• Hybrid vehicles, diesel vehicles and vehicles older than 1996 are not eligible
• Sign up discount removed at next renewal
• Not ideal for high mileage or regular nighttime drivers

Those who have seen their car insurance go up after an accident might benefit from SmartRide if they have worked to improve their driving habits. Since SmartRide is free and cannot result in your premiums increasing (with the exception of losing your 10% sign up discount), you may want to give the program a try.

Nationwide does offer a second usage-based program called SmartMiles. If you work from home, are retired or drive low annual miles, the program could be a good fit. To participate, you must agree to pay your premium monthly rather than in larger installments. Your monthly mileage will be monitored and your monthly premium will then be adjusted so that you pay for just the miles you drove.

How does Nationwide SmartRide compare to other programs?

If you’re shopping for an insurance provider that offers a telematics program, you have options. Most major companies have unique telematics systems that reward participants with discounts, although these may vary. Take a look at how Nationwide SmartRide stacks up.

Frequently asked questions

• • Does Nationwide SmartRide track my location?

    SmartRide does not track your location as part of the program, but it does use GPS to monitor your acceleration and braking habits. Keep in mind that when you purchase an insurance policy, you typically have to provide your location. At that point, your insurance provider does use location to determine your insurance premium.

  • Does Nationwide Smartride track my speed?

    While SmartRide monitors your speed, it does not use it to determine your risk factor. However, SmartRide does look at your acceleration and braking speed. If you accelerate or brake at 7.7 mph or more, the program will reduce your potential discount.

  • What happens if I unplug my device or forget to turn my phone’s location services on?

    If you are using the Nationwide SmartRide plug-in device, you can unplug it a few times each month with no repercussions. You might choose to do this if someone is going to borrow your car, for example. If you are using the app and forget to turn your smartphone’s location services on, the app will not be able to track your driving. Just like with the plug-in device, this is not generally a problem a few times a month. However, if you repeatedly unplug your device or forget to turn your location services on, you may lose your participation discount and will not earn a final discount.

  • How long do I get to keep my Nationwide Smartride discount?

    You’ll get an initial 10 percent discount just for signing up. Then, you’ll have to participate in the program for four to six months in order to get a discount at your next renewal period. After that, you can enjoy the discount for as long as your policy remains active and paid. Keep in mind if you change your policy, the discount might change, too. For example, if you add drivers to your vehicle, add or remove vehicles from your policy or change your coverage types or amounts, your discount might be affected.

  • What is the difference between Nationwide SmartMiles and SmartRide?

    Nationwide SmartMiles and SmartRide are both usage-based insurance programs. However, SmartMiles is focused on people who don’t drive often, as it charges a base insurance rate plus an additional charge per mile driven each month.SmartRide, on the other hand, is a discount program that can reduce your overall insurance rate based on your driving habits. There is no additional charge per mile driven, but driving less can help increase your SmartRide discount.