Allstate Drivewise vs. Nationwide SmartRide: Which Service Is the Best (2025)

Embark on a journey through the intricacies of insurance rates as we delve into the comprehensive data table, analyzing factors such as credit score, mileage, coverage level, and driving record to unveil the company that stands out as the optimal choice for varying customer profiles.

From meticulous examination emerges a succinct guide, highlighting key insights that showcase which insurance provider offers the most advantageous rates tailored to specific customer characteristics. Whether it’s credit history, driving habits, or coverage preferences, this exploration aims to provide a swift yet informative snapshot, empowering readers with the knowledge to make savvy decisions on securing the best insurance rates.

*monthly rates are based on an average of minimum and full coverage for a 45-year-old male driver

Allstate Drivewise

Pros:

• Competitive Rates: Allstate Drivewise offers rates that strike a balance between affordability and quality coverage.
• User-Friendly App: Allstate’s intuitive app provides a seamless experience for users to monitor and earn discounts based on their driving habits.
• Transparent Discount Structure: Drivewise has a clear and straightforward discount program, ensuring drivers know how their habits translate into savings.
• Commitment to Fair Pricing: Allstate’s dedication to fair pricing reinforces its position as an optimal choice for cost-effective and reliable insurance coverage.

Cons:

• Potential Discount Limitations: Some drivers report not achieving the maximum 30% discount, with savings more likely ranging between 10% to 20%.

Nationwide SmartRide

Pros:

• High Potential Savings: Safe drivers can see savings up to 40% with SmartRide, offering a higher potential discount compared to some competitors.
• No Rate Increase: SmartRide ensures that drivers’ insurance rates won’t increase because of program participation.
• Simple Monitoring: SmartRide monitors four simple habits, providing straightforward criteria for earning discounts.

Cons:

• Variable Savings: While some drivers report savings up to 40%, others experience average savings between 15% to 20%.
• Concerns About Final Rate: Some users complain about the final rate that SmartRide locks in for the next insurance contract, suggesting potential dissatisfaction with pricing transparency.

Choosing the Best: Allstate Drivewise vs. Nationwide SmartRide

After a meticulous evaluation of all factors, Allstate Drivewise emerges as the superior choice for insurance coverage.

Competitive Rates: Allstate Drivewise takes the lead with rates that strike a balance between affordability and quality coverage.

User-Friendly App: Allstate’s intuitive app sets it apart, providing a seamless experience for users to monitor and earn discounts based on their driving habits.

Transparent Discount Structure: Allstate Drivewise’s clear and straightforward discount program ensures that drivers know exactly how their habits translate into savings.

Commitment to Fair Pricing: Allstate’s dedication to fair pricing further solidifies its position as the optimal choice for those seeking cost-effective and reliable insurance coverage.

In a comprehensive evaluation of both insurance programs, Allstate Drivewise emerges as the best overall choice, offering a blend of competitive rates, user-friendly technology, and transparent policies.

What Is Usage-Based Insurance?

The Insurance Information Institute found that most drivers think that usage-based insurance is a good idea, even if they don’t fully know what it means.

Usage-based insurance policies collect mileage, times of driving, and other driving habit data and provide you with some score. The grading scale will depend on what insurance company you use. This grading scale will then be used to determine your discount.

The III also reported that usage-based insurance companies helped lower accidents by 80 percent in commercial fleets. By monitoring members’ driving, drivers take their auto insurance rates into their own hands. Keep reading to learn the specifics about Allstate Drivewise vs. Nationwide SmartRide.

What are other usage-based/telematics insurance programs?

Check out the chart below to compare other usage-based car insurance programs offered by nationwide companies.

Telematics Reward and Discount Programs

Read more: Safeco RightTrack Car Insurance Discount

What Is Drivewise From Allstate? 

Drivewise is a discount program with Allstate that encourages drivers to practice safe driving. You can either download the Allstate Drivewise app or get the plug-in device and it’ll start calculating discounted car insurance premiums as part of the Allstate Drivewise car insurance discount; savings can be up to 30 percent off.

Your driving score will never be held against you. Anyone, even nonmembers, can download this free app through Allstate. Drivewise, like its competitor Nationwide SmartRide, uses telematics to calculate driver discounts.

How does Drivewise work?

Through the app, Drivewise gathers rewards points for safe driving. After your initial 10 percent discount for signing up, Allstate evaluates drivers on a rolling basis. Rewards kick-in every six months of safe driving. “Safe driving” to Allstate means:

• Driving at safe speeds 
• Not slamming on the brakes
• No late-night driving

Does phone activity affect Drivewise? Yes. The app can tell when you are using your phone while driving. Using the sensors and algorithm of telematics, Drivewise can also determine if you’re the driver or not. The app starts tracking your driving after you’ve driven a short distance with travel speeds higher than 20 miles per hour. In order for it to work, your phone must be charged at least 25 percent.

What Is Nationwide SmartRide?

SmartRide can either operate as an app or a plug-in device. You can log in to Nationwide SmartRide through your app or online to manage your account.

How does the SmartRide work?

SmartRide differs from Allstate Drivewise in that Nationwide Auto Insurance assesses its members once for the following policy, whereas Drivewise operates on rolling periods.

After enrolling and downloading the app (or installing the device), you drive as normal as it tracks your habits. Your driving patterns generate a final discount for your next policy renewal at the end of the program period (between four to six months).

What does SmartRide record?

SmartRide monitors four simple habits:

• Your miles driven during each trip
• Aggressive changes in speed or braking
• Idle time (traffic or parked)
• Nighttime driving

Another common question is whether Nationwide SmartRide has a test: No, but drivers will be monitored for up to six months.

Nationwide SmartRide vs. Allstate Drivewise Reviews

Both Allstate and Nationwide Insurance received superior, “A+” ratings from AM Best and both are also offered nationwide. So what’s the downfall to these apps?

What kind of discount can you get for using SmartRide?

Safe drivers can see savings up to 40 percent with SmartRide which is 10 percent more off your monthly premium if you sign with Nationwide over Allstate. However, drivers typically report savings on average between 15 to 20 percent.

So, is Nationwide SmartRide worth it? That depends on your needs. Drivers’ car insurance can’t increase because of Nationwide SmartRide. But, what are the cons to SmartRide? Some have complained about the final rate that SmartRide locks you in for the next contract.

Read more: Nationwide SmartRide Car Insurance Discount

Is Allstate Drivewise worth it?

One cool perk about Allstate Drivewise is that you do not have to be an Allstate policyholder to use the app. Can Allstate Drivewise raise your rates? No, which is another perk to this program. You can either save money or pay your regular premium no harm is done.

However, Allstate Drivewise reviews complain that drivers don’t usually achieve the maximum 30 percent discount. Drivers say that savings are more likely to be range between 10 to 20 percent.

Most drivers use their cars between 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. or moderate risk hours, with occasional “high risk” (hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) outings. If you frequently drive at night, the app will dock off points. Other than that, if you already have Allstate, you might as well enroll in the app and see if you can save some money.

Ready to Track Your Driving?

In a sea of telematic devices, Nationwide and Allstate’s options are free options from two reliable companies. If you’re looking for the most savings, you may find that you can achieve the maximum 40 percent savings with Nationwide SmartRide. This discount is possible for drivers that stay local, drive the speed limit, and give other drivers more than enough space this is also for morning drivers or low-risk hour drivers.

Or maybe you’re more of an inconsistent driver, taking work trips into the city every other month where you will be in stop and go traffic. If this is the case, Allstate Drivewise’s six-month assessments may be right for you.

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