Nationwide Insurance Car Accident Claims & Coverage

Most of us carry around the television insurance jingles in our head, simply because there are so many of them shown so often. As an example: “Nationwide is on your side.” But really, are insurance companies on our side, there when we need them—are they really our friend? In fact, insurance companies are often much more interested in their financial bottom line than in being your friend. When it comes to actually serving customers, far too many insurance companies fall short.

As the adage goes, insurance companies “deny, delay and defend,” despite the fact that the insurance industry receives premiums of more than $1 trillion each year, and has assets well over $3.8 trillion. As far as Nationwide insurance in particular, the company did not make the list put out by the American Association of Justice for the top ten worst insurance companies—which is a good thing for Nationwide customers. The good and the bad regarding Nationwide includes:

The Good:

• Nationwide offers great coverage for mechanical problems and breakdowns.
• Nationwide has one of the easiest claim-filing systems in the industry.
• You can start a Nationwide claim on your smartphone.
• If you are feeling overwhelmed, you can live chat with a Nationwide agent.
• If you have a large car loan, Nationwide offers GAP insurance—something not all other insurance companies offer.
• Nationwide’s website is easy to navigate, and contains well-organized information and intuitive tools.
• Nationwide is famous for their “vanishing deductible” program, which credits you $100 each year you don’t have an accident, up to a maximum balance of $500. If you are then involved in an accident, the amount you have accrued is applied toward your deductible.

The Bad:

• Nationwide does not have some of the more common driver discounts such as military discounts, low-mileage driver discounts, and a discount for paying your policy premium in full, in advance.
• Nationwide does not offer loyalty discounts to long-term customers, although this type of discount is not all that common.
• Nationwide’s iPhone and Android app gets mixed reviews from users. It does not offer the ability to add or remove drivers or cars, change coverage options or adjust deductibles.

Learn what you can do if the insurance company is not offering to pay for all of your damages.

Facts About Nationwide Insurance

Some facts and history about Nationwide Insurance include:

• Nationwide Insurance was formed by a group of Midwestern farmers, in 1926, who were not happy about paying the same insurance rates as city drivers who drove more miles, in heavier traffic.
• Nationwide grew from a small auto insurer, owned by policyholders to one of the largest insurance companies in the world.
• Nationwide currently has more than $158 billion in statutory assets.
• In 1934, Nationwide began insuring motorists in metropolitan areas, and writing property insurance policies.
• In 1978, Nationwide completed its international headquarters at One Nationwide Plaza in central Ohio—the 40-story structure was the largest in the area.
• In 1982, Nationwide acquired Farmland Insurance, and in 1997 the company went public.
• Today, Nationwide is a Fortune 100 company, offering a full range of insurance options, including farm, life, pet, homeowners, boat, motorcycle, car and commercial.

Class-Action Lawsuits Against Nationwide

In June 2015, a class action settlement was reached in the Nationwide Insurance anti-theft device discount class action lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that certain branches or subsidiaries of Nationwide failed to offer certain car insurance policyholders a discount for antitheft devices featured in their vehicles, even though the company’s internal database indicated such a device. Policyholders in Pennsylvania filed the suit, claiming these actions violated Pennsylvania state law and breached its contract with policyholders.

Filing a Nationwide Claim

To file a Nationwide auto insurance claim online, go to: https://www.nationwide.com/start-insurance-claim.jsp. If you prefer to file your claim with a phone call, call toll-free (662) 371-6580.

What to Know About Filing an Auto Insurance Claim

There are a variety of issues which could derail your claim, many of them stemming from simple mistakes on your part. The best way to avoid these mistakes is to contact an attorney any time you have received serious injuries from an auto accident which was the result of a negligent driver. Many insurance companies will ask you if they can record your statement. Never agree to this. In many cases, the most innocent comment can later turn into a reason the insurance company denies your claim.

Never take the first settlement offer the insurance company sends your way. You could find out later that your injuries are much more extensive than you originally thought, and the settlement you accepted could fail to cover your injuries. There are many other issues you may not have thought about that your Mississippi personal injury attorney can assist you with, to ensure you receive the best settlement available.

Getting Legal Help

If you have suffered an auto accident or other type of personal injury in the areas of Southaven, Horn Lake, Hernando, Walls, Tunica, Olive Branch, Desoto County, Memphis TN or Shelby County TN, contact Stroud, Flechas & Dalton as soon as possible at (662) 371-6580. We will be your advocate and will do our best to ensure you receive equitable compensation for your injuries.