Does Nationwide’s SmartRide Really Save You Money?

Last Updated on January 6, 2026

Telematics (usage-based insurance) is one of the biggest ways drivers can save on auto coverage—especially if they’re already good behind the wheel. Instead of relying on guesswork, insurers use safe driver programs that monitor your driving and adjust your discount based on what the data shows.

Nationwide’s version is called SmartRide. It’s designed to reward safer driving with a meaningful discount—without making you “promise” you’re a safe driver and hoping the insurer believes you.

So, does Nationwide’s SmartRide really save you money? It can—sometimes a lot—but your results depend on your driving habits, your state, and whether you’re comfortable being tracked via an app (or, in some cases, a device).

What Is Nationwide SmartRide?

SmartRide is Nationwide’s usage-based insurance option for traditional auto policies. You enroll, drive normally, and Nationwide uses your driving data to calculate a discount—typically applied at renewal.

Nationwide advertises up to 40% off for safe driving in most states, plus an enrollment discount for signing up. Details and program rules can vary by state (and not every part of your policy may be discounted), so always verify the terms for your location.

Official program details: Nationwide SmartRide.

How SmartRide Works

• Enroll in SmartRide (usually through your Nationwide account, agent, or customer service) and activate it.
• Use the SmartRide app (Nationwide’s primary method for most drivers). In some situations, Nationwide may recommend using a plug-in device instead of the app.
• Drive like you normally do and confirm your first few trips in the app so it “learns” your driving patterns.
• Track your progress weekly—Nationwide updates your estimated discount during the program.
• Get your final discount at renewal. Your final SmartRide discount is calculated at your next renewal period. (Related: does car insurance renew automatically?)

SmartRide is designed as a discount program, meaning it’s intended to reward safe behavior—not surcharge you simply for enrolling. That said, Nationwide notes your final discount could be small—or even zero—depending on your driving results and state rules.

What Does SmartRide Track?

Nationwide says SmartRide measures four main factors. These are the biggest drivers of your discount:

• Miles driven: More miles usually means more time exposed to risk. SmartRide tracks your actual mileage rather than relying on estimates. (More on why that matters: how mileage impacts your rates.)
• Hard braking & acceleration: Sudden stops and aggressive acceleration can signal higher-risk driving. (Related: does hard braking affect auto insurance rates?)
• Idle time: Long periods stopped while “in a trip” can indicate heavy traffic driving, which can increase accident exposure.
• Nighttime driving: Nationwide defines this as driving between midnight and 5 a.m., which is often considered a higher-risk window for severe crashes. If you’ve had to move into a higher-risk category before, this helps explain why: moving from high-risk to standard insurance.

In general, SmartRide tends to favor drivers who brake smoothly, avoid late-night driving, and keep mileage reasonable. If you’re already a careful driver, you may be the kind of person who sees fewer incidents overall. (Related: how often do the safest drivers have accidents?)

How Much Can SmartRide Save You?

Nationwide promotes SmartRide as offering:

• An enrollment discount for signing up (commonly advertised as 10%).
• Up to 40% off for safe driving in most states, based on your driving results during the program.

The important detail is that your final discount is behavior-based. If your results show frequent hard stops, lots of late-night driving, or high mileage, your discount may be modest—or potentially zero.

How Long Does SmartRide Track You?

Nationwide says the SmartRide program typically lasts about four to six months. During the program, your estimated discount is updated weekly, and the final discount is applied at renewal.

Is SmartRide Worth Trying?

SmartRide is most worth it if you:

• Drive calmly (smooth stops, gradual acceleration) and avoid aggressive habits that can look like reckless driving from an insurer’s perspective.
• Don’t rack up a lot of late-night mileage or heavy stop-and-go commuting.
• Are comfortable using an app (or, in limited cases, a plug-in device) to track driving behavior.

You may want to skip SmartRide if privacy concerns outweigh the savings—or if your driving schedule is mostly midnight-to-5 a.m., where the program may be less forgiving.

Tips to Maximize Your SmartRide Discount

• Brake earlier and smoother (leave more following distance).
• Avoid midnight–5 a.m. driving when you can (even a small reduction can help).
• Trim unnecessary miles—combine errands and avoid extra trips when possible. If you’re a naturally low-mileage driver, you may already benefit from low-mileage discounts in addition to telematics savings.
• Check your weekly updates so you can correct habits early in the program (instead of waiting until the end).

Don’t Forget Other Nationwide Discounts

SmartRide is just one way to reduce your bill. Many drivers save more by stacking multiple discounts where eligible. Start here: Nationwide car insurance discounts.

Common discount stackers include:

• Multiple policy discounts (bundling home/renters with auto)
• Defensive driver courses (where accepted and eligible)
• Student discounts (good student and similar programs)

If your goal is simply paying less overall, compare your full discount stack—not just SmartRide—against other carriers that offer the best discounts possible.

FAQs on Nationwide SmartRide

Bottom Line: Does Nationwide SmartRide Really Save You Money?

SmartRide can absolutely save you money—especially if you already drive smoothly, avoid late-night trips, and keep mileage reasonable. But it’s not magic: your final discount depends on the data, and in some cases it can be small or even zero. If you’re comfortable with app-based tracking, it’s usually worth trying—then compare your renewal premium against quotes elsewhere to confirm you’re still getting the best deal.

Want to understand what changes your premium from year to year (with or without SmartRide)? Start here: why car insurance premiums change over time—and if you’re adjusting coverages to save, make sure you understand car insurance deductibles before you raise them.