Comparing Discounts: Nationwide vs The General Auto Insurance
Finding the strongest discount stack can cut auto premiums by double digits. Nationwide and The General both court budget-minded drivers—yet their savings paths differ. The quick guide below shows how each brand rewards your profile so you can zero in on the better fit.
Use the ZIP tools to see live pricing in your area, then match those quotes against the discount checklist and the side-by-side table. That way you’re not guessing—you’re validating real, local offers.
Start With Local Quotes by ZIP
Enter your ZIP code to compare current rates and see which carrier lets your discounts do more work in your neighborhood.
Auto Insurance Quote (Nationwide vs The General)
See which carrier rewards your profile more today.
Home Insurance Quote (for Bundling)
Add home to unlock multi-policy discounts with either carrier.

Discount Playbooks Compared
Nationwide leans into broader discount categories (bundling, telematics, loyalty), while The General focuses on accessibility (credit-flexible underwriting, low-mileage, simple pay perks). Your driving history, mileage, and whether you can bundle usually decide the winner.
ZIP code and garaging address matter, too. Dense urban areas or coastal regions can change how each carrier prices risk, which in turn alters how much mileage, telematics, or bundling actually move the needle. Always compare where you live, not a national average.
Vehicle profile also tilts results. Late-model cars with modern safety tech may unlock stronger savings with carriers that weight ADAS and anti-theft features more heavily, while older vehicles or high-mileage commuters might benefit more from simple payment or low-mileage credits.
Your recent insurance history can be decisive. Clean records and continuous coverage tend to favor broader, stackable discounts, whereas drivers rebuilding after lapses, tickets, or SR-22 needs may see better net pricing from more flexible underwriting and straightforward pay-in-full perks.
Discount Type | Nationwide | The General | Who Typically Wins? |
---|---|---|---|
Multi-Policy (Home + Auto) | Robust bundle credits | Available, varies by market | Nationwide |
Telematics / Safe-Driver | Strong usage-based options | Limited in some states | Nationwide |
Low-Mileage | Sometimes via telematics | Clear low-mileage offers | The General |
Good Student / Defensive Driver | Common & stackable | Available (varies) | Tie (profile-dependent) |
Payment & Paperless | Auto-pay / paperless credits | Auto-pay / pay-in-full perks | Tie |
Vehicle Safety Features | Modern safety credits | Available (varies) | Nationwide (slight) |
Nationwide: Where It Usually Saves More
If you can bundle home + auto, drive consistently, and opt into telematics, Nationwide’s stack often outpaces basic discounts. Add paperless and pay-in-full to squeeze a few extra percentage points.
- Multi-policy: Home + auto bundle credit
- Telematics: Safe-driving programs for ongoing savings
- Good Student / Defensive Driver: Extra credits for eligible households
- Safety: Modern ADAS can further trim rates
The General: When It Comes Out Ahead
For low-mileage commuters or drivers rebuilding their rating, The General’s underwriting and straightforward discount menu can produce competitive net premiums—especially with pay-in-full.
- Low-Mileage: Fewer miles, lower risk, better price
- Military: Preferred savings where available
- Payment Perks: Pay-in-full / auto-pay credits
- Accessible Eligibility: Options if your history isn’t perfect
Bottom Line: Which Has Better Discounts?
It depends on your stack. Bundlers and safe drivers tend to lean Nationwide. Low-mileage and budget-first drivers may see The General edge. The fastest path: run both quotes above, then match them against the table to confirm who wins for your ZIP and profile.
FAQ — Discounts & Eligibility
Smart discount stacking isn’t about finding one “magic” perk—it’s about combining several small wins. If one carrier lets you stack more, that’s your signal.
What discounts does Nationwide commonly offer?
Multi-policy (home + auto), telematics/safe-driver, good student, defensive driver, paperless/auto-pay, and safety-feature credits.
Are The General’s discounts easy to qualify for?
Generally yes—especially low-mileage and payment-method perks. Availability and amounts vary by state and profile.
Will switching to Nationwide always save more?
Not always. If you can’t bundle or drive very few miles, The General can be competitive. Compare both in your ZIP, then pick the stronger stack.