• Help new clients save by personalizing their auto insurance with telematics options
• Nationwide is improving its auto pricing position to be more competitive in Ohio
• Nationwide Express makes quoting and binding quick and easy

The COVID crisis has impacted Ohioans in many ways, including changing their driving habits and squeezing the budgets of many families. As Buckeye state drivers adjust to the new normal, some may be wondering if their insurance policy is the right fit for their current needs. We know many will turn to their independent agent to ask if they are paying the right price or have the right coverage for their evolving lifestyle.

According to a recent Nationwide Agent Authority survey, 91% of agents said they can offer the best prices. However, only 74% of customers agreed, flagging an opportunity for agents to proactively engage their customers to talk about price. To help agents have these conversations, Nationwide offers a number of potential solutions.

Telematics Solutions

With fewer people on the road due to the pandemic, customers want their insurance rate to reflect their driving behaviors. Nationwide offers products today that allow customers to do just that. Nationwide customers who are safe or low-mileage drivers are seeing lower rates right now. These programs and the control over premium they can provide are likely to become the insurance choice for drivers in the years ahead.

You can help with the personalization and control that Ohio drivers want by highlighting Nationwide’s telematics solutions when working with new customers:

• SmartRide: A program that rewards safe driving with an up to 40% discount
• SmartMiles: A pay-by-the-mile option that provides customers the most control over their insurance costs

More competitive rates

We’re improving our competitive position and revising Ohio’s Standard Auto new business rates with rate reductions. Policies with more preferred risk characteristics, including higher limits and multi-line policies, may see even deeper rate decreases. This is effective for new business starting Sept. 13 and renewals Dec. 3. Reach out to your Nationwide sales partner to learn more.

And there are opportunities to address the needs of current customers. Existing customers in Nationwide Mutual Fire and Nationwide General companies can still sign up for SmartRide and get added loyalty reward benefits such as pet injury coverage, car key replacement and fender bender forgiveness.

Nationwide Express

We’re also helping you be more efficient with tools like Nationwide Express. Our streamlined quote and bind processes through Nationwide Express gives you more time to focus on your customers and growing your business. Starting this month, Nationwide Express will be available via mobile app to allow you to quote and bind from the palm of your hand – even on the go. Additionally, Nationwide Express will integrate with major comparative raters, making it even more seamless for agents to bind directly.

Thanks for all you do to help customers find the right solution in this challenging environment. Nationwide is here to help.

Jeff Rommel is Senior Vice President of P&C Sales and Distribution