About the award: The JD Power 2026 U.S. Auto Insurance Study measures customer satisfaction with auto insurance in 11 geographic regions. A separate category that addresses UBI, along with diagnostics that influence UBI participants’ experience with their insurer’s usage-based auto products, ranks Nationwide as the top auto insurer for usage-based insurance.

What we’re saying: “Nationwide recognizes that customers want insurance solutions that are as smart and connected as the world around them,” said Casey Kempton, President, P&C Personal Lines for  Nationwide. “Usage-based insurance delivers that by combining technology, innovation and practical insights to help drivers improve habits and make roadways safer for everyone.”

Starting “Smart” in 2012: Nationwide launched its first UBI product, SmartRide®² in 2012 followed by SmartMiles® ³ in 2019 as options for drivers seeking products that personalize rates based on driving habits.

• SmartRide® measures specific driving behaviors and provides real-time feedback to encourage safer driving decisions. Personalized results can lead to insurance premium discounts up to 40%.
• SmartMiles® is pay-per-mile insurance with a flexible monthly rate based on miles driven.

Beyond UBI: Nationwide rolled out the Focused Driving Rewards® (FDR) program⁴, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help reduce phone-related distractions and reward safe driving with e-gift cards from popular retailers. The program is open to all drivers, not just Nationwide customers.  

Where usage-based insurance is headed: Nationwide sees usage-based insurance as the foundation for smarter, more personalized protection. Through advanced telematics, it aims to deliver coverage tailored to each customer’s lifestyle while promoting safety, transparency, and trust. The goal is to make insurance feel more like a partnership that rewards safe, responsible driving.

Go deeper: Learn more about usage-based insurance from Nationwide. 

¹ Nationwide received the highest score in the Usage Based Insurance (UBI) segment of the JD Power 2024-2026 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,^SM of customers’ satisfaction with their auto insurance provider. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

² Availability varies; program criteria differs in California and North Carolina. Stated discounts are approximations. Discounts do not apply to all coverage elements; actual savings, availability, and program criteria vary by state, coverage selections, rating factors, and policy changes. Enrollment discount applies until a driving behavior discount can be calculated, which could be zero. Driving behavior discount is applied to a policy when all drivers have activated the SmartRide Mobile app within 30 days of the policy’s effective date and the app remains active for 80 days. All discounts are subject to change based upon actuarial support and driving behavior at subsequent renewals or with changes in drivers or vehicles on the policy.

In Virginia and Washington, the discount may decrease at renewal based on changes in driving behavior. In Michigan and Washington, the driving behavior discount is applied at renewal.

³ Program information reflects SmartMiles in Arizona, Ohio, Oregon and Nebraska. Details and availability vary by state, policy original effective date and other factors. SmartMiles variable premium is based upon the Cost Per Mile established for the coverages in force and the number of days and miles driven when the coverage is in force. Cost Per Mile may vary monthly based on driving trends. Estimated premium is subject  change based upon final rated mileage during the mileage period and policy changes.

⁴ Focused Driving Rewards is not currently available in AK, CA, HI, LA, MA, NY or OK.  Drivers 29 years and younger can earn up to $60 every 6 months. Drivers 30 years and older can earn $2.50 every 2 weeks, up to $30 every 6 months. Focused Driving Rewards is not insurance and does not require the purchase of a policy or a quote. Participation is optional and subject to terms and conditions. Nationwide may terminate the program at any time.

Why it matters
Based on analysis of claims resulting from an auto collision, Nationwide found that a driver is 3.5 times more likely to be involved in a crash when driving distracted. 

Iowa drivers are showing measurable behavior change since the law took effect on July 1, 2025. The data suggests that an education campaign, a six-month warning period, and full enforcement effective January 1, 2026, have contributed to more drivers putting the phone down and focusing on the road.

By the numbers
Analytics derived from mobile telematics found that phone-related distraction among Nationwide-insured drivers in Iowa dropped in several key behaviors over the last year.

• 13.6% reduction on screen-tapping interactions since full enforcement, an improvement from 5.9% during warning period
• 9.1% reduction in handheld calling since full enforcement, an improvement from 8.2% during warning period
• During full enforcement, Iowa drivers logged about 140,700 fewer phone-motion events than expected based on pre-law driving behavior 

Nationwide Methodology
The analysis above is based on anonymized, opt-in mobile telematics data used to evaluate changes in phone-related distraction among Iowa drivers before and after the state’s hands-free law took effect from July 1, 2025 to June 15, 2026.

Additional insights from CMT, which include distracted driving data from over 30 safe driving programs across the U.S., show from July 2025 to May 2026:

• 85 of Iowa’s 99 counties saw decreases in phone motion
  • Among the state’s 10 largest counties, nine experienced reductions of at least 4% and Iowa’s largest county, Polk County, decreased distraction by 9.2%.
• Top-performing counties achieved reductions in distraction ranging from 13% to 17% with biggest improvements seen in Ringgold, Page, Calhoun, Wayne, and Lyon.
• The reduction in distraction has helped Iowa prevent an estimated 470 crashes, 210 injuries, 3 fatalities, and $20.3 million in economic damage¹.

Together, the Nationwide and CMT findings point to the same conclusion: Iowa drivers are showing measurable reductions in risky phone-related behavior since the law took effect.

The big picture
“Promoting responsible driving behavior through legislative advocacy and safe driving programs like SmartRide and Focused Driving Rewards is an ongoing priority for Nationwide,” said Casey Kempton, President, P&C Personal Lines for Nationwide. “Meaningful change can happen when like-minded partners come together, and we commend Iowa’s Department of Public Safety and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau for their continued commitment to positively influence distracted-driving behaviors among drivers across the state.”  

"Distracted driving is one of the most preventable dangers on our roads, and Iowa has shown the nation that change is within reach," said William V. Powers, Co-Founder and CEO of CMT. “This is the future of road safety: proactive, measurable, and lifesaving. If the rest of the country follows Iowa's lead, we can save tens of thousands of lives and redefine what it means to be safe behind the wheel."

About the law
Governor Kim Reynolds signed Iowa’s Hands-Free Driving Law on April 2, 2025, making Iowa the 31^st state in the nation to enact hands-free legislation. Since the law’s effective date July 1, 2025, the Iowa State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies have been educating motorists on what constitutes distracted driving and how to comply with the law.   

“As we approach the one-year mark for enacting Iowa’s hands-free law, it is exciting to see Nationwide's data showing a reduction of in-vehicle phone usage across the state of Iowa,” says Iowa State Patrol Colonel Nathan Fulk.  “This progress reflects the collaborative efforts from our law enforcement personnel, safety advocates, and our private partners, like Nationwide.  Most importantly, it highlights Iowans who have demonstrated safe driving behavior and embraced the message that no text, call or notification is worth risking a life.”

Visit DriveSmartIowa.com for more information about Iowa’s Hands-Free Driving Law and tips for avoiding distractions while driving.

¹ Estimates are based on changes in crash rates from distracted driving, combined with the average crash cost of $23,954 from NHTSA’s report The Economic and Societal Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes, 2019, and 2022 crash records reported by the State of Iowa.

“Preventing devastating electrical fires changes everything for our members,” said Casey Kempton, President of Personal Lines at Nationwide. “By offering Ting as part of our Smart Protection Suite, we’re taking a proactive approach to fire prevention by helping members identify electrical hazards before they cause a fire and setting a new standard for home protection. For our agents Ting is a powerful, easy-to-use service offering that’s valued and trusted.” 

Ting is a smart sensor that plugs into any outlet and begins detecting electrical signals associated with fire hazards. Using advanced AI, it detects small arcs and faults, which are early warning signs of electrical fire hazards that often go unnoticed. When a hazard is found, Ting’s Fire Safety Team works directly with the homeowner to resolve the problem, including coordination with licensed electricians and paying up to $1,000 toward repairs. Beyond fire prevention, Ting also provides members with precise power outage information, as well as alerts for frozen pipe risk, to help prevent one of winter’s most disruptive and costly damages.  

Nationwide members have responded enthusiastically to the Ting fire prevention program:  

Agents can now add Ting directly to homeowner policies via the Nationwide policy center for eligible members,¹ helping more families avoid the disruption, loss, and emotional toll of home fires.  

“Nationwide continues to demonstrate incredible leadership in member safety.” said Bob Marshall, CEO of Whisker Labs. “This expansion reflects a people-first approach to prevention that protects members, empowers agents, and sets a standard for what’s possible in the industry. The ability to predict and prevent electrical fires at this scale is truly monumental, not just for insurance, but for home safety more broadly. We’re proud of this deep collaboration with Nationwide as they make prevention part of everyday protection.” 

Nationwide and Whisker Labs share a mission rooted in prevention, focused on helping members stay ahead of home risks through early detection. 

 Eligible members who enroll receive the following, at no cost: 

• A Ting sensor that plugs into any vertical outlet
• The Ting app with real-time hazard and outage alerts
• Five years of fire prevention service
• A $1,000 credit toward Ting-identified fire hazard repairs
• Frozen pipe prevention and power outage alerts  

Members can check their eligibility and enroll online.² 

About Whisker Labs 

Whisker Labs develops cutting-edge, AI-powered sensor technology that protects families, homes, and communities by predicting and preventing electrical fires while also monitoring the resiliency and safety of the U.S. electrical grid. Its flagship solution, Ting, draws on decades of electromagnetic and atmospheric sensor expertise to detect electrical faults and frozen pipe risk. While a single Ting sensor helps protect a home, the collective network of sensors monitors the grid to deliver Ting Insights, the most comprehensive source for grid reliability, safety, and resilience intelligence. Since launch, Ting has reached over one million homes and helped identify and mitigate more than 25,000 electrical fire hazards to prevent potential disasters before they occurred. As one of the fastest-growing IoT networks, Ting is proven to prevent 4 out of 5 electrical fires, reducing home fire losses and saving lives across the U.S. every day. For more information visit www.whiskerlabs.com and www.tingfire.com. 

About Nationwide

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.  

For more information about Nationwide and Nationwide’s ratings, visit www.nationwide.com or Company Ratings -- Nationwide. 

Subscribe today to receive the latest news from Nationwide and follow Nationwide PR on X. 

Nationwide, Nationwide is on your side and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2026 

^{1 Available in 44 states and Washington D.C., not available in: AK, HI, LA, NY, OK, WA. 
2 Terms and Conditions apply}

‘Tis the Season to be Driving 
For the past few years, Nationwide claims frequency has shown other risky days are the Friday before Christmas (December 19 this year), with an increase in auto accidents peaking on December 23.  

“The holidays are busy enough, don’t add risk to the mix,” said Casey Kempton, President, P&C Personal Lines. “The simplest way to stay safe is to keep your eyes on the road and your phone out of reach. A quick text or scroll isn’t worth the danger it creates for you, your passengers, and everyone sharing the road.”

Distracted Driving in a Winter Wonderland 
There is a good chance while driving to do your holiday shopping, you’ll see another driver looking at their phones behind the wheel.   

According to the latest driving survey from Nationwide, the overwhelming majority agree driving has become more dangerous, reporting that other drivers are more often looking at their phones (92%). Even more alarming, 1 in 10 (11%) confess to reading or writing emails while driving.*   

An analysis using Nationwide SmartRide data revealed that the average driver experiences five or more distractions in a 20-mile commute, with each distraction averaging 15 seconds at 45mph—this is equivalent to driving blind for over the length of three football fields!   

Nationwide’s ‘Focused Driving Rewards®’ Can Encourage Safer Habits  
To help combat these issues, Nationwide has introduced the Focused Driving Rewards (FDR) program,** a first-of-its-kind initiative that rewards all drivers, both existing Nationwide members and non-customers, for reducing phone use behind the wheel.  

Key details include:  

• App-Based Participation: The program is managed through the Nationwide app, with participants earning points redeemable for gift cards when they avoid distractions over time.
• Rewards Pilot Success: FDR launched successfully across more than 40 states in 2025. Since the start, we’ve seen 38% of drivers enrolled have lowered their distraction levels, with those showing improvements averaging a 39% reduction. Notably, the most significant improvements have come from reduced phone tapping while behind the wheel.
• No Strings Attached: FDR is open to everyone, not just Nationwide customers, and offers up to $60 every six months in gift cards for those that keep their focus on the roads while driving.
• Simplicity & Focus: The program only considers phone handling events (like tapping, hand-held calls, or phone motion), making it an easy way to try out a telematics experience and be rewarded for improved focus.  

Deck the Halls with Updated Insurance 
The holiday season is a great time to review your insurance coverage with your agent to make sure you have the right coverage for your needs. The claims data shows that drivers have good reason to be apprehensive about driving around the holidays; knowing you’re covered in case something does happen can bring some relief.  

*Nationwide Driving Behaviors Survey 2025, a nationally representative online survey of 1,000 general consumers and 400 commercial drivers from March 5-18, 2025.   
**Focused Driving Rewards is not currently available in AK, CA, FL, HI, LA, MA, NY or OK. Drivers 29 years and younger can earn up to $60 every 6 months. Drivers 30 years and older can earn $2.50 every 2 weeks, up to $30 every 6 months. Focused Driving Rewards is not insurance and does not require the purchase of a policy or a quote. Participation is optional and subject to terms and conditions. Nationwide may terminate the program at any time. 

This spending slowdown isn’t limited to the holidays. Since the start of 2025, consumers say they’re making fewer impulse purchases (47%), buying fewer luxury items (41%), and buying more used or secondhand goods rather than new (32%).  

That caution is spilling into bigger financial decisions. Almost half (48%) delayed or canceled a vacation and 46% delayed or decided not to purchase a car. A significant portion of Americans also put off major life milestones, such as having a baby (21%), postponing a wedding (19%), and retiring (17%).

At the same time, debt reliance is rising. One in 5 Americans (20%) have relied more on debt today than they did a year ago. Of those, 61% carry a balance on their credit card(s), 23% took out a personal loan from a bank or other lender, and 17% borrowed from their 401k/retirement plan.

“Even though many Americans say they feel financially stable today, the way they’re behaving tells a different story,” said Kathy Bostjancic, Chief Economist at Nationwide. “This year has seen a lot of mixed signals, with some improvement in wages on the one hand but weak job growth, continued inflationary pressures and geopolitical concerns on the other. As a result, consumers are proceeding with caution because they are unsure just how firm their financial footing will be in the near future.”

Lingering Pessimism Shapes Outlook for 2026

Despite relative confidence in their personal financial security, Americans feel uneasy about what lies ahead. More than a third (35%) believe the economy will get worse in 2026. Among those with a pessimistic outlook, 78% point to higher inflation as a key driver, while 71% cite the impact of global trade tensions and tariffs. Additionally, one in four (25%) believe the stock market is overvalued or in a bubble, contributing to broader concerns about financial stability.

This growing unease about the economy is shaping their financial priorities. Looking ahead to 2026, a significant share of consumers anticipate greater difficulty in reaching key financial goals, including managing healthcare costs (43%), paying off debt (39%), saving for retirement (34%), and protecting their portfolios from market volatility (31%).

Financial Resilience Begins with Trusted Advice

Even as financial anxiety grows, most Americans are facing financial uncertainty without professional support. Only one in four (25%) consumers surveyed currently work with a financial advisor. Yet among those who do, nearly half (48%) say their advisor is their most trusted financial resource, providing perspective and support that can be difficult to find elsewhere. 

“Professional support can make a meaningful difference for savers as they navigate their short- and long-term financial goals,” said Kevin Jestice, president of Nationwide Retirement Solutions. “A trusted financial professional can help people step back from immediate worries and take a long view—whether that means finding savings today or creating a strategy to stay on track for retirement. Additionally, many workplace retirement plans offer helpful education and planning resources to their participants.”

Insurance Confidence Hinges on Human Connection

As consumers navigate economic uncertainty, many are turning to trusted sources for help understanding and managing their insurance needs. Nationwide’s survey reveals that 46% of consumers seek help or information about insurance products from an insurance agent, making agents the most relied-upon source, well ahead of friends and family (37%), social media (19%), or AI tools (17%).

Despite the growing presence of digital tools, over half of consumers (56%) say they never use AI for information about home or auto insurance. This suggests that while technology may offer convenience, it hasn’t yet earned the trust required for more complex or personal financial decisions.

“When people are feeling uncertain about their finances, they’re looking for clarity and control wherever they can find it,” said Casey Kempton, Nationwide’s P&C President of Personal Lines. “That’s where independent agents shine because they remain the most trusted source. A simple policy review can go a long way in helping clients understand what they’re covered for and how to make smart adjustments that fit their current budget.”

The 2025 Nationwide Economic Impact Survey underscores an evolving financial landscape where stability and uncertainty coexist. As Americans prepare for a new year filled with unknowns, those who seek guidance and take action today may be best positioned to turn caution into long-term confidence.

To learn more about Nationwide’s 2025 Economic Impact survey, click here. 

Methodology

Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence (DXI) to conduct a nationally representative online 15-minute survey of 2,000 US consumer adults aged 18 and older from September 5-23, 2025. The survey was weighted to be representative of the U.S. population by age, gender, region and ethnicity.  

As a member in good standing with The Insights Association as well as ESOMAR Edelman Data and Intelligence conducts all research in accordance with local, national, and international laws as well as in line with all Market Research Standards and Guidelines.

NFM-25186AO

Despite the hurdles, they did it. Now, they’re offering advice for those up next. 

Their insights offer practical, candid advice for new buyers. From surprise expenses to the pride that comes with finally having a place to call their own, these stories give renters and aspiring homeowners a clearer view of what’s ahead. 

“Buying your first home is a big transition,” said Casey Kempton, President P&C Personal Lines at Nationwide. “When making this type of decision, it’s natural for new homebuyers to start second guessing themselves. However, having a trusted advisor, like your agent, can help take some of the guesswork from that process. These findings show just how much guidance buyers are looking for – not just during the transaction, but after the keys are in hand.”   

Stress of Buying a Home Beats Wedding Planning & Job Hunting  
According to the survey, 71% of first-time buyers said the process was more stressful than finding their first job. Others said it ranked above planning a wedding (59%) or finding a long-term romantic partner (56%). 

Some of the other most common challenges included: 

• Understanding the full scope of what buying a home entails (48%) 
• Finding trusted resources for first time buyers (48%) 
• Finding affordable home insurance (47%) 
• Unexpected costs and fees (47%) 

Many also had to make tough compromises to afford their home, including: 

• Commuting further to work or other daily destinations (32%) 
• Buying a home in a location that wasn't their first choice or ideal preference (31%) 
• Buying a home with fewer amenities (e.g., no backyard, no garage, no pool) (28%) 
• Living in a home that needs / needed significant repairs or renovations (27%) 
• Living in a smaller home than originally wanted (26%) 

The biggest surprise for many? How dramatically their lives changed after moving in. One in three buyers agreed that owning a home changes everything about how you spend your time and money. 

What Motivated Them and Surprised Them 
For many couples surveyed by Nationwide, renting wasn’t just a placeholder. It was a smart way to stay flexible, build savings, and figure out what they wanted long term; however, once the idea of buying became real, it was hard to ignore. Top reasons for making the leap included: 

• Finding a home in a preferred area (36%) 
• Starting or growing a family (35%) 
• Escaping rising rent (28%) 

Nearly 90% of respondents said owning a home made them feel more like an adult. But the transition brought a steep learning curve. About two-thirds said they quickly understood the reality of “unexpected repairs,” with many turning to the Internet for help when something broke. 

To understand those surprises better, Nationwide asked first-time homebuyers to pick a warning label that should have been on their house. They wish they knew: 

•  “There's always a hidden cost lurking around the corner” (28%) 
• “The internet will suddenly become your best friend for "how-to" videos” (28%). 
• “Your weekends are now dedicated to yard work and home improvement projects” (27%) 
• “Something expensive will break within six months” (24%) 
• “A home warranty will not cover your emotional breakdowns” (21%) 

“We heard from buyers who found their dream home and found themselves panic-searching ‘how to fix a leaking water heater’ at 2 a.m.,” said Kempton. “That’s the reality of first-time homeownership. Our job is to make that transition easier, so they spend less time worrying and more time settling in.” 

Redefining What Success Looks Like 
Despite the emotional ups and downs, more than 80% said the experience gave them a greater sense of control and boosted their financial confidence. They cite stability (33%), personalization (28%), and long-term wealth-building (22%) as the most empowering aspects of ownership. 

While 8 in 10 still believe homeownership is one of life’s most important achievements and central to the American Dream, over half said they now view success differently. For this generation of buyers, success means living within their means, growing retirement savings, and achieving independence; not just paying off a mortgage. They’re redefining wealth on their own terms, focused less on square footage, and more on freedom, flexibility, and security.  

First-Time Buyers Want Peace of Mind, Not Just a Policy 
Today’s buyers are planning for the long term. Nearly two-thirds (63%) view their first home as their “forever home,” not just a steppingstone. That level of commitment makes it even more important to protect what they’ve worked for. 

From navigating unexpected repairs and DIY upgrades to choosing the right insurance policy, new homeowners are looking for practical tools that reduce stress, not add to it. The right coverage offers peace of mind, turning what could be future headaches into manageable moments. 

“Buying your first home is both exciting and exhausting. We want first-time buyers to know they’re not alone,” said Kempton. “First-time buyers aren’t just looking for a place to live; they’re building the foundation of their financial future. With the right coverage and guidance, they can move forward with confidence and spend more time enjoying their new home.” 

Nationwide is a resource during this exciting journey. To learn more about how Nationwide supports first-time homeowners, visit our First Time Home Buyer Guide and Resources for New Beginnings.  

Methodology: 
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data and Intelligence to conduct a national online survey, fielded from January 17 to January 28, 2025, of 1,009 U.S. adults, age 18+, who have purchased their first home (no prior homeownership) within the past 12 months. 

But here’s the good news: while today’s parents may be worried, they’re getting proactive about helping their kids become better drivers and are better equipped to take action.   

What Keeps Parents Up at Night? 
Parents’ top worries are as familiar as they are frightening: driving in poor weather (52%), distracted driving (42%), and speeding or reckless behavior (36%). And the risks are real. Nearly one in four parents say their teen uses social media or even get themselves ready (apply makeup, style hair) while driving. Some report their teens are texting (23%) or watching videos (18%) behind the wheel—behaviors that dramatically increase crash risk.  

Safety Starts at Home 
The survey also reveals that 95% of parents talk to their teens about safe driving at least once a month. When those conversations are paired with real-time insights and incentives, they become even more powerful.  

And while only 26% of teens currently use dashcams, a whopping 96% of parents believe they’re valuable for promoting accountability. As comfort with AI-enabled monitoring grows, families are embracing a future where technology supports—not replaces—good judgment.  

Using Technology to Support Safer Teen Driving  
Families can use telematics tools not just to monitor, but to actively support safer driving habits. Nationwide programs like SmartRide and the new Focused Driving Rewards are great tools to help parents encourage their teen driver with real-time feedback and incentives.   

“Parents want to feel confident that their teens are making smart choices behind the wheel,” says Casey Kempton, President of P&C Personal Lines at Nationwide. “These tools help make that possible—not just by monitoring behavior, but by encouraging better habits through positive reinforcement.”  

How the Programs Work 
SmartRide® tracks behaviors like hard braking, speeding, and phone use. It provides real-time feedback and can lead to insurance premium discounts for safe habits. The goal is to help teens learn from their driving experiences and build safer habits over time.  

Focused Driving Rewards®, a newer initiative, is open to all drivers—not just Nationwide customers. It’s designed to reduce phone-related distractions and reward safe driving with e-gift cards from popular retailers.  

Why It Matters 
Research shows that many drivers are open to rewards-based programs. The survey revealed 70% of all consumers would consider joining a rewards-based driving program, with half (50%) citing saving money on insurance as their top motivator. For parents, the emotional stakes are higher—44% say their primary reason is to improve their teen’s safety. In fact, 82% of parents say they’d be likely to enroll their teens in a program that rewards safe driving behavior.  

The Road Ahead 
Teen driving will always come with risks. But today’s families have more tools, more data, and more ways to stay connected than ever before. By combining open communication with smart technology, parents can shift from fear to confidence—one safe mile at a time.  

“This isn’t just about technology,” Kempton says. “It’s about creating a culture of accountability and shared responsibility on the road.”  

Want to help your teen become a safer driver? 
Explore Nationwide’s driving tools and resources here.  

Nationwide’s April 2025 survey, which polled both personal drivers and company drivers, offers insurers, agents and fleet managers a full-spectrum view of roadway behavior in 2025.

Driving feels more dangerous today, but people feel their own cell phone use is acceptable
Compared to last year, roughly 9 in 10 consumers feel other motorists are using their phones more behind the wheel (92%), driving faster (92%), more aggressive (92%) and more reckless (88%).

Given these worries, only 15% of consumers rate other motorists around them as “very good” or “excellent” drivers, but 8 in 10 rate their own driving highly.

However, these beliefs fly in the face of their own risky behaviors on the roads:

• 20% admit to texting while driving
• 15% use social media
• 13% are watching videos
• 11% are reading or writing emails

Phones aren’t the only devices stealing drivers’ attention on the roads.

• Nearly half (47%, a 6-point increase from 2024) also express concerns that built-in touchscreens and displays designed for navigation, communication and entertainment contribute to driver distraction.

“Far too many people believe they’re immune to distraction or that a ‘quick check’ won’t hurt,” says Casey Kempton, Nationwide’s president of Personal Lines. “Our latest survey data clearly reveals that these split-second decisions can have serious consequences. Nationwide is committed to driver safety and, no matter the use, a phone in the hand while driving is a dangerous distraction.” 

Explore the full personal lines findings here.

As risks mount, 7 in 10 company drivers worry about death, injury or lawsuits on work routes
The research also found that while company drivers routinely dodge distracted motorists on their work routes, many also confess to risky behaviors behind the wheel that could lead to dangerous and costly accidents. As roads become more dangerous, 70% of company drivers say they worry about being killed or hurt in a collision, or being held liable for the damages.

In line with consumers, 89% of company drivers rate their own driving as good or excellent, but less than 60% say the same of other drivers.

While 75% of company drivers believe that the use of phones by other motorists has increased over the past year, at least 1 in 5 company drivers (21%) also admit to frequent distractions while driving for work. These distractions mainly include adjusting their GPS systems, using cell phones (calls, texts and social media), eating or drinking, and fiddling with their radio or music.  

Staffing shortages may also be fueling riskier behaviors. Four in 10 drivers (44%, a 5-point increase from 2024) say their employer is struggling to hire or retain qualified drivers, a challenge that’s leading to:

• Increased workloads (72%, +11 points)
• Longer driving hours (71%, +13 points)
• Difficulty meeting deadlines (57%, +10 points)
• Decreased training quality (54%, +15 points)
• Reduced focus on safety (49%, +15 points)

These added pressures are showing up behind the wheel as 53% regularly take work phone calls and roughly a quarter are reading/responding to work text messages (28%) or emails (24%) while driving. Notably, this number clashes with the 1 in 5 company drivers who admit to feeling distracted while driving, suggesting that many respondents participate in these risky behaviors but may not actually perceive them as leading to distractions – a significant and dangerous perception gap. Even more alarming, 41% of drivers believe staffing shortages have negatively impacted their own driving, a 20-point increase from 2024.

“Company drivers are overwhelmed, distracted and in many cases, worried. When nearly half say staffing shortages are affecting their driving, and 70% fear serious consequences from a crash, it’s a clear signal that fleet drivers are under stress,” said Mark McGhiey, Risk Management and Client Services leader at Nationwide. “While comprehensive fleet safety programs are critical for all employers with drivers, this isn’t just about better planning or stricter rules; it’s about building a culture of safety that supports drivers through robust training, smarter tools, and a commitment to their wellbeing every time they start the engine.”

Access the full commercial driver findings here.

Modern problems are calling for smarter solutions
Both employers and insurers are turning to innovative tools to help drivers stay focused and safe. Nationwide’s research shows that technology like dash cams, telematics and hands-free policies are gaining significant traction and reshaping how drivers and companies manage risk.

On the commercial side, fleet operators are making meaningful strides with tools like dash cams, hands-free policies and ongoing driver monitoring.

• Dash cam usage among company drivers has jumped 29 points year-over-year, now installed in 84% of work vehicles.
• Nearly two-thirds of drivers say their employer requires them, and more companies are also enforcing hands-free policies (44%) and using continuous motor vehicle record monitoring (71%) to proactively address risk. 

For personal drivers, although only 20% currently use dash cams, drivers overwhelmingly agree the right tools can make a measurable difference.

• Nationwide has launched Focused Driver Rewards^®* – a first of its kind program that rewards all drivers, regardless of their insurer, for reducing phone use while driving. The mobile app tracks phone handling events and allows participants to earn gift cards – up to $60 every six months – for staying focused on the road. In a recent pilot program, nearly half of participants improved their driving focus, with distractions dropping by an average of 48%.

“The path forward is clear: smarter, data-driven solutions are key to building safer roads and more confident drivers,” said Kempton. “It will take continued collaboration between insurers, employers and everyday drivers to turn these insights into impact.”

^{Methodology:
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence (DXI) to conduct a nationally representative online survey of 1,000 general consumers and 400 commercial drivers** from March 5-18, 2025.} 

^{*Focused Driving Rewards is not currently available in AK, CA, FL, HI, LA, MA, NY or OK.  Drivers 29 years and younger can earn up to $60 every 6 months. Drivers 30 years and older can earn $2.50 every 2 weeks, up to $30 every 6 months. Focused Driving Rewards is not insurance and does not require the purchase of a policy or a quote. Participation is optional and subject to terms and conditions. Nationwide may terminate the program at any time.}

^{**Commercial driver audience does not include long-haul trucking, tow trucks, app-based delivery drivers (e.g., DoorDash), or large corporate delivery drivers (FedEx, Amazon, UPS, etc.)}

Phones continue to distract 
While most drivers are familiar with distracted driving laws—such as texting restrictions (81%), hands-free requirements (76%), handheld phone bans (74%), and related penalties (67%)—many remain skeptical about their impact. In fact, fewer than half (48%) believe these regulations are effective in reducing distracted driving behaviors. 

“Far too many people believe they’re immune to distraction or that a ‘quick check’ won’t hurt,” says Casey Kempton, Nationwide’s President of Personal Lines. “Our latest survey data clearly reveals that these split-second decisions can have serious consequences. Nationwide is committed to driver safety, a phone in the hand while driving is a dangerous distraction.” 

Phones aren’t the only devices that are taking drivers’ attention off the road. Nearly half (47% up +6% from 2024) of consumers also express concerns that built-in touch screens and displays designed for navigation, communication, and entertainment actually contribute significantly to driver distraction. 

When used correctly tech can be a solution for safer driving 
While the data highlights the pervasive nature of distraction, it also points to solutions.  

Drivers who take conscious steps to limit phone use and other temptations can meaningfully reduce their likelihood of accidents. The Nationwide survey also shows growing consumer support for telematics tools like dashcams and AI-enabled monitoring systems to encourage safer driving behavior: 

• 85% of consumers agree dashcams encourage safer driving practices. 
• 94% of consumers say dashcams provide valuable evidence during accidents or disputes, including rideshare contexts.  
• 20% already have dashcams installed, and 60% indicate comfort with AI-enabled dashcams that monitor driver behaviors.  
• 41% believe using AI-powered dashcams should qualify drivers for lower insurance premiums. 

Nationwide’s ‘Focused Driving Rewards®’ Can Encourage Safer Habits 
To help combat these issues, Nationwide is introducing the new Focused Driving Rewards (FDR) program*, a first-of-its-kind initiative that rewards all drivers, both existing Nationwide members and non-customers, for reducing phone use behind the wheel.  

Key details include: 

• App-Based Participation: The program is managed through the Nationwide app, with participants earning points redeemable for gift cards when they avoid distractions over time. 
• Rewards Pilot Success: Preliminary results from an FDR pilot program suggests that about half of approximately 1,000 driver participants saw their distraction levels decrease—and for those who improved, distractions dropped by an average of 48%. 
• No Strings Attached: FDR is open to everyone, not just Nationwide customers, and offers up to $60 every six months in gift cards for those that keep their focus on the roads while driving. 
• Simplicity & Focus: The program only considers phone handling events (like tapping, hand-held calls, or phone motion), making it an easy way to try out a telematics experience and be rewarded for improved focus. 

“We believe that putting your phone down while driving can save lives and make roads safer and we’re willing to reward people for it,” says Kelly Hernandez, Nationwide’s AVP of Personal Lines Telematics. “With Focused Driving Rewards, we’re offering an incentive that’s simple, and open to all, because every driver on the road has a stake in making our communities safer.” 

Addressing driver distraction goes beyond a single solution—it requires awareness, commitment, and action on the part of everyone behind the wheel. Through personalized feedback on phone distractions and rewarding safe habits, Nationwide hopes to spark a shift in mindset that will help reduce distractions. 

For more information on Nationwide’s Focused Driving Rewards program click here or download the Nationwide mobile app to get started—also visit the distracted driving resource center for additional resources.   

Methodology 
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence (DXI) to conduct a nationally representative online survey of 1,000 general consumers and 400 commercial drivers from March 5-18, 2025. 

*Focused Driving Rewards is not currently available in AK, CA, FL, HI, LA, MA, NY or OK.  Drivers 29 years and younger can earn up to $60 every 6 months. Drivers 30 years and older can earn $2.50 every 2 weeks, up to $30 every 6 months. Focused Driving Rewards is not insurance and does not require the purchase of a policy or a quote. Participation is optional and subject to terms and conditions. Nationwide may terminate the program at any time.

Ellen Mrukowski’s house is eerily quiet these days. It’s something she and her husband Jay aren’t used to – not since their triplets were born 20 years ago.  

For nearly two decades, the Mrukowski home was alive with the sounds of infants, toddlers, teenagers, and finally young adults. But now that the kids are off to college (son Troy is playing college football in Ohio; daughters Claire and Meredith are at a Florida college playing volleyball), the activity has died down.   

It’s the little things that Ellen and Jay notice with the kids out of the house.  

“We go days without running the dishwasher,” says Ellen. “We’re doing a lot less laundry. Shopping - like I barely need to go to the grocery store. I can order HelloFresh and have three dinners delivered.” 

The Mrukowskis are two of 22.5 million empty nesters across the country – parents whose children have grown up and moved out of the house.  

A recent Nationwide survey of homeowners revealed that empty nesters are just like Ellen and Jay – re-evaluating their current situation, starting with their homes.  

"We've done some renovations like the kitchen and bathrooms, but now we ask ourselves ‘Do we want to reformat the basement or do we want to redo the outside patio and have a better outdoor living space,’” says Ellen. “These are things that we could do, but we're also open to looking for something else somewhere else that already has what we're looking for."  

“Mortgage rates are elevated and housing prices remain at a record high. With little financial incentive to move, empty nesters are opting to stay in large homes and are upgrading their homes to fit their new lifestyles,” said Casey Kempton, Nationwide’s president of Personal Lines insurance. “With more disposable income than general homeowners and a mentality to age-in-place, empty nesters are getting their homes in tip-top shape.”   

According to Nationwide’s survey, 50% of empty nester respondents report having done a major home renovation over the past 2 years.   

The most common renovation projects? Repairs (45%) and interior remodels (38%). Specifically, empty nesters are looking to: 

• Repair wear and tear (Empty Nesters 51%; U.S. Homeowners 48%) 
• Make their home more enjoyable (Empty Nesters 50%; U.S. Homeowners 47%) 
• Change outdated features (Empty Nesters 48%; U.S. Homeowners 39%) 
• Update things to their taste (Empty Nesters 42%; U.S. Homeowners 43%) 

“This is a time of mixed emotions for empty nesters. They’re struggling with the new normal and at the same time, are excited for what’s ahead,” says Kempton. “As they make these upgrades and other financial decisions, they should keep in contact with their insurance agent to make sure those new investments are properly protected.”  

For the Mrukowskis, the decisions on what comes next are easier because Ellen and Jay have the same long-term goals. Their advice to other empty nesters? Communicate how you're feeling with your partner and don't make any impulse buys.  

“Think about the big picture,” suggests Ellen. “Think holistically. Don't think about just today."  

That includes thinking about what your plans are, but also taking your kids’ future plans into the equation.  

“I want the homestead that my kids and their kids can come back to and all have a place to stay under one roof. That's more my vision right now." 

While discussing the topic of the shift from a “Repair and Replace” model to one that “Predicts and Prevents” with Kate Horowitz of The Institutes, Kempton relayed to the more than 100 conference attendees that solutions like telematics and Smart Home technology are still maturing. Even so, the mitigation actions that they currently provide will play a pivotal part in not only preventing a claim, but also helping customers rethink the role insurance plays in their lives.   

“Customers really value trust, confidence and control,” said Kempton. “They want to know how the insurance company can help them in their attempts to protect their family, do it in a more holistic way and provide them peace of mind.”  

Kempton pointed to the various insurtech partnerships that Nationwide has with companies like Resideo, Leakbot and Ting. Those relationships and others make Nationwide uniquely suited to provide their customers with comprehensive SmartHome protection and more control over what’s happening in their homes.  

“Nationwide believes that engaging in these technologies and bringing them to our customers gives them the control and confidence they’re looking for.”  

Kempton acknowledged there are roadblocks to getting widespread adoption. Issues with privacy and data sharing still loom large in the minds of customers. She feels that agents play an important role in putting their customers’ minds at ease. The easiest way to do that in her mind is to have agents use the devices themselves.  

“If agents can actually experience these new technologies and learn firsthand about the benefits they provide, they can go to their customers and educate them on all the things that are happening with smart technologies - including the risks they prevent,” said Kempton.  

The protection these insurtechs provide aren’t just limited to homeowners and passenger vehicle drivers in Kempton’s mind. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from utilizing them as well.  

“We see more innovation right now when it comes to workplace safety. There are technologies that give workers real-time information around how they are picking up items and whether or not they are doing that properly,” said Kempton. “There are other technologies you actually can see and map out the inside of the building of a workplace and recognize where there are perils. Business owners can then educate the workforce how to avoid them and keep them safe.” 

The U.S. Congress and state legislatures need to be doing more to improve safety on American roads. Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, conveyed that message during a recent roundtable discussion on roadway safety hosted by Nationwide.

Chase said the dangerous state of driving on roads makes the need for stronger laws and regulations critical.

“With approximately 40,000 people being killed on our roadways, it’s clear we need our nation’s and state leaders to improve safety,” said Chase. “Congress needs to enact laws directing the U.S. Department of Transportation to make vehicles safer and to motivate states to improve their laws.”

Once those directives come down from the federal government, Chase says the states need to do their part.

“State legislatures and governors need to improve their laws such as requiring all occupants to buckle up, and to reduce impaired and distracted driving.”

Steve English, Nationwide’s Senior Vice President of External Affairs, pointed to the work that Ohio has done with passing the 2023 Hands Free legislation and the impact that it’s having on making Ohio roads safer.

“We know from previous studies that states that pass primary, hands-free legislation experience a decrease in fatality rates within two years after their hands-free law passed, sometimes as much as 20%,” English pointed out. “In Ohio last year, the highway patrol reported a 25% decrease in fatal crashes during the 2023 holiday reporting period and a 20% reduction as of the first quarter this year.”

Technology can help, but only so much

Drivers say that advances in driver assistance features, like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance, are helpful in making roads safer.

Casey Kempton, Nationwide’s President of Personal Lines Insurance, pointed to a recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study that revealed driver assistance features are having an impact.

“The study compared rates of police reported crashes and insurance claims for vehicles with and without these technologies and discovered all reduced accidents,” said Kempton. “For example: front to rear crashes (rear-ends) were 27% lower when equipped with forward collision warning (FCW), and 50% lower with FCW and autobrake.”

But experts are concerned that Americans are becoming too dependent on features to keep them safe.

“If they think the car will take care of some of the driving responsibilities, they’ll pay less attention to driving and do other things,” Chase explained. “IIHS also found that people are learning how to ‘game’ the partial autonomous systems. So, tech that would hopefully make the driving experience safer is leading to new dangers.”

 All hands-on deck for safer roads

Ultimately, the group agreed that everyone – drivers, automakers, business owners, legislators and insurance carriers - needs to do their part in making roadways safer. Because, according to a recent Nationwide Agency Forward driving behaviors survey, most drivers agree that driving has become more dangerous, more aggressive, more reckless, with drivers more often looking at their phones compared to 12 months ago.

“Nationwide’s strategy when it comes to roadway safety has always been an ‘all of the above’ or ‘kitchen sink’ approach,” said Kempton. “We need heightened public awareness around the risks and dangers on our roadways and we need to encourage the development of technology to mitigate those risks which telematics and driver assistance features are part of that. We also need to continue targeted research into what’s working and what isn’t through our partnerships with Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the IIHS and others.”

For more information on how they can help make roads safer, drivers should visit saferoads.org. Information about how Nationwide’s efforts to curb distracted driving can be found on Nationwide’s Distracted Driving Resource Page.

• In 2024, only 36% of Americans gave a positive rating of their personal finances. 

 
Top financial goals: Nationwide’s survey also revealed 57% of consumers are focused on managing essential expenses and 47% paying off debt. 

Casey Kempton, Nationwide’s President of Personal Lines Insurance, noted “As consumers focus on how best to manage their finances during this uncertain economic period, an insurance agent can serve as a valuable partner to help people understand how best to manage the sometimes-delicate balance of saving money in the short term without exposing themselves to significant future financial risks.”  

Insurance premiums are a target for budget cutbacks: Most consumers expect costs to continue rising over the next year, especially cost of living expenses (69%) and housing costs (66%). The rising cost of insurance plans are also on consumers’ radars as 77% have reviewed their policy in the past six months, or plan to do so by the end of the year. Over the next six months:  

• 31% say they will look for ways to reduce premiums on existing insurance policies 
• 25% say they plan to requote their policies with a different carrier 
• 18% plan to decrease coverage on their existing policies 
   

Reducing insurance coverage might expose policyholders to unnecessary risks. Lowering coverage limits could result in larger out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an unforeseen loss. Moreover, canceling a policy completely increases vulnerability of financial ruin if a significant event were to take place.  

Deferring critical home maintenance: Housing costs appear to be impacting financial wellbeing, with 40% of homeowners who say they have delayed necessary structural repairs to their home over the past 12 months. Of individuals who have delayed performing home maintenance or necessary renovations, 69% say it costs too much and 48% say they have other financial priorities right now (such as paying off debt or other expenses). 

Other budgetary strains being made to get by: 

• Delaying big purchases (57%) 
• Searching for higher paying jobs (20%) 
• Picking up gig or secondary work (16%)  
• Reducing investments in retirement funding (12%)  

Advice for those considering cutting coverage: Work with your agent to help you understand the implications of policy changes and how they would impact your current finances. If you are looking for ways to save on your insurance, talk to an agent. Insurance is a layer of security that policyholders can rely on, especially in the face of financial uncertainty that consumers might be feeling other places.