• Drivers say U.S. roads feel unpredictable as phone use, aggression and reckless driving continue to rise
• Stress and mistrust are growing on the road, with 4 in 10 drivers reporting stress and two-thirds frequently witnessing road rage
• Parents’ anxiety about teen driving is reshaping safety perceptions, with 40% saying they would trust an autonomous vehicle over their teen in some situations
• Company drivers confirm worsening behaviors across the board, reporting sharp increases in distraction, recklessness and unsafe driving around larger vehicles 

A new survey from Nationwide finds that driving in America is becoming less predictable and less trusted. While most drivers rate their own driving highly, many say the behavior from others on the road is getting worse. Distraction, aggression and recklessness are rising, making everyday driving more stressful and harder to anticipate.  

Nearly 9 in 10 drivers say phone use behind the wheel has increased in the past year, alongside similar spikes in aggressive and reckless driving. As a result, 40% say they experience stress while driving, and more than two-thirds frequently witness road rage.   

That erosion of trust is reshaping how families think about safety. In fact, 4 in 10 parents say they would trust an autonomous vehicle over their teen driver in certain situations, despite ongoing skepticism about the technology.  

Even the most experienced drivers are seeing the same shift. Company drivers, who operate a vehicle as one of their core job responsibilities and spend more time on the road than most, report worsening behaviors across the board, including increases in distraction, recklessness and unsafe driving around larger vehicles.  

Parents are weighing two imperfect options  
Parents are choosing between two risks they don’t fully trust. Anxiety is widespread among families with teen drivers: 91% of parents say they are at least somewhat anxious about their teen’s driving, and nearly half (49%) say driving is stressful for their teen.   

At the same time, confidence in young drivers remains low. More than 8 in 10 consumers (84%) and parents (85%) believe teens are more distracted than other age groups. Just 12% rate teen drivers as very good or excellent. Nearly nine in 10 also say teens need more behind-the-wheel training.   

As that anxiety builds, many parents are rethinking what safety looks like. In fact, 40% of parents with teen drivers believe that autonomous vehicles may be a safer option than their teens learning to drive.  

Company drivers reinforce the trend  
Company drivers who operate a vehicle daily as part of their job responsibilities see this shift every day on the road.  

Spending more time behind the wheel than most, they offer a clear view into how driving behavior is changing. They report noticeable increases in risky driving behaviors when compared to results from the 2025 Driving Behaviors study, including a 10-point rise in distraction (77%) and recklessness (73%) and a 15-point increase (74%) in unsafe driving around commercial vehicles.  

That behavior is making an already demanding job more stressful. Nearly half of commercial drivers (47%) say they feel stressed, exhausted and frustrated while driving for work, and 60% worry that aggressive drivers could cause an accident.  

“Driving no longer feels as predictable or routine as it once did,” said Mark McGhiey, Commercial Risk Management Leader at Nationwide. “Many describe a road environment with more distractions, more tension and less trust in the people around them. These conditions are particularly concerning for company drivers as many worry about the threat of accidents, injuries and the ripple effects on future employment opportunities.”  

It’s not just regular drivers causing friction; company drivers are noticing the same trends of faster and more reckless driving among their peers as well. One quarter admits they are at least sometimes distracted behind the wheel, showing no group is immune to risky behavior.  

What drivers can still control  
While drivers can’t control the behavior of others, they can take steps to help reduce their own risk in an environment that feels increasingly unpredictable.  

“Drivers are noticing changes in driving behavior on the road, and that awareness is an important first step toward improving road safety,” said Chris Lee, VP of Personal Lines Auto at Nationwide. “While we can’t control every driver around us, we can control how we drive. Reducing distractions, staying alert, and giving other vehicles more space are simple actions that can make a real difference. Programs like Nationwide’s Focused Driving Rewards^® are designed to help drivers build those safer habits and keep their attention where it belongs—on the road.”  

Nationwide’s Focused Driving Rewards is designed to help drivers put those habits into practice. The program encourages reduced phone handling behind the wheel by tracking behaviors like handheld calls or screen taps, and rewards focused driving with gift cards. It is open to both Nationwide members and non-customers.  

Businesses can also leverage insurance carrier-provided resources, like guides for safely handling aggressive or distracted drivers. They can also lean into tech solutions like dashcams that capture critical evidence in the event of an accident caused by another vehicle, as well as  GPS telematics, which can help proactively reduce risk through driver monitoring, coaching and route optimization.    

Methodology  
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence (DXI) to conduct a nationally representative online survey of 1,005 general consumers, 400 parents of teen drivers, and 400 commercial drivers from January 14-28, 2026. 

Nearly two‑thirds of commercial property stakeholders – defined as property owners, new construction builders, and business owners – report being very or extremely concerned about severe weather risk and natural disasters in their area. Nationally, respondents feel most at risk from severe heat waves (69%), floods (69%), and damaging winds (65%). Top concerns tied to these risks are business interruption (56%), water intrusion/flood damage (41%) and structural damage (33%). 

Risk perception also varies by region. Flooding and business interruptions rank among the top concerns nationwide, while specific risks are top of mind in areas prone to particularly damaging weather. In hurricane-risk states, concern about structural damage (39%) and broken windows (39%) exceeds national levels. In states prone to severe convective storms, stakeholders report heightened concern about roof damage (33%) and broken windows (33%), as well as ice storms and severe cold waves.

Even with widespread concern, less than half of national commercial property owners say they feel fully prepared for any of these weather risks.

Property owners are investing in physical resilience
In response to growing weather risk, property stakeholders are taking meaningful steps to reinforce their buildings and operations.

• 61% have added backup power systems
• 60% installed weather-resistant windows or doors
• 57% developed or updated an emergency preparedness plan
• 54% added extra bracing for severe wind

Structural upgrades play a critical role in reducing damage and limiting disruption. At the same time, businesses are evaluating how their insurance coverage supports recovery should substantial losses occur.

Confidence in coverage is strong, but businesses are weighing their protection
Property owners’ perceptions of insurance protection are nuanced. More than 8 in 10 say they feel well protected against severe weather losses; however, only 39% of those stakeholders say they feel fully protected – suggesting that while overall confidence in coverage is strong, fewer view their coverage as comprehensive.

Even with positive perceptions of coverage, cost considerations continue to shape insurance decisions.

• 41% believe commercial property insurance affordability has improved over the past year
• Still, 60% are interested in ways to manage insurance costs
• 55% would consider reducing coverage or insuring less property to lower premiums

Nearly all property owners report consulting with an insurance agent to review coverage and discuss risk management strategies. This ongoing professional guidance has become essential as weather-related risks continue to evolve.

Growing risks highlight opportunity for greater technology adoption
While many commercial property owners are concerned about weather and environmental damage, adoption of technologies designed to predict and prevent losses remains relatively low.

• Only 41% report using smart water leak detection or automatic shutoff systems
• Two-thirds do not use smart thermostats or temperature sensors
• Roughly three-quarters do not use environmental sensors that monitor conditions like temperature, humidity or air quality

The findings also point to a broader awareness gap: nearly 8 in 10 respondents (77%) wish there were as many technology solutions available to protect their business properties as there are for their homes. In reality, commercial-grade monitoring and protection tools are more widely available and advanced than residential offerings, and many insurers offer discounted access or incentives for businesses that adopt them.

Building a comprehensive approach
As severe weather risks continue to disrupt operations, insurance agents remain a critical resource for helping businesses navigate coverage decisions, identify mitigation opportunities and understand where technology can further strengthen their protection.

“Businesses have made meaningful investments to strengthen their properties, and that’s encouraging,” said Jason Ragsdale, Nationwide’s leader of Risk Management Technical Specialization. “But resilience goes beyond the building itself. It requires a comprehensive approach that includes risk mitigation, continuity planning and insurance coverage that reflects today’s evolving risks.”

Methodology
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence (DXI) to conduct a nationally representative online survey of 300 commercial property stakeholders from January 24 to February 13, 2026.

‘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. 

Financial Stress Extends Beyond the Holidays 

The survey reveals that Americans are cutting back across the board: 

• 47% are making fewer impulse purchases
• 41% are buying fewer luxury items
• 32% are opting for used or secondhand goods 

Major life decisions are also being delayed: 

• 48% postponed or canceled a vacation
• 46% delayed or skipped purchasing a car
• 21% put off having a baby
• 19% postponed a wedding
• 17% delayed retirement 

Meanwhile, reliance on debt is rising. One in five Americans (20%) report increased debt usage over the past year, with: 

• 61% carrying a credit card balance
• 23% taking out personal loans
• 17% borrowing from retirement accounts 

These spending shifts are part of a broader trend of financial stress that extends well beyond the holidays.  

Lingering Pessimism Shapes 2026 Outlook  

Despite current confidence, 35% of Americans believe the economy will worsen in 2026. Among those with a pessimistic outlook: 

• 78% cite inflation
• 71% point to global trade tensions
• 25% believe the stock market is overvalued or in a bubble 

This unease is influencing financial priorities for the year ahead: 

• 43% expect difficulty managing healthcare costs
• 39% anticipate challenges paying off debt
• 34% worry about saving for retirement
• 31% are concerned about market volatility 

 Michael Tripp, Nationwide’s SVP Personal Lines Sales & Distribution, says this is where independent agents can make a meaningful difference:  

"When financial uncertainty sets in, people don’t just need information, they need reassurance. AI can offer data, but independent agents have the experience and perspective to translate it into real-world protection that fits a family’s budget and priorities. It's that personal connection and guidance that makes them feel secure." 

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. 

“In a world full of digital noise, independent agents offer something that’s increasingly rare, real human guidance. Especially during times of economic stress, clients want to talk to someone who understands their situation and can help them make confident decisions about protecting what matters most,” added Tripp.  

Agents can use this insight to strengthen client relationships by: 

• Offering personalized policy reviews to identify savings or gaps
• Recommending tools like smart sensors that help prevent costly damage
• Providing proactive outreach during seasonal or economic shifts 

In a world of rising financial anxiety, the human touch remains a powerful differentiator and a critical asset for agents looking to build trust and long-term loyalty. Agents looking to explore more insights from Nationwide’s 2025 Economic Impact Survey, view the full survey findings here. 

Survey Methodology 

Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence (DXI) to conduct a nationally representative online survey of 2,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and older from September 5–23, 2025. The survey was weighted to reflect the U.S. population by age, gender, region, and ethnicity. Edelman DXI adheres to all applicable research standards and guidelines. 

Smart Homes, Smarter Millennials? 

Millennials aren’t just buying homes, they’re upgrading them with smart tech that does more than turn on lights. For them, it’s about protection, peace of mind, and saving a few bucks. Their behavior signals a growing opportunity to educate all generations on the benefits of connected home technology. 

Smart setups are the new norm 
Millennials now average 4.6 smart devices per household, outpacing Gen X (3.1) and Baby Boomers (2.2). Their go-to gear includes security cameras, video doorbells, smart thermostats and nearly half report having a full home security system or smart surveillance setup. 

Millennials and Gen Z aren’t just in it for the cool factor (okay, maybe a little), they’re also sleeping easier because of it. 85% of insurance agents recommend smart home products to help manage risk, because nothing says “adulting” like installing a leak detector before the leak.  

Tech as a tool for savings  
Some insurance companies offer smart devices for free (like Nationwide) or include a discount on homeowners premium. 37% of all homeowners say they’ve installed safety tech to qualify for insurance discounts, that number jumps to 56% among Millennials and Gen Z. Their motivation may be financial, but the result is a safer home. 

The sense of security is just as important 
Beyond cost savings, homeowners cite protection (56%), peace of mind and safety (55%), and mobile control (39%) as top benefits of adopting smart tech. 

Despite the clear advantages, adoption is far from universal. Of those who do not currently own smart home products, 53% of homeowners say they don’t see the need and 30% admit they simply don’t know enough about them. 

As Sarah Griffin, Senior Vice President of Personal Lines Product and Underwriting at Nationwide puts it: 

“Smart tech is a powerful tool, but it’s not a substitute for basic maintenance. The best protected homes are the ones where technology and routine care work hand in hand. The real opportunity is helping homeowners blend innovation and upkeep.” 

Forever Homes Are Feeling Extra Forever 

Remember when a “starter home” was just that, a starting point? For years the housing market depended on mobility, but with interest rates still high and inventory tight, many homeowners are choosing to stay put, turning “starter homes” into “stay forever” homes. In fact, 85% now consider their current home their “forever home.” (Only 15% still think of it as a stepping stone). When looking at current buying conditions, people are staying put and learning to love what they have. 

It’s not just about dollars, it’s also about feelings. Many homeowners describe their current home as a source of comfort (52%) and security (45%). But that emotional attachment is now colliding with financial friction. Many would love to do repairs, but can’t afford to in today’s market. So, they’re getting creative.  

• Instead of hiring contractors, 71% are handling routine maintenance themselves.
• 48% are even taking on cosmetic renovations solo, with a paintbrush in one hand and an online tutorial in the other. 

The result? A generation of homeowners who aren’t just staying put, they’re doubling down on the homes they already have. Which works out, because 93% of homeowners said they view their houses as a prized asset.  

Home Protection: Simpler Than You Think (But Easier to Ignore)

Let’s be honest, keeping your home safe can feel overwhelming. Between maintenance checklists, insurance policies, and smart tech options, it’s easy to feel like you need a degree in risk management. But here’s the good news: a few simple steps can make a big difference.  

Start with the basics (seriously)  
You’d think smoke detectors and fire extinguishers would be no-brainers, but the data says otherwise.   

• 7% of homeowners don’t have smoke detectors
• 27% are missing carbon monoxide detectors
• 21% don’t have fire extinguishers  

These are low-cost, high-impact tools, and skipping them could cost you more than just peace of mind.  

The not so obvious stuff 
There is tech that flies under the radar, until your ceiling starts dripping.  

• 73% of homeowners don’t have water leak detectors
• 77% lack electrical fire monitoring devices 

That’s a problem, considering how much damage a hidden leak or faulty wiring can cause. The good news is some insurance providers (like Nationwide) are offering devices like Leakbot for water detection and Ting for electrical monitoring for no cost to most home policyholdersⁱⁱ—to help catch issues before they become disasters.   

“Homeowners don’t need to do everything at once,” said Griffin. “But small steps, like reviewing your policy or installing a leak detector, can make a big difference in protecting what matters most.”   

Maintenance matters  
In the past year:  

• 35% of homeowners delayed routine maintenance
• That jumps to 51% of Millennials and Gen Z delaying routine maintenance
• Only 25% of Baby Boomers have (maybe it’s time to take notes from Mom and Dad) 

Even more eye-opening, 25% have put off necessary repairs, with 60% of those who have delayed or deferred any home maintenance needs citing cost as the primary reason. But here’s the twist, only 14% cite maintenance among the factors that had the biggest influence on their decision making when buying their current home, 76% say it would have more of an influence on decision making if they bought again.  

And here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: your insurance policy depends on if you maintain your home. Neglecting repairs or skipping basic safety measures could impact your coverage if something goes wrong. That’s why a quick annual policy review is worth your time.   

• 53% of homeowners have already done a policy review in the past year
• 45% consulted an agent to better understand what’s covered (and what’s not).
• 42% compared quotes
• 37% installed safety devices to score a discount
• The win: 68% of insurance agents say their typical clients are already reviewing their policies at least annually (smart)

Protecting your home doesn’t mean choosing between a toolbox and a touchscreen. It means using both and working with an agent to make sure you have the right coverage you need. Whether you’re patching a leaky faucet or installing a motion sensor, the goal is the same: keep your home safe, your stuff dry, and your peace of mind in tact.  

Curious how your home habits stack up? Read the full 2025 Homeowners Survey

ⁱ 2025 Homeowners Survey  

Methodology: Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence to conduct a 15-minute online survey among 1,000 U.S. homeowners and 400 independent insurance agents from July 30–August 18, 2025.

ⁱⁱ Availability varies by state, coverage selections and rating factors. The smart home monitoring system and related support will be supplied by the third-party device provider and maker. Nationwide is not responsible for the system, installation or any home monitoring. To be eligible for this offer, the customer must have an active Nationwide homeowners, condo or tenant policy.

Smart home is not available in AK, HI, LA, NY and OK. Ting devices are not available in WA. Contact your independent agent to find out about other available discounts.

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 survey was fielded in April 2025 with 400 U.S. manufacturers and 200 independent insurance agents who support the sector. The research paints a clear picture of where opportunities and vulnerabilities are emerging – revealing manufacturers’ bullish outlook alongside agents’ perspective on the importance of strategic partnerships around risk mitigation and long-term planning.   

“Manufacturers are leaning into opportunity, and they’re looking for partners who can keep pace,” said Erika Melander, head of the national manufacturing practice for Nationwide. “This moment calls for tight alignment between business leaders and their insurance advisors to anticipate exposures, rethink risk mitigation strategies, and adapt to changing conditions.”

Trade policy and supply chain pressures
Trade policy is a potential double-edged sword for manufacturers. While 64% of manufacturing leaders expect tariffs to positively impact their business over the next year, they remain concerned about the effects on raw material costs, profit margins and supplier availability. Nearly half of agents agree with manufacturers’ concerns, saying tariffs are already weighing on clients by forcing price increases and weakening international competitiveness.

Manufacturers are responding with calculated steps to strengthen operations and reduce exposure:

• 64% are expanding their supplier base
• 52% are frontloading inventory
• 48% have reviewed or updated their business continuity plans

While global partners remain important for 75% of manufacturers, 35% report shifting to more U.S.-based suppliers due to trade uncertainty, with another 50% considering similar moves. Still, nearly half (45%) expect to rely on tariffed imports, fueling concern for 87% who worry that shifting trade policies could cause further supply chain delays and pricing disruptions. To manage financial strain:

• 32% of manufacturers plan to pass most rising costs on to customers
• 44% will absorb some costs and raise prices moderately
• 23% plan to absorb most rising costs without passing them on to customers

Agents echo this concern, with 7 in 10 calling supply chain disruption a serious and growing threat for manufacturers. Encouragingly, agents say about half of their clients have proactively reviewed insurance coverage to address potential disruption, and three-quarters of agents report growing client interest in endorsements such as contingent business interruption.

Technology brings opportunity – and risk
Technology is also seen as a critical driver of growth in the year ahead. Manufacturers are widely adopting digital tools to streamline operations, with:

• 91% implementing inventory management technology
• 83% integrating Internet of Things (IoT) solutions
• 83% adopting predictive maintenance technology
• 82% using robotics for automation of physical tasks

Meanwhile, many manufacturers are also leaning into AI technology to improve efficiency and stay competitive. Reported benefits from early AI adopters include improved forecasting, cost savings, product quality and supply chain agility.

Agents are in tune with this digital shift but flag potential risks, especially around AI. Key challenges they cited include risk of product defects (41%), integration challenges (40%), high costs (39%) and lack of internal expertise (34%).  

Talent remains a top concern
Manufacturers and agents align on another core challenge: talent.

• 64% of manufacturers report difficulty attracting and retaining skilled workers
• 28% say they can’t find candidates with critical skills
• 27% struggle to meet qualified workers’ compensation expectations
• 2 in 3 say younger workers do not view manufacturing as a desirable career path
• 7 in 10 agents say this workforce challenge is serious – and unlikely to improve soon

This ongoing labor strain has implications for workplace safety, continuity planning, and future operational capacity.

A strong role for insurance advisors
As manufacturers prepare for what’s next, agents are playing a valuable role in helping clients navigate risk. A focused, flexible strategy remains essential – and agents are increasingly seen as key partners in shaping it. Melander says manufacturers should prioritize three critical areas to strengthen their position in a complex and evolving economy:

• Technology: Continue scaling technology, from inventory management systems and automation to AI, to drive efficiency and resilience. As reliance on technology grows, 31% of manufacturers say strengthening their cybersecurity is one of their largest business opportunities over the next year, opening doors for agents to guide clients on cyber liability solutions.
• Talent: Redefine what a career in manufacturing looks like, emphasizing innovation, job security and purpose to appeal to the next generation.
• Risk Management: Partner with specialized insurance and risk advisors to reassess exposures, tailor coverage and develop mitigation strategies that support long-term needs. The good news: 84% of agents say they are familiar with how clients are responding to changing dynamics and 76% feel confident advising on insurance and risk mitigation related to global trade uncertainty. With 82% of manufacturers actively seeking this type of guidance, the agent’s role has never been more critical.

“Manufacturers who treat risk management as a strategic priority – not just a safety net – will be better equipped to weather volatility and sustain growth,” said Melander. “By aligning their talent strategy, embracing technology and working with experienced insurance partners to anticipate and mitigate risk, they’re building a more resilient and competitive future.”

Learn more about manufacturing insurance and risk management resources, and view the full findings from Nationwide’s survey here.

Methodology:
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data and Intelligence to conduct a national online survey of 400 U.S. manufacturing business decision makers and 200 independent insurance agents who work with manufacturing clients from April 4 to April 21, 2025.

Nationwide's survey of commercial property stakeholders, including commercial property owners, new construction builders and business owners, revealed a significant increase in concern about severe weather since 2023. This heightened level of concern is particularly notable among residents in states susceptible to wildfires or hurricanes.

“Our research shows one-third of property owners have faced natural disaster damage in the past five years, and that number jumps significantly to over half in wildfire-prone states and nearly two-thirds in hurricane-prone states,” said Mark McGhiey, Risk Management and Client Services leader at Nationwide. “This data highlights the urgent need for property stakeholders to not only be aware of these risks, but to take proactive steps in mitigating them.”

Property Stakeholders are on high alarm
More than two thirds (67%) of commercial property stakeholders are highly concerned about damages from severe weather and natural disasters, a 5-point increase from 2023, but this rises to 93% (+28 points) and 86% (+16 points) in wildfire- and hurricane-prone states, respectively.

Of the perceived weather risks they face, national property stakeholders are most concerned about damaging winds (88%), flooding (78%), lightning (78%) and tropical storms or hurricanes (75%) – with levels of concern across each having increased more than 10 percentage points since 2023.

Respondents are also more concerned about the impacts of business interruption (41%, +13 points) and structural damage (50%, +8 points) to their company properties compared to 2023.

Businesses are taking on financial risks
Despite their weather concerns, 26% of commercial property stakeholders admit knowingly carrying inadequate insurance coverage to account for severe weather events, an 8-point increase. Most insurance agents also say at least 4 in 10 commercial customers they serve are underinsured for severe weather impacts.

At the same time, property owners are looking for relief on insurance costs. Three-quarters (76%) are actively seeking opportunities to cut costs on their insurance policies and 42% say they’re willing to reduce insurance coverage to shrink premiums.

Stakeholders are also doing less to proactively mitigate risks, suggesting economic uncertainty and increased construction costs are barriers to taking action.

• Only 31% report willingness to invest in measures that improve their properties’ resilience to weather events, a 22-point drop from 2023.
• Those who are willing to improve their properties are open to paying up to $10,000 to do so, down 50% from 2023*.

Protection requires more than a policy
While 95% of national property stakeholders say they have a response plan in place in the event of severe weather damage, 1 in 5 agents (19%) estimate that less than half of their clients have a risk management plan in place to prevent weather disruptions.

The research also suggests agents and carriers can do more to help fill these gaps with customers. Only 34% of agents prioritize sharing carrier-provided risk management resources for their clients related to weather preparation. Another 33% only do so when asked by their customers.

"Protection against severe weather requires more than just insurance policies; it demands a robust business continuity plan. Without a comprehensive approach that includes both, business owners will be stuck in an endless cycle of financial strain and disruption as weather becomes more dangerous and unpredictable across the US, not just on the coasts,” said McGhiey. “It's imperative that property owners, agents and carriers work together to bridge these protection gaps and ensure resilience against future climate risks."

Learn more about weather risks and risk management resources, and view the full findings from Nationwide’s Agency Forward survey here.

Methodology:
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data and Intelligence to conduct a national online survey of 500 commercial property stakeholders and 400 independent insurance agents from January 24 to February 13, 2025.

*Sample size <100, directional findings only.

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.

State of the roadways:

• 89% of company drivers rate their own driving as good or excellent, but less than 60% say the same of other drivers on the road.
• At least 1 in 5 company drivers (21%) admit to being frequently distracted while driving for work—the most common distractions being GPS systems, cell phone use (calls, texts, social media), eating or drinking, and adjusting their radio or music.
• But it’s not just them: compared to a year ago, company drivers think other motorists are using their phones more behind the wheel (69%) and driving faster (66%) and more aggressive (70%) today.
• Employees may also be feeling work pressures: 53% are regularly taking work phone calls and roughly a quarter are reading/responding to work texts (28%) or emails (24%) while driving.
  • Another 40% are frequently taking personal phone calls behind the company wheel.

Staffing shortages and safety effects:
Staffing shortages are likely contributing to the challenges drivers are facing, leading to heavier workloads and heightened safety concerns as 4 in 10 drivers say their company is struggling to hire or retain qualified drivers. This year’s data revealed a 10-point jump across the board in drivers who say staffing shortages have increased their workload (72%), required them to work longer hours (71%), made it harder to meet deadlines (57%), decreased the quality of training (54%) and reduced the focus on safety and compliance (49%).

• 48% also report that their employer has reduced hiring criteria due to talent shortages.
• And most concerning: 41% of drivers say the staffing shortages have negatively impacted their driving.

Increased use of dash cams and hands-free policies:
Many employers are adopting proactive measures to minimize dangerous behaviors and phone distractions among fleet drivers, but there are still opportunities to further enhance safety initiatives. Implementation of dash cam requirements and hands-free driving policies have grown significantly in the past 12 months, but enforcement of those policies varies.

• 84% of company drivers have a dash cam installed in their work vehicle – a 29-point year over year increase that signals a growing commitment to improve driver behavior, reduce liability and improve overall fleet safety.
  • Nearly two-thirds (65%) say their employer requires a dash cam (+27 points) while a quarter say they’re just encouraged and 10% don’t feel any pressure to use one.
• 44% of company drivers report that their employer enforces a hands-free driving policy and monitors their cell phone usage while driving – a 10-point increase from last year.
  • 24% have a hands-free policy but don’t monitor cell phone usage
  • 22% do not allow cell phone use at all while driving
  • 10% don’t have any form of policy or monitoring in place
• 71% also report their employer uses continuous motor vehicle record monitoring, such as SambaSafety.

"The sharp rise in dash cam usage and hands-free policies sends a clear message: employers are serious about tackling distractions and protecting their drivers,” said Mark McGhiey, risk management and client services leader at Nationwide. “With at least 1 in 5 drivers admitting to frequent distractions behind the wheel, and the industry’s belief that this number may be even higher, it’s clear that policy alone isn't enough—consistent driver engagement and training is crucial to turning these efforts into safer roads for everyone.”

Training can help ease concerns:
With collision concerns top of mind, 69% of company drivers fear that a crash will affect their employer’s reputation or their future job prospects. About 1 in 5 (19%) also say their employer has faced legal action in the past due to a driving-related incident. 

While 87% feel their management prioritizes driver safety, 8 in 10 also wish for more training to help prevent accidents.

• Most employers offer training around critical driving safety topics, but at least 3 in 10 do not.
  • Driving in adverse weather – 69%
  • Distracted driving – 67%
  • Preventing accidents and collisions – 67%
  • Proper following distance – 65%
  • Drowsy and fatigued driving – 61%

"In today's challenging driving environment, it's essential to have a comprehensive fleet safety program that ensures qualified and attentive drivers,” said McGhiey. “Enforcing hands-free policies and mobile phone monitoring, along with leveraging technologies like fleet telematics, can significantly reduce risky and dangerous driving habits. And when drivers see their employers taking proactive steps to reduce accidents through technology, policies and training, they may feel more protected—and more likely to stay. Partnering with an agent and carrier who understand your operations and vehicle usage, and can offer a customized insurance package along with risk mitigation advice, is essential for success.”

For more resources and training solutions for commercial drivers, visit Nationwide’s Driver Safety page.

Methodology:
Edelman Data and Intelligence (DXI) conducted a national online survey of 400 commercial drivers* from March 5 to March 19, 2025. As a member in good standing with The Insights Association and ESOMAR, Edelman DXI conducts all research in accordance with local, national and international laws and in line with all Market Research Standards and Guidelines.

*Note: 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.)

Nationwide’s survey of 400 middle market business owners highlights three critical themes for distribution partners and outlines steps they can take to help support their commercial clients.

Risk management is a key consideration for middle market businesses
Most businesses are prioritizing risk management and safety planning. Eight in 10 (83%) have a dedicated safety budget, averaging about 6% of their total budget. High-risk industries like Construction and Manufacturing allocate even more to safety at 19% and 13% of their annual budget, respectively.

Roughly 9 in 10 businesses have formal risk management policies in place and review or update them at least annually, if not more often. However, 21% of businesses report not having a business continuity plan, leaving them vulnerable to operational disruptions.

Over the next 12 months, business owners’ top risk management priorities include navigating a potential economic downturn, easing supply chain constraints, and staying on top of regulatory changes.

Key takeaway:
“Despite nearly 90% of businesses having formal risk management policies that are regularly reviewed, a critical vulnerability remains: one in five businesses lack a business continuity plan. This gap leaves them exposed to potential disruptions that could severely impact their operations. Agents can help identify and fill these gaps with commercial clients, partnering with them and carrier-provided risk management experts to develop and implement a comprehensive business continuity plan. These efforts can significantly enhance clients’ resilience and ensure they’re prepared to navigate unexpected challenges,” said Mark McGhiey, Nationwide’s leader of Commercial Lines Risk Management.

Evolving regulations test businesses but technology provides support
Middle market business owners overwhelmingly agree that evolving regulatory and safety standards present obstacles for their operations. Three quarters (78%) say changes have had an impact on their risk management needs and 1 in 5 (20%) feel their business is unprepared to respond to new regulations. Of the regulations their businesses deal with, most owners find data privacy and security requirements the most difficult to comply with.

Technology provides crucial support in the risk management or regulatory realm for 76% of middle market businesses, with 11% reporting its central to all their risk management activities and 65% using it in specific areas but not comprehensively. Owners report improved efficiency and compliance to regulations, enhanced data analysis and reporting, and better real-time monitoring of risks as a result of their technology use.

Key takeaway:
“Commercial carriers offer industry-specific resources and services to help businesses fill protection gaps and comply with standards and regulations, such as jobsite forms and incident report templates for construction or guidance on emergency action plans and PPE selection for manufacturing. Business owners also say distribution professionals can add value by communicating regularly about safety or regulatory updates and implications to their operations,” said McGhiey.

Business owners have difficulty merging risk management with business success
Despite the many safety actions businesses are taking, many owners still struggle to recognize the value and impact of their efforts: only 51% currently view their risk management initiatives as effective. Their top challenges with safety and risk management include:

• Cost of safety measures (38%)
• Maintenance of safety equipment (31%)
• Resources required for conducting regular safety assessments (30%)

These concerns underscore the importance of connecting risk management with business strategy. By working with distribution professionals and industry risk management experts, business owners can develop tailored risk mitigation and safety strategies that align with their company’s priorities. Risk management professionals frequently discover easy, cost-effective strategies to help businesses improve their risk profile and safety records, helping to enable business success.

Key takeaway:
“Leverage carrier-provided resources to help enhance your safety initiatives,” McGhiey said. “Working with industry-specialized safety partners like Nationwide’s Risk Management experts can help commercial customers identify protection gaps and design customized, budget-friendly strategies that can improve safety outcomes while seamlessly integrating into their operations.”

Learn more about Nationwide’s Risk Management services and resources.

Empty Nesters Spending Big on Home Renovations 
While share of empty nesters undertaking home renovations is similar to that of general U.S. homeowners, empty nesters are spending significantly more on these projects. The survey revealed that they spent an average of $8,670 on home renovations compared to $5,128 for the typical homeowner. They are also investing in more large-scale projects, outspending general homeowners on kitchen remodels and full home renovations. 

 A comparison of renovation spending by project type: 

• Kitchen remodels: U.S. Homeowners - $9,702 average; Empty Nesters - $18,672 average 
• Full home renovations: U.S. Homeowners - $36,900 average; Empty Nesters - $90,000 average 
• Window replacements: U.S. Homeowners - $4,917 average; Empty Nesters - $15,375 average 

“A complex housing market has many homeowners reconsidering plans to sell. For empty nesters, that means upgrading their current homes to meet their needs in the next life stage, rather than relocating,” said Casey Kempton, Nationwide’s President of P&C Personal Lines. “Unfortunately, our research shows that homeowners often overlook necessary policy adjustments after significant renovations, potentially leaving them underinsured in the event of a catastrophe. Every homeowner should review their home insurance coverage with their independent insurance agent regularly to avoid potential gaps.”   

Homeowners Confident in Their DIY Abilities   
Three in four homeowners cite high costs as a key challenge when seeking contractors for home maintenance work and less than half of homeowners found it easy to find reputable contractors. In this environment, more homeowners are tackling significant DIY projects. The survey revealed that while most homeowners still prefer professional help for major renovations, 38% have taken on projects typically reserved for experts, like kitchen remodels or even home additions.  

Top DIY Projects Among Homeowners:   

• Basement renovations: 43% 
• Front door replacements: 41%  
• Bathroom remodels: 39%  
• Kitchen remodel: 38%  
• Full-home remodel / "gut" renovation: 36%  
• Home addition (e.g., additional rooms, separate garage, etc.): 35%   

“Although DIY can be an empowering choice, it also introduces risks that may compromise home safety and insurability. Homeowners may not realize that taking on complex projects themselves could impact their insurance,” Kempton noted. “While DIY projects might save on upfront costs, mistakes could lead to safety issues and unexpected expenses. We always recommend consulting with an insurance agent before diving into any major DIY renovation to ensure that all potential risks are covered.” 

Interestingly, while almost all homeowners say they rely on the internet for DIY advice, there’s a generational split in how they gather information. Empty nesters are less likely to use social media for project tips—38% of empty nesters compared to 48% of U.S. homeowners overall—relying more on other online resources. 

Agents as Partners in Home Projects 
Renovations are a significant investment, and updating insurance coverage to reflect these changes is crucial. Yet, the survey found that 55% of homeowners who completed major renovations in the past two years have not adjusted their insurance policies, leaving themselves at risk of being underinsured. 

Insurance agents can be a valuable home renovation partner—not just for updating coverage afterward but also in the planning phase. Many agents are well-connected in their local communities, with 76% of agents surveyed saying they often recommend trusted contractors to clients planning major projects. Homeowners who partner with agents early can benefit from smoother project execution and the peace of mind that their insurance fully covers their upgraded home. 

As renovations become more common, it is vital for homeowners to work with agents to review and update coverage to avoid gaps particularly following home renovations and unexpected financial hardships should disaster strike. They can avoid costly surprises by ensuring their policy reflects the full scope of their upgrades. 

Survey Methodology: 
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence to conduct a 15-minute quantitative online survey among a sample of 1,000 adult U.S. homeowners, 400 independent insurance agents, and 131 empty nesters, identified as married or partnered U.S. homeowners aged 50 or older with a primary residence value of $500,000-$750,000, with no children living in the home and have homeowners and auto insurance, between June 24 and July 12, 2024. 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. 

Preparation is high, with 92% of risk managers saying their company is prepared to recover from an attack, and 86% having a cyber incident response plan in place. However, 32% report their company lacks a dedicated cyber insurance policy, citing management's failure to recognize its value.

“As digital threats grow, a single cyberattack can cripple entire systems in minutes,” said Tim Nunziata, VP and head of Cyber Risk for Nationwide Excess and Surplus/Specialty. “While prevention and employee training are critical, they’re not always enough. Companies need robust cyber insurance to ensure financial stability after an attack.”

Top Risks for Large Businesses
Risk managers identified their biggest risks as IT and cybersecurity risks (50%), compliance and regulatory issues (47%), and criminal activity like fraud or vandalism (40%). When elaborating on their cyber concerns, 56% cited the rising frequency of attacks, 52% pointed to the growing threat of generative AI, and 32% noted inadequate employee training.

Additionally, 90% agreed that scams or fraud attempts that use generative AI have become increasingly sophisticated over the past 12 months, while 78% said they need more resources to protect against AI-driven attacks. Established cyber threats such as data breaches (32%), ransomware (21%), and phishing (13%) also continue to concern risk managers. More than a quarter (27%) also reported experiencing business email compromises in the past three years.

Challenges in Cyber Defense
Though virtually all risk managers (99%) believe cyber insurance is important, only 68% report that their company has coverage. Of those without coverage, 40% believe their current cybersecurity software is sufficient, 32% say management doesn't see the value, and 26% haven’t had it recommended by their broker.

Risk managers also face challenges in collaborating with other departments on cybersecurity due to varying levels of awareness and inconsistent terminology, leading to inadequate preparation across organizations.

A Role for Brokers
With 62% of risk managers reporting their company has experienced a cyberattack in the past three years, and 25% in just the past 12 months, brokers have a strong case to advocate for comprehensive cyber insurance. Among those attacked, 78% said the event disrupted operations and 74% experienced negative business impacts. Recovery for most took between one and six months, with 65% reporting that they’ve updated their policies in the past two years, mostly to increase coverage or limits.

“Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a critical business priority,” said Nunziata. “Brokers can help risk managers make the case for comprehensive cyber insurance to mitigate financial impacts and ensure swift recovery. It’s not a matter of if an attack will happen, but when. The right protection can make all the difference in those moments.”

Learn more about Nationwide’s cybersecurity solutions for corporations here.

 Generative AI and deepfakes driving consumer fears, especially among older generations 
While most consumers are fearful of falling victim to identity theft, they are especially concerned about the misuse of AI for identity theft (86%) – specifically AI-generated deepfakes (73%). AI-related identity theft is a universal worry, but older adults feel more vulnerable to these emerging technological threats.  

• 92% of Baby Boomers express anxiety about AI-assisted identity theft.  
• Gen X follows closely behind at 86%, while Millennials (81%) and Gen Z (76%) show slightly lower but still significant levels of concern.  

Their concerns are valid as 18% report they have been targeted by AI-generated deepfakes or know someone who has, highlighting the evolving and pervasive nature of cybercrime in today's digital landscape.  

 “It’s no surprise that Americans are nervous about Generative AI getting in the hands of criminals looking to steal their identity,” says Rachel Bush, Vice President of Technology Business Risk at Nationwide. “As cybercrime continues to evolve and AI-assisted attacks become more sophisticated, it is crucial for consumers to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect themselves.” 

 Cybercrime is hitting closer to home for many U.S. consumers. 

• The survey found that 52% of consumers typically encounter threats via spam phone calls, while 47% face threats through personal email.  
• 41% of consumers report being affected by identity theft or knowing someone who has.  
• 33% have been notified that their personal data was in a company’s data breach, within the past 12 months. 

Consumer concern is overridden by complacency and misconception, leaving them unprotected and making them easier targets 
Despite being highly concerned, 77% of consumers also say they've accepted the risk of identity theft as a normal part of life. This attitude of resignation is leading many consumers to forgo the necessary protection needed to secure their identities.   

• Shockingly, 28% admit they have never sought more information about these threats, due in large part to misconceptions about the cost and effectiveness of identity theft coverage, leading to a dangerous gap between awareness and action.  
• These misunderstandings run deep: 
• 55% think they need a separate policy for each family member. 
• 49% are unaware of how much identity theft can damage their credit score. 
• 48% believe hiring a lawyer is necessary to recover their identity, even when covered. 
• 35% are unaware of the time required for their credit score to recover after an incident. 
• 33% do not know how long it takes to recover from identity theft.  Only 16% of consumers currently have identity theft insurance.  
• Of those without insurance, 43% believe it is too expensive, even though many are willing to spend up to $24 a month—when it actually can cost a fraction of that amount.  

“The impacts of identity theft can be far-reaching, from financial loss to reputational damage. That is why it’s vital that consumers don’t let their guard down when it comes to protecting their digital footprint,” says Sarah Jacobs, Nationwide Vice President of Personal Lines Product Development.   “Despite proactive efforts, even the most vigilant person can find themselves a victim of cybercrime. This reality underscores the importance of not just preventive measures, but also robust identity protection and recovery plans that provide early detection of suspicious activities, real-time alerts, and continuous monitoring of personal information across the dark web.”   

With effective coverage available at a low cost (Nationwide ID Theft Protection is available for as low as $4 a month), Nationwide recommends consumers reach out to their insurance agent to see what options are available to them to take control of their digital lives and protect themselves from the inevitable risks that lie ahead.    

Survey methodology: 
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence to conduct a 20-minute quantitative online survey among a sample of 1,000 adult U.S. general consumers between July 26 and August 14, 2024. 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. 

In late 2023, Nationwide partnered with Resideo to offer U.S. homeowners tech-enabled prevention capabilities to help avert unexpected damage that occurs in the home. As part of this partnership, the companies analyzed the role Resideo’s Honeywell Home and First Alert devices played in loss prevention for their customers.  

Their analysis^* showed both a frequency and severity reduction for customers who had at least one Resideo device installed. For example, the study* found that the customers with protective First Alert or Honeywell Home devices are experiencing loss frequency and severity benefits, yielding a reduction in average claim costs of $4,000.  

“The results highlight the potential for tech-enabled prevention capabilities to help avert unexpected damage and suggest benefits of catching hazards early,” said Linsey Miller, Resideo, Senior Vice President, Business Development & Strategic Marketing. “There are several cost-effective Smart Home device options that can offer awareness and control to help prevent costly water, fire or other security-related damage to your home.”  

Nationwide’s 2024 Homeowners** survey reveals that smart home tech has increased over the last year:  

• 42% own a smart video doorbell (up 8% from 2023) 
• 36% own a smart thermostat (up 6% from 2023) 
• 38% own smart home security cameras (up 5% from 2023) 
• Only 25% own a smart sensor to monitor for smoke or carbon monoxide 
• Only 10% own a smart sensor that can monitor water flow and leaks

A water leak detection device can be one of the easiest to set up. They simply need to be placed near a toilet, water heater, sink, or laundry area to monitor for leaks. Beyond detecting leaks, Resideo devices also monitor temperature and humidity which can help prevent frozen and burst pipes, as well as moisture in the air that could lead to mold and mildew damage.  

“The biggest miss among homeowners is not having at least one of these devices in your home,” said Sarah Jacobs, Nationwide’s Vice President of Product Development. “Being able to detect a problem as it happens not only can save homeowners money, but it also can provide them peace of mind knowing that your home - one of your most important assets - is better protected with smart detection.”    

For more information about the Nationwide Smart Home program, click here.  

*The study included 3.6M policies and 86,000 smart home devices and reviewed insurance claims from fire (non-wildfire), water (including weather), liability and theft, and other non-weather events, including vandalism.   

**Nationwide Agency Forward Homeowner Survey – SmartHome Results

More than half of SBOs (52%) also admit being personally fooled by a deepfake image or video in the past year, while 9 in 10 say gen AI scams are becoming more sophisticated and that they need help protecting their enterprises from such attacks. Though most SBOs agree that the rise in gen AI technology makes them more likely to purchase cyber insurance, less than half report actually having the necessary coverage.

“As gen AI continues to transform various industries, its misuse in scams presents a significant challenge for small businesses with less resources for cyber defense than larger corporations, making them easier targets for cybercriminals,” said Nathan Lentz, vice president of Small Commercial Sales and Distribution for Nationwide. “While small business owners feel prepared to prevent a cyberattack, they must ensure their preparedness is backed by comprehensive cyber insurance to truly safeguard their operations. Without it, they face potentially devastating consequences to their finances, operations, and customer relationships.”

Nationwide’s survey also provided three key insights for commercial lines agents and their small business owner clients:

1. Small businesses have upped their cybersecurity game, but still need help safeguarding their digital infrastructure

Small businesses have come a long way with cybersecurity since the COVID pandemic, which a quarter of owners say was a catalyst for new ways to breach their systems. Roughly 7 in 10 (69%) are worried about a potential cyberattack on their business – a 16-point increase from 2022 and 31-point jump from June 2020.

Fortunately, two-thirds (65%) of SBOs feel prepared for preventing such an attack – up 17 points from 2022. It’s likely this confidence is due to the actions they’re taking to train workers to defend against cyberthreats:

• 71% provide formal cybersecurity training for employees at least once a year (another 15-point jump from 2022)
• 36% send phishing test emails to employees at least every few months to keep them on their toes.  

However, many also may have learned their cyber lessons the hard way. Nearly a quarter (23%) of SBOs report their business has been a victim to a cyberattack and the vast majority say it jeopardized their company finances and had a moderate or major impact on their customers’ trust.

2. Business owners still vastly underestimate the cost and duration of recovery following an attack

When asked about the possible impacts of a cyberattack on their business, SBOs overwhelmingly underestimated the scope of damage a cyberbreach can bring:

• 81% believe an attack on their business would cost less than $5K in damages and recovery costs.
• Another 1 in 5 (22%) believe they’d be back up and running in a month or less.

In reality, these events can be far more detrimental to a business than SBOs realize: according to Nationwide’s claims data, the average cyber claim for a small business costs $18,000-21,000 while the time for recovery can be as long as 75 days.

3. Owners’ confidence is high, but their plans are lagging – a risky disconnect

Two-thirds of SBOs (66%) are confident in their business’s ability to recover from an attack, a 9-point increase from ‘22, but this confidence may be hubris with only 42% saying they have purchased cyber coverage – a critical backstop in the event of a malicious attack.

Perhaps most concerning, two-thirds (66%) report that they either expect their non-cyber coverages to kick in to cover losses from a cyberattack or that they haven’t taken the time to think about what they would do after an attack.

Further, 7 in 10 (69%) do report having an incident response plan in place for a potential cyberattack, however these plans are only good when they’re kept up-to-date and 3 in 10 (28%) admit theirs is outdated.

Don’t let clients lose their business to a deepfake
As clients rely more on technology and data, it’s crucial for agents to offer counsel on proactive steps they can take to protect their business from cyber criminals and bad actors.

Still, even the best efforts cannot prevent all attacks, which is why having an up-to-date incident response plan and cyber insurance is important to fall back on.

“The time for business owners to figure out how to navigate a data breach is not during the incident – that could be an expensive and potentially business-threatening lesson for owners to learn,” said Lentz. “Our research shows that three-quarters of agents (73%) say their commercial clients consider or purchase cyber insurance because they were either a victim to an attack or witnessed a similar business become a victim. As cyber threats continue to evolve, agents should encourage business owners to take proactive steps to protect their companies. Investing in the right insurance policies can not only mitigate the risks posed by cyberattacks but also ensure that recovery, when necessary, is faster, less costly, and more efficient.”

By encouraging a proactive approach that includes robust security practices, comprehensive cybersecurity coverage, and continuous education, agents can help business owners better protect themselves against the rising tide of cyber fraud.

62% of IAs polled said they are already investing in artificial intelligence technology for their business. More specifically, agents are continuing to embrace the technology as it advances, with 38% of IAs saying they have adopted an AI platform for their business in the past six months.   

“This is an exciting time for insurance agents to leverage Generative AI,” said Chetan Kandhari, Nationwide’s Chief Innovation and Digital Officer. “Today, customers are expecting a high level of responsiveness, hyper-personalization, and the ability to interact across channels. Agents are seeing where Gen AI can save them time and help them be more effective in delivering a great customer experience.”  

Insurance professionals will be looking for ways to use AI in customer service, underwriting, pricing, and sales. The benefits are so prominent that an additional 41% of agents surveyed plan to adopt AI for their business in the next six months, according to Nationwide. Furthermore, 77% reported considering using AI technology to help develop council for their clients, a 15-point jump from 2023.  

“It’s encouraging that agents are willing to incorporate AI technology to streamline their operations,” said Kandhari. “However, it’s important they use the technology in a thoughtful and responsible way, so they maximize the benefits to their business and their customers don’t see any drop off in service.”  

Nationwide offers these recommendations for agents who want to use AI in their business 

1. Clearly identify your business goals. Understanding your business objectives and pain points will help you identify areas where AI can enhance efficiency and customer experience. From there, you can research how AI is transforming your industry and look for successful use cases or emerging trends.  

2. Evaluate your current technology and choose an AI platform that will complement it. To do this, you’ll need to evaluate your needs to define the right platform to solve your business problem. Make sure you’re considering scalability and the ease of integrating the platform with your existing systems. An external vendor can help with evaluating the different platforms available, finding the one that works for your agency, and integrating it into your current system. 

3. Get employee buy-in. This will be key to ensuring your investment in AI pays off. To get employees excited and on board with using the new platform, agency owners must provide their employees robust education and training on the new platform, highlight its benefits with the staff, address any concerns, fears or misconception about using the new technology and celebrate successful uses of AI within the business.  

4. Stay vigilant. Agency owners should mandate that the technology be used responsibly and ethically. Since AI is always evolving, they should keep up to date with changing regulations governing the platform and offer up continuing education to agents so they can remain compliant. 

5. Work with carriers that have extensive experience using AI. Not all carriers are proficient with AI. Legacy carriers like Nationwide are more likely to have the infrastructure and expertise to help agents and agencies navigate the complexities of using the technology to support their customers.  

“Nationwide has been using AI and machine learning for more than a decade,” said Kandhari. “We’re standing by to guide our agent partners on the ways to best utilize this powerful tool to help grow their business and support their clients.” 

Tips and advice for agents on using AI can be found here.  

The quantitative analysis of auto collision claims data aligns with the general sentiment of driving research conducted by Nationwide earlier this year. The data highlights passenger vehicles and company vehicle driver’s pain points that everyone should consider to safely share the roads during this busy time of year.  

A Call for Attention and Safety 
The general sentiment among drivers is alarming: both groups perceive a decline in road safety compared to just 12 months ago. Company vehicle drivers feel drivers of passenger cars are more distracted today (82%), looking at their phones more often today (80%), driving faster today (78%), driving more reckless today (76%), not driving safely around company vehicles (76%), and driving more aggressive today (76%). 

Roughly 9 in 10 passenger vehicle drivers say drivers overall are more aggressive (90%), more reckless (86%) and more often looking at their phones (92%) today compared to 12 months ago.  

As we gear up for the summer driving season, these statistics serve as a stark reminder of the importance of attentive driving. Let’s make this summer a safe one by being mindful of our actions on the road and considering the advice from fellow drivers. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility. 

¹ This data, drawn from personal auto, motorcycle, RV, and commercial auto policies over the loss years 2021-2023, underscores the need for heightened awareness during these “peak summer driving months.”

72% of small business owners and half of mid-market owners rate the current economy as ‘poor’ or ‘fair’, with 6 in 10 citing inflation as a top concern, followed closely by fears around the upcoming presidential election (49%), high interest rates (49%), and supply chain issues (40%).

Yet, zoom in and the sentiment shifts significantly. When focusing on their own businesses, 51% of small business owners and 73% of mid-market owners rate economic conditions as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. Moreover, 1 in 5 expect to expand or introduce new services this year.

Workforce challenges
In addition to macroeconomic concerns, business owners are also facing internal pressures from employees who are experiencing economic strain. In the past six months, business owners have experienced employees:

• Asking for better compensation (37% - all owners; 34% - small; 39% - mid-market)
• Asking for more or better benefits (32% - all owners; 25% - small; 40% - mid-market)
• Leaving for better paying jobs (28% - all owners; - 22% small; 35% - mid-market)
• Leaving for remote work opportunities (24% - all owners; 15% - small; 33% - mid-market)

“Business owners have a lot to navigate right now, from macroeconomic anxieties to workforce demands. What’s clear is owners aren’t taking it on the chin; rather, they’re rolling up their sleeves to improve the operational strengths of their firms,” said Russ Johnston, president of P&C Commercial Lines and Excess & Surplus, Specialty at Nationwide. “Insurance agents and brokers play a critical role as businesses adapt to these challenges, serving as a consultative partner in assessing protection needs and risk mitigation strategies to benefit their operations now and in the future.”

Optimizing operations and expenses
The research found business owners adopting a proactive, hands-on approach to meet the evolving needs of their workforce and protect their companies from external risks. 59% of small and 80% of mid-market owners are planning to or have already increased wages and many are targeting improvements to their employee benefit offerings.

Half of small business owners and two-thirds of mid-market owners are also proactively planning for potential crises that could impact their operations – leading to 9 in 10 saying they’re prepared to navigate a major business disruption.

Still, owners are budget conscious and focused on optimizing processes and reducing costs – and for some, that includes examining insurance as an area for savings. About 8 in 10 business owners (83% of small business owners, 77% of mid-market owners) have reviewed their commercial insurance policies online or with their agent in the past six months. More than one-third of mid-market owners have gotten rid of a policy or decreased coverage limits in that timeframe.

“In the face of short-term economic pressures, insurance professionals can help their commercial clients avoid sacrificing essential long-term protections,” said Johnston. “It’s a great time to check in and review policies, help them understand their options, and assist in implementing protective measures that can prevent costly disruptions down the line.”

• 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.  

By the numbers:  One-third of company drivers (34%) “often or sometimes” feel distracted while driving for work purposes – mostly caused by known safety hazards like operating GPS/navigation systems (55%), interacting with radio or music systems (41%), or responding to work related texts (36%).

More than a quarter (27%) also daydream behind the wheel and 13% are checking social media apps.

What you should know: Staffing shortages may be contributing to risky driving behaviors as drivers work longer hours and face challenging deadlines.

• 4 in 10 drivers say their employer is struggling with staffing shortages, leading to increased workloads (61%), longer hours (58%) and more difficulty meeting deadlines (47%).
• Drivers are facing distractions due to work demands:
  • 55% take work phone calls while driving
  • 30% read/respond to work texts while driving
  • Nearly 1 in 5 read work emails (18%) or respond to work emails (16%)

Why it matters: Driver shortages are also fueling concerns about overall workplace standards and practices that could impact the safety of company drivers and the general public on the roads with them.

• 42% of drivers say their employer has reduced hiring criteria
• 39% say employee training has suffered
• 34% say there’s less of a focus on safety

What drivers are saying: 6 in 10 company drivers are worried about their own personal safety and liability behind the wheel – not surprising considering more than half have been involved in or witnessed an accident in the past year.

As a result, 72% want their management to increase the training being provided to drivers to help prevent accidents and improve safety.

Drivers are also overwhelmingly supportive of technology like dash cams and telematics, which they feel can improve their safety on the roads and increase transparency and accountability. Despite this, only 38% of drivers say their employer requires a dash cam or monitors their driving with telematics.

What we’re saying: For businesses with fleet vehicles, a comprehensive safety program is a key piece of the protection puzzle and should include everything from robust hiring and training criteria for drivers, to written policies/procedures that address all sources of distractions, to implementation of technology like dash cams, cell blockers or telematics that can help increase safe behaviors.

“Business owners may have opportunities to elevate the training and safety resources they’re offering for drivers, further demonstrating their commitment to their workers and, in turn, potentially helping with hiring and retaining good drivers in the future,” said Kristina Talkowski, Nationwide’s leader of Middle Market Commercial Lines. “Safe, high quality drivers also welcome technology like dash cams that can help improve safe driving behaviors and stave off legal system abuse that’s negatively impacting insurance customers through higher insurance costs, longer claims resolution times and limited access to coverage.”

Go deeper: View the full survey results  or leverage your carrier’s loss prevention services for business fleets such as educational resources, safety training, and other in-person or virtual services.

“A little bit of proactive effort can save a lot of money for business owners in the long run across Business Auto and Workers Comp costs,” added Talkowski.

Methodology:
Edelman Data and Intelligence (DXI) conducted a national online survey of 400 commercial drivers* and 1,000 general consumers from March 4 – 15, 2024. As a member in good standing with The Insights Association and ESOMAR, Edelman DXI conducts all research in accordance with local, national and international laws and in line with all Market Research Standards and Guidelines.

*Note: Commercial Driver audience does not include long-haul/heavy trucking, tow trucks, app-based delivery drivers (e.g. DoorDash), or large corporate delivery drivers (FedEx, Amazon, UPS, etc.).

New data reveals that drivers continue to be distracted behind the wheel. The latest driving behaviors survey from Nationwide polled standard drivers and commercial drivers and revealed additional risky behaviors that are impacting all drivers on the road. 

One-third (34%) of commercial drivers admitted they sometimes or often feel distracted behind the wheel, and their peers are noticing, because 6 in 10 agree that other commercial drivers are looking at their phones more often and driving faster than they did a year ago. 

By the numbers: The primary causes of distractions for commercial drivers: 

• 55% using GPS/Nav systems 
• 36% responding to work text messages 
• 27% texting/talking on mobile phones 
• 13% checking social media apps 

Why it matters: Many commercial drivers report taking these actions for work purposes. This could suggest they are feeling pressured by their employer to make tight timelines, which are causing distractions while behind the wheel.  

• 90% of consumers say that they feel it is dangerous to hold a phone in their hand while driving, whether to talk, text or navigate.  

It’s not me, it's you! Consumers say the problem is other drivers, with 8 in 10 (80%) rating their own driving as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent,’ compared to other passenger cars on the road (14%) or commercial vehicles (25%). Overwhelming majorities agree driving has become more dangerous, reporting other drivers are more often looking at their phones (92%). 

What we’re saying: “Nationwide’s telematics driving data shows that drivers take their eyes off the road at least 12 times per day. The average distraction for a driver traveling at 45MPH would cover the length of three football fields! States with hands-free laws are helping to minimize distraction, but we need all 50 states to adopt hands-free laws to continue to reduce crashes and save lives,” said Kelly Hernandez, AVP of Nationwide’s personal telematics. 

A potential solution: Many states are exploring Hands Free legislation as a way to curb distracted driving. Those laws still have strong public support.  

By the numbers:  

• 89% support laws or legislation in their state to prohibit drivers from holding their cell phones while talking or manually using their cell phones to text, email or look at anything on their phones while operating a motor vehicle. 
• 26 states and D.C. have primary hands-free laws in place, leaving 16 states that have no laws prohibiting handheld cell phone use while behind the wheel and eight more that need to strengthen their laws to primary, all driver hands-free laws. 
• Ohio passed Hands Free legislation in 2022 and saw a 16% reduction in distracted driving-related accidents in the first nine months of 2023. Over the same time period, distracted driving fatalities also declined by nearly 25%.  

Go deeper: Visit the Governor’s Highway Safety Association to see if your state has enacted Hands Free Legislation, or Nationwide’s distracted driving resource center to  learn more.  

• 32% of homeowners think service line coverage is covered in their standard home policy—it’s not 
• Average cost to fix a service line to your home ranges from $3,000 to $7,000ⁱ 
• Only 8% of Nationwide home policies have added this coverage 

Your home has several service lines running into it that include power lines, sewer and water pipes, and contrary to popular belief, utility companies are not always responsible for damage to the service lines that run into your home. If these are damaged or break, the homeowner might be responsible for the repair. A standard homeowners policy does not cover the service lines running into the home—unless you’ve added service line coverage. 

The big picture: 32% of homeowners have the misconception that service line coverage is included in their base homeowners policy—findings from the latest Agency Forward survey from Nationwide shows this. 

28% say they have service line coverage, which is higher than the 8% of Nationwide homeowners policies that have added this coverage.  

Respondents reveal: Despite 76% of homeowners saying they have read and fully understand policy’s terms and conditions, 54% of homeowners are concerned that their policy may not cover certain types of damages or incidents, and 39% are admittedly confused about the different types of coverage offered by their policy. 

How to get service line coverage  

• Only 50% of homeowners are aware that service line coverage can be purchased through homeowners insurance.  
• It can be purchased through a utility company, but homeowners likely need to purchase coverage for each line, through each provider. 
• Homeowners with service line coverage report: 53% purchased it through their homeowners insurance policy. 36% purchased it through a utility provider. 
• 66% of homeowners also believe service line coverage can be added to a homeowners policy at any time when, in fact, it can only be added at renewal.  

“Service line coverage can often be overlooked but an incident will lead to a costly repair that falls on the homeowner,” Brad Lemons, Senior Vice President of Product and Underwriting for Nationwide’s personal lines insurance. “Service line coverage is one of the best value coverage endorsements, because unexpected damage to any of these lines will likely cost thousands of dollars to repair.” 

Learn more: Consider adding service line coverage [VIDEO] to a home policy. Your independent agent can let you know if your service lines are covered and help you determine the right coverage for you. 

ⁱ https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/cost-guide/main-water-service-line-replacement/ 

• 6 in 10 consumers are concerned about potential cyberattacks 

Top Reasons for Concern:  a perceived increase in recent cyberattacks (55%), use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology (54%), and proficiency of today’s hackers (51%)  

The Big Picture: Cyber threats are still top of mind for consumers, only a third (34%) of consumers feel prepared to prevent a cyberattack, and only 41% are confident in their ability to recover from a cyberattack.  

• Nearly half (45%) would hire or outsource someone to lead the recovery process if they were to fall victim to an attack, this is up +5 points from 2022 findings 

Why It Matters: 2022 had the second-highest number of data compromises in the U.S. in a single year with at least 422 million individuals impacted. 

Common Cyberattacks 
Cybercrime Familiarity: Respondents reported being most familiar with: 46% phishing, 45% malware, 44% cyber bullying; and respondents said they were not at all knowledgeable about: 54% digital unemployment fraud, 53% DoS (denial of service) attacks, 51% deepfakes, 48% digital tax fraud.  

By the Numbers: 

• 10% reported having been a victim of an attack, down -10 points from 2022 findings 
• Most common attacks reported are: 40% password attacks, 34% malware, 30% data breaches 
• Only 53% knew what to do when they identified the attack 
• Half (51%) reported an impact on their personal finances 
• Measure taken included: 58% changing passwords, 40% updated cybersecurity software, 31% purchased ID theft protection 

Most consumers who monitor their personal information or accounts do so themselves rather than using an external service—the accounts most likely to be self-monitored: 47% financial accounts, 42% emails, 39% social security—all up from 2022 findings (+13 points, +10 points, +8 points respectively). 

Interest is Increasing but Lack of Knowledge Holds Consumers Back From Purchasing Cyber Insurance 

• 15% of consumers report currently owning cyber insurance, down 1 point from 2022 findings. 

Barriers for not having it: 40% lack of knowledge, 36% lack of awareness of availability, 29% perceived costs.  

Consider This: According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, in 2022 there was a 5% decrease in total number of complaints reported, but dollar losses increased by 49%.  

The Bottom Line: Many consumers say the increased reliance on technology (47%), development of AI technology (47%), news about cyberattacks (47%), increased use of digital payments (46%) has made them more likely to purchase cyber insurance or expand their current coverage. 

• 3 in 4 consumers are interested in investing in resources or products affiliated with identity recovery and financial account monitoring: 
• 75% are interested in identity recovery—pays for the costs of recovering from an identity theft as well as a full-service ID theft restoration services 
• 74% are interested in payment accounts and financial accounts monitoring and activity alerts 
• 72% are interested in computer attack protection—removes malware and reprograms computers and tables, Wi-Fi routers, or other internet access points 

Key Takeaway: Having cyber insurance can dramatically shrink the cost and time it takes to recover from a cyber issue. Nationwide offers ID theft coverage for $45 a year (that is less than $4 a month) and includes cyber protection services, an identity protection portal and resolution services features—this can be added to any home or auto policy. Consumers can check with their agent to see what’s available to them and identify vulnerabilities.  

Go Deeper: Read more or watch a video about Nationwide’s ID theft protectionⁱ

ⁱ Insurance products are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Columbus, Ohio. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. Products and discounts are not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are services marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2023 Nationwide. 

• Concerns Are Mounting: 81% of consumers report being concerned about the risk of identity theft and 82% are concerned about the use of AI to steal someone’s identity.  

Why It Matters: The Federal Trade Commission received 5.7 million total fraud and identity theft reports, of those 1.4 million (25%) were specific to identity theft.    

The Big Picture: 74% of respondents in the survey said they think that identity theft is now a part of modern life. There is a widespread understanding that recovering your identity after it has been stolen is not a simple matter, and 82% said it would be difficult to recover.  

• Yet only 20% currently have ID theft insurance—a coverage that can be surprisingly affordable and help you sort through the steps of getting your identity back. 

Cybercrime Familiarity: respondents were more familiar with: 73% phishing, 66% fake job/lottery/prize scam, 59% website impersonation + public Wi-Fi hacking; and less familiar with: 43% form jacking, 38% QR code scam, 35% juice jacking. 

While Most Are Taking Action to Reduce Risk, Many Still Reported Unsafe Habits 

• 91% reported monitoring their financial accounts + securing Wi-Fi with strong passwords, and 88% are updating devices with security software. 

More Effort Is Needed: Fewer are going to the extra mile when it comes to protecting themselves: 48% use VPN on public Wi-Fi, 42% subscribe to an ID theft monitoring service, 22% subscribe to a dark web monitoring service. 

Vulnerabilities Reported: 54% use the same password on multiple sites, 39% use QR codes to make purchases/view menus, 37% share personal information over the phone. 

Consider This: each year 9 million Americans are impacted by ID theft & fraud with only a few incidents reported, indicating a large number of attacks go unsolved every year. 

The Big Misconceptions About ID Theft Coverage 

20% of consumers said they currently have ID theft insurance. For those who don’t: 38% don’t know enough about it, 35% think it’s too expensive, 29% think they take enough precautions to reduce their risk of identity theft. 

• 52% mistakenly believe you need separate policies for each family member 
  • Nationwide’s ID theft insurance covers the entire household under the indemnity and resolution services, with two adults having access to the Identity Protection Portal 
• 48% think you need to hire a lawyer even when you have ID theft insurance 
  • If you have Nationwide’s ID theft protection most cases can be solved through our resolution services, making it highly unlikely that you’ll need a lawyer 

The Bottom Line: There is general confusion on the perceived cost of ID theft insurance coverage—35% are not purchasing it because of what they think it will cost, yet 78% of respondents said they would be willing to spend some money on ID theft protection.

• 62% said they are willing to spend up to $49 a month on ID protection 

Nationwide offers ID theft coverage for $45 a year (that is less than $4 a month) that includes cyber protection services, an identity protection portal and resolution services features—this can be added to any home or auto policy. 

Go Deeper: Read more or watch a video about Nationwide’s ID theft protectionⁱ 

ⁱ Insurance products are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Columbus, Ohio. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. Products and discounts are not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are services marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2023 Nationwide. 

The latest Nationwide Agency Forward survey on U.S. homeowners reveals many homeowners are not taking preventative steps with necessary maintenance in the home before it becomes a major issue. Additionally, a quarter of homeowners (26%) are unaware that delaying necessary home maintenance can have implications for their homeowner’s policy. 

Delaying inevitable home maintenance is not cost savings
Within the past year, 44% of homeowners said they have delayed performing routine maintenance tasks and 31% are delaying necessary renovations and repairs—with 78% of these individuals saying they have deferred necessary maintenance because of inflation and rising prices.  

Among these individuals, the most common types of home maintenance or renovations that are being delayed are roof repair/replacement [VIDEO] and kitchen/bathroom remodeling. Baby boomers (38%) are less likely than Gen X (50%) and Millennial (52%) homeowners to have delayed home maintenance needs.  

“As a homeowner, it’s important to protect your property from further damage when there is a known issue,” said Beth Riczko, World-Class Underwriting Project Executive at Nationwide. “When a claim is filed, there are many factors reviewed during the investigation that may impact whether the claim is covered, including if the insured followed policy conditions. For example, when shingles are damaged on a roof and aren’t repaired causing interior damage, there could be coverage impacts.” 

Ensure you have the right insurance coverage 
71% of agents reported that customers are reducing their homeowner’s coverage [VIDEO] to save money. The most common homeowners claim seen by agents stem from weather-related damage and fire damage—with most agents reporting an increase in these types of claims over the past year. No one plans to file a home insurance claim, yet the survey found that 43% of homeowners have filed a claim. More than half (56%) were related to weather, 37% for water damage, and 13% for fire damage.  

More than 8 in 10 homeowners believe their home is insured to the right value (87%), but many are still concerned that their policy might not cover certain types of damages or incidents (54%) or that they may not have enough coverage in case of a major loss or catastrophe (47%).  

“Homeowners should assess coverage needs and determine if they have enough coverage to reflect rising repair costs due to inflation,” said Riczko. “Taking proactive steps not only protects their investment but also provides peace of mind knowing they are better prepared for any challenges that may arise. It’s good practice to do an annual coverage review with your agent, to go over any updates or changes to your home or belongings and craft a policy that provides adequate protection.”  

When in doubt, ask an agent 
Insurance can provide policyholders peace of mind regardless of whether severe weather is in the forecast. Most homeowners are aware of some of the basic coverage available through homeowners policies including fire (89%), liability (83%) and personal property replacement protection (79%), but struggle to understand the full range of options available to them. 

In addition to covering the home, a standard home policy will offer various levels of liability and personal property protection. With all the choices available, it is important policyholders talk with their agent to ensure they have adequate coverage in the event of a loss.  

Insurance 101, what does homeowners insurance cover 

• Liability limits can range from $100,000 to $1,000,000, adding an umbrella policy may help give additional liability coverage of $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 
• A person who injures themselves on a homeowner’s property might claim that the homeowner is legally liable. In the event the injured person makes a claim or files a lawsuit, liability coverage under the homeowner’s policy may provide protection.   
• Personal Property, replacement cost vs actual cash value 
• Most policies will cover the current value of personal possessions. As home items keep getting more expensive, current value will not be enough to cover the cost to replace items with new ones.  Additional personal property insurance [VIDEO] may help provide funds to repair or replace home belongings after a loss. 

“Homeowners should speak with an agent to ensure they have an informed understanding of their home protection and additional ways they can supplement coverage,” added Riczko. “Also inform your agent about any home renovations [VIDEO] you do; this will help make sure these new additions have the proper coverage. There are cases where certain updates may even help reduce your premium.”  

Learn more about what homeowners insurance covers, and ensure you have the right property insurance coverage for your home. 

• Most middle-market business owners expect a recession soon and many are convinced their businesses can endure the turmoil according to the latest Nationwide Agency Forward survey. 
• Despite this confidence owners still want to cut costs, with 40% of business owners having explored areas to cut expenses within the last 6 months.  
• Some are eyeing workforce changes, such as decreased hours and paused hiring, to ease the financial strain. 
• For an astounding percentage of business owners (82%), expense cuts could come at the cost of their current insurance coverage. 

The economy is not rebounding the way business owners had hoped as we come out of the COVID pandemic. While inflation and rising costs continue to put a financial strain on operations, they anticipate more financial woes on the horizon – but not necessarily for their business. A recent Agency Forward survey from Nationwide reveals that 66% of middle market business owners expect a recession in the next six months. 

Although they are concerned, business owners are content with current performance. 
While a majority expect the U.S. to be in a recession within the next six months, nearly the same amount believe their business is prepared to manage it (65%). Over half of middle-market business owners say current business conditions are strong in the U.S. (58%) and in their own region or city (64%) compared to only 27% and 36% of small business owners, respectively. And about 3 in 4 (74%) would rate the conditions of their business specifically as being good or excellent.  

The survey also revealed middle-market business revenue performance and projections:  

• Less than 1 in 5 (19%) say their business revenue has decreased over the past 6 months. 
• 60% report their business revenue increased over the past six months, and 62% expect it to increase within the next 6 months. 

Despite their optimism, middle-market business owners want to save in the event their predictions might not be right. 
Recently, 40% of middle-market business owners have looked for ways to cut expenses, which include a pause in hiring (33%), using personal savings to support the business (28%), or cancelling/postponing a major business investment (28%). Of those who have not yet taken any action, plans vary on what they might do to support their business over the next 6 months. While 40% plan to hire new workers, many are considering asking more out of current workers to manage expenses (29%), furloughing workers or reducing hours (25%) or even laying off workers (25%). 

“As business owners review their balance sheet, they should think about what line items could have a long-term impact before making a change or cut,” said Linda Stueber, Senior Vice President, Middle Market Commercial at Nationwide. “The wrong move could jeopardize much more than their bottom line.”  

Majority are open to cutting insurance coverage, but at what cost?  
Of those who currently work with an insurance agent to manage their business’s insurance needs (70%), only 30% have contacted their agent in the past 6 months to discuss their coverage, and a similar proportion have increased coverage/limits on their existing insurance policies (32%). However, while many have added to their policies, this behavior may change in the near future. Over 3 in 4 (82%) mid-market business owners say they would be at least somewhat likely to decrease their business's current insurance coverage or limits as a way of reducing operating expenses if the country entered a recession in the coming months.  

While cutting back on insurance coverages may seem like an easy way to reduce expenses, it could have lasting financial impacts. For example, reducing property coverage limits at a time where property values are increasing due to inflation could leave a business with insufficient funds to rebuild after a covered loss. 

“What’s worrisome is the number of business owners who have not reached out to their agent to discuss their coverage, yet they are somewhat likely to decrease their limits” said Stueber.  “This is a really important step in changing any commercial policy. An agent can review all potential impacts around a change so a business owner can make an informed decision about updating their policy.” 

Survey Methodology:  Nationwide partnered with Edelman Data & Intelligence to conduct a 15-minute national online survey of 401 small business owners, defined as sole or part owners of companies with 1-50 employees and less than $10 million in annual revenue, and 302 middle-market business owners, defined as sole or part owners of companies with 51-500 employees or $10 million - $500 million in annual revenue. The small business owner survey was fielded from September 6 – 19, 2022 and the middle-market business owner survey was fielded from September 29- October 11, 2022. As a member in good standing with The Insights Association as well as ESOMAR Edelman Data & Intelligence conducts all research in accordance with local, national and international laws as well as in line with all Market Research Standards and Guidelines. 

A recent survey from Nationwide of risk managers—those charged with identifying, evaluating, and selecting the best techniques to mitigate risk—revealed that cybersecurity takes up a substantial portion of their budgets. 68% expect these budgets will continue to grow in the coming years.

“Nationwide’s previous studies have revealed that consumers as well as small to mid-sized businesses have begun to take cyber threats very seriously,” said Tim Nunziata, Vice President of Cyber Risk for Nationwide Excess and Surplus/Specialty. “Large businesses have always been a target and that’s why many already have teams in place to protect them. As the threats become more frequent and sophisticated, risk managers know they must remain vigilant.”

Large enterprises remain concerned about cyberattacks…
Respondents believe there is a greater risk of their company experiencing a cyberattack since the beginning of the war in Ukraine (57%). 90% say they are concerned about their company falling victim to a cyberattack. But they are preparing, 91% have an incident response plan in the event of a cyberattack.

…because they know they are still on cybercriminals’ radar
68% of those who took part in Nationwide’s survey report their company has been the victim of an attack in the last three years, including almost 1 in 4 (24%) in the past year. 88% say that they’ve experienced an attack at some point in their company’s history.

Those attacks are costly…
Of those who experienced an attack nearly 7 in 10 (68%) report their business operations were impacted and three-quarters (75%) reported a significant or moderate financial impact.

…and recovery can take a while!
71% said recovery from the attack took longer than one month, and more than a third (35%) reported the process taking longer than four months.

Risk managers are on the lookout for common attacks…
They view data breaches (24%), ransomware (13%) and business interruption (11%) as the top cybersecurity threats.

…but there’s a new threat to keep an eye on
The cyberattack of the future? Deepfakes. Despite an increase in companies falling prey to deepfake attacks and even warnings from the FBI, it’s not high on the list of concerns for risk managers. Only 6% of those surveyed say social engineering, impersonation, or other tactics to manipulate employees is their biggest concern.

Companies are turning to insurance experts for help
83% report they are renewing their current cyber policy. 94% of those who did renew that policy said their broker or agent played an important role during the renewal process. Half (53%) of risk managers report their coverage has changed in the past two years, with most reporting that they’ve increased their coverage.

“Agents and brokers can really help clarify the threat landscape, including what is out there and what cyber trends they are seeing,” said Nunziata. “Where they really provide value is making sure a business has the coverage they to protect and mitigate issues.”

For more information on how to protect your company, click here.

For more information on the finding of this survey, view the complete survey results.

Methodology
Nationwide partnered with Edelman Data & Intelligence to conduct a 20-minute national online survey of 500 corporate risk managers employed by mid-sized firms, defined as reporting annual revenue of $250 million to $1.5 billion. The survey was fielded from August 8 - 25, 2022. As a member in good standing with The Insights Association as well as ESOMAR Edelman Data & Intelligence conducts all research in accordance with local, national and international laws as well as in line with all Market Research Standards and Guidelines.

“I think people are becoming more comfortable driving with minicomputers in the palm of their hands and they underestimate the danger of doing so,” said May, program manager at the Ohio Department of Transportation.  

The statistics confirm what May is referencing – cell phone use is leading to increased distracted driving across America.  

According to recent data released by Nationwide: 

• Drivers are distracted by their phones up to 9 times during a typical 20-mile commute, data from Nationwide’s SmartRide mobile app shows 
• Two-thirds of drivers (66%) say that holding a cell phone to talk, text or use an app while driving is dangerous, yet half (51%) admitted to doing this in the past six months, according to findings from a Nationwide survey 

These data points should make everyone think twice when it comes to grabbing a cell phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle.  

“These behaviors create a dangerous environment for everyone when we don’t give our full attention on the activity of driving, said Beth Riczko, Personal Lines President at Nationwide. “Unfortunately, we are seeing an increased use of cell phones while driving, across every demographic. Nationwide’s mission is to protect people, and it’s important that we raise awareness of this issue.” 

Nationwide used Distracted Driving Awareness Month as a platform to share the stats to encourage drivers to put their phones down while behind the wheel. When a driver chooses to look at their phone, they are impacting every single person on the roadway.  

“These devices are distracting forces in the vehicle. And if drivers don’t utilize their phone’s hands-free technology, things won’t get better – they will get worse,” added Riczko.  

Another important issue is that our laws have not kept up with this technology. For this reason, Nationwide and consumer advocacy groups have renewed their call for all 50 states to adopt hands-free primary enforcement laws. This will enable law enforcement to ticket motor vehicle operators who are using handheld mobile devices behind the wheel. States that have enacted this type of legislation have experienced a decrease in auto crash related fatalities. A recent Nationwide survey showed most Americans want these types of laws on the books.  

• 88% of consumers say they support legislation to address distracted driving 
• 86% support legislation in their state that would prohibit drivers from holding their phones while driving to talk, text or for other purposes 

In late 2020, Nationwide introduced an experience that provides customized feedback on phone distractions and it’s helping to reduce distractions on our roadways. Through the SmartRide mobile program, there has been nearly a 10 percent reduction in everyday hand-held distraction among these drivers. Providing feedback on phone use while behind the wheel increases driver’s awareness on the frequency of this behavior and reduces distracted driving crashes. 

To learn more about SmartRide’s phone distraction feature, talk to your independent insurance agent. 

A recent Nationwide Agency Forward survey indicated that, while customers appreciate a digital insurance claims experience, having an agent or customer representative be part of the claims process is just as important—especially in helping customers during difficult moments.

“When we are putting the customer and service representative together in a digital world, it is still crucial that the customer feels supported by being able to reach a person if they need it,” said Martha Frye Nationwide’s senior vice president of personal lines claims. “Claims are usually filed after something bad has happened, so we’re trying to strike the balance of helping with personal expertise, along with digital solutions to keep them informed and speed it along—both are really important.” 

The Agency Forward survey revealed three key findings:

• Handling a claim quickly and having access to an agent/customer representative are most important
• Consumers are interested in a digital experience when filing/managing a claim
• Most policyholders are satisfied with the claims process

Getting comfortable going digital
Customers are getting comfortable with digital tools and realizing the benefits. Most customers are aware of the complexity of their situation and have higher expectations for low complexity claims to be handled more quickly and easily. One way they can do this is by embracing digital tools to be involved and stay updated on the status of their claim. Consumers are most interested in websites, apps, texts and emails. In fact,

• 75% are interested in a website or app where they can track the progress of claims from start to finish
• 68% are interested in recurring texts or email alerts on the status of a claim
• 67% are interested in a website or mobile app to upload pictures or videos to begin a claim

 “Nationwide was the first to add two-way texting, that dramatically increased utilization and interactions, which was more effective than just pushing information at people. Nationwide saw an increase in two-way texting in 2021. Customers reached out to us via text 229,000 times, this was a 183% increase from the previous year,” explained Frye. “Agents told us that mobile texting is facilitating faster scheduling because it cuts down on voicemail exchanges.”

Human interaction is still important
There are moments of truth for your ability to talk to an agent or representative who is an expert to meet needs. There are also transactional moments where customers value digital tools. The future is at the intersection, being a digital brokerage and knowing the local customers.

The top three areas of interest when filing a claim are similar, but agents place less of an emphasis on digital tools.

Most important areas of filing a claim:

• 74% of consumers, 65% of agents report having a claim handled quickly is important to customers
• 58% of consumers, 51% of agents report being able to speak to an agent or claims representative over a phone call is important to customers
• 36% of consumers, 31% of agents report having a digital claim tracker to track claims from start to finish online or through an app is important to customers

“Customers continue to tell the industry that they want to speak to someone upfront to understand their coverage and figure out next steps. Once they get everything set, then they’re more willing to do digital interactions,” explained Frye.

Overall, satisfaction is high
Most people who purchase an insurance policy hope to have little interaction with their insurer beyond the point of purchase, which stands true as only 3 in 10 said they filed a claim in the last 12 months. Auto-related claims were two times more likely to occur (19%) than a property claim (9%), and overall satisfaction was high:

• 82% of consumers say they are satisfied with the insurance claims process. Those who are not satisfied complained that: filing a claim was a slow process (26%), was a difficult process (22%), required a lot of paperwork (22%).

“More than ever, consumers want to decide how they will interact with their carrier based on their need. While digital tools can make certain parts of the insurance experience easier, customers will remain reliant on their agent in moments of need,” concluded Frye.

The survey highlighted three key themes for agents to prioritize as they engage with clients for 2022 planning:

1. Business owners prioritize speed, ease and industry knowledge from their agents and carriers.
2. Advanced digital tools are simplifying claims.
3. Proactive planning can prevent disruptions.

“While supply chain and workforce challenges will continue for the foreseeable future, agents can help clients now by protecting any new or evolving operations they may have in place, assisting with business planning for future disruptions, and leveraging carrier-supplied risk management resources to help prevent further costly interruptions,” said Peter McMurtrie, president of P&C Commercial Lines at Nationwide. 

Business owners prioritize speed, ease and industry knowledge from their agents and carriers
Though 85% of the anonymous business owners surveyed who filed a claim in the past 12 months report being satisfied with their experience, some owners still struggle with navigating the claims process with their carriers. A quarter were dissatisfied with their claims experience saying it was difficult (25%) or slow (24%), while another 1-in-5 say it was challenging to track the progress of their claim (22%) or that their insurance agent wasn’t helpful (21%).

When it comes to filing a claim, both small and large businesses prioritize speed, ease, and industry expertise. Their top priorities include:

1. Having the claim handled quickly (68% small owners, 37% middle market owners)
2. Industry knowledgeable agent or claims representatives (46% small owners, 37% middle market owners)
3. Access to agent or claims representative by phone (small owners 48%, middle market owners 32%)

Insurers like Nationwide have reduced average claim cycle times for business owners with easy filing online or by phone and dedicated claims experts with deep knowledge in clients’ industries and the challenges they face. Still, carriers have opportunities to provide further educational materials for agents and customers as 42% of agents would like more resources to help their clients better understand the claims process.

Advanced digital tools are simplifying claims
While many business owners still want an agent on hand to help them through the claims process – about half cite their agent’s help as a top reason for their claim’s satisfaction – increasing speed and effectiveness is key to providing them a positive experience. Agents (~85%) reported being twice as likely as their business owner customers (37%) to believe the claims process is fast and easy.

Carriers are using new tools to simplify the claims process for business owners and their agents. Nationwide customers have access to report claims 24/7 online, receive payments digitally or by mail, and utilize solutions like the Nurse Triage Hotline to get qualified medical professional advice after an accident and help determine an effective course of action.

“The survey showed agents feel confident talking clients through filing and tracking claims and have opportunities to build deeper client relationships when they’re prepared to deliver that counsel to business owners in the moment,” said McMurtrie. “Agents who take the time to fully understand clients’ needs and preferences, as well as the carrier-offered claims solutions to address them, will benefit from heightened confidence and smoother experiences for their customers.”

Proactive planning can prevent disruptions
Across the board, business owners are most concerned about the impact employee injuries, cyberattacks, pandemics and natural disasters could have on their companies. Depending on the business size, however, owners’ risk management opinions and actions greatly differ – creating an opportunity for agents to engage with their clients to ensure proper planning.

While nearly 80% of small business owners say risk management is a high priority for their company, more than a quarter (27%) say they have no risk management practices in place at all. Conversely, almost all middle-market business owners (96%) say they prioritize risk management at their business and have practices in place to mitigate risks.

Risk management services business owners are most commonly utilizing include:

1. In-person/on-site services – 33% small business owners, 51% middle market business owners
2. Safety programs/development and training guidelines – 25% small business owners, 54% middle market business owners
3. Online resources, including safety videos and documents – 29% small business owners, 51% middle market business owners
4. Digital risk management tools – 26% small business owners, 42% middle market business owners
5. Virtual/teleconference services – 20% small business owners, 40% middle market business owners

Agents can help business owners mitigate risk
With a lot at stake, it’s important for agents to talk to commercial customers, particularly small business owners, about the claims process and how risk management strategies can serve as crucial safeguards for their business, employees’ safety, and bottom line.

Three points to emphasize with commercial clients leading into 2022 include:

1. Timely claims reporting is critical to getting your company back to work quickly. On average, commercial lines claims are reported 20 days after the event of loss, adding as much as 15% to the life cycle of their claim.

2. Many business disruptions are preventable. Taking time to ensure proper housekeeping, maintenance and business continuity planning is in place can reduce costly disturbances and decrease recovery time if one happens.

3. With the average cost of a fleet accident at approximately $70,000 and auto accidents being the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the U.S.¹, for many organizations, their fleet operations pose their greatest liability and workers’ compensation risk. It is important that organizations establish a formal fleet safety program to protect employees and reduce accident risk.

 “As 2021 comes to a close and business owners report a high level of satisfaction with their agents, independent agents have opportunities during their annual check-ins to open dialogue with clients around risk management and in-person or virtual support available to them, serving as a valuable partner to prepare them for the future,” added McMurtrie.  

Methodology:
Nationwide’s ongoing Agency Forward research series works to track industry trends by surveying independent insurance agents, various business owners, and consumers. Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence to conduct a 20-minute quantitative online survey among a sample of 2,400 U.S. independent insurance agents, small business owners, middle-market business owners, African American business owners and Hispanic business owners between June 22 – July 7, 2021, to gauge business owners’ experiences when filing a claim, understand their priorities when it comes to the insurance claims process, explore their perceptions of risk management for their organization and the steps they’re taking, and understand the challenges facing agents and business owners in today’s environment. 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.

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics [2018]. Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, 2017

“The past year-and-a-half has been anything but normal, with many areas experiencing a shift in traffic patterns and roadways becoming less congested. Rush-hour became essentially non-existent in the spring of 2020 after stay-at-home orders took effect and many people transitioned to working from home—and still are,” said Kelly Hernandez, Nationwide’s associate vice president of telematics. “With the then wide-open roads, it seems many drivers picked up a bad habit of having a need for speed, which doesn’t seem to be slowing down.”

As Halloween decorations go up, distracted driving is another monster lurking in the shadows. This summer, nearly 12% of trips included distractions on a mobile phone, and 70% of drivers were distracted daily, based on Nationwide’s telematics data. The effects of distracted driving are frightening but the outcomes can be even scarier. Nine fatalities each day are attributed to distractions and this number can be underreported¹.

“Although all age groups are distracted, our data shows the problem is much worse for younger drivers,” said Hernandez.

Nationwide is aiming to change behaviors with its SmartRide² program by providing feedback on phone distraction while behind the wheel to increase drivers’ awareness of the frequency of this dangerous behavior and help them reduce it. After launching this new experience in SmartRide last fall, Nationwide has seen a 10% reduction in everyday hand-held distractions among enrolled drivers.

To learn more about Nationwide’s SmartRide program and the ways it can help you become a safer driver click here, or talk to your independent insurance agent.

Homeowners are turning to insurance-based smart home technology to monitor their homes and alert them if something goes wrong. A new Nationwide survey¹ found that 66% of homeowners currently own at least one smart home device but many of them don’t realize the devices they have could be saving them money on insurance premiums.

IoT devices popular with homeowners
Nationwide’s Agency Forward survey found that 2 in 3 homeowners have already embraced smart home technology to reduce anxiety (42%) or make their homes more energy-efficient (33%). Devices most popular with homeowners are:

• video doorbells (59%),
• home security cameras (59%),
• smart thermostat (55%)

The use of this type of smart home technology is poised to grow exponentially with an estimated 25% increase in usage over the next five years².

Leaving money on the table
Insurance-based smart home technology devices monitor hazards in the home and alert a homeowner when something goes wrong. Devices like doorbells, smoke detectors, thermostats, and water leak detectors keep a homeowner informed of what’s going on in their house, even when they aren’t in the home.

However, the survey found that only 7% of homeowners use smart sensors that monitor for water leaks, leaving their homes vulnerable to severe nonweather-related water damage. Only 27% stated knowing about sensors that monitor water flow and leaks, and less than a quarter (24%) are aware of sensors that can shut off the water in case of leaks. Not using these devices can leave their home vulnerable to costly water damage.

“The #1 cause of avoidable claims for Nationwide homeowners insurance policyholders is nonweather related water loss, with most of those claims coming from pipe, fixture, or water heater leaks,” said Beth Riczko, president of personal lines at Nationwide. “With the Insurance Information Institute reporting the average water damage and freezing event causes more than $11,000 in damage, homeowners should consider these types of sensors to provide an extra layer of protection³.”

Technology benefits can ease concerns
While costly price tags (47%), lack of knowledge on smart home technology (32%), and security concerns (29%) are keeping homeowners from owning smart home technology, 64% of them said they would be interested in using them if it helped reduce their premiums.

“Participating in Nationwide’s smart home program saves policyholders about 4% on their homeowners insurance premiums, but the savings are even greater when you consider the additional benefits of having a smart home device,” said Riczko. “Alleviating the stress of having to get major damage fixed, reducing repair times, easing the anxiety you feel every time you leave the house—that kind of peace of mind is priceless.”

Nationwide partnered with Notion in 2020 to offer smart home monitoring technology to provide this added layer of protection. The home monitoring system packs multiple capabilities into each sensor, which monitors the home for open doors and windows, smoke/CO2 alarms, and water leaks - all from a personal device. The program is offered in 13 states and will expand to more states in 2022. Talk to your insurance agent to see if you can benefit from having smart home devices in your home.

Learn more about Nationwide’s current smart home program and talk to your agent to see if you can benefit from having smart home devices in your home.

The survey revealed three key areas for insurance agents to focus on as they serve clients and run their business in today’s environment:

• Clients are asking agents to provide guidance on a wider range of topics than in years past
• As clients reconsider their future work and living situations, agents need to be thinking more about digital tools to help retain and attract business
• Both consumers and business owners prioritize similar areas when buying or renewing their policies

“Today’s insurance agent must balance both the growing needs of existing clients and the needs of prospective clients whose preferences are shifting toward digital offerings that provide easy, timely access to insurance help when needed,” said Peter McMurtrie, president of P&C Commercial Lines at Nationwide. “Our survey results show that while agents’ influence with their customers is growing, it’s critical for them to leverage new ways to advise clients virtually and in-person as well as sharpen their knowledge about complementary protection solutions clients may benefit from.”

Insurance agents are being asked to do more
The Agency Forward research identified clients’ need for insurance agents to be up-to-speed on a wider variety of insurance and protection solutions than this time in 2020, opening the doors for more cross-selling opportunities. Middle market business owners, often with more complicated and risk-prone operations, showed the most interest in a range of non-traditional insurance topics while small business owners saw the biggest increases in a range of topics compared to 2020. Outside of traditional insurance topics, clients are increasingly interested in:

• Employee Benefits: Middle market owners – 59%, Small business owners – 37% (+15% since June 2020)
• Retirement: Middle market owners – 39%, Small business owners - 32% (+14%), Consumers – 29%
• Cybersecurity: Middle market owners – 41%, Small business owners – 28% (+10%), Consumers – 20%
• Banking: Middle market owners – 52% (+12%), Small business owners – 18% (+7%), Consumers – 24% (+6%)

Agents need to be thinking about digital tools to retain and attract business
The pandemic has influenced many clients’ perspectives on where they’ll live and work in the next five years and how close they feel they need to be to their insurance agent. In fact:

• 34% of consumers plan to move away from their current location in the next five years and about a quarter say the pandemic impacted this decision
• At least 1-in-5 business owners intend to reduce, move, or eliminate offices in the next five years with middle market owners (77%) being three times more likely than small business owners to say the pandemic influenced their plans

As a result of these shifting dynamics, 47% of agents are concerned about their ability to retain clients who relocate and 61% plan to invest heavily or moderately to attract, maintain and foster relationships with clients outside their current geographies.

“Although 57% of agents feel clients want their agent located nearby, less than half of consumers and small business owners agree with that sentiment,” said McMurtrie. "As clients seek to utilize digital means of interacting with their agent more than ever, Nationwide is working with agents to offer resources and support to help agencies evolve their use of digital and grow their business.”

Consumers and business owners prioritize similar aspects when buying or renewing their policies
Business owners and consumers shared similar beliefs in what they identify as being most important areas when it comes to buying their policies. Having access to an agent who can help when needed and personalize coverage to fit client needs shines through as a high priority for all audiences.

Clients’ top priorities include:

• Being able to talk live to a person when you have an important question or issue
• Working with an agent who can personalize coverage to fit your needs
• The agency/carrier has a smooth claims process and has proven they can deliver in times of crisis

Insurance customers reported increased challenges with insurance in 2021
Small business and mid-market business owners had a particularly challenging year when it comes to managing their insurance. About half of small business owners struggle with finding the best price for their protection needs, understanding insurance terminology, and the length of time it takes to settle claims (45%, an 8% increase since June 2020).

Mid-market business owners have similar challenges, but about three-quarters also report difficulties with the length of time it takes to set up their coverage (+11% since 2020) or receive insurance quotes (+7%) and their ability to quickly connect with their agent by phone (+ 7%).

Similar to 2020, consumers continue to struggle with the length of time it takes to settle claims (69%), understanding different types of coverage (42%), and finding the best price (42%).

Despite these trials, business owners’ and consumers’ confidence in their agent’s ability to help protect them grew in 2020 as 90% of middle market business owners (+7% since June 2020) and 69% of consumers (+8%) say their agent regularly works with them to ensure they have the right coverage for their needs.

Carriers can help agents adapt to changing needs and preferences
As agents look for ways to differentiate themselves and grow their businesses in today’s environment, carriers can step up to provide solutions to enhance their interactions with clients.

1. Look to carriers that offer a breadth of products, services, and expertise to help you address clients’ traditional and add-on protection needs, like cybersecurity, employee benefits and retirement. With 3-in-10 consumers sharing they’re worried they’re not making the right steps to reach their retirement goals, it’s a good time to open these conversations with clients.
2. If you’re not already, talk with clients about bundling policies with the same carrier to save them valuable time and money. Seven-in-10 consumers currently bundle policies with the same carrier and feel it saves them time. Another 60% of personal lines-focused agents and half of commercial lines-focused agents also feel bundling for customers improves retention¹.
3. Use digital tools to grow your agency’s reach to help attract new customers and provide an optimized experience for current customers. Consider incorporating search engine optimization and identifying virtual networking and social selling opportunities to more efficiently reach new prospects.
4. As business owners re-consider the locations of their offices and how they will be doing business in the future, leverage virtual safety resources, like Nationwide’s virtual risk management consultations, to have experts review client programs, identify potential risks and provide solutions to keep their businesses running smoothly – no matter where they’re located or how they’re doing business.
5. Agency Forward offers timely, relevant expertise on the topics that matter most to agents and their clients; from economic insights and guidance for clients to advice to help agents manage and grow their business.

¹ Source: Feb. 2020 Nationwide Agency Forward Digitization and Bundling study

Methodology:
Nationwide’s ongoing Agency Forward research series works to track industry trends by surveying independent insurance agents, various business owners, and consumers. Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence to conduct a 20-minute quantitative online survey among a sample of 2,800 U.S. independent insurance agents, small business owners, middle-market business owners, African American business owners, Hispanic business owners and general consumers between June 22 – July 7, 2021, to understand what business owners and consumers value when buying or renewing insurance policies, explore the different challenges each audience faces around insurance, gauge perceptions of the economy, and find out the actions business owners and consumers have taken as a result of COVID-19 and the conversations they’re having with agents. 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.

However, nonprofit organizations themselves are highly vulnerable to economic uncertainty. New Agent Authority research from Nationwide found 81% of nonprofit decision makers are concerned about their organization’s ability to make it through the economic downturn brought on by COVID-19.

With nearly 6-in-10 nonprofits negatively impacted by COVID-19, challenges are steep. One-in-three nonprofit decision makers believe mental health problems and opioid use among the patients they serve are increasing. Additionally, 83% report the pandemic has exacerbated challenges associated with treating patients with opioid addiction. Further, 80% of nonprofit organizations are struggling to find enough employees or volunteers to administer their services.

Despite the mounting challenges facing the sector, nonprofit decision makers are optimistic for the economy and their business’ improvement over the next six and 12 months.

“To overcome the burdens they face, many nonprofits have adapted their operations or brought on new strategies to keep their business going,” said Cheryl Tamasitis, Regional Vice President of Nationwide’s Specialty Care practice. “Many organizations are investing in technology and it’s important for agents to understand how those investments may change clients’ operations and the risks they face.”

Through the pandemic, 1-in-5 nonprofits didn’t have proper technology in place to maintain operations or accommodate social distancing among employees, patients, or community members. Today, these organizations overwhelmingly say they’ve invested in technology in the past year to keep their organization going (92%), to meet the changing needs of their clients (91%), and to monitor employee or volunteer efficiency (91%).

These investments, and the pandemic’s lingering impacts, have caused nonprofits to rely more on technology now than ever before.

Interestingly, a top concern for nonprofit operators is the safety of workers driving company vehicles, yet less than half are taking advantage of vehicle telematics to monitor and improve safe driving behaviors.

“Telematics programs, like Nationwide’s Vantage 360 Premium Partner Program, offer easy ways for nonprofit organizations to improve their fleet safety while also leveraging operational benefits that can help them save on their bottom line,” said Tamasitis.

The survey also revealed multiple areas of opportunity for nonprofit-serving insurance agents to counsel clients on the pressing issues they’re facing:

          1. Many nonprofit owners struggle with understanding their insurance coverage and seek agents with deep knowledge in their industry

More than 80% of nonprofit owners say they have difficulties with following insurance terminology or understanding the best coverage or level of protection needed for their organization. To help with these worries, nearly 90% say it’s important that they work with an agent with specialized knowledge and training in their industry who’s able to meet their complex needs.

Agent takeaway: Nonprofit-focused agents should look for ways to demonstrate their unique understanding of their clients’ particular needs and their ability to offer the combination of insurance solutions and loss control services needed to adequately protect them.

          2. As reliance on technology continues to grow, agents can advise clients about safe and efficient use

One-third of nonprofit owners are seeking an insurance agent’s guidance on implementing new technology in their operations. The survey also revealed 65% of nonprofit business owners have been victim to a cyberattack, and more than half say the attacks had a financial impact on their business or jeopardized confidential patient information. Although 80% reported having cyber insurance coverage, 33% of those without cyber insurance say they didn’t know it was available.

Agent takeaway: With cyberthreats increasing, especially as work takes place from workers’ homes, agents will play a key role in helping clients understand their current and future cyber risks as clients rely more on technology.

“Nationwide offers a dedicated team of nonprofit industry experts, across underwriting, loss control and claims, who can help agents provide the comprehensive protection their clients need in tandem with risk management approaches to improve safety across the organization,” said Tamasitis. “A lack of protection can be incredibly costly for these budget-strapped businesses, so it’s critical to work with a carrier with deep expertise and a breadth of solutions to be able to cover the wide-ranging exposures nonprofit clients can face.”

Despite these setbacks, business owners shared optimism for a near-term recovery as vaccines began rolling out and a sense of normalcy came into sight. Nearly 60% of business owners said they expect the economy to improve and 73% said their revenue will improve in the next six months.

“From senior living and assisted living facilities to emergency shelters and addiction treatment centers, health care organizations face unique and vast insurance, operational and regulatory challenges,” said Cheryl Tamasitis, regional vice president of Specialty Care at Nationwide. “The pandemic has emphasized the need for specialized agents who can proactively guide clients through the exposures they face today and help them prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Employee health, business planning among top concerns for health care business owners
Business and employee concerns are top-of-mind for many health care business owners as a result of the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. A quarter of business owners also reported an increase in mental health issues or opioid usage amongst both patients or community members, and employees or volunteers.

The pandemic has also driven home the need for increased planning, as a quarter or more of business owners lacked contingency plans to maintain operations through shutdowns (25%), proper technology to accommodate social distancing needs (26%), or financial plans to account for a recession (28%).

To address these concerns, 81% of health care business owners say they’ve changed their operations to be more efficient and about 9-in-10 have adopted new strategies to maintain operations. These changes include an increased reliance on technology, as business owners are relying more on wearables (80%), Internet of Things devices (79%), telemedicine or teletherapy (78%) and vehicle telematics (77%) since the pandemic began.

“As health care organizations lean more on technology, agents should be talking to them about add-on coverages like cyber insurance to protect against cyber threats that could compromise their business and confidential patient information,” said Tamasitis.

Insurance protections top of mind
Health care business owners are paying closer attention to insurance due to COVID-19. Over the past year, 78% considered changing their insurance company and 3-in-4 amended at least one of their policies. Four-in-10 also spoke with their agent about risk management and loss control solutions.

“Business owners are looking to their agents and carriers for specialized loss control and risk management support,” said Tamasitis. “Nationwide’s Loss Control Services team works with agents to help tailor our tools and resources to meet client needs, such as implementing our Vantage 360 Telematics program to help business owners improve the safety and efficiency of their fleet operations.”

Nearly 90% of business owners also indicated there’s an opportunity for insurance agents with vast knowledge, education and training in their industry who can meet their customized needs. While 87% would prefer to work with an agent with deep knowledge in their industry, 78% believe it’s difficult to find one. Still, 8-in-10 say insurance agents provide them with the best price, offer assurance they have the right coverage, and regularly check in to make sure their needs are met.

Nationwide helps agents meet health care customer needs
Nationwide helps agents deliver extraordinary care to their health care clients through advanced industry expertise across underwriting, loss control services and claims. Specialized programs for agents, such as Nationwide’s Human Services Agent Certification Program, offer unmatched training sessions to address important risks, solutions and trends in the human services industry.

Nationwide’s Loss Control Services dedicated team offers subject matter experts with industry backgrounds, including registered nurses and nursing home leadership, to assist clients in-person or virtually with a wide variety of risk management issues including clinical, transport and life safety. Nationwide’s experts have been in clients’ shoes, understand the realities facing today’s health care business owners and can speak their language.

“Nationwide is also focused on helping agents elevate their expertise and sales effectiveness with resources like the Commercial Insight Center and Agent Blog, which host articles and resources for agents with the latest trends in health care and sales tactics and insights to help them grow their business,” said Tamasitis.

“What kind of damage could be caused in those six seconds? It may seem dramatic, but this ‘driving blind’ is happening every day on our roadways in the form of distracted driving,” said Nationwide’s Beth Riczko, president of P&C personal lines. “According to data obtained from our SmartRide^®  telematics program, the average participant is taking their eyes off the road too many times, for too long—creating a danger for themselves, their passengers, pedestrians, and others on the road.”

While a close call behind the wheel can be an eye-opening experience, it doesn’t always change driving behavior. 45% of every trip taken has a driving distraction, and over 70% of people are distracted at least once while driving each day. Our friends at Lexus put together a great video shattering the misconceptions people have about momentary distractions.

In September 2020, Nationwide’s SmartRide mobile app started showing drivers when and how they were distracted by their phones.

The distraction trends uncovered are alarming:

• The most distracted time window is 4-7 p.m.
• The majority of distractions happen between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• The most distracted day of the week is Friday
• The least distracted day of the week is Tuesday
• The average speed when distractions occur is 45 mph
• The average screen tapping event lasts six seconds
• Handheld phone calls average more than two minutes (160 seconds)

“We’ve introduced an experience that provides customized feedback on phone distractions and it’s helping to reduce distracted driving on our roadways. The reality is that too many drivers are multitasking behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk. The good news is drivers are willing to change their behaviors,” said Riczko.

Nationwide has taken a strong position on distracted driving. Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker announced last year the company’s advocacy for all 50 states to adopt hands-free, primary enforcement laws to curb distracted driving. States that have adopted these laws have seen a 15 percent decrease in fatalities. Nationwide is also seeking the adoption of model legislation by NCOIL, the National Council of Insurance Legislators, as part of its efforts.

The company is also providing distracted driving feedback to drivers through its SmartRide² Mobile program, which is changing driving behavior. In less than a year, there has been a 10 percent reduction in everyday hand-held distractions among these drivers. The goal of providing feedback on phone use while behind the wheel is to increase drivers’ awareness on the frequency of this behavior and reduce crashes associated with distracted driving.

To learn more about phone distraction feedback provided with SmartRide click here, or talk to your independent insurance agent.

¹ Methodology: Data is from Nationwide SmartRide mobile app users. Distracted driving program launched in June 2020, with trip feedback provided to drivers starting in September 2020. Research examined phone distractions that include active screen time while the vehicle is moving more than 15km. External distraction factors not considered include eating, adjusting the radio, or Bluetooth/hands-free cell phone usage. 

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 vary by state, coverage selections, rating factors and policy changes. Enrollment discount applies during data collection; final discount is calculated on driving behavior and could be zero. Final discount applies at the next policy renewal and is subject to change based upon actuarial support at subsequent renewals or with changes in drivers or vehicles on the policy.

Nationwide’s research uncovered three key themes for construction business owners and the commercial agents who serve them:

1. COVID-19 delivered unexpected blows to construction owners and exacerbated existing issues;
2. Pragmatic business owners expect continued challenges, but are overall optimistic about the upcoming peak season; and
3. Agents can increase their value to business owners now and position themselves for long-term growth.

“COVID-19’s impacts have brought new and existing challenges to the forefront for many construction business owners,” said Linda Stueber, Nationwide’s Senior Vice President of Middle Market Commercial Lines. “As the industry recovers, agents can grow their influence by not only counseling clients on their protection needs for changing operations, but also by sharing expertise to help them run their businesses more effectively.”

COVID-19 heavily impacted construction business owners
Like many other industries, the construction industry battled direct and collateral effects from COVID-19:

• 70% of construction owners were negatively impacted by the pandemic, experiencing the biggest hits to total revenue (52%), their company’s ability to bid on new projects (45%), and their workforce/employee headcount (37%).
• The pandemic also emphasized the need for increased planning, as more than 1-in-5 business owners lacked plans to help their businesses operate through economic uncertainty:
  • 27% didn’t have proper plans in place to successfully navigate project site shutdowns/re-openings.
  • 24% didn’t have a business plan to account for a potential recession.
  • 23% didn’t have enough employees or subcontractors to meet project demand.

Business owners share optimism, despite lingering challenges in 2021
Most construction business owners said they accelerated new strategies or re-evaluated areas of their business to account for the pandemic’s impacts – nearly 90% changed their operations for business continuity or increased efficiency. In many cases, the tightening labor market has also forced them to relax screening criteria for new hires. In fact, 70% of business owners said they have, will or may relax new hire screening criteria and drug testing practices to account for a lack of qualified candidates.

Near-term uncertainty is strong among owners as 79% are worried about meeting their 2021 revenue goals and 76% fear lower customer demand due to an economic recession. Despite their concerns, however, 84% of owners are optimistic about the strength of the 2021 upcoming peak season and their business’s preparation to meet increased demand.

• 85% of construction business owners have changed at least one of their insurance policies, but three-quarters are still worried about having the right policies in place to protect their business.
• While concerns remain, owners believe the economy and their company’s performance will increasingly improve over the next year:
  • In the next 6 months, 48% believe the economy will improve and 67% believe their revenue will improve.
  • In the next 12 months, 60% believe the economy will improve and 75% believe their revenue will improve.

Proactive agent outreach can lead to strong, long-term relationships
With the anticipated uptick in business over the next year, construction-focused independent agents have a prime opportunity to proactively reaffirm their ability and counsel business owners through operational changes and new exposures. Even more, assisting owners to implement new plans that protect against future threats, such as increased cyber or COVID-related liability exposures, is essential as the industry begins to rebound.

The survey results also uncovered that construction owners have a high level of trust for their agents, as many reported leaning on their agents to guide them through the challenging market conditions:

• 89% of construction owners trust their insurance agent’s guidance and feel they can build a relationship over time.
• 87% said their agent regularly checks in to make sure their policy is adequate for their needs.
• Half of business owners engaged their agents over the last 12 months to:
  • Discuss or review their coverage (54%)
  • Create a business plan to address COVID-19’s economic impacts (51%)
  • Improve their business’s safety and loss control efforts (50%)

“Construction owners are looking to build long-term relationships with the agents who serve their businesses,” said Stueber. “By opening a dialogue now to hear their client’s business needs and share expertise and counsel in the short-term, agents can build stronger long-term relationships to be prepared to implement that counsel when construction owners are confident their business will improve.”

Business owners shared strong interest in receiving more resources and guidance from their agents, including:

• Regular policy reviews (46%)
• Information on the latest trends in their industry (43%)
• Updates on cyberthreats and cybersecurity measures (36%)

Agent takeaways:

1. Agents serve a vital role in helping construction clients understand the impacts evolving operations may have on their coverage or risk management needs. Nationwide’s Commercial Insight Center helps agents stay up-to-date on complex industry trends and offers resources to educate clients on topics like the importance of finding good subcontractors or benefits of creating an effective risk transfer program.
2. Highlight the importance of business planning with construction clients to prepare for the unexpected. Work with carriers who specialize in construction risks and have dedicated loss control teams to serve the construction industry on-site and virtually. www.mylosscontrolservices.com offers virtual services, guidance for developing business continuity plans, and share-able resources to control exposures, such as strategies for protecting idle construction projects, preventing falls from heights, or dealing with effects of extreme weather patterns.

*These insights and more were uncovered through Nationwide’s ongoing Agent Authority research series, which includes samples of independent insurance agents, various business owners, and consumers. Previous Agent Authority research reports: Agent-customer relationship; Small business owner needs and challenges; Agents' top concerns through the pandemic; Consumer and business owner cyber preparedness; Business’ growing interest in telematics; Consumers’ adoption of telematics.

Survey Methodology:
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Intelligence to conduct a 20-minute quantitative online survey among a sample of 200 U.S. middle market construction business owners between January 5 – January 14 to explore the actions business owners have taken as a result of COVID-19, understand their outlook on the 2021 peak season and the challenges they’re facing, and gauge their experience working with insurance agents and buying or renewing insurance policies. For the purposes of this survey, middle market construction business owner was defined as anyone who self-reported as being a sole or part owner of a construction company with either 25-500 employees or $10M-$500M in revenue or 20+ fleet vehicles. As a member of CASRO in good standing, Edelman Intelligence conducts all research in accordance with Market Research Standards and Guidelines.

The survey finds that while two-thirds of consumers (65%) said they would allow a telematics device to capture their driving behavior if it provided a discount, only 10% of consumers report actually using one.

Nationwide’s survey identified three key themes that shed light on consumer viewpoints regarding telematics and how personal lines agents can provide trusted counsel to their clients about the subject:

1. Consumers need to be educated on telematics; many do not know what it is or why they should consider using it.
2. Many consumers’ privacy concerns dissipate after learning they get a discount.
3. There are misconceptions about the cost and savings associated with participating in telematics.

“Usage-based insurance programs and the personalize rates they can provide are becoming the insurance choice for American drivers,” said Teresa Scharn, vice president of Personal Lines Product Development at Nationwide. “Insurance agents are the best resource to help consumers understand usage-based insurance options, design solutions to fit their needs, and potentially save them money.”

A knowledge gap
Only about a quarter of consumers (27%) say they know what telematics is, and half of those surveyed (51%) saying a lack of knowledge is the key barrier to using telematics.

Nationwide’s survey also revealed:

• 67% of consumers have not discussed telematics with an insurance agent.
• 40% of insurance agents don’t feel knowledgeable enough to speak on telematics to counsel clients.
• Agency owners might feel well versed in telematics, but their staff is less confident:
  • 79% of principals feel they provide employees enough resources
  • 63% of producers say they are provided some or plenty of resources
  • 32% of customer service reps say they are provided some or plenty of resources

“Telematics usage is increasing, and Nationwide expects the usage-based insurance trend to continue,” explains Scharn. “In 2020, customer interest in telematics increased by 30%¹, and Nationwide is projecting 70% (or more) of new business will come from usage-based insurance programs by 2025. Carriers need to provide agents with up-to-date information on the different types of telematics options, including pay-per-mile or safe driving programs, so they can confidently counsel their clients.”

Reminders for agents:

• Clients may not know what telematics or usage-based insurance is. Consider starting your next conversation by gauging their telematics knowledge and asking if they would like to learn more about how telematics can lead to potential cost savings.
• Carriers can provide agency owners and their staff with information and resources to help educate clients about telematics including how to address common objections and misperceptions.

Privacy concerns dissipate when you start talking about a discount
Usage-based insurance programs use driving data to determine whether drivers qualify for a safe driving discount on auto insurance and can provide feedback to help drivers make even safer driving decisions. However, 6 in 10 (62%) consumers have privacy concerns about the information telematics is capturing.However, the survey also showed that this barrier may be easy to overcome and lead to a conversation about telematics discounts as 65% of respondents say they would allow a telematics device to capture their driving behaviors if it provided them a discount.

How agents can address a consumer’s privacy concerns:

• Driving data collected by Nationwide is used for insurance purposes and never sold to any third-party entities. Confirm this is true with your other insurer partners.
• Remind consumers about the cost savings telematics may be able to provide. For instance, drivers that enroll in Nationwide’s usage-based insurance programs are seeing an average savings of more than 20% compared to a traditional policy. SmartRide® is an insurance program that rewards safe driving with a discount up to 40% off. SmartMiles®  is pay-per-mile insurance for low-mileage drivers that offers a flexible rate based on miles driven.

Money matters
The Agent Authority survey highlights misconceptions consumers and agents hold about the cost associated with telematics. A quarter (24%) of consumers who don’t currently use a telematics device believe there is an added cost to using one, and more than half (57%) believe using a telematics product could make their rates go up.

“This emphasizes opportunities for carriers to inform agents and their clients on how usage-based insurance works, and how consumers should be paying for the auto insurance coverage that meets their unique needs,” advises Scharn.

Nationwide’s survey also revealed:

• The rising cost of insurance is a concern for more than half (58%) of consumers. 76% of agents surveyed said the rising cost of vehicle insurance is the top concern among their customers.
• Almost half (49%) of consumers believe telematics can help them save money and are fairly split on how much they think they can save a month with telematics:
  • 32% think less than $10
  • 31% think they can save $10-19.99
  • 15% think they can save $20-$29.99
  • 22% think they can save $30 or more

Reminders for agents:

• There is no cost for a customer to enroll in many usage-based insurance programs—and at Nationwide, SmartRide consumers can only earn added discounts on their policy.
• Help clients understand their options. There are telematics programs that offer a discount based on safe driving or based on the miles they drive.

Key takeaways
Customers can count on their agents to help them become more comfortable with telematics because an agent can:

• Provide information on what telematics is and how it may fit their driving habits.
• Address privacy concerns and help them potentially save money.
• Debunk misconceptions about increased costs.

Learn more: https://www.nationwide.com/personal/insurance/auto/usage-based-insurance

*These insights and more were uncovered through Nationwide’s ongoing Agent Authority research series, which includes samples of independent insurance agents, various business owners, and consumers. Previous Agent Authority research reports: Agent-customer relationship; Small business owner needs and challenges; Middle market business owner needs and challenges; Agents' top concerns through the pandemic; Consumer and business owner cyber preparedness; Middle market business owners telematics.

Survey Methodology:
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Intelligence to conduct a 20-minute quantitative online survey among a sample of 1,600 U.S. independent insurance agents, mid-market business owners with fleet vehicles, and general consumers between June 9 – June 25 to understand what business owners and consumers value when buying or renewing insurance policies, explore the different challenges each audience faces around insurance, gauge perceptions of the economy and how each audience is managing uncertainty, and find out the actions business owners and consumer have taken as a result of COVID-19 and the conversations they're having with agents. As a member of CASRO in good standing, Edelman Intelligence conducts all research in accordance with Market Research Standards and Guidelines.

¹J.D. Power 2020 PULSE survey

The research revealed while 88% of middle market business owners with fleet vehicles trust their agent’s telematics counsel, some agents feel they can broaden their telematics knowledge and sales resources to more effectively advise clients.

“In addition to managing their business, many middle market business owners face the added concerns related to the safety of their drivers and fleet vehicles,” said Pete Frey, director of Commercial Lines Telematics at Nationwide. “The results highlight a tremendous opportunity for carriers and agents to change the conversation around telematics from being a nice ‘add-on’ perk, to what it really has become – an essential tool for operating a fleet-focused business.”

Nationwide’s telematics survey identified four key themes for commercial agents and middle market business owners with fleet vehicles:

1. Agents underestimate business owners’ knowledge and interest in telematics
2. Middle market business owners are ready and willing to invest in telematics
3. Safety and operational benefits are top of mind for middle market fleet owners
4. Carriers/Agencies can better support agents in addressing client concerns

Agents underestimate business owners’ knowledge and interest in telematics
Fleet owners may be more supportive of solutions than agents realize and are willing to pay more to track unsafe driving behaviors than agents anticipate. Additionally, some agents may be misjudging business owners’ primary motivations for using telematics.

• 64% of agents believe they’re knowledgeable about vehicle telematics devices or telematic smartphone apps.
• 14% of agents said they don’t think clients would pay at all for telematics, yet 93% of businesses say they’d pay to ensure a safer driving experience.
• 70% of business owners would be willing to pay between $20-$39.99 per month per vehicle, while more than 60% of agents said they think clients would pay $29.99 or less a month.
• Agents believe distracted driving is the top cause of accidents, but business owners see it differently, citing driving under the influence, driver error, road conditions and weather as leading causes of accidents for their fleet vehicles.

Responses also show some agents would benefit from additional resources to help them talk to commercial lines customers about the advantages of telematics, especially at the producer and customer service representative levels.

• Among the owners that haven’t adopted telematics, their biggest deterrent is a lack of knowledge.
• Nearly 4-in-10 producers and 7-in-10 customer service representatives don’t feel they have the resources needed to effectively counsel clients on telematics.

Quick tip for agents:

• “It’s a good time for agencies to revisit the types of resources and support they provide to team members, especially producers and customer service representatives, to help them effectively discuss the advantages of telematics with clients and how it’s integrated with insurance,” Frey advises. “Also, consider a carrier’s role in the sales or account review processes. In some cases, connecting a client directly with loss control or product experts can offer additional technical expertise to help guide the customer and allow you to focus on other ways to serve them.”

Middle market business owners are ready and willing to invest in telematics
Business owners estimate their fleets experience 7.5 accidents per year, so it’s not surprising their top concerns include distracted driving among employees, accidents with vehicles and the safety of drivers, and knowing the location of their business’ vehicles. Business owners also indicate they’ve done their research and are willing to invest to improve safety, with 86% aware of telematics solutions, a high rate utilizing them, and nearly 90% agreeing the benefits outweigh the financial cost.

• Top concerns for middle market business owners with fleets include: distracted driving among employees (83%); rising cost of insurance for fleet vehicles (82%); safety of employees driving fleet vehicles (81%); driving accidents with fleet vehicles (81%); knowing the location of their business’s fleet vehicles (76%).
• 94% of business owners say telematics helps protect their employees on the road.
• 91% say telematics has a positive impact on operations.
• Business owners believe leading causes of accidents to be: driver error (18%); driving under the influence (18%); road conditions (18%); weather-related causes (17%); distracted driving (15%); and vehicle failure (15%).

Quick tip for agents:

• A variety of telematics and dash cam solutions exist to help your clients prioritize safety. Learn about the different types of telematics offerings your carrier partners offer and how they can benefit commercial fleets.

Safety and operational benefits are top of mind for middle market fleet owners
Fleet owners are safety-focused with 83% offering formal driver safety training at least semi-annually and 90% employing a formal, documented accident investigation process. The operational benefits business owners see from telematics also drive adoption as they place high value on the ability to track vehicle location, evaluate driving behaviors of employees and preemptively identify maintenance needs.

• 45% of business owners believe telematics prevents accidents and insurance claims from happening in the first place.
• Business owners’ top perceived advantages of telematics include: having the ability to track locations of vehicles (48%); evaluating driving behaviors of employees (46%); preemptively identifying problematic vehicle conditions to help avoid costly repairs (43%); and providing a strong risk mitigation strategy for their business (40%).

Quick tip for agents:

• Lean on carrier partners to offer innovative telematics solutions to help drive safety and efficiency in clients’ operations. Many carriers also offer loss control and risk management resources and services, which can have a significant impact with helping improve fleet and driver safety.

Carriers/Agencies can better support agents in addressing client concerns
The survey also highlights a few misconceptions business owners hold about telematics and the difficulties with installing the technology, emphasizing opportunities for agents and carriers to better educate clients on solutions available, how they work, and how they collect and use data.

• Business owners and agents think the telematics data being collected is a privacy concern.
  • 79% of agents feel their clients are hesitant in considering telematics because they think it’s an invasion of privacy; many business owners agree as 37% say privacy of the data collected is a barrier for using telematics.
  • 83% of business owners believe the data captured through telematics could make their insurance rates go up.
• Business owners may overestimate difficulties of implementing telematics technology.
  • Business owners list the cost of investing in telematics (35%) and the time it would take to install the devices (21%) as top barriers for using telematics.

Quick tip for agents:

• “Today’s telematics programs help make it very clear to customers and agents how data is being collected and used, and the benefits customers can gain,” said Frey. “Some carriers, like Nationwide, also offer subsidies or discounts if customers opt to enroll in their programs as well as easy and quick-to-self-install technology. With growing telematics adoption among business owners, agents have a tremendous opportunity to provide needed recommendations and resources to business owners as they look for the right solution for their operation.”

*These insights and more were uncovered through Nationwide’s ongoing Agent Authority research series, which includes samples of independent insurance agents, various business owners, and consumers. Previous Agent Authority research reports: Agent-customer relationship; Small business owner needs and challenges; Middle market business owner needs and challenges; Agents' top concerns through the pandemic; Consumer and business owner cyber preparedness.

Survey Methodology:
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Intelligence to conduct a 20-minute quantitative online survey among a sample of 1,600 U.S. independent insurance agents, mid-market business owners with fleet vehicles and general consumers between June 9 – June 25 to understand what business owners and consumers value when buying or renewing insurance policies, explore the different challenges each audience faces around insurance, gauge perceptions of the economy and how each audience is managing uncertainty, and find out the actions business owners and consumer have taken as a result of COVID-19 and the conversations they’re having with agents. As a member of CASRO in good standing, Edelman Intelligence conducts all research in accordance with Market Research Standards and Guidelines.

Nationwide’s SmartRide^® mobile app powered by CMT will now show drivers when and where they were driving while distracted by their phones. Nationwide is partnering with CMT to deliver this experience with the goal of making roads safer by informing drivers of their phone distractions while behind the wheel. The distracted driving feedback comes from CMT’s smartphone telematics platform that infers distraction from sensor data, user engagement and behavioral science. This feedback provided via the app will help show drivers how to become safer behind the wheel.

“Focus groups have shown us that people want to be safer drivers. The goal of providing distracted driving feedback is to inform drivers on the frequency of this behavior and hopefully reduce phone distractions behind the wheel,” said Nationwide’s Teresa Scharn, vice president of personal lines product development. “Nationwide has taken a strong stance on distracted driving and now we’re able to provide real feedback to drivers through our SmartRide mobile app by partnering with CMT.”

SmartRide is Nationwide’s usage-based insurance program that gives personalized feedback to help drivers make safe driving decisions, earning an instant 10% discount at sign-up and the potential to earn up to a 40% discount the safer they drive. The distracted driving feedback will demonstrate ways for drivers to become safer behind the wheel but will not be a factor used in the discount. CMT analysis of billions of miles traveled by millions of drivers indicates that distracted driving feedback and user engagement can be impactful, with the top 30% of drivers on their platform reducing their phone distraction by 39% after 30 days³.

"Our partnership with Nationwide on SmartRide is a key step on our mission to make roads safer by making drivers better," said Hari Balakrishnan, Co-Founder and CTO of CMT. “Our smartphone telematics platform helps drivers understand and reduce their risky and distracted driving practices.  

Nationwide launched its telematics journey in 2011 with SmartRide, and in 2016 SmartRide added its mobile application option. SmartRide is available in 46 states and D.C. In February of 2019, Nationwide launched SmartMiles^®, a true pay-per-mile auto insurance solution to save low-mileage drivers money. SmartMiles is currently available in 32 states and will continue to expand. Earlier this year, Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker announced the company’s advocacy for all fifty states to adopt hands-free, primary enforcement laws to curb distracted driving. States that have adopted these laws have seen a 15 percent decrease in fatalities. Nationwide is also seeking the adoption of model legislation by NCOIL, the National Council of Insurance Legislators, as part of its efforts.