Updated August 2026

Is Nationwide SmartRide Worth It? How It Works and How You Could Save Up to 40%

Nationwide SmartRide can be worth considering if you are a safe driver, are comfortable sharing telematics data and your normal driving habits align with the behaviors Nationwide rewards.

Nationwide currently advertises a SmartRide discount of up to 40% based on qualifying driving behavior. However, that maximum savings amount is not guaranteed, and actual results depend on factors including your driving habits, coverage, rating factors, policy changes and state-specific program rules.

Before signing up, drivers often want answers to the same important questions: What does Nationwide SmartRide track? Does SmartRide track speed? Does phone use count? Can SmartRide make your insurance go up? How long does SmartRide monitor you? And how much can you realistically save?

This guide answers those questions and explains what North Carolina drivers should know before enrolling in Nationwide SmartRide.

Get Help From a Local Nationwide Insurance Agency

If you are considering Nationwide auto insurance in North Carolina, you do not have to figure out SmartRide on your own.

All About Insurance has served North Carolina since 1993 and operates 10 offices across the state. All About Insurance is also Nationwide’s largest appointed independent insurance agency. You can learn more about All About Insurance and our history serving North Carolina consumers.

Our local agents can help you get a Nationwide auto insurance quote, explain how SmartRide may apply to your policy and review other coverage and discount opportunities.

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What Is Nationwide SmartRide?

Nationwide SmartRide is a usage-based auto insurance program that evaluates certain driving behaviors and can reward qualifying drivers with an auto insurance discount.

Usage-based insurance is also commonly called UBI or telematics insurance. Rather than relying only on traditional insurance rating information, telematics programs collect information about how and when a vehicle is driven.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ telematics resource explains that usage-based insurance technology can measure factors such as mileage, time of day, rapid acceleration and hard braking.

With SmartRide, eligible Nationwide auto insurance customers enroll in the program and allow certain driving information to be evaluated for a limited monitoring period.

Nationwide currently says there is no additional cost to participate, and SmartRide is an optional program for eligible Nationwide auto insurance customers.

During the program, participants can review their estimated discount and driving trends. At the end of the monitoring period, Nationwide calculates the final driving-behavior discount according to the terms that apply to the policy.

You can review Nationwide’s official SmartRide program information for the insurer’s current program details and disclosures.

How Does Nationwide SmartRide Work?

For most customers, Nationwide SmartRide works through the SmartRide mobile app.

The basic SmartRide process works like this:

1. Enroll in SmartRide with an eligible Nationwide auto insurance policy.

2. Download and activate the SmartRide mobile app.

3. Drive normally and confirm the first few trips recorded by the app.

4. Review your driving trends and estimated SmartRide discount.

5. Continue participating for the required monitoring period.

6. Nationwide calculates your final driving-behavior discount according to the program rules that apply to your policy.

Nationwide says your estimated discount is updated during the program so you can monitor your progress.

Some connected vehicles may also qualify to participate using vehicle data rather than relying entirely on the smartphone app. Eligibility can depend on your vehicle and policy.

There is an especially important point for North Carolina drivers: Nationwide states that SmartRide program criteria differ in North Carolina.

That means you should confirm the SmartRide rules that apply to your actual North Carolina policy rather than assuming every national SmartRide term works exactly the same way in this state.

For a broader look at Nationwide coverage and buying options, read our guide to Nationwide Insurance in North Carolina .

What Does Nationwide SmartRide Track?

Nationwide currently identifies four primary driving factors that determine the SmartRide driving-behavior discount:

• Miles driven

• Hard braking and acceleration

• Idle time

• Nighttime driving

1. Miles Driven

SmartRide measures how many miles you drive.

Mileage matters because spending more time on the road generally creates greater exposure to situations in which an accident could occur.

That does not mean you need to avoid normal driving to participate in SmartRide. Mileage is simply one part of the driving pattern Nationwide evaluates.

Drivers who work from home, have shorter commutes or generally drive fewer miles may naturally perform differently in this category than drivers who spend significantly more time on the road.

2. Hard Braking and Acceleration

SmartRide evaluates sudden decreases and increases in speed through braking and acceleration measurements.

You may be able to reduce unnecessary hard-braking events by leaving more space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, monitoring traffic farther down the road, slowing earlier for traffic signals and accelerating gradually when conditions allow.

Necessary emergency braking should always take priority over your telematics results. If you need to brake hard to avoid an accident, brake hard.

3. Idle Time

Nationwide says SmartRide measures the amount of time your vehicle is stopped during a trip.

Extended idle time can be associated with congested and stop-and-go traffic.

This factor may be particularly relevant for drivers commuting through busy North Carolina areas such as Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill and Greensboro.

You cannot control every traffic jam. Instead of worrying about every red light, focus on the overall driving habits that you can reasonably control.

4. Nighttime Driving

Nationwide currently defines SmartRide nighttime driving as driving between midnight and 5 a.m.

Drivers who regularly work overnight shifts should consider this factor before assuming SmartRide will result in the maximum advertised discount.

Nurses, first responders, restaurant employees, manufacturing workers and others with nighttime schedules may naturally drive during those hours more often than someone with a traditional daytime schedule.

Does Nationwide SmartRide Track Speed?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about Nationwide SmartRide.

Nationwide’s current SmartRide information does not list speeding as one of the four factors used to determine the SmartRide discount.

The four factors Nationwide currently identifies are:

• Miles driven

• Hard braking and acceleration

• Idle time

• Nighttime driving

SmartRide does evaluate changes in speed through its braking and acceleration measurements.

Whether or not speeding is included as a listed discount factor, drivers should always obey posted speed limits and applicable traffic laws.

Does Nationwide SmartRide Track Phone Use?

Yes. Nationwide’s SmartRide mobile app can track how often a driver interacts with a phone while the vehicle is moving.

However, Nationwide currently states that phone distractions do not affect the SmartRide discount.

The phone-distraction feature is designed to provide feedback that can help drivers become more aware of distracted-driving behavior.

Whether or not phone activity affects an insurance discount, distracted driving presents a serious safety risk.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s distracted-driving guidance explains why texting, phone use and other distractions can significantly interfere with safe driving.

If SmartRide records a trip when you were actually a passenger, follow Nationwide’s current instructions for reviewing and confirming trip information in the app.

Does Nationwide SmartRide Track Your Location?

Yes. Because the SmartRide mobile app records trips and displays trip information on a map, participation can involve the collection of location-related data.

This is an important consideration for anyone deciding whether a telematics insurance program is worth it.

In exchange for the opportunity to receive a driving-based discount, you are allowing certain information about your driving to be collected and analyzed.

Consumers who are concerned about privacy should review Nationwide’s current privacy notice, SmartRide app permissions and data disclosures before enrolling.

The same principle applies to any telematics insurance program. Make sure you understand what data is being collected and how it will be used before deciding whether the potential savings are worth the tradeoff.

How Much Can Nationwide SmartRide Save You?

Nationwide currently advertises SmartRide savings of up to 40% based on qualifying driving behavior.

The phrase “up to” matters.

A 40% SmartRide discount is the maximum advertised amount, not a guaranteed discount for every driver who participates.

Your actual savings can depend on factors including:

• Your SmartRide driving results

• Your state

• Your vehicles

• Your insurance coverage selections

• Drivers listed on the policy

• Program eligibility

• Policy changes

• Other applicable rating factors

Nationwide also notes that discounts do not apply to every coverage element.

That means earning a particular SmartRide discount percentage does not necessarily mean your entire auto insurance bill will decrease by that exact percentage.

SmartRide may also be only one of several ways to lower the cost of an eligible Nationwide policy. See our complete guide to Nationwide car insurance discounts available in North Carolina to learn about additional savings opportunities.

North Carolina consumers can also review the North Carolina Department of Insurance auto insurance resources for information about auto insurance coverage and requirements in the state.

Want to Know What SmartRide Could Mean for Your Actual Premium?

Instead of estimating your savings from a national maximum, request a personalized Nationwide auto insurance quote from All About Insurance.

A local agent can review your vehicles, drivers, coverage needs and available discounts and help explain how SmartRide may fit into the overall cost of your policy.

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Can Nationwide SmartRide Raise Your Insurance Rate?

According to Nationwide, SmartRide is a discount program rather than a program that adds a surcharge because of your SmartRide driving behavior.

Nationwide says SmartRide measures driving behavior to reward qualifying customers with a discount, not to raise rates because of poor SmartRide results.

There is an important distinction, however.

When you enroll, an enrollment discount may apply while Nationwide collects enough information to calculate your driving-behavior discount.

Nationwide states that the final driving-behavior discount could be zero.

If your temporary enrollment discount is later replaced by a smaller final discount or no SmartRide discount, the amount you pay may appear higher than the temporarily discounted premium you paid during the monitoring period.

That is different from Nationwide applying a SmartRide surcharge because of poor driving.

Your overall auto insurance premium can also change for reasons unrelated to SmartRide, including:

• Changes in insurance rates

• Changes in vehicles

• Changes in drivers

• Claims or traffic violations

• Changes in coverage

• Other applicable rating factors

If you have questions about why your premium changed, an All About Insurance agent can help review your policy and explain the factors that may be affecting your cost.

How Long Does Nationwide SmartRide Last?

Nationwide currently says the SmartRide program generally lasts about four to six months.

During participation, SmartRide gathers enough driving information to calculate your final driving-behavior discount.

Nationwide says your estimated discount is updated during the program. The final discount is generally applied at the next policy renewal, subject to the program rules that apply to your policy.

Keep the SmartRide app active and follow the instructions associated with your enrollment. Do not uninstall or disable the app simply because you believe enough trips have already been recorded.

What Is Considered Hard Braking on Nationwide SmartRide?

Nationwide describes its SmartRide hard-braking measurement as a sudden decrease in speed.

A hard-braking event might happen because:

• Traffic stops suddenly

• Another vehicle cuts in front of you

• An animal enters the road

• A traffic signal changes

• A pedestrian enters your path

• You encounter another unexpected road hazard

Do not avoid necessary braking because you are worried about your SmartRide results.

Instead, focus on driving habits that can naturally reduce unnecessary sudden braking. Leave adequate following distance, watch traffic farther ahead and slow earlier when conditions allow.

How Can You Get a Better Nationwide SmartRide Discount?

There is no legitimate SmartRide “hack.” The most practical approach is to drive safely while understanding the behaviors Nationwide evaluates.

Brake Smoothly When Conditions Allow

Leave enough following distance to give yourself more time to react and slow gradually when traffic changes.

Accelerate Gradually

Avoid unnecessary rapid acceleration from stoplights, intersections and other stops.

Reduce Unnecessary Mileage

If practical, combining errands and planning trips more efficiently can reduce total mileage without interfering with necessary travel.

Consider When You Drive

SmartRide measures nighttime driving between midnight and 5 a.m. If late-night driving is optional, the time of day you travel may influence your overall SmartRide results.

Avoid Congestion When Practical

If your schedule is flexible, traveling before or after peak commuting periods may reduce the amount of time you spend stopped in traffic.

Most importantly, never sacrifice safety to protect a telematics score. Avoiding a collision and following traffic laws should always come first.

Is Nationwide SmartRide Worth It?

Nationwide SmartRide can be worth considering for drivers whose normal habits align with the behaviors Nationwide rewards and who are comfortable sharing telematics data.

SmartRide may be particularly appealing if you:

• Drive relatively few miles

• Mostly drive during daytime hours

• Usually brake smoothly

• Avoid unnecessary rapid acceleration

• Have predictable driving habits

• Are comfortable sharing driving and location-related data

• Would find driving feedback useful

SmartRide may be less attractive if you regularly drive between midnight and 5 a.m., spend substantial time in congested traffic or are uncomfortable with smartphone-based telematics.

The program should also be evaluated as part of the total price and coverage of your auto insurance policy.

A large percentage discount does not automatically make one insurance policy better than another. Coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, service, available discounts and the underlying premium all matter.

That is one reason it can be helpful to work with an independent local insurance agency rather than evaluating SmartRide in isolation.

Why Get a Nationwide SmartRide Quote From All About Insurance?

Nationwide provides the SmartRide technology and insurance program. All About Insurance gives North Carolina drivers access to local insurance professionals who can help explain how those options fit their actual insurance needs.

All About Insurance has served North Carolina since 1993 and today operates 10 offices across the state.

All About Insurance is also Nationwide’s largest appointed independent insurance agency.

Instead of simply looking at an advertised discount percentage, an All About Insurance agent can help you evaluate your overall insurance picture.

An All About Insurance agent can help you:

• Get a personalized Nationwide auto insurance quote

• Determine whether SmartRide is available for your policy

• Understand North Carolina-specific SmartRide considerations

• Review liability limits and deductibles

• Identify other available insurance discounts

• Review home and auto bundling opportunities

• Compare coverage options when appropriate

• Review your insurance as your needs change

Because All About Insurance is an independent insurance agency, the conversation does not have to focus on only one program or discount.

If Nationwide and SmartRide make sense for your situation, our team can help you put the coverage together. If another option is a better fit for your needs, our agents can help you evaluate that as well.

The goal is to help you find coverage that makes sense for your driving situation, budget and insurance needs.

Get a Nationwide SmartRide Quote in North Carolina

If you think your driving habits could qualify you for a Nationwide SmartRide discount, the best way to understand the potential savings is to compare them as part of an actual insurance quote.

All About Insurance can help North Carolina drivers review Nationwide auto insurance, SmartRide and other available discounts while choosing coverage based on their individual needs.

With more than three decades of experience serving North Carolina, All About Insurance combines access to Nationwide products with the service and guidance of a local independent insurance agency.

Ready to See Whether Nationwide SmartRide Is Right for You?

Request a free, no-obligation insurance quote and ask an All About Insurance agent about Nationwide SmartRide.

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Nationwide SmartRide Frequently Asked Questions

How does Nationwide SmartRide work?

Nationwide SmartRide is a usage-based insurance program. Eligible participants allow Nationwide to collect selected driving information for a limited monitoring period. Your driving behavior can qualify you for a discount on an eligible Nationwide auto insurance policy.

What does Nationwide SmartRide monitor?

Nationwide currently lists four SmartRide discount factors: miles driven, hard braking and acceleration, idle time, and nighttime driving between midnight and 5 a.m.

Does Nationwide SmartRide track speed?

Nationwide does not currently list speeding among the four driving factors used to determine the SmartRide discount. SmartRide does measure hard braking and acceleration.

Does Nationwide SmartRide track your location?

The SmartRide mobile app can use location-related data to record trips and display trip information. Drivers should review Nationwide’s current privacy disclosures and app permissions before participating.

Does Nationwide SmartRide track phone use?

Yes. The SmartRide mobile app can track phone interactions while a vehicle is moving and provide distraction feedback. Nationwide currently states that phone distractions do not affect the SmartRide discount.

How much can you save with Nationwide SmartRide?

Nationwide currently advertises SmartRide savings of up to 40% based on qualifying driving behavior. Actual savings vary based on state, coverage selections, driving behavior, rating factors and policy changes. Nationwide also states that SmartRide program criteria differ in North Carolina.

Can Nationwide SmartRide make your insurance go up?

Nationwide describes SmartRide as a discount program rather than a driving-behavior surcharge program. However, an enrollment discount can later be replaced by a smaller driving-behavior discount or potentially no SmartRide discount. Your overall policy premium can also change for other reasons.

How long does Nationwide SmartRide monitor you?

Nationwide says the SmartRide program generally lasts about four to six months.

What is considered hard braking on Nationwide SmartRide?

Nationwide describes hard braking as a sudden decrease in speed. Drivers should always brake when necessary to avoid an accident and should never prioritize a telematics result over safe driving.

Is Nationwide SmartRide worth it?

SmartRide can be worth considering for drivers whose normal habits align with the factors Nationwide rewards and who are comfortable sharing telematics data. The potential discount should be considered together with the total premium, coverage and terms of the underlying auto insurance policy.

Can I get a Nationwide SmartRide quote from a local agent?

Yes. North Carolina drivers can request a Nationwide auto insurance quote through All About Insurance. A local agent can review available discounts, explain SmartRide considerations and help you evaluate your auto insurance options.