What Is National Trust Auto Insurance?
National Trust Auto Insurance is a vehicle‑insurance product offered by National Trust Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Nationwide. It provides liability, collision, comprehensive, and optional add‑ons for personal and commercial drivers across the United States. The policy follows standard state‑mandated minimums but can be customized to meet higher coverage needs.
- What Is National Trust Auto Insurance?
- Key Coverage Types
- Liability (Bodily Injury & Property Damage)
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Medical Payments (MedPay) & Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- Optional Add‑Ons
- How Pricing Is Determined
- Claims Process: Step‑by‑Step
- Comparing National Trust to Other Major Auto Insurers
- Who Benefits Most From National Trust Policies?
- How to Purchase or Switch to National Trust Auto Insurance
- Regulatory and Financial Strength Overview
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
Key Coverage Types
National Trust offers the same core coverages found in most auto policies. Understanding each helps you build a plan that matches your risk profile.
Liability (Bodily Injury & Property Damage)
Covers legal responsibility for injuries or damage you cause to others. Limits are expressed as three numbers, e.g., 100/300/50 $K (per person/per accident/property).
Collision
Pays for repairs to your vehicle after a crash with another car or object, regardless of fault, after your deductible.
Comprehensive
Protects against non‑collision events such as theft, fire, vandalism, natural disasters, and animal strikes.
Medical Payments (MedPay) & Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Reimburses medical expenses for you and passengers, regardless of fault. Availability varies by state.
Optional Add‑Ons
- Rental Reimbursement – pays for a rental car while yours is repaired.
- Roadside Assistance – tow, lockout, fuel delivery, and more.
- Gap Coverage – covers the difference between loan balance and actual cash value after a total loss.
How Pricing Is Determined
National Trust, like other insurers, uses a risk‑based algorithm that considers multiple variables. Below is a concise table of the most influential factors.
| Factor | Impact on Premium | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Record | High – accidents or violations raise rates | 0‑30 % increase |
| Vehicle Type | Medium – sports cars cost more | 5‑20 % increase |
| Location | High – urban areas have higher claims frequency | 10‑40 % variation |
| Credit Score | Medium – lower scores may add surcharge | 5‑15 % increase |
| Coverage Limits & Deductibles | Direct – higher limits raise premium, higher deductible lowers it | Adjustable per policy |
Because National Trust is part of Nationwide, its rating engine aligns with Nationwide's underwriting standards, which are publicly disclosed in state insurance department filings.
Claims Process: Step‑by‑Step
National Trust aims for a streamlined experience. Follow these steps to file a claim efficiently:
Most claims are settled within 7‑10 business days, provided documentation is complete.
Comparing National Trust to Other Major Auto Insurers
Below is a quick comparison of core metrics as of 2024, based on publicly available state‑filed rate tables and consumer‑review aggregates (e.g., J.D. Power, Consumer Reports).
| Metric | National Trust (Nationwide) | State Farm | Geico |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Customer Satisfaction (1‑5) | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.1 |
| Typical Discount Availability | Multi‑policy, safe‑driver, good‑student | Multi‑policy, safe‑driver, military | Multi‑policy, safe‑driver, federal employee |
| Claims Satisfaction Score | 84 % | 81 % | 80 % |
| Digital Experience Rating | 4.1 (app + web) | 3.9 | 4.3 |
National Trust often scores higher on claims satisfaction, reflecting its integration with Nationwide's robust claims infrastructure.
Who Benefits Most From National Trust Policies?
National Trust's strengths align with specific driver profiles:
- Existing Nationwide Customers – Bundling auto with home or life insurance yields up to 25 % discounts.
- Drivers Seeking Strong Claims Support – Nationwide's 24/7 claims center and high settlement speed are attractive.
- Commercial Fleet Owners – National Trust offers commercial auto packages with customizable liability limits.
Conversely, price‑sensitive drivers in low‑risk states may find cheaper options with discount‑focused carriers.
How to Purchase or Switch to National Trust Auto Insurance
Getting coverage is straightforward:
Switching from another carrier typically involves a "transfer of ownership" process where the new insurer contacts the old one to handle the policy termination.
Regulatory and Financial Strength Overview
National Trust operates under Nationwide's A.M. Best rating of A+ (Superior). State insurance departments list it as a licensed carrier in all 50 states, complying with local minimum liability requirements. Its financial stability ensures claim‑paying ability even after large catastrophic events.