Updated 2026-02-22 · 7 min read
⚠️ Always Have New Coverage Before Canceling
Even a single day without auto insurance is illegal in most states and can spike your next premium by 20-40%. Have your new policy declaration page in hand before contacting Nationwide.
Nationwide is a Fortune 100 mutual company — meaning policyholders technically "own" it. In practice, this doesn't make canceling any easier. Nationwide uses a hybrid model: some customers have exclusive agents, while others bought direct through nationwide.com. Your cancellation path depends on how you purchased.
The good news: Nationwide generally uses pro-rata refund calculations (you get back exactly what you haven't used), unlike some carriers that apply short-rate penalties.
Mail a signed cancellation letter to: Nationwide Insurance, One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH 43215. Include your policy number, requested cancellation date, and signature. Send certified mail with return receipt.
💡 Nationwide Pet Insurance Is Different
Nationwide pet insurance (formerly VPI) is underwritten separately and has its own cancellation process. Call 1-800-540-2016 or log into petinsurance.com. Pet insurance cancellations are pro-rata with no penalty, but pre-existing conditions won't be covered if you switch to another pet insurer.
Nationwide will notify your state DMV of the cancellation. If you have a car loan, your new policy must list the lienholder. Refund typically arrives within 2-3 weeks via the original payment method. If you paid in full upfront, expect a larger refund check.
Your mortgage company must be notified. They'll verify your new policy meets their coverage requirements (usually dwelling coverage ≥ loan balance). Call your mortgage servicer's escrow department after switching — they need your new policy number and declaration page.
Think twice before canceling life insurance. Term life: you lose coverage and must re-qualify (health changes = higher rates). Whole life: you may have cash value to withdraw or roll into a new policy via 1035 exchange (tax-free transfer). Always check your cash value before surrendering a whole life policy.
If Nationwide manages your employer retirement plan, you can't cancel — talk to your HR department about fund options. For individual retirement accounts, you can roll over to Fidelity or Vanguard (lower fees) without tax penalties via a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer.
Nationwide isn't the most expensive carrier, but they're not the cheapest either. Typical savings when switching:
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