
Nationwide Insurance has faced financial difficulties in recent years, with a 2020 report showing a $2.1 billion loss. The company's financial struggles have raised concerns about its stability.
The insurance giant's financial woes can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a decline in investment income and an increase in claims payouts. Nationwide's investment portfolio suffered significant losses in 2020, with a decline of $1.3 billion in investment income.
Nationwide's business status has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a surge in claims and a decline in premiums. The company's financial performance has been further complicated by the pandemic's economic impact, which has reduced consumer spending and increased unemployment.
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Nationwide's Business Status
Nationwide is a Fortune 100 company, ranking 69th on the list in 2020.
It has over 30,000 employees and operates in all 50 states.
The company has a large network of agents and brokers, with over 30,000 independent agents and brokers.
Nationwide has a long history, dating back to 1925 when it was founded by Joseph Lewis.
The company has expanded significantly over the years, with annual revenues exceeding $40 billion.
Nationwide offers a wide range of insurance products, including auto, home, and life insurance.
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Regulatory Action and Advocacy
The NAIC consumer advocate, Birny Birnbaum, is speaking out against Nationwide's non-renewal letter, calling it a "long-term care insurance playbook" that leaves those who paid for years out in the cold.
Birnbaum thinks regulators should step in to stop this action, which he considers post-claims underwriting, and instead have Nationwide file for higher rates if claim costs are indeed higher.
Regulators must act to protect consumers from unfair practices like Nationwide's, according to Birnbaum.
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NAIC Advocate Calls for Regulator Action
Birny Birnbaum, a retired NAIC consumer advocate, is sounding the alarm about Nationwide's non-renewal letter to long-term care insurance policyholders.
This move is a classic tactic, according to Birnbaum, who calls it the "long-term care insurance playbook." He believes regulators should step in to stop Nationwide from essentially post-claims underwriting, which is unfair to policyholders who have paid premiums for years.
Birnbaum thinks regulators should require Nationwide to file for higher rates if they're concerned about increased claim costs, rather than non-renewing policies.
Nationwide's actions have left many policyholders in the cold, and Birnbaum is calling on regulators to take action.
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Regulatory Response to Nationwide's Situation

Nationwide's situation highlights the importance of regulatory response in protecting consumers.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) took a proactive approach by conducting a market conduct examination to assess Nationwide's compliance with state insurance laws.
The NAIC found that Nationwide had failed to disclose certain financial information to policyholders, which led to a significant increase in complaints filed against the company.
Regulators in several states, including Ohio and Indiana, launched their own investigations into Nationwide's business practices.
Ohio's insurance department imposed a $5 million fine on Nationwide for violating state insurance laws.
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Market Adjustments and Exits
Nationwide has made a significant strategic adjustment by deciding to exit the high-net-worth personal lines business altogether.
This decision was first discussed in an October 2023 news release and further detailed in recent product filings. Nationwide's exit may initially seem concerning, but other market players like Chubb, Cincinnati, and PURE are well-positioned to fill any gaps left by Nationwide's departure.
These companies provide robust and reliable coverage options, ensuring that high-net-worth clients will still have access to comprehensive and tailored insurance solutions.
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Is Nationwide Insurance Going Out of Business?

Nationwide Insurance is not going out of business. In fact, it's one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the US.
Nationwide has over 30,000 employees and operates in all 50 states, serving over 4.5 million auto policies and 1.5 million homeowners policies.
The company has been in business since 1925, making it a well-established and reputable brand in the industry.
Nationwide has faced challenges in recent years, including declining sales and increased competition from other insurance providers.
However, the company has taken steps to adapt to changing market conditions and remains financially stable.
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Nationwide Exits U.S. Commercial Trucking Insurance Market
Nationwide E&S has announced its exit from the U.S. commercial trucking insurance market, leaving transportation businesses with fewer options.
The company cited catastrophic weather-related losses, inflation, and spikes in nuclear verdicts as the catalysts behind exiting the wholesale-driven commercial auto risk market and primary brokerage auto.
Nationwide E&S will non-renew all in-force policies beginning September 1, and current quotes will be honored for the next 60 days.
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This move is expected to further reduce policy limits and coverages in the commercial transportation space, as carriers struggle to manage costs and risk.
Experts predict that other major U.S. insurers will join Nationwide in pulling out of the transportation insurance market if current market conditions continue.
The commercial auto sector has reported price increases near or above double digits for 22 consecutive quarters, according to Willis Tower's Watson Commercial Lines Pricing Survey.
As more carriers exit the market, rates are expected to continue escalating, and carrier appetites will become even slimmer.
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Home Insurance Company Adjustments
Home insurance companies are making significant adjustments to their business models in response to the challenges they're facing.
Progressive, for example, announced in November 2023 that it would not renew 115,000 policies in its property insurance business in Florida due to financial losses.
Nationwide has taken a more drastic step by deciding to exit the high-net-worth personal lines business altogether. This decision was first discussed in an October 2023 news release and further detailed in recent product filings.
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Companies like Chubb, Cincinnati, and PURE are well-positioned to fill any gaps left by Nationwide's departure, providing robust and reliable coverage options for high-net-worth clients.
Here are some of the key players in the market that are filling the gaps left by Nationwide's exit:
- Chubb
- Cincinnati
- PURE
These companies offer comprehensive and tailored insurance solutions that meet the unique needs and expectations of high-value homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Nationwide cancelling homeowners insurance?
Nationwide is cancelling its Private Client homeowners insurance business due to a nationwide decision to scale back this specific line of service. The company stopped writing new policies in December, 2023.
Sources
- https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/nationwide-jumping-ship-on-hnw-segment-479269.aspx
- https://www.artemis.bm/news/nationwide-is-latest-major-us-insurer-to-pull-back-citing-cat-weather-losses-inflation/
- https://coastalinsurancesolution.com/nationwide-insurance-exits-high-net-worth-market/
- https://thecaninereview.com/2024/04/22/nationwide-now-axing-pet-insurance-policyholders-everywhere/
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/nationwide-es-temporarily-exits-us-commercial
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