Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company has submitted a rule change for its private passenger auto program in Tennessee, modifying its down payment requirement for new business policies. Effective May 9, 2025, the update allows more applicants to bypass the existing 75% down payment rule under certain conditions.

Previously, a 75% down payment was required for most new policies unless the applicant was already a household member under a Nationwide homeowner, condominium, or farm policy. The revised rule now adds bodily injury (BI) liability limits as an additional qualifier—meaning applicants who choose medium or high BI limits can also bypass the 75% requirement.

This update applies only to new business. Policies enrolled in the SmartMiles program will continue to require just a one-month down payment, and all other policies will remain subject to down payment amounts based on the applicant’s Matrix Plus score.