Root Auto Insurance Review (2024)
Root auto insurance uses telematics technology to track driving habits and set rates based on how safe you drive. Root car insurance reviews find the company offers various coverages, ranging from full coverage to roadside assistance and SR-22 insurance. Below, you can compare Root insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 2, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 2, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Root Insurance issues a custom auto insurance rate based on driving habits
- The company monitors your driving habits through an app on your smartphone
- Root offers low rates, but there are some customer complaints and other drawbacks
Root auto insurance may be a good fit if you’re a safe driver searching for cheap auto insurance coverage. Root Insurance offers auto insurance coverage in several U.S. states, and the company keeps customers’ rates low by assessing their driving styles.
To get a Root insurance quote, drivers allow the Root car insurance app to monitor specific driving habits and tendencies for a few days to a few weeks. During this process, the company assesses the person’s safety behind the wheel and determines a rate that matches their driving style.
Read our Root car insurance review to compare rates and learn how to get affordable usage-based auto insurance.
Root Auto Insurance Customer Reviews and Complaints
Root has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but Root car insurance reviews from customers suggest the company has room for improvement.
Root insurance reviews with the BBB show customers filed 115 complaints in the last year and over 350 in the last three years. Many Root insurance complaints mention poor claims handling alongside unauthorized bills and charges.
If you’re considering applying for Root, read through some customer complaints before committing to a Root car insurance policy.
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Pros and Cons of Root Auto Insurance
Some of the benefits of a car insurance policy with Root include:
- Low rates
- SR-22 filings
- Extensive app functions
- Discounts for safe drivers
- Roadside assistance
Still, there are some drawbacks to Root auto insurance, including:
- A possibility you won’t receive coverage
- Only available in certain states
- Numerous customer complaints
- No options for new car replacement or vanishing deductibles
Depending on where you live, you may be unable to purchase a Root car insurance policy. However, even if it’s available in your state, you should consider other options before committing to Root as your insurance provider. For example, compare Root vs. State Farm auto insurance to see which offers the best rates, coverage types, and discounts.
How Root Usage-Based Auto Insurance Works
Root may seem similar to other car insurance companies in many ways. For example, the company offers standard auto insurance options, allows policyholders to customize their policies, and ascribes lower auto insurance rates to individuals considered safe drivers.
Still, one thing sets Root apart from competitors — your driving habits primarily determine your Root auto insurance rates.
While Root considers other factors when determining a driver’s insurance rates, the company pays more attention to your driving habits than any other factor. For example, most companies consider driving history when setting rates, but Root evaluates driving habits before potentially offering coverage. Read more about the factors that affect auto insurance rates.
The company may deny you coverage if you drive poorly during the Root insurance evaluation period. Additionally, if Root Insurance Company decides you’re not a safe driver, you can’t reapply for coverage.
How to Sign Up for Root Auto Insurance
To get a Root car insurance quote, you must complete a two or three-week test drive. You can sign up for the test drive via the Root website or by downloading the company app. Once you’ve signed up, Root will monitor your driving before potentially offering you coverage.
Below is a list of driving habits monitored by the Root auto insurance app:
- Hard braking
- Time of day you drive
- Speed during turns
- Miles driven
- Driving routes
- Acceleration patterns
The app uses your smartphone to track your driving habits before Root agents decide whether you’re eligible for coverage.
After the monitoring period ends, Root insurance will decide whether to approve you for coverage. Root’s website says it only insures good drivers, meaning people who get a Root auto insurance quote will likely enjoy low rates.
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Compare Different Types of Root Auto Insurance Coverage
Root coverage options vary by state, so call the Root Insurance phone number to learn more about your options. Generally, Root offers the following coverages to its policyholders:
- Bodily injury liability auto insurance
- Property damage liability auto insurance
- Medical payments coverage
- Personal injury protection (PIP) auto insurance
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Collision auto insurance
- Comprehensive auto insurance
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car coverage
Root may not offer gap insurance or other optional coverages in your state, but speaking with a Root insurance representative could help you better understand whether the company would work for you.
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— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) June 1, 2023
Keep reading this Root car insurance review to compare average rates and find the best deal in your area.
Compare Root Auto Insurance Rates
Interested individuals must complete the Root insurance driving evaluation process before getting an online quote. The company tends to offer fairly low rates for coverage, but your driving habits will determine your potential rates and whether the company is willing to cover you.
To get started, let’s look at the full coverage car insurance rates across the U.S.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates From Top Providers
| Insurance Company | Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $160 |
| American Family | $117 |
| Auto-Owners | $33 |
| Farmers | $87 |
| Geico | $80 |
| Liberty Mutual | $174 |
| Nationwide | $115 |
| Progressive | $105 |
| State Farm | $86 |
| Travelers | $99 |
| USAA | $59 |
| U.S. Average | $119 |
The table below shows average rates from top insurance companies. While it doesn’t include Root insurance rates, it gives you a good idea of the national average for car insurance:
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level and Provider
| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $61 | $160 |
| American Family | $44 | $117 |
| Farmers | $53 | $139 |
| Geico | $30 | $80 |
| Liberty Mutual | $68 | $174 |
| Nationwide | $44 | $115 |
| Progressive | $39 | $105 |
| State Farm | $33 | $86 |
| Travelers | $37 | $99 |
| U.S. Average | $45 | $119 |
If you’re interested in Root auto insurance, you can always call the Root car insurance phone number in your state to speak with Root insurance customer service. However, a representative will likely tell you that your driving evaluation will impact your rates.
In addition to monitoring your driving habits, Root auto insurance also considers the following factors when determining your auto insurance rates:
- ZIP code
- Credit score
- Driving record
- Marital status
- Vehicle make and model
- Age
- Prior insurance information
If you believe you’re a good driver and your evaluation would reflect that, it’s a good idea to consider pursuing a policy with Root to get cheap car insurance rates.
Compare Root Auto Insurance Discounts
Root insurance offers its policyholders a few discount options on coverage, including multi-policy, paid-in-full, safe driving, and autosteer (for Tesla drivers) discounts.
Read More:
- How to Get a Pay-in-Full Auto Insurance Discount
- How to Get a Good Driver Auto Insurance Discount
- Electric Vehicle Auto Insurance Discounts
- Best Auto Insurance Companies for Teslas
Root doesn’t clarify how much policyholders could save with auto insurance discounts. Still, if you have a policy with Root, it’s a good idea to call the Root insurance number and ask a company representative whether you qualify for coverage discounts. You should also read more about how to save money by bundling insurance policies with Root.
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Understanding Root Auto Insurance Reviews
Root insurance offers lower-than-average rates to its auto insurance policyholders by monitoring their driving habits and techniques before offering a policy. So if you’re a safe driver who avoids distracted driving and doesn’t mind Root monitoring your driving, Root could be a good fit for you.
If you want more robust coverage, or if you don’t want a company to monitor your driving, you shouldn’t consider Root for your insurance needs. Instead, you can find and compare cheap quotes from the best auto insurance companies in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
In which states is Root auto insurance coverage available?
Root car insurance is available in Alabama, Alaska, the District of Columbia, Idaho, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming, and Vermont.
Is Root insurance legit?
Root is a legitimate auto insurance company, but not all applicants will qualify for coverage with the company.
Can my Root auto insurance rates be impacted if I ride in the car with someone else during my evaluation period?
Since the Root insurance app can recognize when you’re a passenger vs. when you’re a driver, you shouldn’t get penalized if you’re a passenger in someone else’s car.
Who owns Root Insurance?
Alex Timm is the co-founder and CEO of Root Insurance.
Is Root insurance full coverage?
Yes, Root insurance offers full coverage. Full coverage auto insurance with Root includes bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages.
How does Root vs. State Farm auto insurance compare?
While Root insurance may be good for low-mileage or safe drivers, State Farm auto insurance offers better customer service ratings alongside cheap rates.
Does Root auto insurance cover rental cars?
Yes, your personal Root insurance coverage will cover rental cars as well. However, roadside assistance with Root doesn’t extend to rental vehicles.
Can I add cars to my Root auto insurance policy?
You can change your Root car insurance policy by opening your app, choosing “Auto Policy,” and clicking on “Profile.”
Why is Root auto insurance so cheap?
Root uses telematics technology, such as smartphone apps or devices, to track your driving habits and determine your insurance premium based on factors like braking, acceleration, rather than focusing on the accident and theft rates in your city.
Does Root insurance pay claims?
According to its website, Root insurance takes about 1-2 weeks to pay out claims.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.