Root Auto Insurance Review 2022
Everything you need to know about Root auto insurance, including coverages, discounts, reviews, and more.
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UPDATED: Aug 16, 2022
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Table of Contents
- Root Insurance issues a custom auto insurance rate based on driving habits
- The company monitors your driving habits by an app on your smartphone
- Root offers low rates, but there are some customer complaints and other drawbacks
Root car insurance may be a good fit if you’re a safe driver searching for 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 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.
Table of Contents
How is Root different from other insurance companies?
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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: Policyholders’ driving habits primarily determine 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.
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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.
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How does the application process with Root work?
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
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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 will decide whether to approve you for coverage. Root’s website says it only insures good drivers, meaning people who get a quote with Root will likely enjoy low rates.
What types of car insurance does Root offer?
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
- Property damage
- Medical payments
- Personal injury protection
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car coverage
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Root may not offer GAP coverage or other optional coverages in your state, but speaking with a Root representative could help you better understand whether the company would work for you.
How much is Root car insurance?
Interested individuals must complete the Root 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 average annual full coverage car insurance rates across the U.S.
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The table below shows annual rates from top-rated insurance companies, and while Root rates are not reflected, it will give you a good idea of national averages for car insurance.
| Insurance Company | Average Minimum Coverage Rates | Average Full Coverage Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $605 | $1,993 |
| American Family | $582 | $1,386 |
| Farmers | $674 | $1,674 |
| GEICO | $290 | $984 |
| Liberty Mutual | $771 | $2,120 |
| Nationwide | $588 | $1,445 |
| Progressive | $484 | $1,310 |
| State Farm | $408 | $1,091 |
| Travelers | $471 | $1,287 |
| USAA | $238 | $753 |
| Average | $541 | $1,477 |
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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.
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In addition to monitoring your driving habits, Root 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.
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Does Root offer discounts on coverage?
Root offers its policyholders a few discount options on coverage, including:
- Multi-policy
- Paid-in-full
- Safe driving
- Autosteer (for Tesla drivers)
Root doesn’t clarify how much policyholders could save with 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.
How are Root Insurance reviews?
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.
The BBB website shows customers filed 115 complaints in the past year and over 350 complaints in the past three years. Many complaints mention poor claims handling alongside unauthorized bills and charges from the company.
If you’re considering applying for Root insurance, read through some customer complaints before committing to a policy.
What are the pros and cons of a Root auto insurance policy?
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.
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Root Car Insurance: The Bottom Line
Root offers lower-than-average rates to 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 quotes from other providers in your area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In which states is Root coverage available?
Root auto insurance is available in Alabama, Alaska, 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 an actual insurance company?
Root is a legitimate auto insurance provider, but not all applicants will qualify for coverage with the company.
Can my Root driving habits be impacted if I ride in the car with someone else during my evaluation period?
Since the Root 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.
Does Root cover rental cars?
Yes, your personal Root 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 policy?
You can change your Root car insurance policy by opening your app, choosing Auto Policy, and then clicking on Profile.
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.
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Written by
Rachel Bodine |
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Reviewed by
Daniel Walker
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