Root Car Insurance Review [2024]

Root car insurance rates are calculated based on your driving performance which is measured on the Root app using GPS sensors. To see if you qualify for Root car insurance, you must take a test drive.

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Kalyn Johnson

Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster

Kalyn grew up in an insurance family with a grandfather, aunt, and uncle leading successful careers as insurance agents. She soon found she has similar interests and followed in their footsteps. After spending about ten years working in the insurance industry as both an appraiser dispatcher and a senior property claims adjuster, she decided to combine her years of insurance experience with another...

Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster

Tracey L. Wells

Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner

Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...

Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner

UPDATED: May 26, 2024

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.

Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above 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.

Company Details
Address: 80 E Rich St Suite 500
City: Columbus
State: OH
ZIP Code: 43215
Phone Number: 866-980-9431
Year Founded: 2015

Here's what you need to know...

  • You’ll need to take a test drive to be able to get Root insurance coverage
  • Root Insurance has a robust app, allowing for quick access to your Root insurance card, billing statement, and more
  • You can pay for Root month-to-month or pay off a six-month auto insurance policy in one payment

Note: We are not associated with Root and cannot provide any assistance with Root insurance claims or other issues.

We looked deeper into Root to get a feel for their company and to understand how their auto insurance works. Read on to learn more and find out whether they could be a good fit for you.

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices. On the market for better coverage? Click here and enter your zip code to get multiple personalized quotes from local auto insurance providers to save.

What is Root car insurance?

Car insurance is expensive, and more drivers are looking for alternative options to traditional auto insurance policies to save money. Root is a new car insurance company that strives to take the work out of getting car insurance with “no agents, no phone calls, no hassle”.

One of the most novel aspects about Root is the fact it’s entirely app-based. Despite having a great website design chock-full of important information and explanations, all the actual insurance work happens on your Apple or Android device.

Root claims to be able to save good drivers up to 52 percent on car insurance, but how? Is Root a legitimate insurance company considering that it sells car insurance through an app?

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What to Know About Root Auto Insurance

Every car insurance company has their own way of calculating car insurance premiums but all of them are based on a series of criteria such as location, age, and even your job. Root, as its name implies, gets to the origins of what really matters when it comes to what you should pay for premiums— how well you drive.

Dubbed by Forbes as “real-time, context-based” insurance, Root launched as a startup originally for Tesla owners but has since expanded and now offers lower coverage to drivers of any vehicle.

Founder Alexander Timm has over 14 years experience in the insurance industry; he understands what works, and, more importantly, knows where it could be improved. He founded Root to make car insurance less of a hassle and more of an asset.

How Does Root Car Insurance Work

Root embraces modern times and uses technology to determine exactly how well you drive and reflects the results in the cost of your car insurance. When you download the app, you’ll have to take a driving test for Root Insurance to determine your eligibility.

Using your smartphone’s GPS and motion sensors, Root will test your driving abilities based off a variety of factors like braking, smoothness, and traffic habits.

Your results will be evaluated by an AI, and the results will determine whether or not Root offers you a quote.

Who is Root Car Insurance Good for

Root is a good choice for people with a good driving record who want to save more on car insurance. Root breaks down how their car insurance pricing works on their site, and we have to say, their algorithm poses a new model that could dramatically cut costs and make insurance a lot more affordable.

Like we said earlier, a lot of factors go into determining car insurance costs. Every company has their own algorithm, but your driving record doesn’t play as large of a role as it should in most cases.

After answering tons of questions online, you’re ultimately placed in a risk pool that will determine how much you pay from any given company.

Sure, you can save money by qualifying for additional insurance discounts and participating in savings programs like Liberty Mutual’s RightTrack and State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save. But your driving record and daily habits don’t typically influence your premiums the most, which is unfair to a lot of people to say the least.

If you’re someone who is typically given high quotes due to your age, gender, or location, Root might be able to cut down major costs and give you a quote that reflects how well you drive and the type of coverage you actually need.

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Root Insurance Availability

Root is based out of Columbus, OH, and has plans to expand its business across the nation. The company recently started offering coverage in Kentucky and Philadelphia, bringing its availability up to a total of 17 states. Here’s the full list of states you can buy Root car insurance in:

  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Delaware
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • New Mexico
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • Texas
  • Utah

Root Insurance Options

They offer a lot of the major types of car insurance coverages required by state and needed by drivers. Here’s a full list of their offerings:

Root offers liability coverage required in every state as well as additional coverages every driver should have like comprehensive and collision. There are also additional offers that will keep you secure in the event of an accident like under/uninsured motorist coverage and Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

Roadside assistance is included with every package, so you’ll never have to worry about being stranded. There’s also optional rental insurance that will make it easier to afford to get back on the road while your car is in the shop.

Root Insurance Discounts

You know about discount programs at other auto insurance companies. The difference between Root Insurance and its larger competitors is that their entire model is based off giving you discounts.

Instead of having to install a device, download a separate app or wait an entire policy period to find out what you can save, Root offers instant discounts on car insurance coverage all from their main app, and your savings are applied to all your coverages as soon as you’re eligible.

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Root Pay-as-You-Go Car Insurance

Some people only need temporary coverage; Root’s auto insurance allows you to pay-as-you-go. You can sign up and pay for your insurance monthly or switch to one payment every 6 months. If you switch to a six-month payment plan, you won’t be able to switch pack until your policy’s 6-month renewal.

Even if you choose a later start date for your policy, payments are deducted immediately, so make sure you’re serious about switching to Root before you buy from them.

Is Root insurance legit?

It’s understandable that you’d be wondering if Root insurance is real since you bought on an app. In case you’re worried Root Insurance could be a scam, we did our homework. Root is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Root insurance rating from the BBB is an A+.

Root insurance customer reviews matter, too. At the time of this Root insurance review, the company was rated 4.5 stars on the App Store and 4.4 on Google Play Store with over almost 10,000 combined ratings.

How to Get a Root Insurance Quote Online

Root wants to take the work out of car insurance. Everyone needs it, but that doesn’t mean it should be such a chore (or a bore).

You’ll find out whether or not you’re eligible for coverage, and then Root will walk you through the buying process. It’s fast, easy, and by far the most modern car insurance company we’ve seen so far.

Of course, just because Root insurance is easy to get doesn’t mean you should immediately buy it. You still need to employ the smart shopping skills that can save money without cutting back on coverage.

To get Root insurance quotes, download the Root app on the Apple App or Google Play store and sign up for a test drive.

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Save Money  by Comparison Shopping

Enter your zip code below and get matched with personalized auto insurance quotes. Why enter the same information over and over again on car insurance websites when you can be one and done with our site? We encourage you to take some time, explore our articles and learn about car insurance coverage and the buying process.

Like Root, we believe auto insurance should be easy to find and cheap to keep. Good drivers deserve fair premiums. We’re glad you’ve stopped by. Now stay and start saving.

Compare Cheap Root Auto Insurance Quotes Online

  • Root calculates your insurance premium based off how you drive
  • For those who have a good driving record and are tired of the traditional insurance model, Root might be the right choice
  • To get a quote from Root, you’ll have to take a driving test using your smartphone

Root car insurance is a new company that is changing the system. Technology is changing the landscape of every industry, and insurance is no exception.

Check out our Root car insurance review to find out if Root is a good car insurance company.

Don’t want to take the driving test? Didn’t make the cut? That’s okay. There are still plenty of other options out there to explore. Enter your ZIP code above to get free car insurance quotes from multiple insurers.

Step #1 – Get the Scoop on Root

Visit Root’s site to find out what makes them tick. Their site is easy to follow and offers a clear breakdown of the quote and purchase process.

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Step #2 – Explore Coverage Options

There’s no point in applying for a quote without knowing what it’s for, right? Check out Root’s auto insurance coverage options page and learn a thing or two about the different types of auto insurance they provide (as well as policies you may not have even known of!)

Step #3 – Make Sure Your State is Covered

Root is a growing company, so it isn’t available in every state yet. On the Availability page, you can get a full overview of all the states that Root currently services and get a glimpse at where they’re headed next.

They’re currently available (summer 2018) in:

  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Delaware
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • New Mexico
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • Texas
  • Utah

Step #5 – Create an Account

You can sign up for a Root account on the site and use it to log in to the app, which you’ll need to get your quote.

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Step #6 – Download the Root App for Car Insurance

Head over to the App or Google Play Store (depending on your phone) and download the Root Car Insurance app.

Step #7 – Take the Driving Test

Rather than have you waste time answering a bunch of questions to give you a generic rate, Root calculates your premium based off how well you drive.

The Root test drive

Step #8 – Buy a Policy

Root auto insurance policies are renewed on a month-to-month basis. If you’ve been looking for temporary car insurance, this company is a great option.

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Step #9 – Customize Your Coverage

When you buy a policy, Root lets you choose different types of  insurance coverage and adjust the limits of each. You can check out your state’s requirements, but we suggest going higher than the bare minimum so you have guaranteed coverage in the event of an accident.

Step #10 – Find More Ways to Save

Root has a comparison page that showcases their best features against the competition.

Their services and ratings are clearly displayed, along with different measurements they use to gauge themselves against other car insurance companies.

It’s a relatively unbiased and helpful presentation that can highlight some key comparison topics you may overlook on your own.

If you’re not convinced or still want to see what’s out there, let us help. Enter your ZIP code on our site to get free car insurance quotes.

We can also help you get in touch with an insurance agent right away and get one-on-one counseling to find the perfect coverage for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Root Insurance Company?

Root is a car insurance company that offers app-based insurance coverage and calculates rates based on driving performance.

How does Root Insurance work?

Root uses GPS sensors on your smartphone to measure your driving performance and determine your insurance rates. You need to take a test drive using the Root app to qualify for coverage.

Is Root a good insurance company for everyone?

Root is a good car insurance choice for drivers with a good driving record who want to save money on car insurance. It offers personalized rates based on driving habits and coverage needs.

What states is Root currently available in?

Root is based in Columbus, OH, and currently offers coverage in 17 states. The availability may vary, so it’s best to check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Does Root Insurance offer any discounts?

Yes, Root offers instant discounts on car insurance coverage through their app. They have a model based on providing discounts rather than traditional discount programs offered by other insurance companies.

How good is Root car insurance?

Root is well-regarded for its technology-driven approach to car insurance. Customers who qualify for lower rates based on safe driving habits often find Root insurance to be a cost-effective option.

Does Root insurance cover rental cars?

Root offers rental car reimbursement as an optional add-on to their policies.

Does Root have SR-22 insurance?

Root customers can get an SR-22 insurance through the app.

Does Root offer full coverage?

Yes, you apply for full coverage car insurance with Root by combining liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.

Is Root car insurance cheap?

Root Insurance can be cheap, especially for safe drivers who qualify for discounted rates based on their driving behavior.

How cheap is Root insurance?

The average Root car insurance cost is $127 per month for full coverage and $87 per month for liability coverage.

How does Root test drive work?

You should download the Root app and drive normally for a few weeks while the app collects data on your driving habits. Your car insurance quotes from Root are then determined based on this data.

How to pay Root insurance online?

Root insurance payments can be done online through the mobile app.

How reliable is Root insurance?

Whether Root insurance is a reliable company depends on a number of factors. Root car insurance has received mixed reviews regarding customer service and claims handling.

Is Root a real insurance company?

Yes, Root is a real insurance company licensed to operate in 17 states in the United States.

Is Root Insurance worth it?

Root auto insurance reviews reveal that if you’re a safe driver, you may qualify for lower Root rates. Research Root insurance claims and reviews to determine whether the company is a good choice for you.

How much is Root insurance?

Is Root insurance expensive? The average Root auto insurance rates range from $58 to $82 per month.

Why did my Root insurance go up?

If your driving habits have changed, such as an increase in miles driven or a change in driving patterns, this could impact your Root insurance rates.

What’s Root insurance A.M. Best rating?

Root car insurance does not have a rating from A.M. Best.

What’s Root car insurance phone number?

The contact number for Root insurance is: 866-980-9431

Can you get a Root insurance quote without test drive?

Yes, you can get a quote without participating in the Root test drive program. Root also offers the option to get a quote based on other factors such as your driving history, vehicle information, and coverage needs.

Reviews
for Root Insurance

3.59 (778 reviews)
3
September 28, 2024

Waldo

Where's Waldo?

This app seems to have no idea where I am or when I'm driving only recording about 1/6 trips. And I don't have a way to tell it that it wasn't me driving because I am a passenger in a vehicle when I am at work.
1
September 6, 2024

Arlobloom010

They raise your rate and then lie to you about your policy

They monitor your “driving” and by that I mean every time you’re in a vehicle whether you’re the driver or not, they’re docking your safe driving score, the dock your safe driving score based on how frequently and how far you drive (excuse me for having a job that’s 30 minutes away from my house and frequently visiting my family) and heaven forbid you need to remove a vehicle from your policy and add a new one because you got a new ca...
They monitor your “driving” and by that I mean every time you’re in a vehicle whether you’re the driver or not, they’re docking your safe driving score, the dock your safe driving score based on how frequently and how far you drive (excuse me for having a job that’s 30 minutes away from my house and frequently visiting my family) and heaven forbid you need to remove a vehicle from your policy and add a new one because you got a new car. I specified that I wanted liability on the new vehicle (I paid for it in full) and my rate shot up from just under $200 to $300+. Come to find out, they had me on a full coverage plan, I tried to change my policy, the app (which is horrible in every measure of the word, and needlessly difficult to navigate, and I say this as a 20 year old who has been around technology my whole life) wouldn’t let me change it, so I call customer service, just to be told “we don't use the terms liability and full coverage” which is false for a number of reasons including but not limited to the fact that the app uses those terms, every representative I spoke to had been using those terms and most importantly, it is state mandated where I live for insurance companies to use those terms. Ultimately, I decided that it wasn’t worth the energy I had already put into trying to get it figured out with them, let alone putting more effort into it, I found a significantly cheaper policy elsewhere and cancelled the one I had. I would give them zero stars in all categories if I could, it was awful, don’t even consider it.
5
August 28, 2024

Msmchelle

Easy and Affordable

The process was so easy! I really liked the no hassle approach and the prices are the best I have seen.
5
August 19, 2024

MikeH40

Driving Awareness.

Affordable and pricing is reasonable. Root encourages better driving. One week in and I am looking forward to see my final rate.
5
August 5, 2024

ACBG_-_satisfied

The ROOT IS OERFECT

I ran into Root Insurance; went through your website car insurance process ( super neat/EXTRA SECURE); reviewed and paid. All of sudden, I lost the link and in seconds received from The Root a link through my email. I am so happy and SATISFIED 💕💯% quality, customer service, FAIR WITH PRICES
5
July 31, 2024

ceramdoll2

Awesome group of people.

Was having issues with the phone app. Other than that they helped me quickly to figure it out. Highly recommend them. They all answered my questions right away.
5
July 27, 2024

LadyVera602

Quick & Easy

Quick & Easy enrollment for car insurance and car coverage in minutes. Great feeling of having car insurance!
5
July 24, 2024

Brendarut

Simply easy auto insurance

It was a fairly easy application process. The price was a good deal less than other insurance companies. Within the first few days of purchasing the policy, I had to make use of the Roadside Assistance program that came with the policy, saving me even more money. It really is a refreshing change. I'll have to let you know about the Test Drive aspect, since the vehicle had to be towed to the mechanic's shop on my second day owning the car.
4
July 19, 2024

Blueee

Roots Insurance App

It was the simplest app to walk you through each step to purchase a policy. Chose which add on and level of coverage fits your budget
5
July 19, 2024

arios333

Excellent

Excellent and easy to navigate Prices are much more reasonable and affordable I will continue the business with them as long as they keep prices affordable
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