Root Insurance makes a guarantee that few other companies can match: auto insurance rates that are mostly determined by how you drive. To get a quote from Root, you must first complete a "Test Drive," in which you allow the company's software to follow your driving behavior for a few weeks. It stands to reason that your quote will be better if you drive well.
For good drivers, Root can offer better rates and a nice user experience on its app. You won't be able to acquire specialist coverage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower premiums due to refusing to cover high-risk drivers | More likely to deny coverage |
| Can obtain an SR-22 | Not all locations have it yet |
| Excellent app | No personal agents |
A prospective client can download the Root Insurance app, and the program tracks their driving throughout a test drive and assigns a score based on the following criteria:
If you have the Root Insurance app loaded on your phone and have enabled location permissions, it will track your driving without you having to check in to the app or the website. According to machine-learning algorithms, the app also understands if you're driving, bicycling, or riding as a passenger in a plane, train, or car so that these trips won't affect your driving score.
On the Root app, users may check their scores to see how the firm evaluates its performance. You can use the app to request that Root notify your old insurer on your behalf if you decide to terminate your existing insurance policy and join Root.
Root also offers RootReady, a service that lets drivers of certain types of cars use previously gathered driving data instead of taking a test drive. You may also use the app to add other drivers to your Root policy. They aren't obligated to take the test drive, but Root strongly advises them to do so. Without the test drive, Root is forced to rely on normal demographic and geography data to determine rates, and it cannot provide discounts to other drivers for their safe driving.
It's critical to know what car insurance coverage you want and what you must acquire while looking for auto insurance. To operate a car in most states, you must have auto insurance, while the minimum coverage requirements differ by state. Liability insurance, as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, are typically included.
Full coverage insurance is a good option if you want extra safety. Full coverage is a combination of coverage categories such as liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance rather than a single policy that you can purchase.
Root provides the following conventional categories of coverage and Roadside assistance, which is included in all Root insurance at no extra cost. Root covers up to three incidents each six-month policy period, up to $100 per event, whereas other insurers charge a monthly or per-use price for roadside help.
For rental car insurance, there is a ridesharing option. Most auto insurers provide rental reimbursement coverage, which covers the cost of a rental car while your car is being repaired due to a covered accident.
Root provides similar coverage but is more flexible, allowing clients to be compensated for Lyft rides instead. The consumer has the last say on each claim, although Root claims that it can assist you in making your decision. On holidays including St. Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve, and Independence Day, Lyft on Us provides policyholders complimentary Lyft trips. In North Dakota, this program isn't offered.
Root is a usage-based insurance firm, which means that instead of using traditional information like age, location, and driving history, it bases its premiums on your driving patterns. While this implies that charges will vary from customer to customer, it also means that if you're a careful driver, your rates may be significantly lower.
We discovered that drivers spend an average of $717 per year for a full coverage policy from Root after examining data. This is about half as much as the national average premium of $1665. These savings are impressive, but not every driver will benefit from them.
Root offers discounts in addition to the already cheap average premiums. Discounts vary by state, so check with your agent to see what you qualify for, but they may include:
| Discounts offered | Discount Features |
|---|---|
| Bundling discount | By combining your auto insurance with homeowners' or renters' coverage through Root, you could save money. |
| Anti-theft features discount | Anti-theft measures on your car, such as a locking gas cap or specific alarms, may help you save money on your insurance. |
| Good student discount | Full-time students with a B average (or greater) may be eligible for a premium reduction. |
| Safe driving discount | Root tracks your driving behaviors before you ever acquire a policy, so this isn't a discount in the typical sense. However, your rates may be reduced if you demonstrate that you are a safe driver according to their requirements throughout the trial time. |
| Multi-vehicle discount | You could save money by insuring multiple vehicles under one insurance. |
| VIN discount | If your VIN is inscribed on your car window, you may be eligible for a discount. |
| Driving safety course discount | You may be eligible for a premium reduction if you complete a certified safe driving course. |
Root gives its customers some of the lowest-priced quotes in the market. This is by providing a universal Test Drive option and screening out undesirable drivers. The customers were happy with the 24/7 claims help. Root pays off claims quickly, usually within ten working days. Most car insurance companies take several weeks to review and pay a claim these days, so this is a great benefit for individuals who need their money sooner.
Root Insurance is now available in only 20 states. Root claims to be extending to additional states in the future, but if your area isn't covered right now, you're out of luck.
Its reputation restricted coverage options are its two greatest flaws.
The root is only approximately five years old, which may make some new clients nervous, especially given that some major insurers have been in business since the early 1900s. Because they are new, they don't have a lot of experience to show that they'll pay out all of the claims they receive. Root hasn't been examined by organizations like J.D. Power, which gives car insurance firms annual ratings.
Root offers a user-friendly website that includes a wealth of FAQs, blog posts, and other resources. You could sign up and start a quotation online, but everyone who wants a quote has to take the Test Drive, so you'll complete it on your smartphone.
If giving your location data and obtaining car insurance from a new business isn't a concern, Root is a viable option. Even with some traditional elements that raise prices, Root provides safe drivers with the opportunity to earn low rates. All other drivers, including those who require specialized coverage, should look for a new insurer.
You can start the quote process on Root's website or by downloading the app. Allow Root to monitor your driving habits to provide you with a custom quote. To assess driving characteristics such as speed, hard braking, time of day driving, turn speed, and ride smoothness, you'll need to give the app permission to use your phone's GPS.
If Root covers you, you'll get a quotation. Root will either provide you a quote or decline to cover you after your monitoring has been activated. The company turns many drivers down, which states on its website that it does not insure "bad" or high-risk drivers. This is good news for individuals who get a quote because Root can offer lower premiums overall by excluding dangerous drivers from its client base.
Root Insurance tracks your driving behaviors using a smartphone app and then bases your prices primarily on that data. Better drivers should pay less for auto insurance, according to the theory. Root Insurance claims the outcome is a simpler and more personalized experience than a standard car insurance policy.
Root auto insurance is offered in 30 states right now. Twenty states, including Florida, Michigan, and New York, do not have it. Here's where you can get Root:
| Type of Contact | Contact |
|---|---|
| Home Office | 80 E Rich Street, Suite 500, Columbus, OH 43215 |
| New Claims | 1-866-980-9431 |
| Old Claims | 1-866-489-1985 |
| help@joinroot.com |
Alex Timms co-founded Root Insurance in 2015 with the goal of pricing auto insurance based on driving habits. The corporation uses mobile technology to track driving behaviors and then price plans accordingly.
Through their "Drop the Score" program, Root has committed to eliminating credit ratings as a pricing determinant by 2025.
The auto insurance rates published in this guide are based on the results of research completed by Way.com’s data team. Using a mix of public and internal data, we analyzed millions of rate averages across U.S. ZIP codes.
Quotes are typically based on a full coverage policy average unless otherwise noted within the content.
These rates were publicly sourced from insurer filings and should be used for comparative purposes only — your own quotes will differ. Given this, it’s important to go through our insurance steps form to find how much you can save with way.com
From societal issues to cancer research, Root's humanitarian initiatives are diverse. Root Auto Insurance helps with the following issues:
Access your digital insurance card through the app. You no longer need to carry your physical insurance card with you.
Receive reminders before your renewal. Way.com will also send new quotes from up to 45 insurance companies with your renewal reminder.
Keep everyone on your policy up to date by sharing your insurance information.
Make changes to your policy right from the app (coming soon) and ask for expert advice.
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