Root Insurance Review: Is It a Good Choice for Car Insurance?

Root Auto Insurance: At a Glance

Founded by Alex Timm and Dan Manges in 2015, Root promises simple and fair insurance that can save drivers up to $900 per year.

The new-age insurer prices policies based on your performance on a 30-day test-drive, and drivers who are offered coverage can often get premiums that are cheaper than many competitors. Root also provides top-rated, full-featured mobile apps that make managing your policy easy.

But Root customers report difficulty with the test-drive process, including scores they perceived to be unfair — especially in the focused driving category. Some users also report being denied coverage or seeing their premiums rise despite performing well on Root’s assessment.

The test-drive process also makes it complicated and time-consuming to get an accurate quote. Plus, Root is only available in 34 states as of this writing, so not everyone will get a chance to see if it’s right for them.

We’ll take a closer look at how Root works, how much it costs, what drivers benefit the most from this insurer, and what real customers are saying in the sections below.

Is Root a Good Choice for Car Insurance?

Root can be a good choice for car insurance if you’re a safe, reliable driver who doesn’t mind the insurer tracking your performance behind the wheel.

If you want to use an app to manage your policy and file claims, Root may be a good fit since you can customize coverage and even submit insurance claims in just three minutes with the app. Roadside assistance is also included in every policy, which is a big benefit to those who aren’t AAA members.

Unfortunately, Root has been the subject of many customer complaints — largely about the accuracy of the test-drive, the company’s pricing fairness, and users facing unexpected or improper charges. Customer service hours are also limited, and the company doesn’t currently have a network of agents, so drivers who prefer personalized service may want to look elsewhere.

Where Root stands out

Root’s unique test-drive pricing model sets it apart from competitors — especially since you won’t know your final rates until the end of your test-drive. But if you’re a good driver who’s willing to let your insurance company track your behind-the-wheel behavior, you could get great rates with Root.

Roadside assistance is also a standard feature on all Root policies — a nice added touch.

Where Root falls short

If you like to budget ahead, Root’s driving-based pricing may not be for you. Accurate pricing isn’t available for 30 days during your test-drive period, while many other insurers offer instant online quotes.

Additionally, not all drivers are eligible for coverage — those considered “bad” drivers typically aren’t offered a policy at the end of their test-drive.

Root has also been the subject of many complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and in online forums for issues with payments, claims processing, and the test-drive features.

How Root Auto Insurance Works

Many auto insurers price your policy based on factors like your age, demographic information, marital status, and driving record. While Root takes some of these things into account, too, the insurer does things a little differently from what you might be used to.

When you apply for coverage with Root, the company will instruct you to download its app on your phone, which will record data on how you drive. The insurer looks for safe driving habits, such as gentle turning, focused driving (not using your phone), smooth braking, and driving during safer hours.

If you qualify for coverage at the end of your test-drive, Root will set your rates based on these driving patterns — but it can decline to offer you coverage entirely if the company thinks you’re a “bad” driver.

You can also qualify for a discount on car insurance by bundling your auto and home insurance policies, which can provide additional savings on top of Root’s already competitive rates.

Once you’ve signed up for Root, you can use the app to customize your policy, including adjusting your deductible or coverage limits. You can also file claims in the mobile app — the process takes around three minutes, according to Root’s website.

Getting a quote from Root Insurance

A potential downside of Root’s unique pricing model is that getting a quote is much more challenging than it would be from a typical insurer.

You can start the process online, but you’re required to provide your driver’s license number early on. While nearly every company will require this before your policy is official, many insurers allow you to get a quote without it.

Root also requires you to complete a 30-day test-drive by allowing the Root app to track how you drive. Some drivers are able to get same-day coverage with Root, but pricing isn’t finalized until you complete the full 30-day test-drive.

Unfortunately, many drivers complain their rates went up even after performing well on the test-drive — and many say they were even denied coverage despite good behavior behind the wheel. And some users report flaws in the grading process — particularly with the “Focused Driving” score, which seems to give low scores even to drivers who don’t use their phones while driving.

What Types of Coverage Does Root Offer?

Root offers many types of auto insurance coverage, including the following:

• Bodily injury and property damage liability: Required by law in nearly every state, these coverages pay if you injure someone or damage their property in an accident.
• Roadside assistance: While some insurers offer this as an optional add-on, it’s standard with all Root policies. Root provides coverage for up to three incidents for each vehicle per six-month policy term. Root will pay up to $100 per incident if you need help with things like a flat tire or keys locked in your car.
• Collision coverage: You’ll need this if you want your car’s damages paid for after a crash you cause.
• Comprehensive coverage: Any non-collision-related expenses will be paid for by a comprehensive policy, including vehicle theft or damage due to vandalism or hail.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: This protects against property damage and injuries when someone with too little insurance hits you.
• Personal injury protection: Required in some states, this pays for medical bills and wages lost due to an accident, no matter who was at fault.
• Medical payments: This pays for crash-related medical bills for you and your family, no matter who caused the accident.

You can choose what kinds of coverage to buy, your policy limits, and your deductible with the Root Insurance mobile app.

Root Insurance Customer Reviews

While Root has an A+ rating from the BBB, many policyholders have complaints about the company and how it operates. These complaints relate to most aspects of Root’s business, from random price increases and unfair fees to problems with claims processing.

The reviewer below even went so far as to call their experience with Root “the worst experience [they’ve] ever had with any business.”

Unfortunately, many others seem to agree, with additional reviews complaining of slow responses on estimates and repairs and referring to the claims process as “a joke.”

Rate increases are another very common source of complaints. For example, one Reddit user claimed to experience a 50% increase. Another user on the same thread claimed Root increased their rates even though they drove less and had no recent accidents or tickets.

While general feedback is poor — the company has just 1.16 out of 5 stars on BBB — some customers rave about good experiences with Root. Some — like the reviewer below — even claim that the company’s tracking app encouraged them to drive safely while saving them money on coverage.

How Much Does Root Insurance Cost?

Root Insurance prices vary depending on whether you’re buying a liability-only policy (which pays for damage caused to others) or a full-coverage policy that includes comprehensive and collision coverages.

The table below shows what the average driver pays for each policy type with Root.

Root’s $83 average monthly cost for a liability-only policy is much lower than the national average of $103. And its $144 per month average cost for a full-coverage policy is also much less expensive than the $207 national average.

Remember, though, that Root weeds out bad drivers and sometimes doesn’t offer them coverage at all. Drivers with accident histories or who speed or corner hard tend to be the most expensive to insure, which likely drives Root’s average costs down.

Plus, your personal rate will be based on your driving record, age, gender, location, and other factors, so these broad averages may not be the best indicator of what you can expect to pay.

You can find more information about Root’s average rates below, including how it compares to top competitors and breakdowns for different driver profiles.

Root Insurance Rates Compared to Top Competitors

It’s always a good idea to compare rates for several companies when shopping for a policy. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how Root’s average rates compare to some of its top competitors.

Root’s average rates are less expensive than many other insurers, including two other new-age insurers, Chubb and Metromile.

But Root’s prices aren’t as competitive against traditional insurers, like GEICO and Progressive — both of which have a more established reputation for solid customer service.

So if you tend to be an early adopter who likes companies with unique, forward-thinking approaches, Root could be a great choice. But if you’re looking for a company with a long history of service and a wider agent network for in-person support, companies like GEICO and Progressive are likely a better fit.

Root Car Insurance Rates by Age Group

Age plays a big role in determining your auto insurance rates. Generally, young drivers pay the most, and rates tend to drop as you get older and gain more experience behind the wheel.

Check out the table below to see how Root’s auto insurance rates vary among a few age groups.

Root follows a familiar trend where younger drivers and senior drivers pay more for coverage because they’re considered higher-risk for motor vehicle accidents. But let’s take a closer look at each age group to see how rates differ.

Root Insurance rates for teens and young drivers

Root’s average auto insurance costs for teen drivers are much higher than for older motorists. Average premiums are $169 per month for an 18-year-old driver seeking liability-only coverage and $289 for full coverage.

The good news is that rates drop by the time you reach age 25 and have some driving experience under your belt. In fact, the average Root policyholder experiences a drop of almost 50% during this time.

Root Insurance rates for seniors and retirees

Unfortunately, while rates tend to go down with age, average rates at Root jump up again for seniors — largely because failing health and slower reaction times make them riskier to insure.

Middle-aged drivers can expect to pay the lowest rates with Root, with the average 40-year-old driver seeing premiums of $85 per month for liability-only policies and $144 monthly for full coverage.

Costs increase a bit for drivers around retirement age, with average monthly premiums for a 65-year-old driver at $88 for liability-only policies and $148 for full coverage with Root.

But since the insurer takes driving time into account, seniors who drive less often — especially those who avoid driving at night — may see their rates come in lower than the averages shown here.

Root Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record

Root’s rates are focused on your driving habits, so it’s not surprising that your driving history can affect how much you pay for coverage.

The table below shows how different driving incidents, such as a speeding ticket or an at-fault accident, can change your rates if you have coverage with Root.

Drivers who have had a speeding ticket, at-fault accident, or DUI are considered higher-risk to insure because these behaviors increase the chances of a collision, which usually leads to an insurance claim.

You can learn more in the sections below about how Root’s rates change for drivers with a less-than-perfect driving record.

Root Insurance rates after a speeding ticket

Root’s rates increase by around 4% for liability and 8% for full coverage after a single speeding ticket. The national average rate hike after a speeding ticket is 37%, according to Compare.com data, so Root’s increases are quite modest in comparison.

Root Insurance rates after an accident

An at-fault accident raises Root’s average rates by between 5% and 7%, according to our analysis — well below the 44% average increase for drivers who caused an accident. But some companies offer accident forgiveness as part of their policies, which can forgive your first accident so that you can avoid a rate increase.

Root Insurance rates after a DUI

Drivers with a DUI will see average premium increases of less than 5% with Root. Most drivers see their rates nearly double after a single DUI, according to Compare.com data, so Root is a great deal for recently convicted drivers. But with Root’s stringent standards and high rate of denied coverage, you may struggle to qualify for a policy with Root if you have a DUI.

It’s worth noting that Root also provides SR-22 filing services through its mobile app, which many states require for drivers with a DUI to get their license restored.

Root Car Insurance Rates by Credit Score

Many drivers don’t realize that credit history can often play a substantial role in how much you pay for car insurance. Insurers look at your past credit to calculate what’s known as a “credit-based insurance score,” which influences your overall premium.

But some states — such as Michigan, Massachusetts, California, and Hawaii — have banned using credit to calculate car insurance rates.

Let’s look at how much Root weighs your past credit history when setting rates.

Insurers claim that drivers with good or excellent credit are statistically less likely to file a claim or default on their insurance bill, so they often get the best rates. Root tends to follow this trend, with drivers who have “excellent” credit scores paying around 30% less than people with “poor” scores.

Still, Root increases rates less for drivers with poor credit than most companies. We’ve found that the average company increases rates by more than 60% for drivers with poor credit scores, so if you have a spotty credit history, Root may be worth considering.

Root Car Insurance Discounts

Root car insurance offers a discount for bundling auto and renters insurance coverage, but steers clear of offering most of the standard car insurance discounts since it claims to build savings into your original quote.

How Is Root’s Customer Service?

While you can file claims with Root 24/7 through its mobile app, customer service hours are limited to Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET.

Getting someone on the phone to answer questions took about 15 minutes when making an early morning weekday call, although some online reviews report longer wait times. But the insurer offers an option to get a callback if you don’t want to wait on hold.

Unfortunately, many reviews report receiving substandard service when making claims or calling to address rate increases or other problems.

The reviewer below claimed to have waited nearly an hour to speak with a customer service representative with Root. They even claim their past interactions with Root representatives were “the worst customer service experience [they] have experienced.”

Many other reviewers agree, with complaints on both Reddit and the BBB indicating repeated problems getting help. Even dealership representatives have trouble getting in touch with a representative, as the review below indicates.

Filing a Claim with Root Insurance

You can file a claim with Root through the app 24/7 and complete the process in around three minutes, according to its website.

Unfortunately, actual customers who have had to make claims with the insurer report a very different experience than the simple process the company promises. Several reviewers — like the one below — claim to struggle with reaching a settlement or even getting an adjuster to come out to assess the damage in person.

Unfortunately, the BBB website had many similar complaints from customers who also faced challenges getting their claims paid. Some even claim the company accused them of lying.

Bottom Line: Is Root Car Insurance Right for You?

Root may be a good option if you’re a safe driver who’s comfortable with an insurer tracking your driving habits — or if you’re OK with trading a low price for potentially poor customer service.

Even good drivers should be sure to carefully consider the experience past customers have had with Root before deciding whether the low premiums are worth the potential hassle that could come with making a claim.

At the end of the day, you should always compare quotes from multiple insurance companies before choosing your next policy. Even if Root boasts great rates for most drivers, another insurer may offer you an even better price.

Root Insurance FAQs

Root Insurance offers a unique business model that benefits some drivers, but it may be confusing if you’re more familiar with the traditional insurance shopping experience. We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about Root Insurance to help you become more informed on this new-age insurer.

Is Root a legit insurance company?

Yes. Root Insurance is a legitimate car insurance company founded in 2015. The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, although it received only 1.16 out of 5 stars based on customer reviews on the BBB website.

Does Root offer full coverage?

Yes. Root offers full-coverage auto insurance that includes liability coverage as well as collision and comprehensive coverages. You can customize your coverage options in the Root app.

Does Root Insurance raise rates after six months?

It depends. Root’s insurance premiums are based on an assessment of your driving habits. Many Root users report facing rate increases over time, and your rates can change every six months based on how you drove during the previous policy period.

Does Root pay out claims?

Yes, but it may not always go smoothly. As an insurer, Root is obligated to pay out insurance claims. The company promises claims can be filed within three minutes, but many online reviews report facing difficulties with having their claims paid fairly or in a timely manner. Unfortunately, Root doesn’t currently have a financial strength rating from AM Best, so it’s hard to determine their ability to pay out claims moving forward.

Is Root Insurance difficult to deal with?

It depends. Root has mixed reviews for customer service, with many users on both Reddit and the Better Business Bureau indicating they have faced challenges with incorrect payments, claims handling, unexpected rate increases, and challenges reaching a customer service representative.

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the quotes listed in this article have been gathered from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Sources

1. J.D. Power, “2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” accessed December 21, 2023.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Teen Driver and Passenger Safety,” accessed December 21, 2023.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Older Adult Drivers,” accessed December 21, 2023.
4. Better Business Bureau, “Root,” accessed December 21, 2023.
5. Reddit, “**Rant** Root insurance is pathetic,” accessed December 21, 2023.
6. Reddit, “These are my Root test drive Tips/”Hacks”, please share any that you have,” accessed December 21, 2023.
7. Reddit, “Root Insurance – Completed test drive scoring 8/10 on skills, no quote,” accessed December 21, 2023.
8. Reddit, “My Root test drive Seems Off. Can Anyone Interpret This Snapshot?,” accessed December 21, 2023.
9. Reddit, “Root Insurance is a SCAM,” accessed December 21, 2023.
10. Reddit, “So… I’ve been with Root for roughly 3 years and each year my renewal was $2-$3.,” accessed December 21, 2023.