Root Car Insurance Review [2023]

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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Laura Berry has experience as a licensed producer selling life, health, and property insurance coverage for both Allstate and State Farm. She has dedicated many hours to helping her clients understand the insurance marketplace so they could find the best car, home, and life insurance products for their circumstances. While she currently helps businesses take advantage of the federal R&D tax...

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Written by Laura Berry
Former Licensed Insurance Producer Laura Berry

Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...

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Reviewed by Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP® Joel Ohman

UPDATED: Jun 2, 2022

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.

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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...

  • Because Root is all about offering affordable coverage to good drivers, you’ll take a test drive before you have to enter any personal information to find out if you qualify for coverage
  • Root has a robust app that’s command center for your coverage, so you’ll always have quick access to your billing statement, insurance card, and more
  • You can pay for Root month-to-month or pay off a six-month auto insurance policy in one payment
  • Get Root quotes online to see if you can save money

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 Insurance Company?

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? Can you trust car insurance you bought off an app?

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What Do I Need 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 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 test drive 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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What States is Root Currently In?

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

What Insurance Options Does Root Offer?

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.

Does Root Offer Any Discount Opportunities?

You know about discount programs at other auto insurance companies. The difference between Root 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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Does Root Offer 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 Car Insurance Legit?

It’s understandable that you’d be skeptical of a car insurance policy you bought on an app. In case you’re worried this could all be a scam, we did our homework. Root is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has a rating of A+.

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

How Do I Get a Root Insurance Policy 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’s coverage is easy to access 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.

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How Do I Get A Root Insurance Quote?

Download the Root app on the Apple App or Google Play store and sign up for a test drive.

Can I Save Money and Get Better Car Insurance 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.

Can I 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.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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.

Reviews
for Root Insurance

3.23 (607 reviews)
4
February 25, 2023

Retake_

Shorten the test drive

Overall good I don’t drive everyday .. the test drive should be shorten The ease of changing items was good
5
February 24, 2023

Gbuttersnapz

Great experience

Quick and easy process. Used the app on my phone to setup and manage my policy. Very simple interface.
5
February 22, 2023

Daasia0507

Great insurance l

This insurance company was very easy to learn and helpful. I like the fact that we get to choose between 3 different options and one of them, we can choose our own things individually
5
February 5, 2023

Perfect_driver

ROOT, The bait and switch company

Root is a bait and switch company. I have just gotten my 3rd renewal and the insurance price is more then my yearly mortgage price, I started out with a rate around $700.00 every six months, the first renewal saw that rate increase to around $1,300 every six months. Now I am at my 2nd renewal, and the cost has increased to $2,750 every six months. I know rates go up, policies change and this is based on driving record evaluations (This is the exc...
Root is a bait and switch company. I have just gotten my 3rd renewal and the insurance price is more then my yearly mortgage price, I started out with a rate around $700.00 every six months, the first renewal saw that rate increase to around $1,300 every six months. Now I am at my 2nd renewal, and the cost has increased to $2,750 every six months. I know rates go up, policies change and this is based on driving record evaluations (This is the excuse Root gives for increases in policies). I have been driving for over 30yrs. No accidents, no claims, and no moving violations "EVER". But, my insurance on 4 cars 2002, 2008, 2009, and 2014 insured at minimum levels should not exceed the insurance I pay on a $400,000 home. (1,200 per year). If they only insure the best drivers, they lie. shopped around, and every other quote came in at half the cost, and better coverage. Oh yea, I dont have personal insurance through them, I dropped it from my insurance because I have awesome health care. I have the bottom tier offered by Root, but still pay full coverage premiums.' If you don't move on now, you will in the future
1
February 1, 2023

Jessica_Okonofua

LOYALTY MEANS NOTHING TO THEM

Today my experience with Root Insurance was horrible. Escalated claim to higher ( [REDACTED NAME]) up who was unwilling to do anything. Never apologized just made excuses. I have been a loyal customer for over 2 yrs and this was the first time I needed there assistance. They could not extend or approve my rental. I have filed a complaint with the BBB and now have canceled my policy, as of today. Wouldn't recommend them to anyone! Find a company w...
Today my experience with Root Insurance was horrible. Escalated claim to higher ( [REDACTED NAME]) up who was unwilling to do anything. Never apologized just made excuses. I have been a loyal customer for over 2 yrs and this was the first time I needed there assistance. They could not extend or approve my rental. I have filed a complaint with the BBB and now have canceled my policy, as of today. Wouldn't recommend them to anyone! Find a company who will value their customers. They do NOT stand behind a brand or promise for their customer. POOOR SERVICE & NEVER GO THROUGH THEM THEY ONLY WANT YOUR MONEY
2
January 26, 2023

Dhz7z8xn3

Trash fire

Root is garbage! The two times I needed to use the roadside assistance I recieved no help and was left stranded with no answers.
1
January 17, 2023

farrinpointer

Do NOT buy insurance from Root!

I’ve had Root insurance for three years. My monthly premium went up $90 per month (so $1080 per year) with no explanation. No tickets, no claims, no accidents, and no late payments. When I reached out to the company for an explanation, they said it’s either something you did, a change on our end, or something we can’t explain. Literally, that was the explanation. And then, when I asked for a review and an actual explanation Root Insurance s...
I’ve had Root insurance for three years. My monthly premium went up $90 per month (so $1080 per year) with no explanation. No tickets, no claims, no accidents, and no late payments. When I reached out to the company for an explanation, they said it’s either something you did, a change on our end, or something we can’t explain. Literally, that was the explanation. And then, when I asked for a review and an actual explanation Root Insurance said the cost is what it is, you can pay it or not. What kind of company is this?
1
January 14, 2023

hxdtj2014

Not recommended

Root is really good at keeping increasing the rate while refusing to give reasons. My full coverage of Root increase from $500 to $650 after half a year, and this time, to $800! I have a clean driving history without any accidents during the coverage period of time. It's insane to increase the rate without providing any reasons. Already switch to another company. I would never recommend this auto insurance company.
5
January 5, 2023

maliasnowden

hassle free who needs Geico

quick fast easy to use. Very low pricing same day declaration delivery and the add-on is done hassle free
1
December 19, 2022

Rene_

root insurance kidding his own clients

1. root insurance increases the rate by over 50% in half a year 2. After you have paid the full rate in one time you get no invoice despite demand. An invoice is rejected by e-mail. You only get a credit card receipt. Unbelievable!
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