Is Root Car Insurance Good?

Root Car Insurance uses smartphone-based driving behavior to determine rates, offering potential savings for safe drivers. While it’s innovative and tech-forward, coverage options and availability are limited, making it a good fit for some but not all drivers.

Key Takeaways

• Usage-Based Pricing: Root determines premiums by analyzing your driving habits through a mobile app, rewarding safe drivers with lower rates.
• Potential for Savings: If you’re a cautious driver with smooth braking and steady speeds, you could save significantly compared to traditional insurers.
• App-Dependent Experience: Everything from quotes to claims is managed through the Root app, which is convenient but may frustrate less tech-savvy users.
• Geographic Limitations: Root is not available in all 50 states, so eligibility depends on your location.
• Basic Coverage Options: While it offers standard liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, add-ons like roadside assistance are limited.
• Mixed Customer Reviews: Some users praise the fair pricing and transparency, while others report app glitches and slow claim responses.
• Best for Low-Mileage, Safe Drivers: Root shines for young drivers, commuters, or those who don’t drive often and maintain good habits.

Is Root Car Insurance Good? A Deep Dive into the App-Based Insurer

If you’ve been shopping around for car insurance lately, you’ve probably come across Root Insurance. It’s one of those names that pops up with bold claims: “Pay less for being a better driver.” “No more guessing—your phone knows how you drive.” Sounds promising, right? But is Root Car Insurance actually good? Or is it just another flashy tech startup with more hype than substance?

Let’s be real—car insurance is rarely exciting. It’s one of those necessary expenses we all grumble about, often choosing the cheapest option without much thought. But Root is different. It doesn’t rely on your age, credit score, or where you live to set your rate. Instead, it uses your actual driving behavior—measured through your smartphone—to determine how much you pay. That’s a game-changer for safe drivers who’ve been overpaying for years.

But innovation doesn’t always mean better. Root’s app-only model, limited coverage options, and spotty availability raise valid concerns. So, is Root Car Insurance good for you? The answer depends on your driving habits, tech comfort level, and location. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from how Root works to real customer experiences, pricing, and how it stacks up against competitors. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether Root is worth your time (and your premium dollars).

How Root Car Insurance Works: The Tech Behind the Rates

Root Insurance was founded in 2015 with a simple but revolutionary idea: insurance should be based on how you actually drive, not stereotypes or demographics. Instead of relying on traditional factors like age, gender, or credit history, Root uses telematics—specifically, your smartphone’s sensors—to monitor your driving behavior over a test period.

Here’s how it works: After signing up, you download the Root app and agree to let it track your driving for a set number of days—usually between 14 and 30 days. During this time, the app collects data on four key behaviors:

• Braking: How hard and how often you brake.
• Acceleration: How quickly and aggressively you speed up.
• Time of Day: When you drive (night driving is considered riskier).
• Phone Usage: Whether you handle your phone while driving (a major distraction).

The app doesn’t record video or audio—just motion and location data. It uses GPS to detect when you’re in a moving vehicle and starts tracking automatically. You don’t need to press a button or remember to start it. That’s one of the things users love: it’s passive and hands-off.

After the test drive period, Root analyzes your data and assigns you a “driving score.” The better your score—meaning smoother braking, gradual acceleration, minimal phone use, and daytime driving—the lower your insurance premium. In some cases, safe drivers have reported savings of 30% to 50% compared to their previous insurer.

What Makes Root Different from Traditional Insurers?

Most car insurance companies use what’s called “proxy rating”—they estimate your risk based on indirect factors. For example, if you’re a 22-year-old male living in a city with high accident rates, you’ll likely pay more, even if you’ve never had a ticket or accident. Root flips this model on its head.

Instead of guessing, Root measures. It’s like getting graded on your actual performance, not your background. This is especially beneficial for:

• Young drivers who are often charged high premiums due to age.
• People with less-than-perfect credit scores.
• Those living in high-risk ZIP codes but who drive safely.

For example, Sarah, a 24-year-old nurse in Chicago, was paying over $250 a month with her previous insurer. After switching to Root and completing her test drive, her premium dropped to $140—a 44% savings. “I was shocked,” she said. “I drive the same way I always have, but now I’m being rewarded for it.”

The Test Drive: What to Expect

The test drive is the heart of Root’s model. It’s free, and you’re not obligated to buy a policy afterward. During this period, the app will prompt you to confirm trips and may ask you to rate your own driving experience. This helps Root calibrate its algorithm and improve accuracy.

One thing to note: the app only tracks trips where you’re the driver. If you’re a passenger, you can mark the trip as such, and it won’t count against your score. Root also allows you to pause tracking if you’re not driving for a while (like during a vacation).

The app gives you real-time feedback, showing your braking, acceleration, and phone usage scores. This transparency is a big plus—you can see what’s helping or hurting your rating and adjust your habits accordingly.

Pricing and Potential Savings: Is Root Actually Cheaper?

One of the biggest selling points of Root is the potential for lower premiums. But is it really cheaper? The answer: it depends—on you.

Root doesn’t offer flat rates. Your price is personalized based on your driving score. That means two people with identical cars and coverage needs could pay very different amounts, simply because one drives more safely.

According to Root’s internal data, the average customer saves about 30% compared to their previous insurer. But that’s an average. Some save much more; others may not save at all—or could even pay more if their driving habits are risky.

Factors That Influence Your Root Premium

While driving behavior is the main factor, Root also considers a few traditional elements:

• Vehicle Type: Sports cars and luxury vehicles typically cost more to insure.
• Coverage Level: Higher liability limits and comprehensive/collision coverage increase your premium.
• Deductible Amount: Choosing a higher deductible lowers your monthly payment but increases out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.
• Location: While Root downplays location-based pricing, it still plays a role—especially in states with high accident or theft rates.

For example, a 35-year-old teacher driving a 2018 Honda Civic in Austin, Texas, might pay around $110/month with Root if they score well on their test drive. The same person with a poor driving score could pay $180 or more.

Real-World Savings Examples

Let’s look at a few real scenarios:

Example 1: The Safe Commuter
Maria, 29, drives 10 miles each way to work in Denver. She avoids rush hour, doesn’t use her phone while driving, and brakes gently. Her Root test drive score is 92/100. Her monthly premium: $98.

Example 2: The Night Driver
Jake, 21, drives a used Ford Focus and often picks up friends after midnight. He brakes hard a few times and checks his phone at red lights. His score: 68/100. His premium: $165/month.

Example 3: The Long-Distance Driver
David, 45, drives 100+ miles daily for work. Even with smooth driving, his high mileage increases risk. His score is 88, but his premium is $140 due to exposure.

These examples show that while Root rewards good habits, other factors still matter. High mileage, for instance, can offset a great driving score.

How Root Compares to Competitors on Price

Let’s compare Root to other usage-based insurers like Progressive’s Snapshot, Allstate’s Drivewise, and State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save.

While all these programs offer discounts for safe driving, Root is unique because it bases your *entire* premium on behavior—not just a discount on top of a traditional rate. That means the savings can be more substantial.

For instance, Progressive might offer a 10–30% discount with Snapshot, but your base rate is still calculated using age, credit, and location. Root starts from scratch with your driving data.

That said, if you’re a high-risk driver (multiple tickets, accidents, or DUIs), Root may not be the cheapest option. Traditional insurers with forgiveness programs or high-risk divisions might offer better rates in those cases.

Coverage Options: What Does Root Actually Cover?

Now, let’s talk about what you’re actually getting for your money. Root offers the standard types of car insurance coverage, but with some limitations.

Standard Coverage Types

Root provides the following core coverages:

• Liability Coverage: Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Required in most states.
• Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your car from a crash, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, or weather damage.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments: Helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you’re hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.

These are the same coverages offered by most insurers, so Root checks the box for basic protection.

What’s Missing? Limited Add-Ons and Endorsements

Here’s where Root falls short compared to larger insurers. It doesn’t offer many optional coverages or endorsements, such as:

• Rental Car Reimbursement: Pays for a rental while your car is being repaired after a covered claim.
• Roadside Assistance: Towing, jump-starts, lockout service, etc.
• Gap Insurance: Covers the difference between your car’s value and what you owe if it’s totaled.
• Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage: For aftermarket modifications like sound systems or lift kits.

If you need these extras, you’ll have to look elsewhere or pay out of pocket. For example, if your car is in the shop for two weeks after an accident, Root won’t help with rental costs unless you’ve purchased a separate rental policy (which it doesn’t offer).

State Availability: Where Can You Get Root?

As of 2024, Root is available in 38 states. That’s a significant footprint, but it’s not nationwide. States where Root is *not* available include:

• California
• New York
• Massachusetts
• North Carolina
• Washington
• And others

If you live in one of these states, you’re out of luck—at least for now. Root has been expanding slowly, prioritizing states where regulatory environments are favorable to usage-based insurance.

Customer Experience: What Do Real Users Say?

To truly answer “Is Root Car Insurance good?” we need to hear from the people using it every day. Let’s look at customer reviews, ratings, and common complaints.

Positive Reviews: Why People Love Root

Many customers praise Root for its fairness and transparency. Here are some common themes:

• “I finally feel seen as a good driver.” – Users appreciate that their safe habits are rewarded, not ignored.
• “The app is easy to use and gives real feedback.” – The interface is clean, and the driving tips help improve habits.
• “My premium dropped by $100 a month.” – Real savings make a big difference in monthly budgets.
• “No paperwork, no agents—just my phone.” – The fully digital experience appeals to tech-savvy users.

On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Root has a B+ rating, with many customers highlighting the ease of signing up and the clarity of pricing.

Negative Reviews: Common Complaints

Of course, not everyone is happy. Some recurring issues include:

• App Glitches: Users report crashes, inaccurate trip tracking, or failure to detect driving.
• Slow Claims Process: While the app allows you to file claims quickly, some say adjusters take days to respond.
• Customer Service Challenges: With no phone support (only chat and email), frustrated users feel stuck.
• Unexpected Rate Increases: A few customers report higher renewals despite good driving scores.

For example, one user on Reddit said, “I had a fender bender and filed a claim through the app. It took 10 days to get an adjuster out. My old insurer would’ve handled it in 48 hours.”

How Root Stacks Up in Customer Satisfaction

According to J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, Root ranked below average in overall customer satisfaction. It scored particularly low in claims handling and communication.

However, it ranked higher in pricing satisfaction—proof that while the experience isn’t perfect, the cost savings keep many customers loyal.

Who Is Root Best For?

Root isn’t for everyone. But for the right driver, it can be a fantastic choice.

Ideal Candidates for Root

You might be a great fit for Root if you:

• Are a safe, defensive driver with smooth habits.
• Don’t drive many miles per year (under 10,000).
• Prefer a fully digital, app-based experience.
• Are under 25 or over 65—groups often overcharged by traditional insurers.
• Live in a state where Root is available.
• Don’t need extras like roadside assistance or rental reimbursement.

Who Should Avoid Root?

Root may not be the best choice if you:

• Have a history of accidents, tickets, or DUIs.
• Drive frequently at night or in heavy traffic.
• Use your phone often while driving (even hands-free).
• Prefer speaking to a human agent over chat support.
• Need comprehensive add-ons like gap insurance or roadside help.
• Live in a state where Root isn’t available.

Final Verdict: Is Root Car Insurance Good?

So, after all this—should you switch to Root?

The short answer: Yes, if you’re a safe, low-mileage driver who values transparency and potential savings. Root’s usage-based model is innovative and fair, rewarding good behavior in a way most insurers don’t.

But no, if you need extensive coverage options, prefer human interaction, or have a risky driving profile. The lack of add-ons, limited customer support, and geographic restrictions make it a niche product.

Root isn’t perfect—but it’s a step in the right direction for an industry that’s long overdue for change. If you’re curious, there’s no harm in downloading the app and trying the test drive. It’s free, and you might just discover you’ve been overpaying for years.

At the end of the day, the best insurance is the one that fits your life—not the other way around. And for a growing number of drivers, Root is proving to be a surprisingly good fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Root determine my insurance rate?

Root uses your smartphone to track your driving behavior during a test period, analyzing braking, acceleration, phone usage, and time of day. Your premium is based on your driving score, not age, credit, or location.

Can I save money with Root even if I’m not a perfect driver?

Yes, but savings depend on your habits. Even drivers with average scores can save compared to traditional insurers, especially if they avoid hard braking and phone use.

Does Root offer roadside assistance or rental car coverage?

No, Root does not currently offer roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, or gap insurance. You’ll need to purchase these separately if needed.

Is Root available in my state?

Root is available in 38 states as of 2024. Check the Root website to see if your state is included. It is not available in California, New York, or Massachusetts, among others.

What happens if I don’t like my Root premium after the test drive?

You’re not obligated to buy a policy. The test drive is free, and you can walk away without any charges if the quoted rate isn’t right for you.

How long does it take to get a claim processed with Root?

While you can file a claim instantly through the app, some users report delays in adjuster response times. Most claims are resolved within 7–14 days, depending on complexity.