root insurance review — Root Insurance is a tech-driven auto insurer headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 2015, the company uses smartphone telematics to price policies based on actual driving behavior. Root is available in 36 states plus Washington D.C. as of 2026. The company holds about 0.4% of the U.S. auto insurance market. However, Root turned profitable in 2025 with $40.3 million in net income. Revenue reached $1.52 billion, a 29% increase year over year. This root insurance review covers everything drivers need to know before signing up. We examine coverage options, discounts, customer ratings, and real-world pricing data.
Root Insurance Coverage Options
Root offers all standard auto insurance coverages. These include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision, and comprehensive. Medical payments coverage and personal injury protection are also available. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage rounds out the core lineup. In most cases, drivers can build a policy that meets their state’s minimum requirements or opt for full coverage.
Root also provides several add-on coverages. Roadside assistance comes free with every policy. It covers up to three incidents per vehicle per six-month term, capped at $100 each. Rental car reimbursement is available as well. Uniquely, Root offers rideshare credits as an alternative to traditional rental reimbursement. Rideshare coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers is another option. However, Root does not offer gap insurance, new car replacement, or accident forgiveness. These gaps may matter to drivers with newer vehicles or loans.
Root Insurance Discounts Available
This root insurance review found that Root’s discount options are limited compared to major carriers. The biggest savings come from safe driving behavior tracked through the app. Safe drivers can save up to $900 per year based on their telematics score. Drivers with three or more years of clean records get an initial discount. Five years of clean driving earns even deeper savings.
Root also offers a low-mileage discount of approximately 6% for drivers below average annual mileage. A bundling discount of 10% applies when pairing auto with homeowners or renters insurance through Homesite Group. Paying the full premium upfront triggers a pay-in-full discount. However, Root does not offer multi-car, good student, military, senior, or defensive driving discounts. As a result, families and students may find better savings elsewhere.
Root Insurance Customer Ratings and Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is a mixed picture in any root insurance review. Root holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. On Trustpilot, the company earns 4.2 out of 5 stars from over 3,000 reviews. These scores suggest many customers have positive experiences. The sign-up process and app interface receive frequent praise.
However, other metrics raise concerns. Root’s AM Best financial strength rating is B- (Fair). Most major insurers carry A-range ratings. The NAIC complaint index stands at 1.93. That is nearly double the national expected average of 1.00. This means Root receives almost twice the complaints expected for a company its size. Claims handling is the most common issue cited. Customers report denied claims, delayed payouts, and difficulty reaching support representatives.
J.D. Power does not currently include Root in its annual auto insurance satisfaction study. For example, drivers who prioritize claims service may want to consider this gap carefully. On consumer review sites like PissedConsumer, Root scores just 1.7 out of 5 stars. Only 31% of reviewers there would recommend the company.
Root Insurance Review: Pricing and Rates
Pricing is where this root insurance review finds Root’s strongest advantage. Average full coverage rates run between $116 and $143 per month. The national average sits at $207 per month. That makes Root 28% to 44% cheaper than typical full coverage pricing. For minimum liability coverage, Root averages $65 to $88 monthly versus the $103 national average.
Annually, Root drivers pay roughly $1,394 for full coverage. The national average is approximately $2,012. That represents savings of about $618 per year. However, these rates apply primarily to clean-record drivers. Drivers with accidents or violations may pay significantly more. One analysis found Root charged $224 per month for higher-risk drivers. Rates can also increase after the initial policy period. Typically, the best pricing goes to low-risk drivers with strong telematics scores.
How Root’s Driving App Works
Understanding the app is essential to any root insurance review. Root uses your smartphone’s sensors to evaluate driving habits. The accelerometer, GPS, and gyroscope track braking, acceleration, speed, and turning. The app also monitors phone usage while driving and nighttime driving frequency.
New customers complete a test drive period of two to four weeks. During this time, the app runs in the background on every trip. After the test period, Root generates a personalized quote based on your driving score. Better scores mean lower rates. The app continues monitoring after purchase. Ongoing driving behavior factors into renewal pricing. As of late 2025, Toyota and Lexus owners can also share connected vehicle data directly with Root. No separate device or plug-in is required.
Root Insurance Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Rates up to 44% below the national average for safe drivers, saving roughly $618 per year
- Entirely app-based experience with claims filing in approximately 3 minutes
- Free roadside assistance included with every policy at no extra cost
- No credit score used for pricing in several states, rewarding driving skill over financial history
- Growing partnerships with Carvana and Kikoff make purchasing seamless
Cons:
- NAIC complaint index of 1.93, nearly double the expected national average
- AM Best B- financial strength rating is well below the A-range of most major carriers
- Very few discount options compared to traditional insurers like GEICO or State Farm
- No gap insurance, accident forgiveness, or new car replacement coverage available
- Claims handling complaints include denials, delays, and difficulty reaching support
Who Should Choose Root Insurance?
This root insurance review suggests Root works best for a specific type of driver. Safe drivers with clean records benefit most from telematics-based pricing. If you drive calmly and rarely use your phone behind the wheel, Root could save you hundreds annually. Solo policyholders without multi-car needs avoid the missing discount issue.
Root is also a strong fit for tech-comfortable drivers. The entire experience runs through the mobile app. In most cases, drivers who prefer digital-first interactions will appreciate Root’s streamlined approach. The Carvana partnership makes Root especially convenient for used car buyers. However, drivers who value claims reliability or need extensive coverage options may want to look elsewhere. Families seeking multi-car or good student discounts will typically find better value with traditional insurers.
Drivers in higher-risk categories should also compare carefully. This root insurance review found that Root’s pricing advantage disappears for those with accidents or violations. If your driving record is imperfect, a root insurance review of competitors like GEICO or Progressive may reveal better rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Root Insurance determine my rate?
Root uses a smartphone app to track your driving for two to four weeks. It measures braking, acceleration, speed, phone use, and other habits. Your personalized rate reflects your actual driving behavior, not just demographics.
Is Root Insurance financially stable?
Root carries an AM Best rating of B- (Fair) with a stable outlook. The company became profitable in 2025 with $40.3 million in net income. However, the B- rating is below the A-range that most major insurers hold.
Can I get a Root Insurance quote without the app tracking me?
No. The test drive period is required for all new customers. Root bases its pricing model entirely on observed driving data. If you prefer a traditional quote process, this root insurance review recommends considering other carriers.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on auto insurance companies and consumer protection:
- NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners): naic.org
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): nhtsa.gov
- AM Best — Insurer Financial Strength: ambest.com
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.