Root auto insurance review

How much does Root auto insurance cost?

The average cost of Root auto insurance is $916 per year for a policy with $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident. This makes Root significantly cheaper than the national average, and cheaper than most competitors that don’t use driving behavior to set rates.

Root has some of the lowest rates of any car insurance company on the market because it uses telematics to monitor behavior behind the wheel. If you practice safe, slow, defensive driving, your potential for paying lower rates increases significantly. 

If you’re aggressive and reckless (or even just someone who routinely drives over the speed limit) then you’re likely going to pay a lot more for your policy, or may not be offered coverage at all. Depending on your driving habits, this could be considered a positive or a negative. 

However, like with other car insurance companies, your rates will still depend on a number of factors, including your age, ZIP code, and driving history. Root says your driving habits during the test drive period are the most important factor in what you pay for your policy, but it still weighs things like past accidents and age. 

However Root announced in 2020 that it will drop credit scores from its rating system by 2025 and encouraged other companies to do the same.

What discounts does Root offer?

In addition to already-low average premiums, Root also offers some discounts. Discounts vary by state, so you’ll want to ask your agent what you’re eligible for, but they may include:

• Bundling discount: If you bundle your auto insurance policy with a homeowners or renters policy through Root (which partners with Homesite Insurance), you could get a discounted rate.

• Anti-theft features discount: If you have anti-theft features on your car, like a locking gas cap or certain alarms, you could also lower your premium. 

• Good student discount: Full-time students who maintain a B average (or better) may be able to get a discount on their premium.

• Safe driving discount: While this isn’t a discount in the traditional sense, Root tracks your driving habits before you even get a policy. If you prove to be a safe driver based on their standards during that trial period, that could lower your rates.

• Multi-vehicle discount: When you insure multiple cars on the same Root policy, you could save money.

• VIN discount: You could earn a discount if your VIN number is etched on your car window.

• Driving safety course discount: When you take a certified safe driving course, you could get a discount on your premium.

Root auto insurance state availability

Root auto insurance is currently available in 41 states:

• Alabama

• Arkansas

• Arizona

• California

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• Delaware

• Florida

• Georgia

• Iowa

• Idaho

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Kansas

• Kentucky

• Louisiana

• Maryland

• Minnesota

• Missouri

• Mississippi

• Montana

• North Carolina

• North Dakota

• Nebraska

• New Hampshire

• New Mexico

• Nevada

• Ohio

• Oklahoma

• Oregon

• Pennsylvania

• South Carolina

• South Dakota

• Tennessee

• Texas

• Utah

• Virginia

• Washington

• Wisconsin

• West Virginia

• Wyoming

Root is still not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington D.C. 

More about the Root test drive and Root app

When you’re ready to get a quote, you’ll download the Root app and follow the prompts to get it set up on your phone. Then, you just drive normally for a few weeks until the app lets you know your quote is ready (if you don’t qualify for coverage, you won’t be offered a quote). 

Root uses this probationary period, known as a test drive, to set your rates, which means it tracks your driving behavior for a few weeks to determine how safe a driver you are and how much to charge you for car insurance. Four major factors are tracked during a test drive, including:

• Smooth braking: Because frequent sudden stops may be an indicator that you’re following other drivers too closely, Root tracks how hard you hit your brakes and how long it takes you to stop.

• Focused driving: Distracted driving increases the likelihood of being in an accident, so Root tracks how often you use your phone while you drive, along with other distracting behavior like changing the radio station, to set your rates.

• Gentle turning: Slow, cautious turns are an important part of staying safe on the road, so Root tracks how quickly you make turns, with drivers who gently ease into and out of a turn earning a lower rate.

• Safe hours: Root uses the tracking app to determine when you’re on the road, so drivers who avoid late night trips (especially on the weekend) and busy times like rush hour traffic can earn a lower rate.

Because Root needs a certain amount of information to put together a quote, the length of your test drive is different for every driver. Drivers who spend a lot of time on the road will get a quote much faster than drivers who don’t get behind the wheel every day.

The Root app will continue to track your driving even after the test drive period is over, and use the information it gathers to set your new rates at renewal. That’s where the privacy concerns may come in for some drivers — and Root only works with smartphones, so drivers who don’t have compatible tech won’t be able to get Root insurance. 

The Root app also incentivizes good driving, so you may be able to earn “achievements” for safe driving habits even after your test drive, and receive a “driver scorecard” with information about your behavior behind the wheel.

Are you insured during the Root test drive?

When your Root car insurance policy becomes effective depends on the laws in your state. Some drivers will need to complete the test drive period before Root will offer coverage but, in states where the law doesn’t allow that, Root offers what it calls “day one coverage”, which means you are covered during your probationary test drive.

If you have a day one policy, the company offers you coverage for up to 30 days at a given rate. After your test drive is over, if they decide to insure you, the company offers you a new, updated rate that is more reflective of your driving behavior, and that will last up to six months.  

What to expect with Root auto insurance

How to get a quote: Root allows customers to use the website or download the Root app to start the quote process but, unlike most insurance companies, Root requires drivers to monitor their driving behavior with the app before getting a final quote. If the company thinks you have too much high-risk behavior, like hard braking or speeding, it may not be willing to cover you.

Customer service options: Root encourages customers to use the website or app to address their customer service needs, but customers who need to speak with a real person can call the customer service line at 866-980-9431. 

How to file a claim: Customers can file a claim directly through the Root app, which takes all the required information and allows you to upload pictures of the damage to your car. Drivers who feel more comfortable talking to a person can call the customer service number and a representative will help you file a claim. Once your claim is filed, a claims adjuster will reach out to you directly.

How to cancel your policy: Root customers can cancel their policy through the mobile app, by calling the customer service number, or emailing the company at help@joinroot.com.