Root Insurance review 2025
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At a glance
Auto
3.0
Cost & ratings
3.0
Coverage
2.5
Support
3.8
Home
3.8
Cost & ratings
3.0
Coverage
5.0
Support
4.0
About Bankrate Score
Bankrate's take
Customers interested in digital-focused auto insurance providers specializing in usage-based telematics car insurance may find a good fit in Root Insurance.
- Primarily uses driving behavior to determine car insurance costs, which could reduce rates in certain cases
- Investing in after-market anti-theft devices could save you anywhere from 5 to 15 percent on your car insurance, according to Root
- Can conveniently bundle home and auto insurance policies within the company’s app
- Roadside assistance is included in every policy except in California and Nevada
Root car insurance review
Root is upfront about its strict eligibility requirements. Only drivers that pass the carrier's test drive will be offered a quote for car insurance. The company’s rationale is that if it only offers coverage to good drivers, every driver that is part of the insurance pool will pay less in premiums overall.
Root car insurance may be a good option for drivers who want their car insurance rates to be based on how safely they drive. This could be an advantage for demographics that typically face high rates, such as young and new drivers. The company has also pledged to remove credit scores as a rating factor by 2025, eliminating further barriers for people to obtain affordable car insurance.
Root car insurance is currently only available in 34 states. To get started, drivers can download the Root mobile app and test drive with it for a few weeks. If drivers pass the test, they will be offered a quote. The company offers the minimum standard coverage options, like bodily injury and property damage liability, but add-on coverage options are fairly limited. Policyholders can opt to add rental car reimbursement as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Drivers who prioritize safety may be interested to know that roadside assistance is included on every Root car insurance policy.
Pros and cons of Root car insurance
Comparing benefits and drawbacks for multiple carriers may help you decide which company is the best fit for your insurance needs. Here are some key points we identified with Root car insurance:
Pros
- Car insurance rates are based primarily on real-time driving behavior
- Car insurance policy can be managed through mobile app
- Credit score might not be used as a rating factor in some states
Cons
- Limited add-on coverage options
- Not rated by AM Best for financial strength or J.D. Power for customer satisfaction
- Not available in every state and drivers must first pass a initial test drive phase
Root car insurance cost
While the average cost of a Root car insurance policy is not available, the national average cost of car insurance is $740 per year for minimum coverage and $2,542 for full coverage. Your car insurance rates may be higher or lower depending on various car insurance rating factors and Root’s proprietary method of calculating rates.
Most insurance experts recommend comparing quotes from more than one car insurance company to find the most affordable rates for your unique situation.
Root customer satisfaction
When reviewing an insurance company, it may be helpful to get a sense of how satisfied customers are with its insurance products and customer service. This may help give you an idea of what it might be like to be a policyholder. Third-party agencies like J.D. Power, AM Best, Standard & Poor's and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) may provide additional insights on customer satisfaction and financial strength. You might also consider speaking with current policyholders to get an idea of their experience with a carrier. Root does not have much data available on customer satisfaction, and is not scored nor rated with J.D. Power or AM Best.
Root auto insurance customer complaints
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) keeps track of customer complaints and scores companies based on how many complaints they receive relative to other businesses in their industry. One is considered a baseline score that captures the industry average. In contrast, scores above one indicate a higher-than-average level of complaints, and a score below one indicates a lower level of complaints.
For the last three years of available data, Root private passenger insurance has scored consistently above the industry average for complaints.
Root car insurance discounts
Root claims that good drivers can save up to $900 per year by switching to one of its auto policies. Part of Root’s aim to streamline the quoting process is to automatically apply money-saving discounts during the quoting process so that drivers won’t have to check if they qualify. This means that the company does not offer many specifics about its discounts, but lists some common ones that may be factored in during the quoting process. Some of its mentioned discount factors include:
- Safe driver discount: Drivers must demonstrate safe driving habits to qualify for Root coverage, but policyholders may save on their rates if they demonstrate especially safe habits.
- Usage-based discount: Root measures your driving habits and range during your test drive period. The company may incorporate a low mileage discount based on how much you drive during this period.
- Bundling discount: Root may extend a discount to policyholders who carry an auto insurance policy and a homeowners or renters insurance policy with the carrier or its homeowners insurance partner Homesite.
- Paid-in-full discount: Policyholders who pay their policy premium in full, rather than in monthly installments, may earn a discount.
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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Get personalized auto insurance quotes
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Root home insurance review
Root home insurance is offered in 17 states through its partner company, Homesite. Although home policies are not offered directly by Root, customers may be able to use the Root mobile app to manage their homeowners insurance policy and file claims. Homesite offers the standard homeowners insurance coverage like dwelling coverage, personal property and personal liability.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to include other add-ons such as water backup coverage, earthquake insurance, service line coverage and coverage for roof damage due to wind or hail.
Pros and cons of Root homeowners insurance
Finding the best homeowners insurance could be a key part of your financial plan. In reviewing Root homeowners insurance options, it may help to take a closer look at Homesite. Here is a summary of Root homeowners insurance pros and cons may help you decide if it could work for your needs:
Pros
- Online quoting available
- Variety of optional coverage types available
- Condo and renters insurance also available
Cons
- Underwritten by partner company Homesite, not Root itself
- Only available in 17 states
- Not rated by J.D. Power for customer satisfaction
Root home insurance cost
Although Bankrate does not have average premium data for Root or Homesite, the 2024 national average cost of homeowners insurance is $1,687 for $300K in dwelling coverage. You may contact a Root or Homesite agent to get a homeowners insurance quote.
While requesting home insurance quotes, your actual premium may vary depending on factors like the location of your home, square footage, coverage selections and more. Each home insurance company also has its own method for calculating rates, so you likely won’t know your estimated premium until you request a quote.
Root customer satisfaction
Evaluating customer satisfaction with an insurance provider like Root can provide valuable insights into what it might be like to be a policyholder. Third-party ratings from organizations such as J.D. Power, AM Best, Standard & Poor's and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) often offer perspectives on customer satisfaction and financial strength. While Root Insurance lacks extensive data on customer satisfaction and hasn't been scored by J.D. Power or rated by AM Best, considering feedback from existing policyholders and reviewing available customer reviews might offer some understanding of the company's service quality. It's important to approach these reviews with the awareness that individual experiences can vary widely.
Root home insurance customer complaints
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) tracks and scores insurance companies based on customer complaints, with a score of one representing the industry average. Root's home insurance has seen a remarkable improvement in customer satisfaction, achieving perfect NAIC complaint indexes in 2021, 2022 and 2023, indicating fewer complaints than average and a better policyholder experience. Despite not being evaluated by J.D. Power for customer satisfaction, these scores reflect Root's dedication to effectively addressing customer concerns.
Root home insurance discounts
Homesite offers a number of home insurance discounts that may help policyholders save money. These include:
- Home safety discount: Homes with central monitoring or a direct line to fire or burglar alarms and sprinklers in every room might qualify for this discount.
- Newer roof discount: Homeowners may qualify for this discount if they have a roof that is less than 10 years old.
- Age of home discount: Homeowners could earn a discount on their home insurance policy based on the age of their home. Newly constructed homes may be more likely to receive this discount.
- Retired occupant discount: Homeowners above a certain age or who have retired may be able to add this discount to their policy.
Get personalized home insurance quotes
Answering a few quick questions to check your availability with Root
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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Compare Root with other insurers
If you're not sure that Root is the best car insurance company for you, you might consider getting a quote from one of the following comparable companies:
Root vs. Lemonade
Lemonade could be a good option if you are looking for another car insurance provider that uses telematics data to calculate your car insurance policy. The company also takes a socially conscious approach by planting trees to offset its customers' CO2 emissions and allowing customers to choose which charities to donate unused premium to. Lemonade also underwrites its own home insurance policies and won our 2024 Bankrate Award for best digital home insurance company. However, Lemonade car insurance is currently only available in Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, Arizona, Oregon, Washington and Texas.
Learn more: Lemonade Insurance review
Root vs. Allstate
Allstate is a national carrier that also offers its Drivewise telematics program for those who want to earn discounts and further rewards based on real-time driving behavior. As a bonus, drivers don’t need to be an Allstate customer to participate. Allstate also offers an array of home, auto and life insurance products which could be ideal for customers who want to handle all their insurance needs with a single company. Although Allstate also has robust digital tools, the carrier's average rates are significantly higher than the national average.
Learn more: Allstate Insurance review
Root vs. Clearcover
Clearcover aso takes a tech-forward approach to car insurance, with online quoting and claims services. All policy management and billing can be handled through its mobile app, and customer service agents are available at any time for assistance. Like Root, Clearcover's homeowners insurance is underwritten by a partner company, Hippo Insurance. Compared to Root, Clearcover is available in fewer states.
Learn more: Clearcover Insurance review
Why you can trust Bankrate
Read our full methodologyThe insurance market can be complicated, but Bankrate's insurance editorial team used our unique perspective to bring readers the information they need to make educated decisions when shopping for a policy.
78
years of industry experience
9
licensed staff
34.5K
ZIP codes examined
120
carriers reviewed
Is Root a good insurance company?
Bankrate’s insurance editorial team reviewed over a hundred carriers to help you find the best car insurance. Drivers who want a robust mobile and online platform to handle their car insurance needs might find that solution in Root Insurance. Because of its strict eligibility requirements and requires a test drive, not every driver will qualify for coverage. However, those that do may pay premiums based mostly on their driving abilities, and not factors like age and credit score (although this hasn’t been fully phased out yet).
For those that also want home insurance coverage, Root has a partnership through Homesite, but does not underwrite policies itself. This also means that policyholders would not be able to manage their home insurance through the Root app, which could be an inconvenience.
What are real-life customers saying about Root?
To gain insight into the Root customer experience, we turned to platforms where individuals openly share their thoughts and encounters: Reddit and Quora. These forums allow for candid discussions among users, offering a plethora of personal stories, tips and critiques about their insurance companies, including Root. While neither Reddit nor Quora serves as a traditional review site, the depth and variety of user-generated content available on these platforms can provide valuable perspectives from those who have navigated policies, claims and customer service interactions with Root firsthand.
Reddit users' opinions on Root Insurance are mixed. Some users praise the company for offering lower premiums and view it as a promising alternative to traditional insurers. Conversely, others express strong dissatisfaction, labeling the company as deceptive, particularly criticizing the test drive process and issues related to policy cancellation and classification of driving versus passenger status.
Quora
On Quora, the feedback regarding Root Insurance also spans a wide spectrum. One user shared a negative experience, highlighting difficulties with policy cancellation and unexpected charges, leading them back to their previous insurer. In contrast, another individual praised Root for their exceptional customer service and responsiveness, emphasizing the value of communication with real, unscripted humans and expressing a strong loyalty to the company based on their positive experiences.
Root company details
For those seeking assistance or more information on Root Insurance, here are the essential contact details:
- Customer service: Agents can be reached via live chat on Root’s website, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern time
- Claims: File claims online, call 1-866-980-9431 or email claims@joinroot.com
- Claims mailing address:
- Root Insurance Attn: Claims Department
80 E Rich Street, Suite 500
Columbus, OH 43215
State availability
Currently, Root car insurance is not available in Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming or the District of Columbia.
Root tools and benefits
Root does not offer an extensive list of additional perks and services, but a few benefits are worth noting.
- Referral rewards: New Root members can win up to $100 when they sign up using a referral code. The provider of that referral code will win the same amount.
- Roadside assistance: All Root car insurance policies include roadside assistance as part of the package.
Frequently asked questions about Root
Methodology
Rates
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze April 2025 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates for our base profile are based on the following characteristics and full coverage limits with bundling and paperless billing discounts applied:
Bodily injury liability
$100,000 per person$300,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$50,000 per accidentPersonal injury protection
$100,000 per accidentUninsured motorist bodily injury
$100,000 per person$300,000 per accident
Collision deductible
$500Comprehensive deductible
$500To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes. Your quotes will differ.
If otherwise specified, the base profile has been modified with the following driver characteristics:
Other profiles
Bankrate Score
Our 2025 Bankrate Score for auto insurance considers key variables that our insurance editorial team determined impact policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These factors include a robust assessment of each company’s cost of coverage, product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. We grouped these factors into three essential categories — cost and ratings, coverage and savings, and support — which we then weighted in a tiered approach.
Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.
- Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto insurance companies satisfy these priorities, our team analyzed quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
- Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated the discount options listed on each company’s website.
- Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored in a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
Tier scores are unweighted to show the company's true score in each category out of a possible five points.
Rates
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze April 2025 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates for our base profile are based on the following characteristics and coverage limits:
Dwelling coverage
$300,000Other structures coverage
$30,000Personal property coverage
$150,000Loss of use coverage
$60,000Liability coverage
$500,000Medical payment coverage
$1,000The homeowners also have a $1,000 deductible, a $500 hail deductible and a 2 percent hurricane deductible (or the next closest deductible amounts that are available) where separate deductibles apply.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes will differ.
If otherwise specified, the base profile has been modified with the following homeowner characteristics:
Dwelling coverage:
- Coverage A, Dwelling: $150,000, $350,000, $450,000, $750,000
- Coverage B, Other Structures: $15,000, $35,000, $45,000, $75,000
- Coverage C, Personal Property: $75,000, $175,000, $225,000, $375,000
- Coverage D, Loss of Use: $30,000, $70,000, $90,000, $150,000
- Coverage E, Liability: $500,000
- Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000
Bankrate Score
Our 2025 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impact policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s cost of coverage, product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. We grouped these factors into three essential categories — cost and ratings, coverage and savings, and support — which we then weighted in a tiered approach.
Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.
- Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, our team analyzed average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
- Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
- Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways a home insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored in a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
Tier scores are unweighted to show the company's true score in each category out of a possible five points.
What policyholders are saying about Root
Root has 50 reviews
Dive into community reviews below and see what others think about Root.
To help serve you with relevant information, the customer reviews shown are limited to only those that this advertiser has received during the past 12 months.
recommend this insurer
In May 2024, Bankrate collaborated with market research firm SliceMR to survey over 1,500 insurance customers nationwide, asking policyholders to rate their insurer’s cost, coverage, customer support and overall experience on a five-point scale. Bankrate and SliceMR collected and analyzed these customer ratings, along with website analytics and responses to three open-ended questions regarding customer experience. Responses are based on individual policyholders’ policy details and personal experience, and therefore cannot be verified for accuracy. Users received an incentive for their feedback. All ratings are unedited and have not been reviewed or approved by insurance carriers. User-generated ratings are separate from carrier Bankrate Scores — which are calculated based on our proprietary methodology — and may not match.
Community Reviews
