CarInsurance.com Insights
- Root sets rates primarily on how you drive, using telematics from its mobile app, which can reward safe drivers with lower premiums.
- Every Root policy includes roadside assistance at no extra cost, but coverage options are more limited than those from larger insurers.
- Root may be a good fit for tech-savvy, low-risk drivers, but it doesn’t offer gap or motorcycle insurance and is only available in select states.
Root Insurance may be a good option if you want cheap car insurance with a good company. There are pros and cons to Root as there are with any company. But Root Insurance has an interesting way of doing things, and if you’re a good driver (more on that soon), it may be a good choice for you.
We’ll dig into the roots of Root below.
Who is Root best for?
Root is best for tech-savvy, safe drivers who don’t mind using an app to manage their insurance. If you drive fewer miles, maintain good driving habits and want straightforward coverage at potentially lower rates, Root may be a strong fit.
It’s also a good choice for drivers who value included roadside assistance and a fully digital experience. However, if you need gap insurance, motorcycle coverage or prefer in-person support, you may want to consider other insurers.
Pros & cons of Root auto insurance
Pros
- Rates are based on your driving habits through telematics, which can benefit safe drivers.
- Roadside assistance is included with every policy.
- Easy-to-use mobile app for quotes, claims and policy management.
- It offers standard coverages, plus options like rental reimbursement and rideshare coverage.
- Focused on transparent pricing with potential savings for low-risk drivers.
Cons
- Availability is limited to certain states.
- Does not offer gap insurance, motorcycle insurance or ATV coverage.
- Mixed customer reviews on claims handling and support.
- Savings potential depends heavily on your driving test score.
- Requires comfort with an app-based experience rather than traditional agent support.
Root auto insurance coverage options
Liability insurance pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. For example, if you damage a business or another driver’s vehicle, liability coverage helps pay for repairs and medical bills.
Root also offers medical payments (MedPay) coverage, which helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers after a crash, no matter who is at fault. You can also add collision and comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle against accidents, theft, vandalism and weather damage.
With uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, you’re protected if another driver without enough insurance causes an accident.
Root provides additional options such as rental reimbursement coverage, which helps pay for a rental car or rideshare while your vehicle is being repaired.
As an added benefit, roadside assistance is included with every Root policy and can be accessed easily through the Root app.
What doesn’t Root car insurance cover?
Root provides the most common types of auto insurance coverage, but does not insure every kind of vehicle. For example, it doesn’t offer policies for motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
In addition, Root does not provide gap insurance. This coverage can be important if your car is totaled and you owe more on your loan or lease than your vehicle’s actual cash value. Without gap insurance, you may be responsible for paying the difference out of pocket.
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Where is Root insurance available?
Root insurance is available in 35 states. It’s unavailable in Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, North Carolina or Washington, D.C.
Root car insurance discounts
Root’s approach to savings is straightforward: instead of offering dozens of discounts, it focuses on rewarding safe driving with lower rates. Any eligible savings are automatically factored into your quote, so you don’t need to chase down multiple discounts.
Over time, if you continue to demonstrate safe driving habits through the Root app, your premiums may decrease even further. In addition, bundling your auto and homeowners insurance with Root can lead to additional savings on both policies.
Root customer reviews and complaints
Root is rated by neither AM Best nor J.D. Power.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) collects complaints from state insurance departments and gave Root an above-average complaint index score.
Root is a BBB-accredited business with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Root car insurance claims
You can file a claim on the app or call in your claim 24/7, but you won’t be able to talk to a human at all hours, just business hours (from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST).
Root website and apps
Your insurance card is on the app (Root will also mail you a paper card). You file claims through the app or website and request roadside assistance through the app. Root’s website is easy to navigate and read and takes a simplistic, no-nonsense approach.
Mobile app rating
The Root insurance app has 4.7 stars out of 5 in the Apple App Store, with 71,000 ratings. As of October 2025, its rating on the Google Play Store is 3.2 out of 5 stars, based on 37,700 reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Is Root cheaper than other car insurance companies?
Root can be cheaper for safe, low-mileage drivers because rates are based primarily on telematics driving data from its app. However, not every driver will save. Those with poor driving scores may find lower premiums with larger insurers that use more traditional rating factors.
What discounts does Root offer?
Root doesn’t offer a wide menu of discounts like many competitors. Instead, it applies savings upfront based on your driving behavior. However, you can still lower costs by bundling your auto and homeowners insurance with Root.
Does Root offer accident forgiveness?
No. Root does not currently offer accident forgiveness as an option. Depending on your driving history, rates may rise after an at-fault accident.
Does Root have gap insurance?
No. Root does not offer gap insurance. Drivers with a loan or lease who need gap coverage may want to consider another insurer.
How do I file a claim with Root?
You can file claims directly through the Root mobile app, by phone or online. Root emphasizes a digital-first process, so most customers use the app for claims submissions and tracking.
How does Root rank in customer satisfaction?
Root has mixed customer satisfaction ratings. Many drivers like the app’s convenience, but others report frustration with claims handling. Root is not ranked in J.D. Power’s major regional studies.
Does Root raise rates after an accident or ticket?
Yes. Like most insurers, Root typically increases rates after an at-fault accident or serious violation. Since Root bases premiums on driving behavior, repeated risky driving habits tracked through the app can also result in higher costs.
Is Root good for high-risk drivers?
Not usually. Root is designed to reward safe driving, so high-risk drivers may receive higher rates or not qualify for coverage. Progressive or non-standard insurers may be better options for high-risk drivers.
Does Root offer telematics or usage-based insurance?
Yes. Root is built around telematics. The company’s app tracks factors like braking, speed, phone use and time of day to calculate your rate. Safe drivers can save significantly.
What types of add-ons does Root provide?
Root offers optional coverages such as rental car reimbursement and rideshare coverage. Every policy also includes roadside assistance at no additional cost. However, it does not offer some add-ons like gap insurance or new car replacement.
Can I manage my policy online with Root?
Yes. Root is entirely app-based, so you can manage your policy, make payments, file claims and access ID cards directly from your smartphone.
Is Root a good insurance company overall?
Root is a good choice for tech-savvy, safe drivers who don’t mind an app-first insurance experience and want the potential for lower rates. It’s less ideal for drivers who prefer agent support, need gap insurance or have higher-risk driving profiles.
Sources:
Joinroot.com.”Root” Accessed October 2025.
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