Root Insurance is an insurtech company that fundamentally rethinks how auto insurance is priced. Instead of relying heavily on credit scores, ZIP codes, gender, and marital status, Root prices policies primarily on how you actually drive — monitored through your smartphone. The result: genuinely good drivers can pay significantly less, while risky drivers may not get a quote at all. This review covers how Root works, what it costs, what it covers, and who should consider it in 2026.
Bottom line: Root is best for safe, low-mileage drivers who want the lowest possible rate based on their actual driving behavior. It’s riskier to rely on than established insurers (lower financial stability rating, fewer coverage options, possibility of being declined), and you should always compare against traditional quotes.
Root Insurance at a Glance
Feature
Details
AM Best rating
B- (Fair)
Available in
~35 states
Pricing model
Primarily driving behavior
Test drive period
2-4 weeks (smartphone monitoring)
Coverage
Auto only
Renters insurance
Yes (in select states)
Home insurance
No
Life insurance
No
Mobile app
4.5/5 (iOS), 4.2/5 (Android)
Physical offices
None
Stock
ROOT (Nasdaq)
How Root’s Pricing Works
The Test Drive
Step
What Happens
1. Download app
Install Root app, create account
2. Test drive (2-4 weeks)
App monitors driving via smartphone sensors
3. Get your quote
Rate generated based on driving test results
4. Accept or decline
Buy the policy or walk away
5. Ongoing monitoring
(Optional) Continue to track for future rate adjustments
What Root Tracks
Factor
Weight
What It Measures
Hard braking
High
Frequency and severity of sudden stops
Rapid acceleration
High
Aggressive starts
Cornering speed
Medium
How fast you take turns
Phone distraction
Medium
Phone usage while driving
Time of day
Medium
Late-night driving (higher risk)
Mileage
Medium
Total miles driven
Speeding
Varies
State-dependent
Traditional vs Root Pricing Factors
Factor
Traditional Insurers
Root
Driving behavior
Minor factor (if any)
Primary factor
Credit score
Major factor
Varies by state
Age
Major factor
Minor factor
Gender
Moderate factor
Not used
Marital status
Moderate factor
Not used
Education level
Used by some
Not used
Occupation
Used by some
Not used
ZIP code
Major factor
Used (for state/area)
Driving record (violations)
Major factor
Used alongside behavior data
This means Root can be dramatically cheaper or more expensive than traditional insurance depending on your individual driving.
Coverage Options
Coverage
Available
Notes
Liability (bodily injury + property)
✅
—
Collision
✅
—
Comprehensive
✅
—
Uninsured/underinsured motorist
✅
—
Medical payments / PIP
✅
State dependent
Rental reimbursement
✅
—
Roadside assistance
✅
—
Accident forgiveness
❌
—
New car replacement
❌
—
Rideshare coverage
✅
In select states
Gap insurance
❌
—
Umbrella
❌
—
Root’s coverage options are more limited than GEICO, State Farm, or Allstate. No accident forgiveness, no new car replacement, and no gap insurance.
Estimated Savings
Driver Type
Root vs Traditional
Explanation
Excellent driver (low miles, smooth)
-20% to -40%
Driving data justifies lower risk
Good driver (average miles, safe)
-10% to -25%
Still benefits from behavior-based pricing
Average driver
±0%
May be similar to traditional quotes
Below-average driver
May be declined
Root may not offer a policy
High-risk driver (DUI, accidents)
Declined
Not Root’s target market
Rate Comparison (Good Driver)
Insurer
Approximate Annual Premium
Root
$1,100-$1,400
USAA
$1,250
GEICO
$1,500
Progressive
$1,550
State Farm
$1,650
Allstate
$1,850
For genuinely safe drivers, Root can undercut even GEICO. But Root’s rate depends entirely on your test drive results — no guarantees until you complete the monitoring period.
Mobile App
Feature
Rating
Test drive tracking
Excellent — real-time driving scores
Trip history
Good — detailed per-trip analysis
Driving score
Very good — clear feedback on braking, speed
Policy management
Good
Claims filing
Good — in-app with photos
Payment
Good
ID cards
Yes
Overall
4.0/5
The app doubles as a driving improvement tool — you can see how each trip scores and identify driving habits to improve.
Claims Process
Feature
Details
Filing methods
App, phone
24/7 filing
Yes (app)
Photo estimates
Yes
Response time
Varies — generally within 24-48 hours
Repair network
Limited (compared to GEICO/State Farm)
Customer reviews
Mixed — some report delays
Satisfaction data
Limited (not enough J.D. Power data)
Root’s claims experience is less proven than established insurers. Mixed online reviews suggest some customers experience slower processing.
Renters Insurance (Select States)
Feature
Details
Starting premium
~$5-$10/month
Personal property
$10,000-$100,000
Liability
$100,000-$300,000
Available states
Limited
Pros and Cons
Pros
Advantage
Why It Matters
Behavior-based pricing
Safe drivers pay for their own risk, not others'
Significant savings for good drivers
20-40% cheaper than traditional
No credit score factor (some states)
Fairer for low-credit consumers
Doesn’t use gender or marital status
More equitable pricing
Driving improvement feedback
App helps you drive safer
Simple app experience
Modern, clean interface
Low base premiums
Very competitive for qualifying drivers
Cons
Drawback
Impact
Can decline coverage
Not guaranteed a policy
B- AM Best rating
Lower financial strength than major insurers
Limited coverage options
No gap, no new car replacement, no accident forgiveness
WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy
