Root is a telematics-first insurer that prices policies almost entirely based on how you drive, not who you are. Founded in 2015, it’s one of the youngest carriers in this review set and one of the most structurally different. Its AM Best rating of B- (Fair) is the lowest of any carrier we review and it’s not rated by JD Power, though its NAIC complaint volume runs above average. The model works well for safe drivers who are being overcharged by traditional carriers, but there are meaningful financial and service-level risks for drivers to note.
- Pricing based primarily on driving behavior rather than demographics.
- No credit score used in pricing.
- Fully app-based experience with quick online quoting and claims filing.
- SR-22 filing available in select states.
- Competitive rates for safe drivers.
- AM Best B- (Fair) is the lowest financial strength rating in our set.
- Not rated by JD Power and CRASH Network grade of C.
- Higher NAIC complaint volume than expected.
- Limited coverage add-ons and 36-state availability.
- Renewal rate increases are a common customer complaint.
Root car insurance: Jerry’s verdict
Root is built on a genuinely different premise: that how you drive matters more than where you live, how old you are or what your credit score looks like. For the right driver, that premise translates to real savings. For others, it introduces risks that traditional carriers don’t carry.
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Root is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: ROOT) that has grown to cover drivers in 36 states. It operates entirely through its mobile app: drivers download Root, complete a three-week “Test Drive” that monitors braking, acceleration, speed, phone use and time of day, then receive a quote based primarily on that behavioral data. Root has committed to eliminating credit scores from its pricing model, a practice it calls discriminatory, and has followed through in most markets.
If you’re a safe driver who’s been paying too much because of your age, your ZIP code or a credit score that doesn’t reflect how you actually drive, Root may genuinely surprise you. Its behavior-based pricing can come in well below what traditional carriers quote for the same person, and its growing list of embedded partnerships — with Carvana, Hyundai and others — means more drivers are encountering it at the point of purchase and finding it competitive.
The financial strength picture deserves serious attention. Root holds an AM Best rating of B- (Fair), meaning its operating insurers have a fair ability to pay claims but are more sensitive to adverse conditions than carriers in the A range (and every other carrier in this review set holds at least an A). Root is still a growth-stage company building toward profitability, and a B- from AM Best reflects that reality. Its CRASH Network grade of C and above-average NAIC complaint volume suggest the claims experience is still developing, and customer reports of renewal rate increases are worth noting before committing to an attractive first-term quote.
Root is best evaluated as a pricing experiment: take the Test Drive, see what rate you’re offered and compare it against quotes from established carriers through Jerry. If Root is substantially cheaper and you’re comfortable with the financial strength profile, it may be worth signing up. But if the savings are more modest, the tradeoffs likely aren’t worthwhile.
Who Root is best and worst for
A safe driver who is overpaying due to traditional rating factors. Root’s model explicitly deprioritizes demographics. Drivers who have been penalized by credit scores, age or ZIP code despite a clean driving record may find Root’s behavior-based pricing significantly lower than what traditional carriers offer.
A tech-comfortable driver who prefers an app-based experience. Root’s entire policy lifecycle exists in its app: quoting, purchasing, payments, claims and policy management. Drivers who prefer this model over phone calls or agent visits will find Root’s digital experience well-designed.
A young driver with good habits but limited credit history. Root’s credit-free pricing model removes one of the biggest rate-inflating factors for young drivers, making it worth testing for those who drive safely but are new to the credit system.
A driver who prioritizes financial strength. Root’s AM Best (B-) rating is below the threshold most insurance professionals recommend for primary coverage. Drivers who want confidence that their insurer can pay claims should choose a top carrier with an A-range rating.
Someone who wants coverage add-ons or specialty coverage. Root’s product is basic. It does not offer accident forgiveness, gap insurance, new car replacement or most other add-ons standard at established carriers.
A driver outside the 36-state coverage area. Root is not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont or Wyoming.
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Learn more: Full coverage vs. liability-only insurance
How much does Root car insurance cost?
Root’s pricing model is structurally different from almost every other carrier. That’s because your rate is determined primarily by your driving behavior during the Test Drive, rather than by traditional factors like age or credit score. For safe drivers, this can mean rates well below the market average. For drivers whose habits don’t score well, Root may decline to offer coverage or quote rates that are higher than expected.
How the Test Drive works
New customers need to download the Root app and drive normally for approximately three weeks. The app monitors things like braking smoothness, acceleration, speed, phone use while driving and the times of day you drive. After your Test Drive, Root generates a quote based primarily on that behavioral data. Drivers who score well can unlock significant savings, while drivers who don’t qualify will be declined.
What affects your rate beyond the Test Drive
While Root’s Test Drive is the primary factor when determining your rate, it’s not the only consideration.
- Your driving record is still considered, though Root weights current behavior more heavily than history.
- Location matters, as state regulations and local risk factors affect base rates.
- Mileage plays a role, with lower-mileage drivers typically paying less.
- Root does not use credit scores in its pricing model.
Renewal rate variability
Renewal increases are one of the most documented complaints from Root customers. Drivers who were quoted a competitive initial rate have reported significant increases at renewal with no change in their driving record or behavior. This is worth factoring into any cost comparison.
Key takeaway: To figure out the right coverage for you, start with your comfort level around risk and what your car is worth. Then let Jerry show you what each option costs in real time.
Learn more: Best car insurance companies
Industry ratings of Root car insurance
Root’s industry scores reflect its status as a newer, smaller insurer that has not yet achieved the financial strength or independent recognition of established carriers.
| Rating | Root’s score |
| NAIC consumer complaint index (2025) | High (1.91). |
| CRASH Network report card (2026) | C-. |
| JD Power auto insurance shopping study (2025) | N/A |
| JD Power auto insurance claims study (2025) | N/A. |
| AM Best (2026) | N/A. |
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NAIC details
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CRASH Network details
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JD Power details
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AM Best details
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Root car insurance coverage options
Root offers the standard suite of personal auto coverage. Its product is intentionally streamlined: fewer add-ons than most established carriers, with the emphasis on competitive base pricing rather than coverage customization.
Standard coverage includes:
- Bodily injury liability. Covers injuries to others when you’re at fault in an accident.
- Property damage liability. Covers damage to another person’s property when you’re at fault.
- Collision. Covers damage to your own vehicle from a collision with another vehicle or object.
- Comprehensive. Covers damage from non-collision events such as theft, weather or vandalism.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Covers your injuries and damages when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
- Medical payments/personal injury protection (PIP). Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault.
Optional coverage through Root includes:
- Roadside assistance for up to three service calls per six-month term per vehicle, covering towing, gas delivery and battery jumps up to $100 per incident.
- Rental reimbursement to cover a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired after a covered claim.
Root does not offer gap insurance, accident forgiveness, new car replacement or most other add-ons commonly available from standard carriers. SR-22 filing is available in select states, though.
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Coverage Definitions
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Who it pays: The other person, for injuries when you’re at fault in a crash.
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What it covers: Medical bills, lost wages and legal costs for people injured in an accident you cause.
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How it pays: Up to your policy limits, shown as two numbers. For example, 50/100 means $50K per person and $100K per accident.*
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Do you need it? Required by law in every state except New Hampshire. Your state sets a minimum, but Jerry recommends considering limits of at least 100/300.
Property damage liability (PD)
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Who it pays: The other person, for property you damage in a crash.
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What it covers: Costs to repair or replace another person’s car, fence, mailbox or other property you hit.
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How it pays: Up to your policy’s limit. For example, $50K.*
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Do you need it? Required by law in every state except New Hampshire. Your state sets a minimum, but Jerry recommends considering limits of at least $100K.
*Bodily injury liability and property damage liability are typically shown as three numbers on your policy, like 100/300/100. The first two numbers represent your bodily injury limits per person and per accident, while the third number represents your property damage limit.
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Who it pays: You, for damage to your own car.
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What it covers: Costs to repair or replace your own car after a crash with another car or object, like a guardrail or pole.
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How it pays: You pay a deductible first, then insurance covers the rest, typically up to your car’s current market value.
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Do you need it? Required if you’re financing or leasing your car. Optional otherwise, but recommended if your car is worth more than $5,000. May not be worthwhile for older, lower-value cars.
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Who it pays: You, for damage to your own car.
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What it covers: Damage from non-crash events like theft, vandalism, hail, flooding, falling trees, fire or hitting an animal.
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How it pays: You pay a deductible first, then insurance covers the rest, typically up to your car’s current market value.
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Do you need it? Required if you’re financing or leasing your car. Optional otherwise, but recommended if your car is worth more than $5,000. May not be worthwhile for older, lower-value cars.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM)
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Who it pays: You and your passengers, for injuries and property damage.
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What it covers: Your own injuries and property damage when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your costs, including hit-and-runs in many states.
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How it pays: Up to your chosen limits, which often match your BI limits. There’s usually no deductible for UM, but UIM may have one.
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Do you need it? Required in some states, but Jerry recommends every driver get it, since about 1 in 8 drivers does not have car insurance.
Personal injury protection (PIP)
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Who it pays: You and your passengers, for medical bills and lost income, no matter who caused the accident.
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What it covers: Medical bills, lost wages, childcare, funeral costs and other expenses after an accident, regardless of fault.
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How it pays: Up to your policy limit. There’s usually no deductible, though this varies by state.
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Do you need it? Required in no-fault states. If available in your state, it’s worth considering.
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Who it pays: You and your passengers, for medical bills.
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What it covers: Medical expenses after an accident, regardless of fault.
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How it pays: No deductible. Pays up to your policy’s limit.
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Do you need it? Optional in most states, but can be valuable if you don’t have health insurance or have a high-deductible health plan.
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Root car insurance discounts
Root does not offer a traditional discount menu. Instead, safe driving savings are built into the pricing model itself through the Test Drive. That said, a handful of additional savings opportunities do exist:
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Test Drive savings. Up to $900 per year or 44% off your initial quote (according to Root) for drivers who score well during the Test Drive period.
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Focused driving discount. Up to 10% off for drivers who avoid phone use while driving, as tracked by the app.
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Pay in full. Save by paying your six-month premium upfront.
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Homeowner discount. A discount for owning a home, even if it’s not insured through Root.
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Good student discount. Available to eligible students with a qualifying academic record.
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Safety features. Automatic discounts for vehicles with qualifying factory safety equipment including airbags, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft systems.
🎖️
Military discount. Available to active-duty military members in select markets.
Does Root offer insurance based on driving behavior?
Root is usage-based insurance. Its entire pricing model is built on telematics data collected through its smartphone app. The Test Drive period is mandatory for new customers, and Root monitors driving behavior continuously through the app for ongoing pricing purposes.
Drivers who prefer traditional flat-rate pricing or who don’t want continuous driving monitoring should choose a different carrier.
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Filing a claim with Root
Root offers multiple ways for filing a claim and managing it once filed.
File in the app or by phone
Claims can be filed directly in the Root app at any time, or by calling Root’s claims line. Filing in the app is the fastest path: drivers add a description of the incident and photos, and Root assigns a claims expert to review the file.
Work with a claims expert
Root assigns a dedicated claims expert who explains next steps and manages the repair process. Claims handling is conducted remotely as there are no in-person offices or local agents. Given Root’s above-average NAIC complaint volume and C- grade from CRASH Network, documenting every interaction from the moment you file a claim is wise.
Repair and rental
Root will provide a repair estimate that you can take to any licensed shop. If you have rental reimbursement coverage, Root will authorize a rental vehicle while your car is repaired. Root does not operate a preferred repair network with a repair guarantee.
Settlement or payout
For total losses, Root settles based on actual cash value (ACV). There is no new car replacement or gap coverage available through Root.
Customer reviews of Root
A few hundred Jerry customers have reviewed Root auto insurance, giving the carrier modest feedback.
Is Root a good insurance company?
Root works as intended for a specific driver: Someone who drives safely, is comfortable with an app-only insurance experience and is being overcharged by traditional carriers due to factors unrelated to their actual driving behavior (like age or credit score). For that driver, the Test Drive can produce real savings that justify the tradeoffs.
For most drivers, those tradeoffs are harder to accept. No AM Best rating means Root’s financial position is unknown, compared to other carriers in this review set. Its high NAIC complaint volume and low CRASH Network grade suggest the claims experience is below average. Its renewal rate increases are a documented pattern, and its coverage menu leaves out options that many drivers need.
Take the Test Drive and get the quote. Then compare against top carriers through Jerry before deciding.
See coverage options for your car.
How to contact Root
You can compare Root against other carriers and get a quote through Jerry. To manage an existing policy or file a claim, use the Root app or contact Root directly.
- Customer service: 1-866-980-9431 (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET)
- Customer service email: help@joinroot.com
- Claims: Available in the Root app or by phone
- App: Root Insurance (iOS and Android)
Related guides
FAQ
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What are the pros and cons of Root car insurance?
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How does Root’s Test Drive work?
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Does Root use credit scores?
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What states does Root operate in?
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Does Root file SR-22s?
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How do I file a claim with Root?
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Methodology
We looked at over 400,000 actual policies quotes from real Jerry customers during 2024 across 24 different insurance companies. The pricing data included both those with clean driving records as well as those with a violation.
How we rate car insurance companies
Jerry’s team of car insurance expert writers and editors analyze real customer ratings and industry reports to get a holistic view of an insurer’s performance. Our rubric emphasizes the shopping and claims experiences, customer complaints and reviews, repair shops’ evaluations of insurers, policy and quote pricing, and state availability.
We regularly reassess insurers’ star ratings and fact-check these reviews to ensure they’re accurate and up-to-date.
These individual factors roll up into one weighting system as follows:
20% Financial strength.
20% Complaints.
20% Industry ratings.
20% Customer ratings.
20% Cost and discounts.
Stephanie Colestock is a professional writer, CFEI®, and licensed insurance agent specializing in personal finance. With over 14 years of experience, she crafts insightful and accessible content on a wide range of financial topics, including insurance, loans, credit/debt, investing, retirement planning, and banking.
Her bylines appear in top-tier publications such as TIME, Fortune, MSN, Business Insider, USA Today, Money, Fox Business, and CBS. Stephanie’s deep understanding of complex financial concepts and her ability to communicate them clearly have made her a trusted voice in the industry.
When she’s not writing, Stephanie enjoys SCUBA diving, reading a good book, and traveling the world with her family.
