Root Car Insurance Review: Rates, Coverage, and Customer Experience

Is Root Insurance Right for You? Here’s the Honest Truth

When I first came across Root Insurance, I’ll admit I was skeptical. A car insurance company that uses your phone to track how you drive instead of just looking at your credit score? Sounded a bit gimmicky to me. But after months of testing it out for myself (yep, I put it through its paces on my chaotic commute), I can confidently say there’s more to this company than slick marketing. So, in this Root car insurance review, we’re going to unpack the pros, the cons, and everything in between using plain English and a few personal stories along the way.

Whether you’re a safe driver tired of paying for other people’s accidents, or just curious if this mobile-first insurer is worth the switch, buckle up. This review is built for real people, not robots.

Trending Questions About Root Car Insurance Review

Question: Is Root Insurance good for teen drivers?
Answer: Yes, Root can be a cost-effective choice for teens who drive safely, as the app evaluates driving behavior instead of age-related risk factors alone.

Question: Does Root Insurance check your credit score?
Answer: No, Root primarily uses your driving behavior tracked via its mobile app, making it ideal for people with bad or no credit.

Question: How do I file a claim with Root Insurance?
Answer: Claims are filed entirely through the Root app. Just take photos, upload accident info, and a rep will guide the next steps.

Question: Is Root available in all 50 states?
Answer: No, Root insurance is currently available in 30+ states and continues to expand. Availability varies, so check their website.

Question: Can I cancel my Root policy anytime?
Answer: Yes, Root lets you cancel at any time with no cancellation fees.

What Are Drivers Struggling With?

Traditional car insurance hasn’t changed much in decades. You fill out endless forms, your credit score mysteriously affects your premiums, and if you’re under 25 or drive a red car, higher rates.

Here’s what I’ve noticed: most insurers lump everyone into risk categories, whether they deserve it or not.

And then came Root. Promising a “fairer” take on pricing, it sounded refreshing. But does it live up to the hype, or is this just another app trying to insert itself into your life?

Let’s dive in.

Breaking Down Root Insurance Coverage & Pricing

What Policy Options Root Offers

First things first: what exactly do you get when you sign up for Root?

• Liability Insurance: Covers bodily injury and property damage to others when you’re at fault.
• Collision Coverage: Pays to repair or replace your car after an accident, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Helps with damage from non-collision incidents, such as theft, rain, or deer.
• Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist: Protects you financially if the other driver lacks sufficient coverage.
• Roadside Assistance: Included automatically in every policy, yep, flat tire rescues are covered.

There are also optional add-ons like rental car reimbursement and more, but Root keeps it simple and refreshingly direct.

What Sets Root Apart?

Here’s the unique part: you don’t just buy coverage. You take a test drive first.

“We price your policy based on how you actually drive, not your demographic,” Root explains on its website.

Root’s pricing hinges heavily on a two- to three-week “test drive” using their mobile app. The app tracks your braking, turning, phone use (yep, no texting while driving here), and routes.

Personally, I installed the app in the middle of a road trip across three states. I thought: perfect time to test this bad boy. And yes, it dinged points when I took tight turns or braked too hard behind a clueless driver… but overall, I found that smoother, more mindful driving was rewarded often with surprisingly lower quotes.

But is all this tracking a little weird? Maybe. But for lower rates, I’ll take it.

Getting Started With Root: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Try Root If You’re Curious

Thinking of giving it a test run? Here’s how to get started with Root, step by step:

1. Go to Root’s website or download the app (it’s mobile-first, remember?)
2. Enter basic details: name, ZIP code, vehicle info.
3. Enable the required driving sensors on your phone.
4. Drive as you normally would for 2 to 3 weeks.
5. Get notified with a customized quote based on your driving.
6. If you like it, finalize your coverage and make your first payment.
7. Cancel your old insurance (Root doesn’t charge any hidden fees).

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Root

Here’s where a few users trip up, and what to do instead:

Real-World Stories: How Root Fits Real Lives

Case Study: Why a Nurse Switched to Root (And Saved)

Michelle, a 34-year-old ER nurse in Ohio, was stunned when her rate nearly tripled after a neighbor rear-ended her. Even though she wasn’t at fault, her insurer raised her premium due to the claim.

Fed up, she gave Root a shot.

“I took the test drive on my commute to work for three weeks,” she told us. “Since I drive cautiously anyway, my quote came in under $70 a month. I was paying $150 before, and my policy even improved.”

That’s a real savings example, and Michelle hasn’t looked back.

And what about me?

Well, as someone who likes tech, I was curious enough to throw my name into the mix. I’ve tried traditional policies, bundling through Costco, and even app-based coverage with other startups. Root wasn’t perfect, but for me, the hands-off pricing and fully mobile claims process were a win.

The Final Verdict on Root Car Insurance

Root Insurance is not your grandpa’s car insurance company. It offers flexibility, fair pricing (if you’re a good driver), and an easy-to-use app that replaces endless paperwork. But it’s not for everyone if you’re a high-risk driver or have spotty cellular reception, you might face hiccups with the app.

Still, if you’re curious and drive safely, it’s worth trying the test drive. We’re talking no-obligation quotes here.

So go on… what would it hurt to see how you rate?