Root Car Insurance Review for 2024

Do you want to know more about Root auto insurance? Root Insurance is an online usage-based insurance company.

Are Root car insurance rates affordable? Is it a good choice for you? Don’t worry – we’ve done the research on Root car insurance so you can make the right choice.

Read our Root car insurance review to learn everything about Root Inc., how Root Insurance works, and how you can secure affordable car insurance.

Before you learn about Root car insurance, enter your ZIP code in the free quote tool above to compare multiple insurance companies near you.
Root Insurance Average Monthly Rates vs U.S. Average

Cost Factors and Variables

When considering auto insurance, one of the essential factors that most drivers weigh is the cost. Root Car Insurance is no exception, as it offers a unique approach to determining rates based on driving behavior. In this section, we’ll explore the cost of Root Car Insurance, providing insights into the factors that influence these rates.

The cost of Root Car Insurance is influenced by several key factors, making it distinct from traditional auto insurance. Here are some variables that play a significant role in determining your Root insurance rates:

• Driving Habits: Root Insurance employs a telematics-based approach, tracking your driving habits using their mobile app. Safe driving behaviors, such as maintaining speed limits and practicing smooth acceleration and braking, can lead to lower rates. On the other hand, aggressive driving or frequent speeding may result in higher premiums.
• Test Phase Score: Root Insurance conducts a three-week test drive phase during which your driving behavior is closely monitored. The score generated at the end of this period will have a direct impact on your eligibility for Root Insurance and the rates you’re offered. A high score can translate into more affordable coverage.
• Credit History: In some states where it’s legal, Root Insurance reviews your credit history to assess your risk profile. A better credit score can lead to lower insurance rates, while a lower score may result in higher premiums.
• Location: Insurance rates can also vary based on where you live. Factors like the prevalence of accidents and theft in your area can affect the cost of your coverage.
• Coverage Levels: The amount of coverage you choose can significantly impact your rates. Opting for higher coverage levels will naturally result in higher premiums.

Root Car Insurance offers a unique and dynamic approach to auto insurance rates. While rates are influenced by traditional factors like location and coverage levels, the emphasis on driving habits and the test phase score set Root Insurance apart.

By practicing safe driving behaviors and maintaining a good driving record, policyholders can secure more affordable Root Car Insurance rates. It’s essential to understand how these factors work together to determine the cost of your coverage.

 

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What is Root Insurance, and how does it work?

Root Insurance is a usage-based car insurance company that provides insurance rates based on driving behavior (driving habits).

It’s only available through your smart device. You can download the Root Insurance mobile app through Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Once you’ve downloaded the Root Insurance mobile app, you must enter your personal information.

Root takes you through a test drive phase, which lasts for three weeks. During these three weeks, Root Insurance monitors your driving habits.

After three weeks, the app produces a score to determine whether you’re eligible for Root auto insurance quotes.

A high score means you’ll be offered Root Insurance policy, but a poor score could mean you’ll be turned down.

What is usage-based car insurance?

Usage-based auto insurance is a program that determines your monthly cost based on how you drive or how many miles you drive.

A usage-based insurance service that determines your discounts or rates by how you drive is known as pay-how-you-drive insurance or PHYD insurance.

Insurance companies that issue rates based on the number of miles you travel use pay-as-you-drive insurance or PAYD insurance. This may also be called pay-per-mile.

Both insurance types are identified as usage-based insurance programs.

What driving habits does Root Inc. monitor?

Root Insurance looks at several factors while you’re in the test drive phase and after you’ve bought an auto insurance policy.

Here’s a list of driving behaviors Root tracks.

• Distracted driving – The activity on your phone while driving
• Hard braking – Incidents where you’ve come to a sudden halt
• Hands-free driving – The time you spend away from your phone while driving
• Night driving – The amount of time you spend driving at night
• Overall driving speed – The frequency in which you drive over the speed limit
• Turning speed – Root Insurance tracks your driving speed while turning
• The number of miles – How often you drive

Root Insurance telematics records any unsafe driving habits and adds them to your overall score.

Lower driving performance scores reduce your chances of getting a policy or securing cheaper Root car insurance rates.

How much are Root car insurance rates?

Our research found that Root auto insurance customers can pay around $65 per month. However, you must have near-perfect driving habits to get close to those rates.

But what comes with Root auto insurance? Let’s examine Root Insurance’s cost summary to find out.

Root Car Insurance Coverage Summary

Root Insurance has high coverage levels for an affordable rate. However, Root car insurance varies for each person and area where it provides coverage.

Why does my driving record affect Root car insurance rates?

Your driving history is your report card that shows your overall driving record to the state, law enforcement, and even insurance companies.

Auto insurance companies review driving records to determine your risk as a driver.

Traffic infractions, such as speeding and reckless driving, impact your monthly rates. But what about accidents?

Let’s compare Root Insurance’s response to violations and accidents on driving records and see how it competes with the best car insurance companies in the nation.

Root Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record and Company

Root is cheaper than the largest auto insurance companies in the United States. However, Root Insurance is far from being a top company in the car insurance industry.

How Root Compares Against Other Auto Insurance Providers

This table provides a succinct comparison of root car insurance with various competitors, including AAA, Century, Kemper, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Geico, and others. Quickly assess Root’s standing in the insurance market against key rivals to make informed decisions about your coverage.

How do credit scores impact Root car insurance quotes?

Root Insurance reviews your credit history in addition to its test drive phase.

Most insurance companies review your credit score to determine your risk.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, people with good credit can secure cheaper car insurance rates because they’re less likely to file an insurance claim.

But drivers with poor credit pay significantly more because their credit score correlates to higher risks of filing claims.

Several states are trying to outlaw credit-based car insurance. Root Inc. has promised to end credit-based insurance by 2025.

For now, credit history affects Root Insurance customers in states where it’s legal.

Here’s an example of how credit affects Root car insurance rates.

• Excellent Credit – $58/month
• Good Credit – $69/month
• Fair Credit – $79/month
• Poor Credit – $96/month
• Bad Credit – $114/month

The lower your credit, the more money you’ll pay for Root auto insurance per month. Let Root Inc. know when your credit score improves so you can get access to more affordable rates.

Does Root have any car insurance discounts?

Root Insurance doesn’t mention any discounts, but you can save money if you bundle Root auto insurance with the Root home insurance policy.

Ask a Root Insurance agent if you can get a car insurance deal for setting up automatic payments.

Try selecting a higher deductible, also. High deductibles can lower your Root car insurance rates.

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What car insurance coverages does Root have?

Now that you’ve seen what Root auto insurance rates look like let’s explore which coverage options are available.

Root Inc. Coverage Options and What They Cover

If you add all of these coverages to your policy, you’ll have a complete full coverage car insurance policy. However, you’ll pay more.

Where can you buy Root car insurance?

Root Insurance is limited to a few states. Where is Root available?

Let’s look at a list of states that have Root Inc.

Root Insurance Availability

Root provides car and home insurance in 31 states. At the moment, drivers in the other 19 states can’t purchase a Root policy.

As Root Insurance continues to grow, it may become available to more areas in the future.

How do I cancel my Root Insurance policy?

If you already have a Root Insurance policy and want to cancel, follow these steps to learn how to cancel auto insurance at Root.

1. Contact the Root Insurance customer service phone number at 1-866-980-9431
2. Speak with a Root Insurance agent and let them know you want to cancel
3. Provide your name, address, and policy number
4. Wait for your cancellation to finalize

You can also cancel using the Root Insurance mobile app. Root Insurance customers can cancel their policy by emailing [email protected] as well.

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How do I file a car insurance claim at Root Inc.?

Filing an auto insurance claim at Root Insurance can be done in six steps. Let’s go through each step to learn how to file a claim at Root Insurance.

1. Open the Root Insurance mobile app
2. Locate the “File a claim or get roadside assistance” selection at the bottom
3. Click on “File a claim” on the next page
4. Type in all the information in the selection boxes
5. Take photos of injuries and damages to your motor vehicle
6. Send your auto insurance claim and wait for a response from Root Insurance

Minor accidents are usually processed quickly, but it could take at least ten business days. Major, total loss accidents could take three weeks or longer to resolve.

Be sure to include as much information as possible when you file a claim.

Does Root Insurance have good reviews?

Root Insurance has struggled with maintaining good customer reviews. In addition to staggering customer ratings, Root hasn’t secured a financial strength rating for its car insurance sector.

Let’s look at a quick summary of Root Insurance’s most recent reviews.

Root Insurance Ratings

Root Inc. has an excellent rating from A.M. Best, but that score is for its home insurance.

Although Root Insurance has a good BBB rating, its customer rating is way below average.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reports that Root Inc. has four times the complaints as most companies its size.

However, the Root Insurance mobile app has an almost five-star rating.

Root Car Insurance: Pros and Cons

Before we wrap up this Root auto insurance review, let’s examine Root Insurance’s highlights and pitfalls.

Root Inc. Pros and Cons

Did you notice any more drawbacks? You could improve your car insurance situation with a Root Insurance policy, but some drivers may find it complicated.

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Customer Reviews for Root Car Insurance

Root Car Insurance has garnered a wide range of customer reviews since its inception. While opinions may vary, there’s a common thread in the feedback provided by policyholders. Many customers appreciate the transparency and individualized approach that Root offers. They praise the company for rewarding safe driving habits and the potential for more affordable premiums.

Root’s innovative mobile app, which tracks driving behavior, has been commended for its user-friendly interface and the valuable insights it provides. However, like any insurer, Root is not without its challenges. Some customers have expressed concerns about fluctuations in their rates, emphasizing that the dynamic nature of usage-based insurance can lead to uncertainty.

Overall, Root Car Insurance is seen as a game-changer in the industry, offering a fresh perspective on auto insurance, with many satisfied customers benefiting from its unique approach.

History and Mission of Root Car Insurance

Root Car Insurance, founded in 2015, has rapidly become a disruptor in the auto insurance industry. The company was born out of a desire to revolutionize how auto insurance is priced and to provide fair and personalized rates to drivers. Root’s journey began with a fundamental belief that traditional insurance models were outdated and did not accurately reflect an individual’s driving habits.

By leveraging technology and data-driven insights, Root introduced a novel approach: usage-based insurance. This innovative method evaluates drivers’ behavior behind the wheel, providing the foundation for fair and tailored insurance rates.

At its core, Root’s mission is to make car insurance simple, accessible, and more equitable. They aim to reward safe driving practices while breaking away from the one-size-fits-all approach of the past. By prioritizing transparency and individuality, Root Car Insurance empowers drivers to take control of their coverage and, in doing so, strives to create a safer and more responsible driving culture on the roadways.

With a mission deeply rooted in fairness and innovation, Root Car Insurance continues to redefine the way we approach auto insurance in the digital age.

Root Car Insurance Claims Process

Ease of Filing a Claim (Online, Over the Phone, Mobile Apps)

Root Insurance offers a straightforward claims process with the convenience of filing a claim through various channels. Policyholders have the option to file claims online, over the phone, or through the Root Insurance mobile app. This flexibility ensures that customers can choose the method that suits them best, making it easy and accessible to report an incident and initiate the claims process.

Average Claim Processing Time

While specific claim processing times may vary depending on the nature and complexity of the claim, Root Insurance strives to provide efficient and timely claim resolutions.

Minor accidents are typically processed quickly, while major, total loss accidents may take longer, potentially up to three weeks or more. Policyholders should keep in mind that Root aims to expedite the claims process to minimize inconvenience and facilitate swift settlements.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

Root Insurance’s approach to claim resolutions and payouts is an essential aspect of its service. Customer feedback regarding claim experiences can vary, as is common in the insurance industry.

It’s advisable for policyholders to review and research customer feedback to gain insights into how Root Insurance handles claims. This information can help individuals make informed decisions about their insurance provider and manage their expectations regarding claim resolutions and payouts.

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Digital and Technological Features of Root Car Insurance

Mobile App Features and Functionality

Root Insurance offers a mobile app that is central to its usage-based insurance model. The app allows policyholders to monitor and improve their driving habits, which can impact insurance rates. It also facilitates policy management, claims filing, and access to various digital tools and resources. The mobile app’s features and functionality are designed to enhance the overall insurance experience for Root customers.

Online Account Management Capabilities

Root Insurance provides robust online account management capabilities through its website and mobile app. Policyholders can conveniently access their accounts, view policy details, make payments, and update personal information online. This digital convenience ensures that customers have easy access to essential policy-related information and can make necessary adjustments as needed.

Digital Tools and Resources

Root Insurance offers a range of digital tools and resources to assist policyholders. These resources may include educational materials, safety tips, and resources related to improving driving habits. By utilizing these digital tools, customers can stay informed about their insurance coverage and learn how to optimize their driving behavior to potentially reduce insurance costs.

These sections provide an overview of the claims process and digital features offered by Root Insurance, helping individuals understand how the company operates and what technological resources are available to policyholders.

Root Car Insurance: The Bottom Line

You can buy affordable Root auto insurance, but you’ll need to have good driving habits.

No usage-based insurance system is perfect, so your rates won’t be the same each month. However, you can keep Root car insurance rates low if you don’t drive often.

Before you buy Root car insurance, use our free online quote tool to explore multiple insurance quotes from various companies near you.

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