With the continuous rise of car insurance premiums, finding a more affordable option has become a top priority for many drivers. One of the newer players in the market is Root Insurance, promising personalized coverage at a lower cost with the help of modern technology. But is it the right choice for you? In this article, we will review Root Insurance and provide answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions.
What is Root Insurance?
Root Insurance is a relatively new car insurance company that uses telematics to determine your driving behavior and assess your insurance risk. By downloading the Root app, drivers can get a personalized quote based on their driving habits, such as acceleration, braking, cornering, and phone usage behind the wheel. This allows Root to offer lower rates to careful drivers and avoid subsidizing reckless ones.
Founded in 2015, Root Insurance is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and offers coverage in over 30 states in the US. The company has received funding from several venture capital firms and has been valued at over $3 billion as of 2021.
How does Root Insurance work?
To get a quote from Root Insurance, you need to download their app and complete a test drive that lasts 2-3 weeks. During this period, the app will track your driving behavior and generate a personalized quote based on your performance. If you decide to purchase coverage, you can customize your policy by selecting the limits and deductibles for different types of coverage, such as liability, collision, and comprehensive.
Once you are a Root customer, the app will continue to monitor your driving and give you feedback on how to improve it. You can also file claims, manage your policy, and get roadside assistance through the app.
What are the benefits of Root Insurance?
One of the main benefits of Root Insurance is its potential to save drivers money on their car insurance. According to Root, good drivers can save up to 52% compared to traditional insurance carriers. By using telematics to identify safe drivers, Root avoids the costs of insuring high-risk drivers who are more likely to file claims or cause accidents.
In addition to lower rates, Root offers several other advantages to its customers, such as:
- Easy and convenient mobile app
- Flexible coverage options
- No hidden fees or cancellation fees
- Transparent claims process
- 24/7 roadside assistance
What are the drawbacks of Root Insurance?
While Root Insurance has many benefits, it may not be the best option for everyone. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Not available in all states: Root Insurance is currently available in 30+ states, which means some drivers may not be eligible for coverage.
- Requires a smartphone: To use Root Insurance, you need a smartphone that is compatible with the app. This may be a barrier for people who do not use smartphones or have older models.
- Relies on telematics: While some drivers may appreciate the personalized pricing based on their driving behavior, others may be uncomfortable with the idea of being constantly monitored and potentially penalized for mistakes or technical glitches.
- Less established: Root Insurance is still a relatively new company compared to some of the more established players in the market. While it has received positive reviews from many customers and industry experts, it may still face some uncertainties and challenges in the future.
What do customers say about Root Insurance?
Customer reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into the quality and reliability of a car insurance company. Here are some of the key themes that emerge from Root Insurance reviews:
Positive reviews
Many customers appreciate the personalized pricing and simple mobile app that Root Insurance offers. They also seem to be satisfied with the claims process and the customer service they received in case of an accident. Some positive reviews mention:
- “I loved the fact that my rates were based on my driving instead of my age or gender.”
- “Root has the best app I have ever seen for any kind of insurance company.”
- “In the few claims I have had, their customer service has been top-notch.”
Negative reviews
As with any company, Root Insurance has some unhappy customers who share their negative experiences online. While some of these complaints may be isolated incidents, they still raise some concerns about the quality of service. Some common complaints include:
- “The app had trouble tracking my driving and gave me a higher rate than I deserved.”
- “Their claims adjusters were slow to respond and unhelpful.”
- “They canceled my policy without warning or explanation.”
How does Root Insurance compare to other car insurance companies?
When shopping for car insurance, it’s important to compare different providers and their rates, coverage options, discounts, and customer satisfaction. Here are some notable differences between Root Insurance and other car insurance companies:
Company |
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|---|
Root Insurance |
Personalized rates, mobile app, transparent claims, flexible coverage |
Less established, not available in all states, relies on telematics |
Geico |
Well-known brand, multiple discounts, online tools, excellent customer service |
Higher rates for poor credit, limited coverage options, not available in all states |
State Farm |
Extensive coverage options, personalized service, discounts for good driving |
Higher rates in some states, limited online tools, long claims process |
Progressive |
Name Your Price tool, Snapshot program, bundling discounts, 24/7 customer service |
Higher rates for young drivers, mixed customer reviews, claims handling varies by location |
Is Root Insurance worth switching to?
If you are a careful driver who wants to save money on car insurance and doesn’t mind sharing your driving data with your insurer, Root Insurance may be a good choice for you. Its personalized rates, mobile app, and transparent claims process have earned it favorable reviews from many customers and industry experts. However, if you value brand reputation, more extensive coverage options, or you live in a state where Root is not available, you may want to consider other options.
FAQ
How does Root Insurance determine your driving behavior?
Root Insurance uses telematics to analyze several factors of your driving, such as your speed, acceleration, braking, cornering, and phone use. The app also takes into account the time of day and the weather conditions. By monitoring these behaviors, Root can categorize drivers into different risk categories and offer personalized rates.
Do you have to use the Root app to get a quote?
Yes, you need to download the Root app and complete a test drive to get a personalized quote from Root Insurance. The app will track your driving for 2-3 weeks and generate a rate based on your performance. You can also customize your policy through the app and manage your coverage, claims, and roadside assistance.
Is Root Insurance available in all states?
No, Root Insurance is currently available in 30+ states in the US, but not in all of them. You can check if Root is available in your state by visiting their website or downloading the app.
What types of coverage does Root Insurance offer?
Root Insurance offers several types of coverage, including liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, rental car, and roadside assistance. You can customize your policy by selecting the limits and deductibles for each coverage type.
Does Root Insurance offer any discounts?
Root Insurance offers several discounts to its customers, including:
- Good driver discount
- Multi-car discount
- Bundling discount with homeowners or renters insurance
- Referral discount