Root Insurance Review (2026)
- Overall rating: fair (2.9/5 stars)
- Average cost: $563 for a 6-month policy
- 71% of customers recommend Root
Read more below to get a quote directly from Root.
Root Insurance: A fair choice for low-mileage, good drivers
Root is a newer name in the insurance space, offering auto coverage built entirely around telematics. After enrolling, drivers use the Root app to track their habits and mileage — and those insights help determine your rate.
As a tech-first insurer, Root earns high marks for its digital experience. That said, its claims handling and customer service still have room to grow. Based on these factors, The Zebra gives Root a fair rating.
Ease of Filing a Claim: Root's multiple filing options make submitting claims simple and quick.
Integration with Other Platforms: Root connects with payment apps and devices for added convenience.
Agent Knowledge and Helpfulness: Root's staff may be unable to provide answers and require multiple contacts.
Transparency in Process and Timeline: Root's lack of transparency leaves you uncertain about claim status.
How The Zebra evaluates insurance companies
| Rating | Explanation | Star rating equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Subpar | Lowest ranking, suggesting instability or high risk | 0-1.9 |
| Fair | Somewhat stable but not consistently reliable | 2-2.9 |
| Good | Generally dependable with moderate stability | 3-3.9 |
| Solid | Strong, reliable and dependable with minor risks | 4-4.4 |
| Exceptional | Highest rating, indicating outstanding stability and reliability | 4.5-5 |
Methodology — how The Zebra reviews insurance companies
The team of insurance experts at The Zebra evaluates companies by focusing on customer experience first, with an emphasis on service quality, reliability, and ease of interaction. Unlike previous models, pricing is not scored but is instead presented separately as context for comparison.
Each category has been scored using a combination of our internal customer satisfaction survey results and published scores from reputable organizations such as AM Best and J.D. Power.
- Service Accessibility & Support Quality (25%): This category measures how easy it is to get help when needed, evaluating factors such as support channel availability (phone, chat, in-person, app), response times, agent knowledge, service hours, and language accessibility.
- Claims Experience (25%): This category assesses how smoothly the claims process works, considering ease of filing (online, app, or phone), transparency and communication, processing times, and fairness in dispute resolution.
- Digital Experience & Policy Management (25%): This category evaluates the convenience of managing your policy: this includes mobile app usability, website experience, account management, digital document access, self-service options, and platform integrations
- Trust & Reliability (25%): This category looks at a company’s overall reliability, measuring financial strength, market stability, regulatory history, communication transparency, and consistency in policy terms.
Price context: Pricing varies significantly based on individual circumstances and risk factors. Customers can evaluate cost-effectiveness based on their specific situation and the service quality scores provided.
How much is Root car insurance?
Currently, the national average for a 6-month car insurance policy is $1,084, whereas Root is about $563.
Updating data...
| Company | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Root | $276 | $563 |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
See how Root stacks up against competitors →
Discounts offered at Root: Limited options
Those looking for a number of car insurance discount options are likely to be let down. This is because Root Insurance states that it applies discounts at the onset of your policy. This is done by measuring a driver's habits through the initial test drive. Essentially, this is a safe driver discount. As such, the only real discounts drivers should expect are the following:
Bundle your auto and home insurance for a discount through Root Insurance.
If you maintain a good driving record, you may save money as a Root customer. This begins with three years of clean driving, with the possibility of further discounts at the five-year mark.
Root drivers who drive less than average can earn a savings of around 6%.
| Safe driver discount | Driver status discount |
| Anti-theft | Passive restraint |
| Driving behavior | Bundling |
To learn more about each discount Root has to offer, see their discounts page.
Compare with other companies
See how Root stacks up against similar companies
Cost: $563 for a six month policy
Customer satisfaction: Medium
Our take:
- Cheaper policy prices
- Average claims satisfaction
- Lower recommendation percentage
Cost: $1,152 for a six month auto policy
Customer satisfaction: Medium
Our take:
- Higher prices than Root
- Better customer service scores than Root
- Better trust and reliability scores than Root
Cost: $835 for a six-month policy
Customer satisfaction: High
Our take:
- Higher prices than Root
- Better customer service scores than Root
- Better market stability and longevity scores than Root
Root's customer service & claims experience: easily available, not always helpful
Root's customer service is impressive when dealing things such as policy and availibity. Unfortunately, when it come to their claims experience, the overall service is less than desirable.
Excellent company
"What made my experience great, honestly, was the price. I’m really hoping to get the lowest rate again, especially with how tough the economy is. I found this company through Credit Karma’s recommendation, and so far, everything’s gone smoothly — no problems at all.”
-Trustpilot
Insurance made easy
"Everything from start to finish worked out great! Very easy, decent quote, and provided me with what I needed to get my truck on the road!"
-Trustpilot
Root's pricing and customer service make them worth it
"I've had GEICO and State Farm, but Root has been a fraction of the cost. I have had to use Root's extra services, like Roadside Assistance and Towing, which has been extremely prompt and great to work with. All in all, I would suggest Root to anyone who would qualify for their insurance."
-Clearsurance
Root Customer Survey results
71% of customers recommend Root
The Zebra conducted a survey across 4,000+ users to gather ratings on major carriers' customer service, claims process, ease of use, and more. See how Root was rated in individual categories by expanding the section below.
Source: The Zebra
How much will your rates climb after filing a claim with Root?
No one wants to file a claim, but sometimes it's impossible to avoid. See the table below for some examples of what you could be facing after filing a claim.
Updating data...
| Accident/Violation | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Two comp claims | $563 |
| None | $563 |
| One comp claim | $563 |
| At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 | $743 |
| At-fault accident - greater than $2000 | $743 |
Source: The Zebra
Root's claims process is accessible online and via their mobile app, making it convenient for policyholders. While simple claims are often resolved quickly, more complex cases can lead to longer wait times. Customer satisfaction surveys consistently place Root in the middle tier, indicating they offer reliable service but may struggle with handling complicated claims efficiently.
Coverage options: Flexible and customizable
Root is competitive with other big-name insurance companies, offering standard collision, comprehensive and liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
They also offer coverages for drivers in states with unique coverage requirements, like personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured and underinsured motorist and medical payments coverage. Root's additional coverage options are limited so customers with special coverage needs may have to look elsewhere. Drivers who only need standard coverage should find Root sufficient for most needs.
✔️ Rental car coverage
Carrier pulse: Recent news from Root
- Root Insurance Expands to Washington State, Completing Its West Coast Coverage[3]
Final thoughts: Is Root Right for You?
Root is an insurance company that is trying to do things differently. However, that doesn't mean that they will necessarily have the best insurance rates available. Because it measures your driving habits through a mobile app, Root car insurance may not be the best choice for high-risk drivers or those who find themselves driving an excessive amount. Things like hard braking and mileage are measured and incorporated into your insurance rates. However, if you are a relatively safe driver, you might even be able to save money. With a wide range of car insurance coverage options, it could be a good fit for many motorists.
Frequently Asked Questions about Root
Get quotes from Root and other top companies
Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool
Anonymized User Survey. The Zebra
Root Insurance Expands to Washington State. Yahoo Finance.
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.