Root vs Progressive: Which is Better for You?

Read on to see which company is best for you.

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry
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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry

Root or Progressive: Which company is best for you?

Root and Progressive both offer car and home insurance but have different approaches in pricing — Progressive is the more traditional option while Root is more tech-forward with its app-based model. Depending on who you are as a driver or homeowner, one insurer may be better than the other.

Read on to learn more about these companies and decide which one is right for you.

Root car insurance

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

Root was among the early adopters of telematics technology, which helps to assign insurance rates based on driving habits instead of traditional rating factors. In fact, the company aims to discontinue using credit scores — a practice it calls "discriminatory" — by the year 2025. Root car insurance could be a solid option for those with a clean driving history or those who drive limited mileage. 

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3 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
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Pros Cons
  • Fast-growing geographic availability
  • Potentially low rates for low-mileage and/or safe drivers
  • Few customer complaints, considering its size
  • Lacks the brand recognition of some more traditional insurers
  • Higher-than-average customer complaint ratio (NAIC)                                     

Progressive car insurance

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Progressive has grown substantially in recent years, coming in third-largest in share of the auto insurance market. The company has a large selection of policy offerings and discounts, meaning it may appeal to drivers looking for reasonably affordable rates. The company has also become one of the top companies for commercial auto insurance coverage. Find out more about Progressive's auto insurance coverage below.

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4 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
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Pros Cons
  • Lots of discount options
  • Affordable rates
  • Offers a good online experience (apps and website)
  • Below-average scores for claims satisfaction
  • Below-average scores for overall customer satisfaction                                 

Which company comes out on top?

Tie


These companies cater to particular customer bases, so we're calling this a tie; Root's pricing strategy could be a better option for people who don't drive often, while drivers who commute regularly and value a number of coverage options and discounts may find that Progressive checks those boxes.

Compare rates and start saving today!

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Ratings comparison: Root vs. Progressive

Unbiased third-party publications evaluate insurance companies, measuring claims satisfaction, the number of customer complaints and other factors. We've gathered some of these ratings to provide perspective on the two companies' customer satisfaction standards, complaint ratios and financial stability.

Root vs. Progressive
Ratings comparison Root Progressive
Financial strength (A.M. Best) Not Rated Superior
JD Power (claims satisfaction) Not Rated Below Average
JD Power (customer satisfaction) Not Rated Below Average
NAIC rating Below Average Good
The Zebra's editorial review score 3/5 4/5
The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey Not Rated 4.3/5

Which company scores best?

Progressive


Progressive was evaluated by more organizations than was Root, earning positive assessments for financial security and record of customer complaints, but negative ratings for claims satisfaction and customer service. Nonetheless, it scored a strong 4.3 out of 5 in The Zebra's in-depth customer satisfaction survey. Additionally, The Zebra's editorial reviews — taking into account myriad factors — placed Progressive above Root.

The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey methodology

Methodology:

These results are based on a survey of 2,722 U.S. insurance policyholders assessing satisfaction with their car and homeowners insurance providers. The survey was conducted using Survey Monkey and designed by our in-house team. It aimed to collect detailed insights from a census-balanced sample reflecting age, gender, and region.

Questionnaire

The questionnaire included demographic questions about age and gender identification and detailed inquiries into insurance experiences. Key topics:

  • Duration with insurance provider and coverage specifics, including teen drivers.
  • Claim filing experiences and satisfaction with claims handling.
  • Customer service interactions, trust in providers, and likelihood of recommending their insurance.
  • Use and satisfaction with digital tools and usage-based insurance programs.

Respondents rated their satisfaction on a Likert scale from 1 to 10 and provided qualitative feedback.

Data Analysis

Data were analyzed focusing on descriptive and inferential statistics to identify satisfaction trends and demographic impacts. Data cleaning and weighting were applied to ensure accuracy, alongside strict confidentiality protocols to protect data security.


Root vs. Progressive: discount comparison

See below for a comparison of the companies' discount options for car insurance.

Root vs. Progressive: discount comparison
Discount comparison Root Progressive
Good student ✓
Multiple policies ✓ ✓
Anti-theft device(s) ✓
Good driver ✓
Defensive driver
Affinity membership alum
eSign or ePay
Telematics ✓ ✓
Annual Mileage ✓

Telematics options: Root vs. Progressive

Each of these companies stands as a solid option for drivers interested in usage-based insurance. Telematics sits at the heart of Root's product, powering its entire pricing strategy. Progressive's Snapshot, like Root, prices premiums based on an app that evaluates how you drive.

Learn more in our comparison of Root car insurance vs Progressive Snapshot.

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Root Insurance

Root is one of the most prominent telematics-first insurance companies. Root uses its telematics app to gather information and calculate premiums for its customers. Rates are then set based on the insured's driving habits and frequency, rather than solely on demographic and historical information like past driving record or credit history.

progressive logo
Progressive Snapshot

Snapshot is Progressive's telematics option. The app tracks drivers' behavior while behind the wheel (including hard braking, speeding and more) to give a more accurate level of risk. Good drivers stand to save an average of $145 on their premium according to the company.

Zebra Tip: Turn to Root for telematics


Root's intuitive app and usage-based pricing model places it at the forefront of insurance technology. 


Roadside assistance: Root vs. Progressive

Find below summaries of the roadside assistance offerings available from Root and Progressive.

Root

Every Root policy includes roadside assistance, helping drivers in the event of car trouble. One of the few extra coverages available from Root is rental car coverage. If you purchase this coverage, Root will reimburse costs up to a specific amount for a rental car until your vehicle is fixed or replaced after a collision. Root also reimburses its customers for rides through Lyft. 

 

Progressive

Progressive partners with a company called Agero to provide roadside assistance. These services can be used for more than just your car — it also applies for boats, motorcycles or RVs. When added to your policy, Progressive's roadside assistance program offers:

  • Fuel delivery
  • Flat-tire changes
  • Battery jump-start
  • Battery recharge for EVs
  • Lock-out services
  • On-scene labor
  • Winching services
tow truck

Root vs. Progressive: home insurance

Root and Progressive both offer homeowners insurance that can be bundled with car insurance. Consult our comparison below to find out which company might be the best fit for you and your home.

Root homeowners insurance review

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

Root partners with Homesite to allow existing auto insurance customers to bundle homeowners insurance. Root home insurance is not available as a standalone insurance policy — a customer must be enrolled in Root's car insurance program to be eligible and could receive a 10% discount by bundling.

Though the company is seen as financially stable, it receives more customer complaints than average. Customers looking for top-notch customer satisfaction may do well to look into a policy with a more established insurance provider. In addition, Root homeowners insurance quotes can only be found via the company's mobile app, not its website.

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3 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
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  • Customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Not rated: Root’s home insurance partner, Homesite, is currently unrated by J.D. Power.
  • Claims satisfaction (J.D. Power) — Not rated
  • Financial strength — Excellent: Homesite’s financial outlook is considered stable by AM Best.
  • NAIC Rating — Above average: Homesite received more customer complaints than average, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Progressive homeowners review

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Rating from The Zebra Question mark icon

Progressive offers homeowners insurance in all 50 states plus Washington D.C. While the company provides basic coverage options, homeowners looking for more robust policies might find Progressive's options lacking. 

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3.5 stars Rating from The Zebra
Ratings based on price, customer service, coverage, and financial strength.
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  • The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey – 4.1/5: While a rating above 4 stars is sufficient, Progressive home ranked last overall among the 15 carriers surveyed.
  • J.D. Power Rating – Below average: J.D. Power rates Progressive auto insurance as below-average in overall customer satisfaction. 
  • Financial Strength – Superior: A "Superior" financial strength rating from AM Best shows Progressive has a solid ability to pay out claims.
  • NAIC Rating– Poor: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) received significantly more customer complaints than average regarding Progressive homeowners insurance in 2020.

Which company comes out on top?

Progressive


Progressive is much more established compared to Root, although it has middling ratings and reviews for homeowners insurance. However, if you're already a Root car insurance customer, Root home insurance may be a good option, especially with the 10% bundling discount.


Root vs. Progressive: homeowners discount comparison

Progressive and Root both offer home insurance discounts for customers. Compare these discounts head-to-head below.

ROOT VS. PROGRESSIVE: HOMEOWNERS DISCOUNT COMPARISON
Discount comparison Root Progressive
Claims free
Recent home buyer ✓ ✓
Multi-policy ✓ ✓
Early signing ✓
Newer/more durable roof ✓ ✓
Protective devices (smoke/burglar alarms, etc.) ✓ ✓
New home construction ✓ ✓

Zebra tip: Research potential discounts when choosing an insurance company


Both Progressive and Root offer a competitive selection of home insurance discounts. Be sure to do your due diligence to ensure you qualify for as many of these discount opportunities as possible when signing your contract.


Other insurance products and bundling options

Root and Progressive offer a variety of insurance products, along with the option to bundle policies for extra savings. Compare product offerings from the two carriers below.

Progressive vs. Root: other insurance products
Other products Root Progressive
Boat insurance ✓
Condo insurance ✓ ✓
Life insurance ✓
Homeowners insurance ✓ ✓
Travel trailer insurance ✓
Renters insurance ✓ ✓
RV insurance ✓
Motorcycle insurance ✓
Mobile home insurance ✓
Umbrella ✓
ATV insurance ✓
Pet insurance ✓
Commercial insurance ✓

Find the best insurance policy for your needs.

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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.