Root Car Insurance and USAA are two of America's most popular specialty auto insurance providers. While USAA caters to veterans and active duty U.S. military personnel, Root operates on a non-standard platform powered by telematics devices.
USAA is a great option if you are — or were — a member of a U.S. military branch. USAA — or the United Services Automobile Association — typically offers competitive prices and unique benefits for service members and their families. The company, based in San Antonio, Texas, insures more than 12 million clients and dates back nearly a century to 1922. USAA's claims satisfaction score, as measured by J.D. Power, is 5 out of 5.
Root Car Insurance is a recent entrant to the auto insurance space. Debuting in 2016 and based in Ohio, Root offers "car insurance for the way you drive." The company bypasses traditional rating factors when assigning rates, instead relying on driving performance metrics delivered from an in-car smartphone app. Drivers who operate their vehicles safely or drive only occasionally can save substantial amounts on their insurance premiums through Root.
| Discount Comparison | Root Insurance | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Good Student | ||
| Multiple Policies | ||
| Multiple Vehicles | ||
| Anti-Theft Device(s) | ||
| Anti-Lock Brake System | ||
| Air Bags | ||
| Good Driver | ||
| Defensive Driver | ||
| Student Away at School | ||
| Driver Training | ||
| Green Vehicles | ||
| Affinity Membership Alum | ||
| Advanced Purchase | ||
| Pay in Full | ||
| Home Owner | ||
| eSign or ePay | ||
| Telematics | ||
| New Vehicle | ||
| Annual Mileage | ||
| Military |
| Ratings Comparison | Root Insurance | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Strength | Good | Superior |
| JD Power Rankings | Not Rated | |
| User Satisfaction | A | A++ |
| Other Products | Root Insurance | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| Boat Insurance | ||
| Condo Insurance | ||
| Life Insurance | ||
| Homeowners Insurance | ||
| Travel Trailer Insurance | ||
| Renters Insurance | ||
| RV Insurance | ||
| Motorcycle Insurance | ||
| Mobile Home Insurance |
| Other Features | Root Insurance | USAA |
|---|---|---|
| About | Root Car Insurance offers "car insurance for the way you drive." Its usage-based pricing model uses data gathered via telematics devices to price premiums based on mileage and driving habits, rather then demographic information. | USAA is known for their award-winning service, distinguished products and making their customers' needs a priority. |
| Roadside Assistance | Root Car Insurance offers roadside assistance with every policy. | 24-hour roadside assistance is included in all of USAA's Extended Vehicle Protection programs. Pricing varies depending on which plan you select. Roadside assistance will pay up to $100 per occurrence of the following: towing service, flat tire change, emergency gas delivery, battery jump, and locksmith services. Substitute Transportation is available up to $250 per occurrence. Travel/Lodging Reimbursement is available up to $300 per occurrence. |
| Additional Discounts | Root Car Insurance provides usage-based discounts based on driving behavior and mileage. | USAA offers additional discounts for vehicles with daytime running lights and vehicles in storage, as well as a legacy discount for members under 25 years old whose parents have had USAA auto insurance. |
| Recent Questions | Our son-in-law is a USAA member (Navy). Can we join also? Parents are not eligible for USAA. I believe USAA eligibility flows "downstream" — so descendants, i.e. Can my brother use his insurance for damage he caused to my vehicle?Unfortunately, car insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. In this case, he cannot use his own insurance to cover the damage he caused to your vehicle. Agree to be paid out of pocket with driver with no licenseTo sum, having her pay out of pocket might be your best option. Let me explain. Can I get USAA insurance from son in lawAlthough I am not a licensed agent for USAA, it is my understanding that you need to be a child or spouse of an established members to get a policy. Meaning, you wouldn't be eligible to get your own policy away from your son-in-law. See More Questions | |
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