Root Insurance: Auto Insurance Review 2023

Overview

Most people view car insurance companies as being the same. After all, the rates between various companies seem to be pretty competitive, and a lot of them offer policies with relatively similar business models. However, in the last few years, we have seen a rise in car insurance models that have completely changed the industry. This is a welcome change when you consider how stagnant the current car insurance industry has been over the years.

Root auto insurance is a newer insurance company that offers highly competitive car insurance rates uniquely. Root customers connect to the company’s mobile app that monitors their driving habits and adjusts their rates based on various factors, with driving habits being the most heavily weighted factor.

Through their innovative app, you can save hundreds of dollars per year on their insurance rate.

What is Root Auto Insurance?

Root auto insurance is an innovative insurance company allowing customers to be monitored through an app to save up to $900 per year, depending on their driving habits.

This is an excellent option for drivers who have a solid driving track record and want to pay based on their driving habits.

As a Root insurance customer, you’ll be rewarded with lower rates if you consistently practice good driving habits. Drivers with multiple speeding tickets or accidents will see a rate increase, whereas those who don’t can expect to pay more affordable rates.

How Does Root Auto Insurance Work?

Root offers auto insurance coverage at a discounted rate for its customers through their app that tracks your driving habits.

This innovative technology is similar to other telematics devices leading to more affordable and customizable plans for each driver.

Root Auto Insurance Payments

One of the most significant advantages of going with Root for your auto insurance is flexibility in how you pay. With a Root policy, you can pay monthly or cover your six-month premium upfront. Monthly payments are a great way to break up your payment into smaller amounts, but if you choose to pay in full, you can get a great discount on your rate.

Another benefit is you’re not locked into your payment preference. If you start making monthly payments, you can pay off your remaining 6-month premium balance at any time. Alternatively, if you pay in full for your first six months, you can switch to monthly payments to cover your next term.

Another way root offers flexibility in payments is by allowing you to change your payment date each month. If you’re in a bind and need a little extra time to pay your premium, you can move the payment date back 5 days to accommodate your situation. This can be done quickly in the Root insurance app under the payments tab.

The payment flexibility doesn’t end there. Root Insurance also offers several payment options that make it easier for you to pay.

The first way you can pay is through the Root app. With just a few taps, you can add your preferred payment method and can adjust your payment preferences at any time. You can also set up automatic payments to be withdrawn directly from your account on your scheduled payment day.

As far as payment methods are concerned, you can choose a credit card, debit card, or ApplePay to cover your premium.

Root Auto Insurance Rate Increases

In the world of car insurance, rates can increase for a variety of reasons. One is if you move to an area where there is a higher risk of accidents. Your rate can also increase if your driving record takes a hit due to being in an accident or receiving a traffic violation. Changing the driver on your policy can also increase your rates depending on the driver’s history. Another common reason rates increase include buying a new car that is more expensive to insure.

These are some of the main reasons you could see your rates go up in general. That’s why it’s important to regularly compare your auto insurance rates to ensure you’re getting the best premium rate for your coverage.

Root Auto Insurance Claims

Root can streamline the claims process for their customers by enabling them to file a claim in just a few minutes through the app. All you need to do is answer a couple of questions about the accident’s nature and then provide pictures of the damage. Once that’s done, your claim will be reviewed quickly by a claims specialist who can help you get the funds you need to cover any damages resulting from the accident.

Root Auto Insurance Discounts

Root offers its customers discounts based on their driving history. If you have a clean record, you can save up to $900 on your annual premium.

There are also specific discount programs that Root offers.

• Safe Driving Discount: Safe drivers have a limited accident history and no recent traffic violations.
• Professional Discount: Root also offers driver status discounts to students, active military, and affiliations with specific professional organizations.
• Usage-Based Discount: They also provide a usage-based discount which will lower your rates if you don’t drive often.
• Vehicle Discounts: Another important discount consideration will come down to the type of car you drive. Certain vehicles are eligible for discounted rates depending on their safety features, maintenance costs, and fuel efficiency. You can qualify for any of these discounts by taking the Root test drive.

Root Auto Insurance Coverage Options

Root offers standard liability coverage, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Their auto coverage also provides roadside assistance, collision, comprehensive, rental, and uninsured motorist property damage protection.

These are the same basic coverage options available at most traditional auto insurance companies. However, Root Insurance plans are highly customizable depending on your coverage needs, individual driving history, and current driving habits.

With a robust tech platform, this company gives you the same reliable insurance you would get at any other major insurance company while saving money based on your driving behavior.

Who is Root Auto Insurance Good For?

Root is excellent for drivers who drive less than average, have a good driving record, and are looking to save money on their insurance premiums. Those combined factors allow their customers to only pay for the coverage they need, saving them a significant amount of money throughout the year.

It is also suitable for those who are technologically savvy. Because Root is powered mainly by its mobile app, you have to be comfortable using it to get the most out of your policy. Luckily, Root’s platform is very user-friendly and offers you a centralized place to review your policy.

Who is Root Auto Insurance Bad For?

Root is not the best option for newer drivers because they are less likely to approve you if you don’t have a long driving history. Teens and young adults who are approved might see higher rates, as well. With that said, newer drivers might want to avoid this company until they build up their driving history.

Because your driving behavior is a much more heavily weighted factor in determining your rate with this company, Root isn’t the best choice for you if you have a limited driving history or a record of multiple speeding tickets or accidents.

Those who don’t want to rely heavily on an App to track their driving record might also consider another more traditional company. If you’re not technologically savvy and don’t want to manage your account through their mobile app, you might be more inclined to go with a more mainstream company that has a more traditional system in place.

Where is Root Auto Insurance Available?

Root Insurance isn’t available in every state, but they are quickly expanding their reach.

Currently, Root serves customers in

• California
• Oregon
• Nevada
• Utah
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Colorado
• Montana
• North Dakota
• Nebraska
• Oklahoma
• Texas
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Arkansas
• Missouri
• Iowa
• Wisconsin
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Ohio
• Kentucky
• Tennessee
• Georgia
• South Carolina
• West Virginia
• Virginia
• Pennsylvania
• Maryland
• Connecticut

While this list doesn’t include all 50 states, if Root can gain momentum in their current markets, it would not be surprising to see them expand across more states in the US. But this remains to be seen.

No matter where you live, be sure to compare your auto insurance rates to be sure you’re getting the most affordable rate option with Root Insurance.

Root Auto Insurance Customer Reviews

According to Value Penguin, Root is rated highly regarding the low rates they can offer to drivers with a good driving record and less than average driving mileage; however, they leave much to be desired in the customer service department. Coming in with a 3.5 out of 5-star rating, they have slightly better than average customer satisfaction; however, this is primarily because of their rate affordability. They still have a long way to go as far as providing their customers with excellent customer service.

Root Auto Insurance Pros and Cons

Because Root refuses to cover risky drivers, they can keep their rates low. They also allow an SR-22 if you need one, and their app is second-to-none. Their innovative technological approach helps them stand apart from their competition. Root customers stand to save hundreds of dollars per year on auto insurance premiums with customizable plans that can accommodate you based on your driving habits.

This is great for drivers with solid driving history, few tickets, and no accidents. Those looking for a merit-based insurance policy can’t go wrong with Root, making this a very appealing option.

The cons of Root Insurance are that they are more likely to deny your coverage compared to other companies. Another drawback is they aren’t available in every state. While it’s expected that they will soon expand coverage, they are still a newer company and will need time to extend their reach to additional markets.

Aside from their limited availability depending on which state you live in, customers have also complained about their customer service not being as responsive as they would like. However, some say this is to be expected with a newer company. Over time, we hope they will improve their customer service issues once they gain more capital and additional experience.

How to Cancel a Root Auto Insurance Policy

Canceling a Root Auto insurance policy is simple. All you need to do is log into the app and choose the cancel policy option. Complete the steps provided in the app, and you will be able to cancel your policy at any time.

FAQs About Root Auto Insurance

Who is Root Insurance owned by?

Alex Timm is the CEO and founder of Root Insurance. He founded the company believing that auto insurance rates should be based primarily on driver behavior, not demographics.

Does Root always track your driving?

Root tracks your driving continuously during an initial 2 week trial period in which your insurance premium is calculated. After that time, you don’t need to keep running the app; however, it does sit in the background, monitoring you to build a more comprehensive user profile. The continued monitoring, however, won’t impact your rate.

Is Root Insurance a carrier?

Yes, Root Insurance is an auto insurance carrier.

How does Root Insurance work?

Root Insurance uses its app to measure driving behavior to determine who’s a safe driver. They only ensure safe drivers to keep rates more affordable. Also, they are primarily app-based in which you can purchase your policy, view your insurance card, make changes to your policy, file a claim, and more.