⚡ Quick Verdict
$1,120
Avg annual (safe drivers)
None
AM Best rating
1.32
NAIC complaint index
33 states
Availability
📱 How Root Works: The Test Drive
Root is app-only and telematics-based. Here's the process:
Download the app
Everything happens in the Root app. No agents, no website quotes.
Complete the "test drive"
Drive for 2-4 weeks while the app monitors your behavior (braking, speed, phone use, time of day).
Get your personalized rate
Good drivers can save up to 44% off the initial quote. Bad drivers may be denied entirely.
🚨 The AM Best Problem
Root is not rated by AM Best—the gold standard for insurer financial strength.
What This Means:
- • No independent verification of claims-paying ability
- • Root is a young, publicly traded company (IPO 2020)
- • They've struggled with profitability
- • Stock has been volatile
The risk: If Root has financial difficulties, your claims could be at risk. Established insurers with A+ ratings don't have this concern.
âś“ What Root Does Well
Lowest Prices for Good Drivers
$1,120/year average—significantly below GEICO, Progressive, everyone. If you're a genuinely safe driver, Root rewards you.
Roadside Assistance Included
Free roadside assistance with every policy (except CA and NV). Nice perk at no extra cost.
Transparent Pricing
The app shows how coverage changes affect your rate in real-time. Very user-friendly.
Behavior-Based, Not Demographics
Root prices based on how you actually drive, not your age/credit/gender. Fairer in theory.
❌ Where Root Falls Short
No AM Best Rating
Financial stability is unverified by the industry standard. This is a real concern.
Claims Issues
User reviews frequently cite slow response times and poor customer service during claims. Not rated by J.D. Power.
No Accident Forgiveness
Unlike Progressive, Allstate, and Farmers—no accident forgiveness option.
Limited Availability
Not available in 17 states including Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Washington.
Who Should Consider Root?
âś“ Consider If You...
- • Are a very safe driver
- • Drive low miles
- • Are comfortable with app-only experience
- • Prioritize savings over everything
- • Are young and priced out elsewhere
❌ Avoid If You...
- • Value financial stability guarantees
- • Have had claims before
- • Want to talk to humans
- • Live in an excluded state
- • Are uncomfortable sharing driving data
Our Verdict
Root offers genuinely low prices for safe drivers—$1,120/year is hard to beat. But the lack of AM Best rating is a real concern for a young, financially volatile company. Claims reviews are poor, and customer service is app-only. Best for: young, safe, low-mileage drivers who prioritize savings and accept the financial stability risk. Everyone else should stick with rated insurers.