Root Auto Insurance Review: Using Technology to Reward Responsible Driving Behavior

Root auto insurance is a good fit for people with a good driving record and responsible driving behavior. Safe drivers are rewarded with lower policy rates.

While Root is particular about who it insures, the company's rates are tough to beat. Here are four examples:

Cost comparison

As mentioned, Root only insures safe drivers. By paying out fewer claims, the company can offer its policyholders lower rates. For example:

Root offers a wide range of discounts, including:

• Bundle home and auto
• Stay off the phone when driving
• Potential premium savings of $900 a year for good drivers

Policy types

• Auto
• Homeowners
• Renters insurance in a limited number of states

Coverage types

• Bodily injury liability
• Collision
• Comprehensive
• Medical payments
• Personal injury
• Property damage liability
• Rental car
• Roadside assistance
• Underinsured motorist
• Uninsured motorist

While Root's vehicle coverage is comparable to that offered by other insurers, auto insurance is Root's primary focus. The company does offer homeowners and renters insurance in a limited number of states.

The Better Business Bureau gives Root an A+ rating, but customers seem less pleased. With a few hundred reviews, visitors to the BBB site give the company 1.27 out of 5 stars. The majority of complaints involve raised rates and dropped policies.

The insurer hasn't featured in any large-scale customer satisfaction surveys, like those conducted by J.D. Power, so it's difficult to estimate how its service stacks up to its competitors.

• Homeowners insurance in a limited number of states
• Renters insurance in a limited number of states

When looking for an auto insurer with higher customer satisfaction ratings: State Farm shines where Root does not. However, anyone searching for a new policy should compare quotes as Root's rates are tough to beat.

When looking for an auto insurer that provides coverage to drivers with an imperfect driving record: Progressive blows most of its competitors out of the water. However, drivers with a clean record will likely land a lower rate with Root.

Root auto insurance could be a good fit for drivers who:

• Want to take advantage of years of safe driving
• Seek the lowest possible policy rates
• Are comfortable with an insurer tracking their driving habits

Root readily admits that it's "not for everybody," but for drivers who work with it, there are savings to be had. If you're looking for a better fit, check out our list of the best car insurance companies.

At The Motley Fool Ascent, insurers are rated on a scale of one to five stars. We primarily focus on pricing, coverage options, and customer satisfaction; however, we also take into account features like unique discounts, online and app-based experiences, and branch access. Our highest-rated auto insurances generally include low costs, solid coverage, and high customer satisfaction.