Root Insurance Review

How does Root car insurance work?

Root rewards good drivers with cheaper rates. Drivers download the Root Insurance app and create an account, and the app monitors their driving during a test-drive period and scores it based on the following factors:

  • Braking habits
  • Turning habits
  • Safe phone usage
  • Driving during safe hours

If the Root Insurance app is installed on your phone and you’ve turned on location permissions, it will always track your driving; you do not need to log in to the app or the website for it to work. Thanks to machine-learning algorithms, the app also knows if you’re driving, biking or riding as a passenger in a plane, subway or car, so Root will not factor these trips into your driving score. Users can check their scores on the Root app to see how the company is assessing their performance.

It takes about three weeks to complete the test drive and get a free Root auto insurance quote. If you decide to cancel your old insurance policy and join Root, you can use the app to request that Root inform your old insurer on your behalf.

Root also offers a program called RootReady, which allows drivers with certain kinds of cars to use already-collected driving data in place of a test drive. GM cars bought after 2015 already compile information on driving habits, which can be used to set a rate with Root’s telematics.

You can add other drivers to your Root policy via the app as well. They’re not required to take the test drive, but Root encourages them to do so. Without the test drive, Root must rely on standard demographic and location data to set rates and cannot offer the other drivers discounts for their safe driving.

Root Insurance payments

Root policies last for six months, and drivers have the option either to make their entire car insurance payment at once or to pay in monthly installments. Payments are made via the app, and policyholders can use either a credit card or Apple Pay. The app also contains your proof of insurance, though the company will mail you a separate insurance card as well.

If you decide to pay in monthly installments, you will select a payment date in the app. You can also change your frequency of payments between monthly and full term in the app.

Root rate increases

After six months, your Root insurance premium may increase for the next policy term. While the main factor that sets your rate is your driving, other factors do play a role and could cause your rate to go up. Those factors may include:

  • Drivers listed on your policy
  • Cars listed on your policy
  • Your driving record including tickets or accidents
  • Major storms, like hurricanes or hailstorms
  • Accident rates near you
  • Car values near you

Root also adjusts premiums based on how accurate its predictions of its own costs were during a given six-month period. Rates increase when the revenue from premiums is lower than the cost of paying out claims; rates decrease when the revenue from premiums is greater than the cost of paying out claims. All insurance companies can raise their rates based on risks and profits, but many drivers don’t expect it from a telematics company that promises your rate is mostly based on how you drive, not external factors.

Some customers have complained of skyrocketing rates after the first policy term, so you should be aware that the rate you’re quoted after completing the test drive or at any 6-month renewal could increase significantly — even if there are no changes on your end as the driver.

Shoppers should also note that Root tracks your data after the test drive. The company says after the test drive, it will no longer use the score to rate you. The company’s privacy policy implies you can also change your permissions about sharing data after the test-drive period.

Root auto insurance claims

After an accident, Root policyholders can file a claim and request roadside assistance via the app. Provide as much information as you can and upload photographs if possible. Root will reach out to you afterward to assess the claim and determine the next steps.

If you’d prefer to speak directly with a Root claims expert, you can call 866-980-9431 during business hours. You can also file an auto insurance claim on the company’s website or 24/7 via the company’s dedicated phone number, but you will likely only be able to access a Root claims expert during business hours.