Introduction:
Root car insurance distinguishes itself from other providers by prioritizing driving behavior over demographic factors when determining insurance rates. The company aims for equitable pricing, emphasizing safe driving practices to offer savings. Root places greater importance on factors like braking habits, turning speeds, driving routes, and mileage, rather than traditional metrics like education, occupation, or marital status. By 2025, Root plans to eliminate credit scores from its pricing model.
Key Takeaways:
Who It’s Best For:
- Safe drivers and those with safety-equipped vehicles.
- Smartphone users, as Root operates through its mobile app.
- Drivers seeking savings through Root’s telematics system.
Who It’s Not Best For:
- Individuals uncomfortable with technology.
- High-risk drivers.
- Those with long commutes, especially at night.
Pros and Cons of Root Car Insurance:
Pros:
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Prices Based on Driving, Not Demographics:
- Root’s pricing model prioritizes driving behavior over demographic factors, allowing fair assessment.
- Affordability is enhanced, offering potential savings based on controllable driving habits.
- Pricing focuses on factors like turn speed, braking habits, and route consistency.
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Affordability:
- Root’s pricing system allows drivers to influence costs through improved driving habits.
- Control over driving behaviors contributes to potential savings.
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Mobile App:
- Root’s mobile app facilitates seamless management of coverage, claims filing, and other insurance-related tasks.
Cons:
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GPS Tracking:
- Privacy concerns arise as Root’s app requires continuous access to GPS location.
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Customer Selectivity:
- Root exclusively insures good drivers, potentially rejecting those with a history of risky driving.
Root Auto Insurance Coverage:
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Liability:
- Mandatory coverage protecting the other party in accidents.
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Collision:
- Covers damage to your vehicle if you cause an accident.
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Comprehensive:
- Includes non-accident damages like weather incidents, fires, theft, and vandalism.
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Rental Car Coverage:
- Covers rental costs during repairs from a covered claim.
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UI/UIM) Property Damage:
- Protects against insufficiently insured drivers causing damage.
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UI/UIM) Bodily Injury:
- Covers medical expenses if an underinsured driver injures you.
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Medical Payments:
- Covers medical expenses after accidents, with the at-fault driver responsible.
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Personal Injury Protection (PIP):
- Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs, regardless of fault.
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Roadside Assistance:
- All policies include roadside assistance, accessible through the mobile app.
Root Car Insurance focuses on innovative pricing, prioritizing driving habits, and leveraging technology for a personalized experience. Prospective policyholders should weigh the emphasis on safe driving against potential privacy concerns associated with GPS tracking. The mobile app’s convenience and the commitment to fair pricing make Root a distinctive player in the auto insurance landscape.
Root car insurance stands out by prioritizing driving behavior over demographic factors, offering fair pricing to safe drivers. This approach sets Root apart, focusing on telematics to assess individual driving habits. This overview delves into Root’s pricing, coverage, customer service, mobile app features, third-party ratings, company history, and additional insurance offerings.
Pricing and Discounts:
Auto Insurance Rate:
- Root boasts one of the lowest prices among providers.
- As of December 2022, the average annual cost is $829, ranking as the second-cheapest in the U.S.
Calculation Basis:
- Rates are primarily determined by driving habits, excluding factors like education and occupation.
- Demographic considerations include credit score, age, marital status, gender, ZIP code, vehicle type, and prior insurance.
Telematics and Discounts:
- Telematics track driving behaviors such as focused vs. distracted driving, smooth vs. sudden braking, gentle vs. quick turning, and safe hours vs. late-night trips.
- Discounts include up to $900 annually for focused driving, bundling policies, and upfront premium payments.
Customer Service:
Contact Information:
- General inquiries or claims: Call customer service at 866-980-9431 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET).
- Existing claim assistance: Call 866-489-1985 during the same hours.
- Email inquiries: Send queries to [email protected].
Mobile Apps and Online Features:
Root App Highlights:
- Fully digital services accessible through the mobile app.
- GPS tracking for drive analysis, allowing automated tracking without manual initiation.
- App features include reviewing trips, adding drivers/vehicles, making payments, accessing insurance cards, roadside assistance requests, policy changes, and cancellation requests.
- App ratings: 4.7/5 on Apple App Store, 3.5/5 on Google Play.
Third-Party Ratings:
Better Business Bureau (BBB):
- Accredited by BBB since January 2017 with an A+ rating.
- Customer rating: 1.3/5, citing slow claims processing, rate increases, and customer service issues.
NAIC Complaint Index:
- Root’s 2021 index is 3.2, higher than the national index of 1.0.
- Demonstrated improvement from 3.82 in 2020 and 4.57 in 2019.
Company History:
Founding and Expansion:
- Founded in 2015 by Alex Timm and Dan Manges.
- Headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.
- Rapid expansion from 10 states in 2017 to 34 states as of 2022.
Other Insurance Offerings:
Additional Coverages:
- Renters insurance covering personal liability and medical expenses.
- Homeowners insurance safeguarding against unforeseen events like fires or theft.
Cancellation Policy:
- Policies can be canceled through the mobile app or by calling customer service.
- Refunds issued on a prorated basis for all coverages, individuals, and listed vehicles.
Root’s innovative approach, commitment to fair pricing, and emphasis on telematics-driven assessments make it a unique player in the auto insurance landscape, particularly appealing to safe drivers.
