Is Root Car Insurance Legit? Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Is Root Car Insurance Legit? Yes, Root Car Insurance is a legitimate provider offering coverage in 34 states. Established in 2015, it is the first licensed auto insurer in the U.S. to operate exclusively through mobile platforms. Root sets its rates primarily based on driving history, making it a potential money-saver for safe drivers. However, there are several aspects to consider before choosing Root as your insurer.

Key Points About Root Car Insurance:

Test Drive Pricing:

• Root determines your rates based on a “Test Drive,” where the app monitors your driving habits. Safer drivers get better rates.
• The test drive typically lasts three weeks but can go up to four weeks.

No Credit Scores:

• By 2025, Root plans to stop using credit scores to set prices, unlike most insurers.

Complaints:

• Some customers have had issues with Root’s service, so keep this in mind when considering them.

Coverage and Features:

Coverage for Good Drivers:

• Root offers better rates to drivers who are less likely to file claims, focusing on driving history instead of age, gender, or credit score.

Driving Record Matters Most:

• Safe drivers get better rates since Root’s pricing is based on driving behavior tracked during the test drive.

Insurance Options:

• Root offers standard coverage options, including:
  1. 1. Liability Coverage: For injury and damage to others.
     2. Medical Coverage: For medical expenses after an accident.
     3. Comprehensive Coverage: For non-collision incidents like theft or weather damage.
     4. Collision Coverage: For repairs to your vehicle regardless of fault.
     5. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: For damages if hit by an uninsured driver.

Additional perks include roadside assistance and rental car coverage.

How Root Car Insurance Works:

Sign Up:

• Create an account on the Root website or app.

Track Your Driving:

• Let Root monitor your driving during the test drive, tracking things like driving times, smoothness, speed, braking force, and turn speed.

Review Your Quote:

• After the test drive, Root gives you a car insurance quote based on your driving. Safer drivers get better rates.

Driver Scorecard:

• Check your driving score in the app and get tips to improve it.

Accept or Decline:

• Root offers coverage based on their policy, often declining high-risk drivers.

Additional Root Insurance Programs:

Roadside Assistance:

• Included at no extra cost, covering up to three incidents per six-month policy term.

Rental Car Coverage:

• Covers rental car costs while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident.

SR-22:

• Provides the necessary paperwork for those with a DUI charge.

Money-Saving Tips:

• Drive Safely:

Maintain a good driving record to keep rates low.

• Stay Focused:

Discounts for avoiding phone use while driving.

• Tesla Owners:

Discounts for using advanced safety features on Tesla vehicles.

Availability: Root is available in most U.S. states, except Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Check Root’s website for availability in your state.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Easy access and management through their app.
• SR-22 certificate available if needed.
• Rewards for good driving habits.
• Included roadside assistance.
• Highly rated mobile app.

Cons:

• Limited discounts compared to other insurers.
• Not available in all states.
• Higher likelihood of coverage denial.
• Potential for rate increases if driving habits change.

Filing a Claim with Root Car Insurance:

Use the Root car Insurance app:

• – File a claim, upload photos of the damage, and wait for a representative to contact you.
• – Track progress and updates through the app.

Root Insurance Reviews and Ratings:

Mixed Reviews:

• Some customers report lower rates, but customer service can be hard to reach.
• The app has good ratings on both Apple and Android platforms.
• More BBB complaints compared to similar companies, varying by location.
• MarketWatch rates Root 8.0/10.0, with high ratings in availability and cost.
• Financially stable with a high rating from AM Best.

Conclusion:

In summary, Roots Insurance and Roots, the apparel brand, operate in distinct sectors but share a commitment to innovative approaches in their respective fields.

Roots Car Insurance has garnered attention for its unique methodology of determining insurance rates based on actual driving behavior, monitored through a mobile app. While this innovation appeals to many customers looking for personalized rates, the company has faced criticism regarding its customer service and claims processing. Founded by Alex Timm and Dan Manges in 2015, Root Insurance blends its expertise in insurance and technology to offer a modern, data-driven solution in the insurance industry.

On the other hand, Roots as an apparel brand is renowned for its high-quality products, emphasizing craftsmanship and comfort. Recognized as a premium brand, Roots has established a strong reputation in the fashion market. The brand is currently owned by Searchlight Capital Partners, a private equity firm that took ownership in 2015.

Both entities, though different in their offerings, highlight the importance of innovation and quality in establishing a strong market presence. Root Insurance aims to revolutionize the insurance industry through technology and personalized services, while Roots continues to uphold its legacy of premium quality in the apparel market.

FAQs:

Is Root Car Insurance real or fake?

Root Insurance is very real. They base rates primarily on driving behavior, not demographics.

Who owns Root Car Insurance?

Alex Timm, the Co-Founder and CEO, leads Root Insurance.

Why might I not be eligible for Root?

Reasons include too many tickets, accidents, or poor credit.

Does Root track your speed?

Yes, they use your smartphone’s sensors to measure driving behavior.

How does Root know if you’re driving?

They analyze data from your phone’s GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer.

Can I cancel Root Insurance anytime?

Yes, you can cancel anytime without penalties.

Is Root legitimate?

Yes, Root is a legitimate car insurance company.

Is Root good insurance?

If you’re a safe driver, Root can offer quality coverage and potential savings.

How does Root Insurance work?

Take a “Test Drive” using their app, and they’ll determine your rate based on driving behavior.

What kind of insurance is Root?

Root offers car insurance based on driving behavior.

Is Roots a good insurance company?

Roots Insurance has received mixed reviews. While some customers appreciate the innovative approach of using driving behavior to determine rates, others have raised concerns about customer service and claims processing.

Is Roots a premium brand?

Roots is considered a premium brand, known for its high-quality products and strong focus on craftsmanship and comfort.

What company owns Roots?

Roots is owned by Searchlight Capital Partners, a private equity firm that acquired the company in 2015.

How does Root Insurance know if you’re driving?

Root Insurance uses a mobile app that tracks driving behavior via GPS and sensors on your phone. It monitors factors such as speed, braking, and phone usage to assess your driving habits.

Who is behind Root Insurance?

Root Insurance was founded by Alex Timm and Dan Manges in 2015, leveraging their backgrounds in insurance and technology to create a data-driven, customer-centric insurance model.