Is Root Car Insurance Legit?

Last Updated on January 6, 2026

Root car insurance markets itself as “car insurance for good drivers.” Instead of relying mostly on broad averages (like age or ZIP code), Root is best known for using a smartphone app to measure driving behavior and set rates primarily based on how you actually drive.

That app-first approach is why many drivers ask if Root is real. The short answer is yes — Root sells legitimate, state-regulated auto insurance. It’s just built differently than your traditional insurance company.

Quick Verdict: Is Root Car Insurance Legit?

Yes. Root is a licensed insurance company and operates under the same state insurance rules as other carriers (rates and policies are filed with regulators, and claims are legally binding).

What makes Root feel “different” is the experience: it’s designed to be managed digitally, and many customers go through an in-app driving evaluation (“test drive”) before receiving a final offer. Root can be a great fit for some drivers — and a poor fit for others — depending on where you live, how you drive, and how comfortable you are with app-based tracking.

About Root Insurance

Root is based in Columbus, Ohio and launched in 2015. The company grew quickly by focusing on technology-driven underwriting — especially usage-based insurance (UBI), where your price is influenced by measurable driving behavior.

Important nuance: Root’s “based on how you drive” message is directionally true, but no insurer prices a policy on a single factor. Your vehicle, address, coverage selections, prior insurance, and record still matter. And in some states (or through certain purchase channels), telematics may be limited or not used for pricing.

Root Insurance at a glance

Here’s a quick overview of how Root compares to many traditional insurers (features and availability can vary by state).

Root Insurance is not available everywhere

Root does business in many states, but not all — and availability can change over time. The most reliable way to confirm is to check Root’s official availability map: https://www.joinroot.com/availability/.

This matters because each state has its own auto insurance requirements, and insurers must meet state rules for pricing, filings, and coverage. If Root isn’t available where you live, start with other well-known options from the best auto insurance companies in America and compare quotes.

How Root car insurance works

Root is built around a mobile-first experience. In many states, the process looks like this:

• Start a quote (often in the app or online).
• Complete a “test drive” where the app measures driving behaviors like braking, turning, time-of-day driving, and phone distraction.
• Receive an offer (or learn that Root can’t offer coverage).
• Buy and manage the policy digitally (ID cards, billing, many changes, and claims support are designed to work through the app).

Some drivers may also be eligible for “insurance from day one,” meaning they can start coverage quickly and then complete the test drive afterward (your final rate may adjust later based on the test drive result).

Also note: Root’s test drive is part of getting rated — it’s not the same thing as test-driving a vehicle at a dealership. Dealership test drives involve a different kind of risk and coverage situation entirely.

Like all insurers, Root can decline to offer coverage based on underwriting rules. If you complete the process and don’t receive an offer, it’s not “illegal” or “a scam” — it’s simply an underwriting decision (and it happens with many carriers in different ways). If you’re worried about being declined, this guide may help: can car insurance deny coverage to me?

If you’ve used other telematics programs before, Root will feel similar in concept to tools like Progressive Snapshot — but Root’s app-based driving evaluation can carry more weight in the overall quoting experience.

What else can affect a Root quote?

Even though Root emphasizes driving behavior, your quote can still reflect traditional rating factors. Your driving history and your prior claims history can still influence your price and eligibility.

Be accurate when you apply. Misrepresenting your driving record, garaging address, or usage can backfire later — including a denied claim or a canceled policy. If you’re unsure what counts as “misrepresentation,” read this: what happens if I lie about my driving history to the insurance company?

If you’re dealing with tickets or points, that can still matter with any insurer — even if you drive safely today. Depending on your state, you may have options to reduce the impact over time: how do you get rid of points on your driver’s license?

Root can be appealing to some newer drivers because it leans more heavily on present-day behavior than stereotypes — but it won’t always be the cheapest option. If you’re shopping as a teen or young adult, compare broadly: cheapest car insurance for young drivers.

Reasons people don’t trust Root (and what to watch for)

Most skepticism comes from how Root operates, not whether it’s legal. Here are the common friction points:

• It’s app-driven. If you prefer in-person support, Root may feel unfamiliar — although Root does also have an independent agent channel in some markets.
• It requires tracking permissions. Telematics-style pricing typically requires location services and background activity, which can be a dealbreaker for privacy-conscious drivers.
• Your rate can change. Even safe drivers can see pricing shifts at renewal due to market conditions, claims trends, or changes in mileage/usage.
• Not everyone gets an offer. Root’s model may be a great fit for some drivers and not for others, so some applicants never receive a final quote.

If you’re specifically looking for a non-app option, Root also has a separate platform for independent agents in some states: https://www.joinroot.com/agents/.

Discounts and ways to save with Root

Root isn’t known for stacking a long list of “traditional” discounts. Many large insurers push savings for things like good student discounts, multi-car discounts, or extensive bundling opportunities.

With Root, the biggest “discount” is usually the pricing advantage you may get from demonstrating safer driving habits. Depending on your state and policy, Root may also offer savings like pay-in-full or multi-policy discounts. (Root outlines its current discount approach here: https://www.joinroot.com/discounts/.)

If you drive a Tesla, don’t assume Root will be cheapest — Tesla owners often do best by comparing multiple options side-by-side, including Tesla’s own program. Start here: Tesla insurance cost and Tesla’s in-house insurance program.

What types of coverage does Root offer?

Root typically offers the standard building blocks of auto insurance (exact options vary by state):

• Liability coverage (required in most states)
• Collision and comprehensive
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (learn more: uninsured vs. underinsured motorist coverage)
• Rental reimbursement (learn more: rental reimbursement coverage)
• Roadside assistance (learn more: emergency roadside assistance coverage)

One key limitation to know up front: Root states it does not offer gap coverage at this time. If you have a loan or lease and owe more than the car is worth, learn how gap works here: what is gap insurance — do I need it?

And if you drive for a rideshare or delivery platform, be extra careful. Many personal auto policies won’t cover you while you’re working unless you have the right endorsement. Before you rely on any insurer, read: will my insurance company cover me if I start driving for Uber or Lyft? If you need rideshare-friendly options, start here: best auto insurance companies for Uber and Lyft drivers. For delivery-specific questions, see: Uber Eats insurance.

Root Insurance pros and cons

Here’s a quick recap of where Root tends to shine — and where it may fall short — for the average driver.

FAQs on Root Car Insurance Legitimacy

Bottom line

Root is legit — but it’s not “for everyone.” If you like the idea of app-first service and pricing that rewards safer habits, Root can be worth quoting. If you want an agent relationship, dislike phone-based tracking, or need specialized add-ons, you may be happier elsewhere.

If Root isn’t a fit, you can still save by shopping around. Start here: cheapest auto insurance companies.

And if you’re already a Root customer (or need to reach them before switching), here’s the quickest info: Root insurance customer service contact number.