Last updated: March 31, 2026
Root Car Insurance Pricing 2026
Learn how much you may spend on car insurance with Root.
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Root Insurance is a usage-based auto insurer that determines rates by tracking your driving habits, as opposed to traditional demographic factors like age or credit score. Your “test drive” data determines not just eligibility for a policy, but also the premium you’re offered. In fact, Root claims its built-in safe driving discount can help customers save up to $900 per year.1
Below, we break down average premiums for a Root policy, ways to save on rates, and some key features Root offers its policyholders.
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Car Insurance Rates for Root Insurance
The average premium from Root is $1,719 annually for full coverage. It’s important to note that Root is more selective than traditional insurers and aims to keep premiums low by denying coverage to high-risk drivers who may be bigger liabilities.
To get a quote, drivers must download the Root app and use it to track their driving during a test period lasting a few weeks. Driving habits monitored include focused driving, smooth braking, gentle turning, and driving during safe hours. Root will then generate a driving score that determines if you qualify for a policy, and offer a rate based on that driving score.
| Category | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $1,719 | $143 |
| Minimum coverage | $1,061 | $88 |
Saving Money With Root Discounts
Root automatically includes a safe driving discount in your quote, but here are other discounts you can earn. In general, Root has few additional discounts compared to other insurers, because it relies largely on driving data to determine your premiums.
Bundling
Root offers discounts to policyholders who purchase renters or homeowners insurance along with auto insurance.
Full Payment
Customers who pay their policies’ premiums in full with Root instead of making monthly payments could receive a discount as well.
Focused Driving
Drivers can also receive a focused driving discount of up to 10 percent off annual premiums. To determine eligibility, Root’s app tracks how often drivers avoid using their phone (meaning they don’t text, use music apps, and more while behind the wheel).
Favorite Features
Roadside Assistance
This feature is included in every Root auto policy. Use the Root app to request a jumpstart, tow truck, or help with a locked vehicle. You can use roadside assistance three times per vehicle during a six-month policy term, with a cap of $100 per incident.
Rental Car Coverage
Root provides rental car coverage as an optional policy add-on. You can be reimbursed for a car rental or receive rideshare credit during the time your car is in the shop as part of a Root claim.
SR-22 Form
If you need an SR-22, Root can help you with the process of getting one. You simply complete the process in the app.
Referral Program
Refer a friend who takes the Root test drive and receives a quote, and both you and your friend will earn a reward (generally $10, though this may vary by state). The program only applies to states in which Root is available, and excludes California, North Dakota, and Mississippi.
In What States Is Root Available?
As of March 2026, Root is available in 36 states and the District of Columbia. Here are the states where Root is not available:
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Wyoming
Cancellation Policy
Root customers who wish to cancel their policies can do so by using the Root app or calling 866-980-9431. If a customer cancels their policy before the end of its term, the company will refund any amount on a daily prorated basis.
Company Background
In 2015, Root began with the goal of changing the car insurance pricing model. While less than a decade old, Root has expanded throughout the U.S. rapidly, as well as added insurance options beyond auto policies.
- 2015: Root began offering car insurance in Ohio from its headquarters in Columbus.
- 2017: Root launched Lyft on Us and expanded into Arizona.
- 2018: Root added four new states to its coverage area: Kentucky, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
- 2019: The company moved into California and increased its insurance options to include renters policies.
- 2020: Root Home, its homeowners insurance, joined the Root portfolio in 13 states.
- 2021: Root partnered with Carvana to develop integrated auto insurance solutions for Carvana’s online car-buying platform.
- 2022: The company entered the car insurance market in Alabama and Florida.
Contact Information
You can reach the Root customer service team by phone, email, and online chat Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET:
- Call 866-980-9431.
- Email help@joinroot.com.
- Speak to an agent via live chat: https://www.joinroot.com/contact/.
File claims:
- Online: https://claims.joinroot.com/portal/fnol?_ga=2.26705784.49507576.1580850431-423594291.1580319025
- Via the Root app
- By phone: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Call 866-489-1985 for existing claims or 866-980-9431 for new claims.
- By mail:
- Attn: Claims Department
- 80 E Rich Street, Suite 500
- Columbus, OH 43215
Conclusion
Root bases its auto premiums on each customer’s driving habits. The company utilizes technology through its app to rate drivers and complete policy paperwork. By focusing on how policyholders actually perform behind the wheel, Root helps customers save up to $900 annually on auto insurance premiums. If you’re considering a policy, check out our in-depth Root car insurance review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Root is a legitimate car insurance company that also offers homeowners and renters coverage. Founded in 2015, it’s been accredited with the Better Business Bureau since 2017. It is also a publicly traded company that is licensed to operate in 36 states.
The Root app works with your smartphone sensors to gather driving data. Drivers who drive safely per the following will get lower rates:
- Smooth braking: Motorists who give themselves plenty of time to brake, as frequent, sudden braking can suggest driving too closely to the car ahead or inattention to the road
- Gentle turning: People who ease into and out of each turn by slowing down
- Safe hours: Drivers who don’t take late-night trips, especially on the weekends
- Speed: People who don’t exceed the speed limit
The Root app tracks customers’ driving during an initial test period, then uses that data to generate a quote. Once the driver has purchased their car insurance from Root, they can deactivate tracking in the app.
No, Root does not offer insurance to anyone who applies. Because it bases its premiums on the driving habits of a customer, the company routinely denies auto insurance to those who perform poorly during the test period. This keeps rates low for safe drivers it insures.
Sources
Discounts for what matters. Root Insurance. (2026).
https://www.joinroot.com/discounts/
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