Car insurance the day you need it

The test drive is how we determine your good driving habits. We then use that information to calculate your final rate.

Here’s how it works:

1. Purchase your policy at a great price that could last up to 6 months.

2. Drive as you normally would—just keep your phone with you when you do. We’ll use driving data from your phone during the test drive to determine your good driving habits.

3. If you qualify, you’ll get a great final rate based on your good driving.

4. If we can’t continue to insure you, we’ll let you know as soon as possible based on your state’s laws. 

Braking, speed, turns, times of day, miles driven, and driving routes are all considered when calculating your quote. You basically just need to follow the rules of the road and be mindful of other drivers when you’re behind the wheel.

Download the app, sign up—and if you’re offered insurance from day one—purchase a policy.

Get the app.

No, you actually give it permissions to run in the background on your phone when you sign up.

Yes. Without GPS, we won’t be able to determine your quote.

You enable GPS when you set up permissions after installing the app. Or, you can enable it later by updating your settings to "always allow location access."

Once you download the app, we use machine learning algorithms to identify patterns in the location and motion data we receive from your phone. These patterns are different based on whether you are driving a car or are a passenger. The patterns also change for other modes of transportation, so we can tell if you’re driving a car, riding a bike, or taking the subway. And don’t worry, it takes a little time for your driver scorecard to update.

Yes, if you paid in full and your final rate is less than your 60-day rate, we will send you a refund for the difference.

Your final rate only applies to your initial 6-month policy. Your rate may change at renewal. Your rate may also be affected at any time by policy or coverage changes that you make. Learn more about why rates change here.

As you create your profile, you will have the option to add more drivers.

1. Add the drivers’ information (scan their license or add it manually) and tap Continue.

2. You will be taken to the invite screen. Tap Invite next to each new driver’s name.

3. The other drivers will receive a text message with a link to download the Root app. They have to use this link to be included on your policy.

4. Each driver will create an account (attached to yours) with their own email address, and will start their test drive.

As long as they live at the same address, you can invite drivers to the test drive at any point before you finish your test drive. Simply open the app, tap Edit your info on the bottom of the home screen, select Add driver, and follow the steps above.

After your policy is in full effect, you can always add more drivers. (But they won’t take the test drive, and, of course, their addition will increase your premium).

Driving is the number one factor we consider when we determine if Root is the right fit for someone, but there are also other predictive factors we have to consider. Unfortunately, that means we still may not be able to offer you a quote, even if you received a high test drive score.

Want to know more? You can see a breakdown of what we consider here.

Not at this time. But if that changes in the future, we’ll let you know

We do not sell your personally identifiable data. We care about your privacy. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.

Currently, every trip you take during the test drive will count toward your final rate, regardless of why you’re driving. For people who drive for work, like EMTs, police officers, mail delivery personnel, and truck drivers, this means the trips you take for work will be used in addition to your personal driving to calculate your rate. 

But, we encourage you to take the test drive anyway. Good drivers are often surprised by how low their quote is—even with their work trips.

We do our best to make sure that our test drive is as battery friendly as possible—many customers report no change or very little change. The good news? Any short-term inconvenience can lead to big savings.

The driver scorecard is how you can keep tabs on how the test drive is going. When you drive, we consider things like braking, turning, safe hours, and safe phone use to calculate your score. 

You can check your scorecard to see how you’re doing on some of your driving habits to make sure things are going well or so that you know where to make improvements. Once we’ve recorded enough trips, we’ll give you an overall number score for how you’re doing.

We show you a score at the top of the scorecard once we’ve measured enough data from your driving. If you don’t see a score, it just means you haven’t driven enough yet for us to determine how you’re doing.

While we do recommend drivers avoid driving super late at night whenever possible, we understand that some folks will still have to drive late. The good news is that when you drive is only one factor we consider in your overall score, so as long as you’re driving safely, everything should be fine.

If this happens, make sure your location services are on. If they are, follow these steps:

1. Delete the app.

2. Restart your phone.

3. Download the Root app again, and the test drive will pick up where you left off.

If you still have problems after 24 hours, contact customer support.

Right in the app. We accept credit cards and Apple Pay, and you can choose to pay monthly or every 6 months. If you want to change your payment frequency, learn how here. 

Please note that when you purchase your policy, payment will be processed immediately, even if you choose to start your policy at a later date. This is true whether you pay monthly or for a full 6-month term.

If you choose monthly:

• We will process your first payment on the date you purchase the policy, even if your insurance will start at a later date.

• We will automatically process your second payment 30 days after your policy start date using the payment method in your profile.

• We will continue to automatically withdraw your payment each month using the payment method in your profile.

If you choose full term (6 months), you will make a one-time payment when you purchase your policy, even if the policy starts at a later date. We will then automatically process your payment again at your 6-month renewal using the payment method in your profile.

You can! After your first three payments, you can either change your monthly recurring payment date for the rest of your policy period or you can make a one-time adjustment (except during your renewal month). You can always see your next payment date in the Root app.

Yes, you can.

If you choose to change your payment frequency from monthly to full term (6 months), that change goes into effect immediately. 

If you’ve already paid for a full term and you prefer to pay monthly moving forward, you can make that change anytime in the app, but the new monthly billing schedule will not go into effect until the next term begins.

Here’s how to change your payment frequency:

1. Navigate to Payments

2. Click Payment Frequency

3. Select your payment frequency—monthly or full term (6 months)

4. Click Continue and follow the prompts to complete your change.

Of course! Choose a start date based on what works best for you—the app will display the latest possible date your policy can begin. Keep in mind that your first payment—either for all 6 months upfront, or the first of your monthly payments—will be processed immediately.

Your policy will automatically renew every 6 months. Your price might change, so we will let you know what the new price will be ahead of your renewal date. If you don’t have any policy changes or questions, you won’t need to do anything.

We can request cancellation of your old insurance policy for you. You can choose that option in the app. It may take up to 2 weeks for your old carrier to process the cancellation, but it will be retroactive to the day you started your Root policy. Here are some tips on switching to Root.

You can access it anytime in the app. We’ll also mail you a physical copy.

Your policy remains the same until renewal, unless you change it. You can make any policy changes right in the app. Your rate may go up or down based on your changes. Learn more about why rates change here.

You can make changes to your policy right in the app. It’s easy:

1. Open the app.

2. Tap Auto Policy.

3. Tap Profile information to make changes to driver, vehicle, or address. Or select Coverages to make changes to your coverage.

You’ll know if your policy changes affect your rate before you commit. Learn more.

Keep in mind: some coverage changes require a virtual inspection of your vehicle. Simply follow the prompts, submit the requested photos, and the app will let you know when your new rate is ready. No changes will take effect until your payment (or refund) is processed.

Maybe, but you’ll know how it will affect your rate before you commit.

Your final rate only applies to your initial 6-month policy. Your rate may change at renewal. At Root, we are committed to fairness. We will always give our good drivers the lowest rates we can sustainably offer. That said, risk is always changing and insurance rates can fluctuate for a variety of good reasons.

Here are a few:

• Changes on your end (you moved, added or removed vehicles or drivers, or your driving record changed)

• Changes around you (serious weather changes, amount of accidents around you goes up or down, cars around you get more or less expensive to repair)

• Changes on our end (such as risk actuarial changes)

Learn more about why insurance rates change.

We’ll take care of that for you. If you have a loan/lease company, you do need to add them to your policy. Here’s what to do:

1. Tap Auto Policy.

2. Select Financial institution details.

3. Tap Add loan/lease company.

4. Enter the company’s name and Continue.

5. Enter the address and click the orange arrow.

6. Choose the vehicle with the lien or lease and Continue to save.

Once you’ve filled out this information in the Root app, we’ll contact your loan/lease company for you. They’ll receive all of the information they need within one week.

That depends on when the policy is canceled.

After day 60: If you cancel your policy or it is canceled due to nonpayment,  you may still be able to reinstate. Here’s what you do:

1. Open the app.

2. Underneath the inactive insurance card are instructions to Tap here to reinstate your policy.

3. Follow the prompts to purchase. The app will display the dates of your lapse in coverage. Your bill for the next month will come on the date it usually did.

If it is too late to reinstate, the option will not be available in the app.

Before day 60: If you cancel your policy or it is canceled due to nonpayment, the policy cannot be reinstated.

If we cancel your policy for any other reasons, you will not be able to reinstate your policy.

We are not able to make changes to your policy for you, but removing a vehicle from your policy is quick and easy. 

1. Open the app.

2. Tap Auto Policy.

3. Select Profile information.

4. Choose the vehicle to remove.

Tap the trash can icon and Continue to see your updated price.

If you’re trying to cancel your policy with your former insurance company through the app, you must be listed as the PNI on that policy. This means you’re listed as the main account holder with editing/canceling privileges. If you are the PNI, we’ll be able to easily end your old policy on your behalf with your e-signature.

We don’t cover these vehicles at this time. We’re working on excelling in the personal vehicle industry at the moment, but you can sign up for our email list to be notified of any changes.

A limit is the highest amount Root will cover if you’re in an accident where you’re at fault.. You can choose to pay more per month for a higher limit and know you’re covered in case of a major accident. Or, you can pay less per month for a lower limit, but you risk paying out-of-pocket later, if an accident costs more than your limit.

A car insurance deductible  is the amount you pay toward repairs (or maybe a replacement car) before Root pays for the rest. The lower your deductible, the higher your rate. That's because you would pay a lower amount toward the repairs of your vehicle after a covered incident, and we would pick up the rest. For example, your deductible could be as little as $100.

And the opposite is true, too. You could choose a higher deductible—say, $1,000—and pay less for your insurance. But if you ever need to use your Collision or Comprehensive coverages, you'd have to pay this higher deductible amount first before your insurance kicks in and covers the rest of the costs.

Deductibles are per incident. It's not like health insurance, where once you pay your deductible for the year, insurance covers the rest. If you need to use your Comprehensive coverage three times in a year, you must pay your deductible each time.

There’s actually no such thing as full coverage in the industry. But the term usually refers to Liability (Bodily Injury and Property Damage), Collision, and Comprehensive coverages. Root offers all of these coverages.

You can see all of the coverages we offer here. Check out Car insurance in everyday English to better understand what these coverages mean.

We do not offer gap coverage at this time.

You can request your SR-22 form directly in the app by tapping on Auto Policy, then Document Requests, and then SR-22. The app will guide you through the rest. It’s easy to do.

Absolutely. We insure good drivers of any age. In fact, teenagers who are good drivers can get much lower rates with Root, because most traditional insurance companies rate solely based on demographics—leaving teenagers with the most expensive rates. At Root, we take into account how teenagers actually drive, so they could save money.

Learn more about our car insurance for teens.

At a minimum, your policy will cover Liability Insurance (required by law), Roadside Assistance (included with every policy), and any other coverages required by your state. 

Your Root Insurance quote will likely offer you the same coverages provided by your previous insurance company—from there, you can customize your quote to include any additional coverages you need.

Roadside Assistance is purchased separately in California.

There are many factors to consider when choosing insurance coverage. You can learn more about Root's coverage options here.

If you have Comprehensive coverage, yes. We cover any repairs to your windshield. If you need to replace the windshield, we may first apply your deductible.

You can review information about all of our coverages here. If you still haven’t found the answer you’re looking for, contact customer support and we’d be happy to help.

We do. Typically, each vehicle on your policy is eligible for 3 services per 6-month policy period, up to $100 per service. Keep in mind: coverage does not transfer to a vehicle not listed on your policy (such as a rental car).

Roadside Assistance is purchased separately in California.

Request help right in the Root app:

1. Tap File a Claim.

2. Tap Roadside Assistance.

Once you've submitted your request, you can opt in to receive text updates and monitor your driver's status.

A no-fault state limits liability in an accident. Each person in the accident has their own insurance cover any injuries or lost wages they sustain—Personal Injury Protection coverage(PIP)—up to a certain amount. All no-fault states require PIP coverage.

We understand that life happens, and we’re committed to being there to make things easier for our customers when it does. We also understand that one accident is rarely an indicator of driving ability. That said, it wouldn’t be fair or responsible of us to ignore a pattern of accidents, and we reserve the right to cancel coverage in certain circumstances. 

If you need to, you can update your policy to carry state minimum coverage and reduce your price. You can always review your coverages to be sure you’re paying for what you need right now. Adjustments can be made right in the Root app.

1. Tap Policy & Payments

2. Select Policy

3. Tap Coverages

4. Make the desired changes to your coverages, limits, and/or deductibles

5. Select Continue to see your updated price

Even if you’re driving less, it’s illegal in almost every state to drive without insurance, so it’s important to keep your policy active. In addition, letting your policy lapse could make it more expensive for you to get coverage in the future, as companies may consider you to be a riskier applicant.

You’ll typically need to show proof of insurance before you can purchase a vehicle. The good news is that you can get same-day insurance online when you switch to Root. We make the whole process really easy—just download the app to get started in less than a minute. 

Yes, you’ll generally need proof of coverage before buying a car, whether it’s new or used. 

Luckily, getting same-day auto insurance coverage is easy with Root. And even if you’re buying a used car, you can still save up to $900/year when you switch.

Since proof of insurance is typically a requirement when purchasing a car, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. 

With Root, everything can be done through the app. We like to keep things simple. 

If you’re eligible for day-one coverage, you can get your quote right away. So you’ll be protected until you complete your test drive. 

If you’re not eligible, no need to stress. After you download the Root app, you’ll sign up and take the test drive first. After driving around like normal for a few weeks, you’ll receive your quote.

Pretty quickly—in fact, you can get a quote in about five minutes with Root. 

If you’re taking the test drive, you’ll get your quote after a few weeks after we gather enough info to score your driving. 

If you’re on the road a lot more than the average driver, you could even get your quote sooner.

Your insurance coverage will kick in on the day you select. Whether it’s a future date (up to 60 days ahead), or the day you purchase your policy (for day-one-eligible users). 

If you’re eligible to get insurance from day one, you can start coverage as soon as you’d like. When you complete the test drive, your new rate (if you choose to accept it) will take effect at policy renewal. 

If you’re taking the test drive from the start (which generally takes a few weeks), your coverage will take effect on the day you select after your test drive is complete (and you accept your quote).

Not all customers are eligible for day-one coverage, so if you have to take the test drive at the start, you’ll need to hang on to your old insurance a little bit longer.

Yes, we do. We have found that good drivers know other good drivers. By referring your friends, you help us grow our community of good drivers. Even better, when one of your friends takes the test drive and gets a quote, you both earn a reward offer. It’s our way of saying thanks for keeping the roads safe.

*Referral program applies in states where Root Insurance is available. Paid referral program not applicable in California, Mississippi, or North Dakota.

Yes, you can only send paid referrals if you are an active Root policyholder.

Step 1: Refer us to your friends using your personalized referral link (it’s in the app).

Step 2: Once a friend signs up, we’ll keep you updated on their progress.

Step 3: If they take the test drive and then view their quote, you get paid and they get paid.  That’s what we call a win-win.

Read program Terms and Conditions for more information.

Once the person you refer finishes the test drive and views their quote, you and the person you refer will each receive a reward. Generally the reward is $10, however payout amounts may vary depending on your state and any promotions active at time of your referral.

You’ll be able to claim your reward right in the app. You’ll have the option to choose the payment method that works best for you. You can choose a gift card, digital Visa, ACH transfer, PayPal, or charitable donation*.

*Not all reward options are available in every state, restrictions apply.

Once your friend completes the test drive and views their quote, you have a choice on how you would like to redeem your reward. Depending on your choice, you can get paid immediately or within 7 business days.

You can refer as many people as you want as long as you are an active Root policyholder. Keep in mind that the referral program is not available to all users. Annual and state limits apply.

There are a few things to keep in mind:

• You MUST use your personalized referral link to refer your friends. If you don’t, you won’t get your reward offer (no exceptions). We can only pay you for the referral if your friend uses your link.

• You get paid when your friend takes the test drive and qualifies for a quote, whether they choose to purchase a policy or not. Unfortunately, we don’t pay for referrals when the friend does not qualify for a quote after the test drive, but the more friends you refer, the more chances you’ll have to get a reward offer.

• Rewards are not available for senders and receivers who are on the same policy.

Accidents are tough. We make filing your claim easy. Here’s what to do:

1. Tap File a claim or get roadside assistance at the bottom of the home screen in the app.

2. Choose File a claim to report your incident anytime directly in the app. It only takes 3 minutes, and it allows us to get started on your claim right away.

3. Provide as much information as possible in the app. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the details available.

4. You’ll have the option to add photos to your claim.

5. A claims expert will get in touch with you to review your claim and discuss next steps in the process.

Visit our car insurance claims page to learn more.

New claims can be made 24/7 in the app or by calling 866-980-9431 Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET.

If you’re not a Root customer, but you were in an accident with someone who has Root Insurance, you can file a claim online.

We will send you a check in the mail or provide an electronic payment.

Once you’ve filed your claim, your claims expert will contact you as soon as possible to provide any next steps and to update you on the process. Be sure to keep your contact information up to date in the app, and stay in touch with your claims expert throughout the claims process. This will ensure the fastest processing time.

We highly recommend you file your claim immediately, while the details are still fresh. The more details we have of your accident, the more efficiently we’ll be able to resolve your claim.

If you have a claim during the test drive, we treat it the same as any other claim. Just tap File a claim or get roadside assistance at the bottom of the homescreen in the app or give us a call and a claims expert will contact you to handle the rest.

Not a problem. Your claim will be treated the same as any other claim as long as it’s filed while the policy is still active, until your policy is canceled.

If you purchased Rental coverage before the accident, yes. We offer coverage for a car rental while your car is undrivable or being repaired. A quick note: Rental insurance covers the cost of a rental vehicle up to your limits when a covered car is in the shop as part of a claim for a covered accident or loss. It doesn’t apply to vacation car rentals.