Root is a real, licensed insurance company that sells auto insurance (and in some states, renters and homeowners insurance) online and through its app. It is not a scam. Many customers use it every day to buy policies, file claims, and make payments. However, like all insurers, it has pros and cons that matter if you’re thinking about using it.
Here’s the honest explanation.
What Root Insurance Actually Is
Root is a U.S.-based insurance company that started with a mobile app model. It became known for using your actual driving behavior — tracked through the app — to help determine your rate, rather than relying heavily on traditional factors like credit score or age.
Because of that:
- Safe drivers can sometimes get lower rates
- Pricing can vary widely by driver
- Driving habits really do influence your quote
Root sells policies in most U.S. states (but not all), and it is regulated by each state’s insurance department where it operates.
Why People Ask “Is It Legit?”
Some people worry about Root because:
- It uses an app-centered model that’s different from traditional insurers
- Quotes can change when the company reviews your driving data
- Some users find their rates increase after the initial offer
- There have been complaints about customer support or claim experience
These concerns have led some buyers to be cautious, but they do not mean the company is a scam.
Root is licensed, regulated, and subject to state insurance laws — exactly what a real insurer must be.
Licensing and Regulation
Root is licensed to sell insurance and underwrite policies — this is a legal requirement in every state where it operates.
Insurance regulators review:
- Financial solvency
- Policy language and pricing
- Claims handling
- Consumer protections
That makes Root a legitimate, regulated insurance provider, not a fly-by-night or fraudulent entity.
Customer Reviews: Mixed, Not Fraud
Insurance companies almost always have mixed reviews — and Root is no exception.
Positive Feedback Often Includes:
- Competitive prices for safe drivers
- Easy online sign-up
- Clear digital tools and policy access
- Quick initial quotes
Critical Feedback Often Includes:
- Price increases at renewal
- App-related frustrations
- Claims processing delays
- Customer service wait times
These are service quality issues, not proof of a scam. Even very old, large insurers have similar complaints — it’s typical in the industry.
Why Pricing Can Change
Root’s model involves a trial period where your driving is monitored. During that time, Root assesses:
- Hard braking
- Speeding habits
- Phone use while driving
- Trip patterns
If driving is riskier than expected, your rate may increase once you finish this period.
This is not a scam; it’s simply how their risk-based pricing works. Things like telematics can help safe drivers but can also push up costs for others.
Claims Handling
When you file a claim with Root:
- You submit details digitally — photos, accident info, explanations
- Root assigns an adjuster to manage the claim
- Payments, repairs, and settlements follow standard insurance procedures
Customer reviews on claims are mixed, but that is true of almost every insurer.
A small percentage of people will have issues; a large percentage report smooth experiences.
How to Protect Yourself When Buying
If you consider Root, do the following:
Compare quotes from several insurers: Never lock in with one company without comparison.
Understand your trial period terms: Know how long driving data will be collected and how it affects pricing.
Read the policy documents carefully: Coverage details matter — limits, deductibles, exclusions.
Check renewal pricing expectations: Some people see initial savings that don’t stay as low at renewal.
These steps help you avoid surprises.
When Root Is a Good Fit
Root can be especially useful if:
- You are a safe driver
- You prefer mobile-first policy management
- You want a quick, digital experience
- You don’t mind behavior-based pricing
It’s often a strong choice for younger drivers or people with clean recent driving habits.
When You Might Avoid It
You might prefer a different insurer if:
- You want in-person support
- You dislike apps tracking driving
- You need very stable, predictable rates
- You are renewing and fear a big increase
Traditional insurers may be better in those cases.
Final Verdict
Root Insurance is legitimate and operates legally as an insurance company. It is not a scam. It sells real policies, pays valid claims, and is regulated by state insurance authorities.
However, its pricing model and customer experiences can be controversial — some people love it, others are disappointed. Mixed reviews are normal in the insurance world, not a sign of fraud.
