Paul Sanchez
Root Insurance is a usage-based car insurance provider that offers affordable rates to good drivers. The company uses telematics to track driving patterns and set rates based on driving habits. Root's car insurance app measures driving behaviours such as speed, braking habits, mileage, times of day when driving, ride smoothness, braking force, and turn speed. The app also allows users to manage their policies, including adding drivers, changing coverage, and filing claims. Root Insurance is currently available in 22 states, with plans to expand further. The company aims to provide fair rates to good drivers and make the process of purchasing car insurance simple and stress-free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary factor for insurance | Driving behavior |
| Basis of insurance rates | Driving habits |
| Test drive period | 2-4 weeks |
| Factors determining insurance rates | Number of hours driven, average speed, braking distance and pressure, mileage, times of day when driving, ride smoothness, braking force, turn speed |
| Payment methods | Credit cards, Apple Pay |
| Payment frequency | Monthly or every 6 months |
| Coverage | Liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist property damage, medical, car coverage (roadside assistance and rental coverage) |
| Cancellation of old insurance policy | Can be requested by Root |
| Changes to policy | Can be made in the app |
| Additional drivers | Can be added before the test drive is complete |
| Availability | 22 states in the US |
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$15.95
What You'll Learn
Download the Root app
Downloading the Root app is the first step to getting Root Insurance. The app is available on the Google Play Store for Android phones and the Apple App Store for iPhones.
The Root app uses mobile technology to measure your driving habits. It uses telematics to track your driving patterns, including speed, braking habits, mileage, and other factors. The app will monitor your driving for up to four weeks, although the average is around two to three weeks. During this "test drive", you should drive as you normally would, and the app will do the rest.
The app will then use this data to determine your insurance quote. The safer and more conscientious you are behind the wheel, the lower your rates will be. You will have the opportunity to review your insurance quote in the app, and you will have at least 30 days to accept it. You can also make changes to your policy right in the app, such as adding or removing drivers, vehicles, or changing your address.
The Root app also makes accessing and using your car insurance easy. You can find your insurance card, file a claim, and even request cancellation of your old insurance policy—all in the app.
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Take the test drive
Taking the test drive is a crucial step in the Root Insurance process. It is during this phase that Root Insurance will monitor and measure your driving behaviour to determine your insurance quote. The test drive period typically lasts for two to four weeks, with the average being three weeks. During this time, you should drive as you normally would, and the Root app will track your driving patterns, including speed, braking habits, mileage, and other factors.
To begin the test drive, you will need to download the Root app to your smartphone. The app will use your phone's GPS and accelerometer to collect data on your driving behaviour. Make sure to bring your phone with you whenever you drive during the test drive period. You can check the length of time remaining on your test drive within the app.
While the specific factors considered in the test drive are not comprehensively disclosed, Root Insurance has stated that driving ability is the single largest factor in determining your quote. The app will measure driving behaviours such as the times of day when you drive, ride smoothness, braking force, turn speed, and more. The safer and more conscientious you are behind the wheel, the lower your rates are likely to be.
At the end of the test drive period, Root Insurance will provide you with a quote for your insurance coverage. You will then have the opportunity to review the quote and decide whether to purchase a policy. It's important to note that Root Insurance does not insure high-risk or "bad" drivers, so if your driving behaviour during the test drive is not up to their standards, they may decline to offer you coverage.
Overall, the test drive is a key component of the Root Insurance model, as it allows them to assess your driving skills and habits and provide you with a personalised insurance quote based on your driving behaviour.
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Review your insurance quote
Once you have completed the test drive period, you will be able to review your insurance quote from Root Insurance. The quote will be based on your driving habits and history, so the safer your driving, the lower your quote is likely to be.
Root Insurance will notify you of your quote or that they are declining coverage. You can keep track of your score by watching the Driver Scorecard in the mobile app, which also provides tips on how to improve your driving score. Root Insurance claims that its app can distinguish between whether you are the driver or a passenger, so you won't be penalised for the driving habits of someone else.
If you are happy with the quote, you can accept it and proceed with the policy. You will have up to 30 days to accept the quote. It is a good idea to compare the rate against other insurance providers with similar coverage. Root Insurance offers the standard car insurance coverages, such as property damage, liability, collision, comprehensive, and roadside assistance.
If you are not satisfied with the quote, you can request an updated quote. You can also make changes to your policy in the app, including your driver, vehicle, or address details, and your coverage. You will be able to see if your policy changes affect your rate before you commit to them.
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Accept your quote and purchase your policy
After the test drive period, Root will notify you if they are declining coverage or provide you with a quote. If you receive a quote, you have up to 30 days to accept it. The quote will be based primarily on your driving behaviour, including speed, braking habits, mileage, etc. The safer and more conscientious you are behind the wheel, the lower your rates.
If you accept the quote, you can purchase and even customise your policy—all in the app. Root accepts credit cards and Apple Pay, and you can choose to pay monthly or every six months. If you want to change your payment frequency, you can do so in the app. 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.
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. If you're taking the test drive from the start, 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 longer.
You can make changes to your policy right in the app. Open the app, tap Auto Policy, and tap Profile Information to make changes to the 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. Keep in mind that 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.
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Make changes to your policy
Root Insurance is a car insurance company that bases its rates primarily on how you drive. The company uses telematics to track your driving patterns and determine your premium. The safer and more conscientious you are behind the wheel, the lower your rates.
To make changes to your Root Insurance policy, you can use the Root app. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Open the Root app on your smartphone.
- Tap on "Auto Policy."
- Tap on "Profile Information" to make changes to the driver, vehicle, or address. You can also add additional drivers or vehicles to your policy through this screen.
- If you need to make changes to your coverage, tap on "Coverages." You will be able to see if your policy changes affect your rate before you commit to them.
- Keep in mind that some coverage changes may require a virtual inspection of your vehicle. Follow the prompts and submit any requested photos. The app will notify you when your new rate is ready, and no changes will take effect until your payment or refund is processed.
In addition to making changes to your policy, the Root app also allows you to change your payment frequency and date. You can choose to pay monthly or every six months, and you can update your payment method in your profile.
The app also provides access to your policy documents, car insurance card, and roadside assistance information. Root Insurance aims to make policy management quick and simple through the app.
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Frequently asked questions
Root Insurance is a usage-based insurance program that offers traditional insurance policies. It uses telematics to track your driving patterns and determine your premium. The safer and more conscientious you are behind the wheel, the lower your rates.
You can sign up for an account on the Root website or within the app. After you activate the mobile app, Root will start measuring your driving behaviours, such as the times of day when you drive, ride smoothness, braking force, and turn speed.
The Root Insurance test drive lasts for up to four weeks, although the average is three weeks. You can check the length left on your test drive within the mobile app.
