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PROS:
CONS:
Root Car Insurance is best for those who don’t have much time to make a personal appointment for insurance and for those who would like to skip all paper work included. Because of its integration to the mobile app, everything is simpler and easier for both parties. Aside from this, some may argue that your performance is better rated as they can better see your performance on the road and specific cases like drunk-driving are thoroughly observed.
In comparison to other insurances, Root is keener on ensuring your performance. With the long trial involved (aside from the one-day initial insurance they give you), their review of your skills may be more accurate than others. Aside from this, several factors are also prevented when no personal-meetings are involved in the process:
Although the premise of Root Car is innovative and unique compared to traditional insurance companies, there may still be a few problems in relation to their service:
Car insurance is an important requirement that ensures that drivers will be compensated in the case of an accident while using the insured vehicle. The degree of compensation that will be given will depend upon the agreed terms, the severity of the damage, and other factors agreed to by both parties.
Having car insurance can be a long and intricate task that involves having to get a personal agent of your own, filling up forms that describe the driver and the vehicle, and hours of processing for paper works. Because of this, some innovative minds have decided to look for another way to be able to give quality insurance to their customers.
What is Root Car Insurance?
Root Car Insurance is a newly developed car insurance system that utilizes its customers’ smartphones to make the process of applying easier. Instead of having to fill up paper-work featuring statistics like driver history, car specs, and such, you will only need to download their mobile app.
Usage-based insurance
This technology is called usage-based insurance. This is because it utilizes technology and grades you through your performance as how they would see it through GPS. This removes the need for a personal agent who will review all the aspects in relation to the insurance. Your insurance premium will also be calculated depending on your performance. This makes it more convenient at the end of both the user and the company.
This is a new technology that has been used by a similar application, SnapShot, which rewards drivers based on driving performance, giving incentives when certain goals are achieved. In Root’s case, the drivers’ performance determines the cost of their insurance. It rewards those who drive safely and abide by traffic rules. Those who are prone to drive reckless or while drunk will not be accepted.
What does it calculate?
The standards for Root are still on-par with normal car insurance businesses minus the need for personal meet-ups with people. The test drive is used to measure the following according to their website:
As seen in their standards, those who drive safer and can prevent accidents better are given lower insurance rates. This is why you should be careful whenever driving during the 60-day trial that they will give you.
How do they measure these factors?
Your phone will be the determining factor for this. You can use either an Android or an iPhone to do your trial drive. The application will require you to enable your GPS and motion sensors. The information they will collect based on your data feed will not be sold to third-parties, though.
The artificial intelligence within the application will be the one to calculate the factors in relation to your driving behaviour. The application is also smart enough to know if you are the driver or a passenger within the car depending on the motion that your phone can sense.
Coverage
The coverage of Root includes:
Is Root Car Insurance recommended?
The fact that Root Insurance Co saves you time, helps you avoid paperwork and is a mobile-friendly service, are definitely strong selling points. So is the fact that they offer to help you terminate your contract with your prior car insurance company. Not to mention the fact that they don't place as much importance on your credit score as other companies.
On the other hand, Root Car Insurance falls a bit on short in terms of respecting the privacy of their customers. After all, the GPS and tracking requirements for the 60-day driving trial of the insurance constantly monitor your activities for it to be readily available whenever you are driving. Aside from this, using other means of transportation may also be measured along with the rating indicator which may cause a higher insurance rate.
Given that the service is only available for 20 states as of the moment, it is expected that more development will be made. A better implementation of the driver tracking system must be made to ensure that their users’ privacy will be taken care of.
How does it work and how much does it cost?
First, users will download the Root application on their mobile phones. If you plan to pursue insurance with them, you will then be subjected to instant insurance that is available for 60-days. This will depend upon your first test-drive with them. This is a good aspect that lets you have an idea of your final insurance rates at the end of your test-drive.
Through the span of 60 days, your performance will then be further analysed for them to be able to see your performance when driving. Through their artificial intelligence, factors to be considered will be continuously calculated. By the end of the trial, a final rate will be given to the user. If a user fails to pass by their standards, they will be informed of this. This means that the worst drivers will not be included in their service.
Root Insurance has a very straightforward website with plenty of explanations and a comprehensive FAQ section. However, if you fail to find an answer browsing their website, you can also contact them by phone or email. They claim they strive to reply to emails within 24 hours.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1 866 980 9431
You can also find Root Insurance on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
Our editorial staff evaluates products and services independently, but ReviewFyer may earn money when you click on links. Read our advertising disclosure.