Root Insurance and State Farm take fundamentally different approaches to pricing auto coverage and serving drivers. Root relies primarily on a telematics test drive to determine premiums based on behind-the-wheel behavior, making it a strong choice for safe drivers looking for low rates. State Farm uses traditional rating factors alongside local agent networks, offering robust coverage, higher customer service marks, and predictable options for a wider range of drivers.
This guide breaks down how Root and State Farm compare across pricing, driver profiles, coverage options, and claim handling so you can decide which insurer fits your needs.
Pricing and Underwriting Approaches
The main distinction between these two carriers comes down to how they calculate your premium.
Root operates as a tech-first, usage-based insurer. Before issuing a policy, Root requires drivers to complete a multi-week test drive period using their smartphone app. Sensors measure braking force, speed, cornering, focused driving, and driving times. Root primarily bases your rate on how safely you actually drive, using demographic details only as secondary factors. However, if your test drive results fall below Root’s standards, the carrier may decline to offer coverage altogether.
State Farm uses traditional underwriting models that heavily weight driving history, age, credit score (where allowed), vehicle type, and location. While State Farm offers an optional telematics program called Drive Safe & Save, participation is not mandatory to get a initial policy quote. Drivers receive standard quotes upfront and can choose to enroll in the program to earn additional discounts over time.
Cost Comparison for Different Driver Profiles
Neither carrier is universally cheaper; the lower price tag depends on your specific driver profile and risk history.
- Drivers with Clean Records: Safe drivers often get competitive rates with Root because the test drive proves low risk upfront. State Farm also offers low rates for clean driving records, but Root can occasionally beat traditional carriers for cautious drivers.
- Teens and Young Drivers: Root frequently offers lower baseline rates for young drivers compared to State Farm. Because traditional insurers view young drivers as high-risk demographics, Root’s focus on individual driving behavior can result in noticeable savings if the young driver maintains safe habits during the test drive.
- Drivers with Tickets or Accidents: State Farm generally offers more affordable policies than Root after a speeding ticket or an at-fault accident. Root penalizes driving infractions heavily and may significantly raise rates upon policy renewal or decline coverage after a violation.
- Drivers with Bad Credit: Root often provides lower rates than State Farm for drivers with poor credit scores, as Root places far less weight on credit history than traditional carriers do.
Coverage Options and Policy Customization
Both carriers offer standard mandatory and common optional car insurance coverages, including bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments, and uninsured motorist protection. However, State Farm provides more policy add-ons and policy customization.
State Farm offers specialized endorsements such as rideshare coverage for Uber or Lyft drivers, rental car reimbursement, and roadside assistance. State Farm also allows policyholders to bundle auto coverage with homeowners, renters, life, or motorcycle insurance for additional multi-policy discounts.
Root keeps its coverage catalog simple. It includes standard state-required coverages, roadside assistance in many base policies, and options for rental reimbursement. However, Root lacks specialized options like rideshare insurance. While Root offers home and renters insurance through third-party partners in select states, its bundling discounts and product ecosystem are far more limited than State Farm’s. Neither carrier offers gap insurance in most regions.
Customer Service and Claims Handling
Customer experience is another major dividing line between the two insurers.
State Farm operates through a massive nationwide network of local captive agents alongside 24/7 phone support and a mobile app. Drivers who prefer in-person consultation, personalized advice from a dedicated local representative, and established claims processing often prefer State Farm. State Farm consistently earns high marks in national customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction surveys.
Root operates entirely digitally. Policy management, payments, photo-based claims filing, and roadside assistance requests happen through the Root mobile app. While tech-savvy drivers appreciate managing their insurance without speaking to an agent, Root receives mixed reviews regarding customer service responsiveness during complex claims processes.
Availability and State Footprint
State Farm is licensed and operates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., offering uniform availability across the country.
Root is available in most, but not all, U.S. states. Because Root must gain state-by-state regulatory approval for its telematics pricing structure, its availability varies. Drivers should check whether Root currently writes policies in their home state before starting the test drive process.
How to Choose Between Root and State Farm
Choosing between Root and State Farm ultimately comes down to your driving habits, preferred customer support style, and risk profile.
Choose Root if you are a safe, focused driver comfortable with smartphone tracking, prefer managing your policy through an app, or want lower rates despite having a short credit history or limited driving background.
Choose State Farm if you prefer working with a dedicated local agent, need specialized add-ons like rideshare coverage, want to bundle auto with home or life policies, or have minor traffic violations on your recent driving record.
