Auto-Owners vs Root Insurance
Last updated July 2026
Auto-Owners
The 'no problem' people
Advantages
- Consistently top J.D. Power scores for claims and customer satisfaction
- Diminishing deductible and accident forgiveness available on eligible policies
- Green Deductible waives up to $250 of your deductible for a claim-free year
- Strong bundling discounts with home, life, and umbrella policies
- Available in 26 states across the Midwest, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic
Drawbacks
- Quotes only through independent agents, no online purchase
- Not available on the West Coast or in the Northeast
- Digital tools trail Progressive and Geico for on-the-go management
Root Insurance
Fair rates based on how you drive
Advantages
- Rates are primarily based on your actual driving behavior, not demographics
- Entirely app-based experience with fast quotes and digital ID cards
- No upfront commitment, test drive the app before buying a policy
- Discounts stack quickly for consistently safe drivers
- Roadside assistance available as an affordable add-on
Drawbacks
- Not available in every state as of 2026
- No local agent network for in-person support
- Limited bundling options compared to full-line carriers
- Risky or new drivers may get higher quotes than expected
Auto-Owners and Root Insurance both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. Auto-Owners is built for drivers in Auto-Owners' 26 states who want elite service and don't mind an agent-only process. Root Insurance is built for safe drivers who want their habits rewarded with lower premiums. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Auto-Owners | Root Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $115-$170/mo before bundling | Varies by driving score; avg $80-$140/mo |
| Quote Process | Independent agent only | App-based driving test over 2-3 weeks |
| Available Discounts | Multi-policy, safe driver, diminishing deductible, paid-in-full, good student | Safe driving, multi-policy, homeowner |
| Claims Experience | 24/7 phone, agent-assisted, app for basic submission | In-app filing, digital estimates |
| Customer Support | Independent agents, phone | In-app chat, phone, email |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, gap, roadside, rideshare in some states | Liability, comprehensive, collision, roadside |
| Mobile App Quality | Basic, ID cards, payments, simple claim start | Excellent, core product is app-first |
| Bundling Options | Auto, home, life, umbrella, business, boat | Renters only |
Auto-Owners Wins
Auto-Owners takes it overall (9/10 vs 7/10), but Root Insurance is still the sharper pick for safe drivers who want their habits rewarded with lower premiums.
Auto-Owners's standout strength: Consistently top J.D. Power scores for claims and customer satisfaction. Its biggest drawback (quotes only through independent agents, no online purchase) is easier to live with than Root Insurance's (not available in every state as of 2026). Root Insurance isn't out of the running though — its own standout strength is rates are primarily based on your actual driving behavior, not demographics. If you fit the profile of safe drivers who want their habits rewarded with lower premiums, that alone can flip the decision.
Related Comparisons
Root Insurance vs State Farm
Which auto insurer gives you the best rate based on how you actually drive?
Root vs Geico
App-first behavior-based pricing versus the largest direct-to-consumer auto insurer in America.
Root vs Progressive
Behavior-based pricing goes head-to-head with the Snapshot telematics veteran.