Farmers vs Root Insurance
Last updated September 2026
Farmers
We know a thing or two because we've seen a thing or two
Advantages
- Signal by Farmers telematics offers discounts up to 15% for safe driving
- Rideshare coverage available in most states without a separate policy
- Strong farm, ranch, and specialty vehicle coverage where competitors are thin
- Accident forgiveness and diminishing deductible available
- Deep bundling with home, renters, life, and umbrella
Drawbacks
- Base rates tend to be higher than State Farm for most driver profiles
- J.D. Power satisfaction scores trail State Farm in most regions
- Not available in every state, notably not in Alaska, Hawaii, or most of the Northeast
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
- Behavior-based rate access is also available through partner platforms such as Jerry
- The Zebra integration can deliver personalized quotes and let eligible shoppers bind in as little as three minutes
- Hugo partnership offers flexible payments to eligible drivers in 16 states
- Florida rates are down an average of 15%, saving about $21 million annually for more than 52,000 policyholders
Drawbacks
- Available in 37 states, including New Jersey, covering more than 80% of the U.S. population
- 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
Farmers and Root Insurance both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. Farmers is built for drivers with specialty vehicles, farm coverage needs, or existing Farmers bundles. 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 | Farmers | Root Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $155-$210/mo before bundling | Varies by driving score; avg $80-$140/mo |
| Quote Process | Local agent, online, or phone | The Zebra comparison search can bind eligible policies in as little as 3 minutes; the app remains the path for behavior-based pricing |
| Available Discounts | Signal, multi-policy, homeowner, good student, safe driver | Safe driving, multi-policy, homeowner |
| Claims Experience | 24/7 phone, app, or agent-assisted | In-app filing, digital estimates |
| Customer Support | Local agents, phone, app, online | In-app chat, phone, email |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, custom equipment, rideshare | Liability, comprehensive, collision, roadside |
| Mobile App Quality | Good, ID cards, claims, Signal, payments | Excellent, core product is app-first |
| Bundling Options | Auto, home, renters, life, umbrella, farm, small business | Renters only |
| Current Availability | -- | Available in 37 states, including New Jersey, covering more than 80% of the U.S. population |
| Partner Distribution | -- | Jerry behavior-based rates; The Zebra personalized quote integration |
| Flexible Payment Option | -- | Hugo partnership for eligible drivers in 16 states |
| Florida Rate Update | -- | Average rate reduction of 15%; about $21M annualized savings for 52,000+ policyholders |
Too Close to Call
Farmers and Root Insurance land roughly even overall; the right pick depends on which of their strengths matters more to you.
Farmers's standout strength: Signal by Farmers telematics offers discounts up to 15% for safe driving. Root Insurance's standout strength: Rates are primarily based on your actual driving behavior, not demographics. Neither dominates across the board, and both have well-known weak spots. Farmers's biggest drawback: Base rates tend to be higher than State Farm for most driver profiles. Root Insurance's biggest drawback: a 37-state footprint including New Jersey. Pick the one whose strengths line up with what you actually need. Root now operates in 37 states, including New Jersey, reaching more than 80% of the U.S. population.
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