Root Insurance vs State Farm
Last updated September 2026
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
State Farm
Like a good neighbor
Advantages
- Largest agent network in the U.S. for in-person service
- Deep bundling discounts when you combine auto, home, and life
- Strong financial stability ratings and long claims track record
- Drive Safe & Save telematics program for additional discounts
- Available in all 50 states
Drawbacks
- Base rates are not primarily behavior-based without opting into telematics
- Quoting and policy management can feel dated compared to app-first insurers
- Rates vary heavily by state and can be above average in some markets
Root and State Farm sit on opposite ends of the auto insurance market. Root prices policies primarily on how you actually drive, tracked through its app, while State Farm relies on its massive agent network and traditional risk factors. Your driving profile and preference for digital-first service decide the winner.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Root Insurance | State Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Varies by driving score; avg $80-$140/mo | Avg $120-$180/mo; heavy discount stacking |
| Quote Process | The Zebra comparison search can bind eligible policies in as little as 3 minutes; the app remains the path for behavior-based pricing | Online, phone, or in-person with agent |
| Available Discounts | Safe driving, multi-policy, homeowner | Multi-policy, good student, defensive driving, telematics |
| Claims Experience | In-app filing, digital estimates | Agent-assisted, app, phone, 24/7 hotline |
| Customer Support | In-app chat, phone, email | Local agents, phone, app, online |
| Coverage Options | Liability, comprehensive, collision, roadside | Full line, liability, collision, comprehensive, umbrella, rideshare |
| Mobile App Quality | Excellent, core product is app-first | Good, claims, ID cards, payments |
| Bundling Options | Renters only | Auto, home, renters, life, umbrella |
| 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 | -- |
State Farm Wins
State Farm wins for most drivers thanks to its national availability, bundling power, and agent support network.
Root is the better pick if you're a demonstrably safe driver in a state where it operates, you can genuinely save hundreds per year. But for the average driver who wants reliable coverage everywhere, easy bundling, and the option to walk into a local office, State Farm's scale and flexibility are hard to beat. State Farm's Drive Safe & Save also narrows the telematics gap. Root now operates in 37 states, including New Jersey, reaching more than 80% of the U.S. population.
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