Root Insurance vs The General
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
The General
Coverage for drivers who need to get back on the road
Advantages
- Approves drivers other carriers reject, DUI, SR-22, lapses in coverage
- Instant SR-22 filing available in most states, often same-day
- Low upfront down payment options make it easy to get started
- Simple online quote and purchase, no agent required
- Payment flexibility including monthly and bi-weekly plans
Drawbacks
- Base rates are among the highest in the industry for its underwriting pool
- Coverage limits and add-ons more limited than mainstream carriers
- Customer satisfaction scores consistently trail Progressive and Geico
- Claims service reviews are mixed, expect longer resolution times
Root Insurance and The General both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. Root Insurance is built for safe drivers who want their habits rewarded with lower premiums. The General is built for drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Root Insurance | The General |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Varies by driving score; avg $80-$140/mo | Avg $180-$300/mo for high-risk profiles |
| 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, no agent |
| Available Discounts | Safe driving, multi-policy, homeowner | Multi-vehicle, safe driver over time, prior insurance |
| Claims Experience | In-app filing, digital estimates | Phone or online submission |
| Customer Support | In-app chat, phone, email | Phone, online, limited hours |
| Coverage Options | Liability, comprehensive, collision, roadside | Liability, collision, comprehensive, SR-22 filing |
| Mobile App Quality | Excellent, core product is app-first | Basic, ID cards, payments, claim start |
| Bundling Options | Renters only | Auto only, limited bundling options |
| 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 | -- |
Root Insurance Wins
Root Insurance takes it overall (7/10 vs 6/10), but The General is still the sharper pick for drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast.
Root Insurance's standout strength: Rates are primarily based on your actual driving behavior, not demographics. Its biggest drawback (a 37-state footprint including New Jersey) is easier to live with than The General's (base rates are among the highest in the industry for its underwriting pool). The General isn't out of the running though — its own standout strength is approves drivers other carriers reject, DUI, SR-22, lapses in coverage. If you fit the profile of drivers with DUIs, SR-22 requirements, or lapses in coverage who need proof of insurance fast, that alone can flip the decision. Root now operates in 37 states, including New Jersey, reaching more than 80% of the U.S. population.
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