Root vs Progressive
Last updated July 2026
Root Insurance
Fair rates based on how you drive
Advantages
- Driving score is the primary rating factor, big savings for safe drivers
- App-first experience with digital ID cards and in-app claims
- No high-pressure sales or agent phone calls
- Consistent pricing regardless of demographic factors like age or ZIP
- Roadside assistance available as an affordable add-on
Drawbacks
- Not available in every state
- Requires 2-3 week driving test before quoting
- Higher-risk drivers get quotes that aren't competitive
Progressive
Name Your Price and drive on
Advantages
- Snapshot telematics can reduce rates without becoming the whole rate
- Name Your Price tool matches coverage to a target budget
- Strong for drivers with tickets or accidents
- Available in all 50 states with fast online quoting
- Multi-policy discount extends across auto, home, boat, RV, and more
Drawbacks
- Snapshot can raise rates for drivers with rough braking or late-night driving
- Customer satisfaction ratings trail industry leaders in several regions
- Bundling savings smaller than full-line competitors
Root and Progressive both use telematics to price your policy, but they weigh driving behavior very differently. Root makes your driving score the primary foundation of your rate, while Progressive Snapshot layers on traditional risk factors like age and credit. Score-based or discount pricing decides it.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Root Insurance | Progressive |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Varies by driving score; avg $80-$140/mo | Avg $115-$170/mo; competitive for high-risk drivers |
| Quote Process | App-based driving test over 2-3 weeks | Online, phone, or independent agent |
| Available Discounts | Safe driving, multi-policy, homeowner | Snapshot, multi-policy, homeowner, continuous insurance |
| Claims Experience | In-app filing, digital estimates | 24/7 online, app, or phone with photo estimate |
| Customer Support | In-app chat, phone, email | Phone, chat, app, independent agents |
| Coverage Options | Liability, comprehensive, collision, roadside | Liability, collision, comprehensive, rideshare, custom parts |
| Mobile App Quality | Excellent, core product is app-first | Very good, Snapshot, claims, ID cards, payments |
| Bundling Options | Renters only | Auto, home, renters, boat, RV, motorcycle |
Root Insurance Wins
Root wins for demonstrably safe drivers in the states it operates. Progressive is the better default everywhere else.
If you're the kind of driver who accelerates smoothly, brakes gently, and doesn't drive late at night, Root will beat Progressive on price, often by 20-30%. But you have to earn it through the driving test. For the average driver, Progressive's Snapshot delivers similar telematics savings without the eligibility bottleneck and offers coverage in all 50 states.
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