Progressive vs Root Insurance

Verdict

Progressive and Root are the two names most tied to telematics pricing, but they use it differently. Progressive, publicly traded and the second-largest U.S. auto insurer, wrote $69.01 billion of private passenger auto premium in 2025 (18.57%) in all 50 states and D.C. Snapshot, its usage-based program dating back to a 2004 pilot, is optional. Root, a Columbus, Ohio, insurtech, wrote $1.22 billion (0.33%) in 37 states. It builds its price mainly around a two-to-four-week smartphone "test drive" that most new customers take before buying.

Progressive has the established financial footing. AM Best affirmed its A+ (Superior) rating in May 2026, and it reported record 2025 profits. Root has a shorter record: large losses through mid-2024, profitability since. Some regulators require it to hold extra capital, and its business depends on regulators continuing to allow telematics-based pricing. Progressive's satisfaction scores trail most large rivals; it was 18th of 20 in J.D. Power's 2025 claims study. Root isn't ranked by J.D. Power at all.

Progressive covers more situations: drivers with tickets or a lapse, homeowners who want a bundle, and residents of Massachusetts and New York. Root suits careful, phone-comfortable drivers in its states. Get quotes from both.

Choose Progressive if

• You live in Massachusetts, New York or another state Root doesn't serve.
• You want to bundle auto with homeowners insurance.
• You'd rather have telematics as an option, or use a plug-in device instead of your phone.
• You have tickets or a coverage lapse. Progressive writes nonstandard drivers.
• You want an established insurer with an A+ rating and built-in small-claim accident forgiveness.

Choose Root if

• You're a smooth, consistent driver and want your price based mainly on measured driving; Root says top scorers can cut up to 44% off its initial quote.
• You're comfortable with an app monitoring your driving for a few weeks (see what driving apps collect and how insurers use it).
• You meet Root at checkout when buying a car through Carvana or a similar partner.
• You rent and want a renters-and-auto bundle managed in one app.

Key differences

Snapshot can raise your rate at renewal for risky driving, and Root's test drive sets your starting price, so both reward smooth braking and attentive driving (see telematics programs from the major insurers compared). Root may not offer the test drive through agents. Read digital-first car insurers: how the insurtechs work and compare identical coverage on the car insurance quote comparison worksheet.