Auto Insurance Comparison
Quick verdict
ALFA edges ahead Root in our overall scoring — but each carrier wins on different dimensions. See the breakdown below before deciding.
Head-to-head
Overall scores, key facts, and what each is known for.
| ALFA | Root | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.85 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.60 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | ALFA Insurance is Alabama Farm Bureau's insurance arm, operating primarily in Alabama with limited presence in Georgia and Mississippi | Root is a digital-native carrier built around a test-drive model — you install the app, drive for ~3 weeks, and Root prices your policy based on actual driving behavior |
| Read full review | ALFA review → | Root review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | ALFA | Root |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 4.00 | 3.50 |
| Coverage breadth | 3.60 | 3.50 |
| Affordability | 3.90 | 3.80 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
ALFA
Full review →Pros
- Competitive auto rates in Alabama for clean records
- Strong Alabama agent network with deep state expertise
- Solid in-state customer satisfaction reputation
- Multi-line bundling discounts
Cons
- Geographic limitation — Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi only
- Farm Bureau membership required
- No online quoting — agent-distributed
Root
Full review →Pros
- Low-mileage drivers
- Drivers who do everything to keep themselves safe on the road
- Prospective customers want to save on renters and vehicle insurance.
Cons
- high-risk drivers in the high-risk categories.
- Insurance agents who prioritize work
- drivers who seek a comprehensive insurance plan
Coverage at a glance
What each carrier offers in standard policies.
ALFA
Root
The bottom line
ALFA
ALFA is a solid Alabama Farm Bureau choice for in-state residents with clean records. Outside its three-state footprint, it isn't an option.
Read the full ALFA reviewRoot
Root is worth trying if you're a genuinely safe driver who's comfortable with a 3-week test and digital-only service. If you need immediate coverage or prefer human agents, look elsewhere.
Read the full Root reviewBefore you decide
Rankings are a starting point — your profile decides the rest.
These scores reflect our editorial research across cost, coverage, and customer experience. The right carrier for you still depends on your record, location, and vehicle, so read the full reviews before you commit.