Auto Insurance Comparison
American Family vs Root
Side-by-side comparison of American Family vs Root auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
American Family 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.
| American Family | Root | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.85 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.60 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | American Family is a Midwest-rooted mutual carrier that ranks consistently well on customer satisfaction and offers a usage-based program with real teeth | 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 | American Family review → | Root review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | American Family | Root |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 4.00 | 3.50 |
| Coverage breadth | 4.10 | 3.50 |
| Affordability | 3.50 | 3.80 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
American Family
Full review →Pros
- American Family provides a variety of savings on vehicle insurance coverage.
- The firm also offers numerous other types of insurance, which may be combined to save money.
- American Family's mobile app is simple to use and includes features like tracking claim progress, scheduling payments, and calling roadside help.
Cons
- Because American Family does not offer a comprehensive list of extra coverage enhancements or endorsements for vehicle policies, customers with more sophisticated insurance needs should continue their research.
- While homeowners rated American Family vehicle insurance positively, renters rated this provider below average in our Customer Satisfaction Survey.
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.
American Family
Root
The bottom line
American Family
American Family is a solid pick in the Midwest and Western states where it operates. If you're outside its footprint or shopping purely on rate, broader carriers will usually price more aggressively.
Read the full American Family 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.