Auto Insurance Comparison
Root vs Bristol West
Side-by-side comparison of Root vs Bristol West auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
Root edges ahead Bristol West 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.
| Root | Bristol West | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.60 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.35 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | 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 | Bristol West is Farmers' non-standard arm, writing policies for drivers Farmers' main underwriting wouldn't accept — tickets, lapses, SR-22 needs |
| Read full review | Root review → | Bristol West review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | Root | Bristol West |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 3.50 | 3.10 |
| Coverage breadth | 3.50 | 3.30 |
| Affordability | 3.80 | 3.60 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
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
Bristol West
Full review →Pros
- Backed by Farmers — strong financial backing for a non-standard carrier
- Accepts SR-22 filings and high-risk profiles
- Available in 41 states
- Quick online quotes
Cons
- Customer satisfaction and claims experience trend below industry averages
- Not a fit for standard-risk drivers — rates are non-competitive there
- Limited coverage flexibility compared to mainstream Farmers policies
Coverage at a glance
What each carrier offers in standard policies.
Root
Bristol West
The bottom line
Root
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 reviewBristol West
Bristol West makes sense for non-standard risk where Farmers' main book won't write you. Standard-risk drivers should shop mainstream first.
Read the full Bristol West 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.