Auto Insurance Comparison
Selective vs Root
Side-by-side comparison of Selective vs Root auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
Selective 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.
| Selective | Root | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.85 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.60 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | Selective Insurance is a Northeast-rooted multi-line carrier where personal auto sits alongside a substantial commercial book | 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 | Selective review → | Root review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | Selective | Root |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 3.90 | 3.50 |
| Coverage breadth | 4.00 | 3.50 |
| Affordability | 3.60 | 3.80 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
Selective
Full review →Pros
- Strong claims-handling reputation across personal and commercial lines
- Multi-line bundling potential including commercial coverage
- Independent agent distribution with shopping flexibility
- Solid financial strength
Cons
- Geographic limitation — Northeast/Mid-Atlantic focus
- No online quoting — independent agents only
- Mid-market pricing in a competitive region
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.
Selective
Root
The bottom line
Selective
Selective is a fine regional choice in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, particularly for buyers bundling personal and commercial lines through an independent agent.
Read the full Selective 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.