Auto Insurance Comparison
State Auto vs Root
Side-by-side comparison of State Auto vs Root auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
State Auto 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.
| State Auto | Root | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.75 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.60 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | State Auto Insurance is now part of Liberty Mutual (acquired 2022) but continues to operate under the State Auto brand through independent agents | 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 | State Auto review → | Root review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | State Auto | Root |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 3.80 | 3.50 |
| Coverage breadth | 3.90 | 3.50 |
| Affordability | 3.50 | 3.80 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
State Auto
Full review →Pros
- Now backed by Liberty Mutual financial strength
- Independent agent distribution with shop-around flexibility
- Multi-line bundling discounts
- Solid customer satisfaction in operating states
Cons
- Geographic concentration in Midwest and Southeast
- Recent acquisition means brand and service evolution still underway
- Mid-market pricing, not a budget option
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.
State Auto
Root
The bottom line
State Auto
State Auto is a fine regional choice in the Midwest and Southeast through an independent agent. The Liberty Mutual acquisition adds financial strength but the long-term brand identity is still settling.
Read the full State Auto 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.