Auto Insurance Comparison
Root vs The General
Side-by-side comparison of Root vs The General auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
Root comes out clearly ahead The General 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 | The General | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.60 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.25 /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 | The General writes non-standard auto insurance for drivers who can't easily get coverage from mainstream carriers |
| Read full review | Root review → | The General review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | Root | The General |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 3.50 | 3.00 |
| Coverage breadth | 3.50 | 3.00 |
| Affordability | 3.80 | 3.80 |
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
The General
Full review →Pros
- Strong specialization in non-standard risk — accepts drivers others reject
- Quick online quotes including SR-22 filings
- Available in 45 states, broader than most non-standard competitors
- Affordable for high-risk profiles that mainstream carriers price out
Cons
- Customer satisfaction and claims experience trend below industry averages
- Standard-risk drivers will pay more here than at mainstream carriers
- Coverage menu is intentionally minimal — limited add-on options
Coverage at a glance
What each carrier offers in standard policies.
Root
The General
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 reviewThe General
If you've been denied by mainstream carriers or need SR-22 filing, The General is a legitimate option. If you're a standard-risk driver, you're paying for risk pooling you don't need — get quotes from GEICO and Progressive first.
Read the full The General 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.