Auto Insurance Comparison
The Hartford vs Root
Side-by-side comparison of The Hartford vs Root auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
The Hartford 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.
| The Hartford | Root | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 3.85 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.60 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | The Hartford has spent decades positioning itself as the auto carrier for AARP members — its exclusive partnership with AARP shapes both its discount stack and its underwriting | 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 | The Hartford review → | Root review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | The Hartford | Root |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 4.20 | 3.50 |
| Coverage breadth | 4.00 | 3.50 |
| Affordability | 3.40 | 3.80 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
The Hartford
Full review →Pros
- Exclusive AARP member discounts and benefits — competitive for the 50+ demographic
- Strong customer satisfaction and claims handling reputation
- RecoverCare and lifetime renewability features add real value for long-tenured customers
- Solid bundling discounts when combined with The Hartford home insurance
Cons
- Pricing is meaningfully less competitive for drivers under 50 or without AARP membership
- Younger drivers often find better rates at GEICO, Progressive, or USAA (if eligible)
- Coverage menu is solid but not as deep as Travelers or Auto-Owners for premium options
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.
The Hartford
Root
The bottom line
The Hartford
If you're 50+ and eligible for AARP, the Hartford should be in your quote set — its AARP partnership shapes the math in your favor. For younger drivers or those outside the AARP profile, broader carriers will usually price more competitively.
Read the full The Hartford 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.