Auto Insurance Comparison
Travelers vs Root
Side-by-side comparison of Travelers vs Root auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
Travelers comes out clearly 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.
| Travelers | Root | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.25 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.60 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | Travelers is the carrier most often picked by drivers who'd rather pay a bit more for confidence in the claims process | 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 | Travelers review → | Root review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | Travelers | Root |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 4.40 | 3.50 |
| Coverage breadth | 4.70 | 3.50 |
| Affordability | 3.60 | 3.80 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
Travelers
Full review →Pros
- One of the bundling choices offered by Travelers is house, vehicle, and pet insurance.
- Lots of discount opportunities
- A range of benefits for environmentally conscious homes
Cons
- Base premiums typically run above GEICO and Progressive for most driver profiles
- Less competitive specifically for young drivers and high-risk profiles
- Agent availability varies by region — Travelers leans on independent agents rather than captive offices
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.
Travelers
Root
The bottom line
Travelers
If you've had a frustrating claims experience with a low-cost carrier and you're ready to pay a bit more for service depth, Travelers is the right next stop. It's not the cheapest option, but it's one of the most reliable.
Read the full Travelers 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.