Auto Insurance Comparison
Wawanesa vs Root
Side-by-side comparison of Wawanesa vs Root auto insurance — ratings, cost, coverage, customer experience, pros, cons. No sales pitch, just the research.
Quick verdict
Wawanesa 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.
| Wawanesa | Root | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.05 /5 ★★★★★ Highest overall | 3.60 /5 ★★★★★ |
| Best for | Wawanesa is the California-and-Oregon mutual that consistently surfaces as the cheapest legit carrier for drivers with clean records | 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 | Wawanesa review → | Root review → |
Rating breakdown
How each carrier scores on the dimensions we weight.
| Category | Wawanesa | Root |
|---|---|---|
| Customer experience | 4.10 | 3.50 |
| Coverage breadth | 3.80 | 3.50 |
| Affordability | 4.30 | 3.80 |
Pros and cons, side by side
What each carrier wins on, and where each one falls short.
Wawanesa
Full review →Pros
- Consistently among the lowest rates in California and Oregon for clean-record drivers
- Mutual structure with no shareholder pressure on premiums
- Solid claims-handling reputation in its operating states
- Streamlined coverage menu means less upselling pressure
Cons
- Available only in California and Oregon
- Less competitive for high-risk drivers — Wawanesa underwrites tight
- Fewer optional coverages than the big nationals (no rideshare endorsement, limited usage-based)
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.
Wawanesa
Root
The bottom line
Wawanesa
California or Oregon driver with a clean record? Wawanesa should be in your quote set. It's the carrier most likely to deliver a noticeably lower rate without sacrificing claims quality.
Read the full Wawanesa 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.