Erie vs Root Insurance
Last updated September 2026
Erie
Above all in service since 1925
Advantages
- Top-tier J.D. Power scores for customer satisfaction and claims in its regions
- Rate Lock keeps your premium from changing year over year unless you change your policy
- First Accident Forgiveness included as standard on many policies
- Diminishing deductible reduces your deductible each claim-free year
- New car protection replaces a totaled car with a comparable current-year model
Drawbacks
- Only available in 12 states plus DC, mostly Mid-Atlantic and Midwest
- Quotes must go through an independent Erie agent, no direct online purchase
- Digital tools are functional but trail Progressive and Geico
Root Insurance
Fair rates based on how you drive
Advantages
- Rates are primarily based on your actual driving behavior, not demographics
- Entirely app-based experience with fast quotes and digital ID cards
- No upfront commitment, test drive the app before buying a policy
- Discounts stack quickly for consistently safe drivers
- Roadside assistance available as an affordable add-on
- Behavior-based rate access is also available through partner platforms such as Jerry
- The Zebra integration can deliver personalized quotes and let eligible shoppers bind in as little as three minutes
- Hugo partnership offers flexible payments to eligible drivers in 16 states
- Florida rates are down an average of 15%, saving about $21 million annually for more than 52,000 policyholders
Drawbacks
- Available in 37 states, including New Jersey, covering more than 80% of the U.S. population
- No local agent network for in-person support
- Limited bundling options compared to full-line carriers
- Risky or new drivers may get higher quotes than expected
Erie and Root Insurance both play in auto insurance, but they're aimed at different buyers. Erie is built for drivers in Erie's 12 states who want top-rated service and Rate Lock predictability. Root Insurance is built for safe drivers who want their habits rewarded with lower premiums. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Erie | Root Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Monthly Cost | Avg $110-$165/mo before bundling | Varies by driving score; avg $80-$140/mo |
| Quote Process | Independent agent, quote requests online | The Zebra comparison search can bind eligible policies in as little as 3 minutes; the app remains the path for behavior-based pricing |
| Available Discounts | Multi-policy, safe driver, Rate Lock, YoungRider, reduced usage | Safe driving, multi-policy, homeowner |
| Claims Experience | 24/7 phone, agent-assisted, app for basic claim submission | In-app filing, digital estimates |
| Customer Support | Independent agents, phone, limited chat | In-app chat, phone, email |
| Coverage Options | Liability, collision, comprehensive, rideshare, roadside, new car protection | Liability, comprehensive, collision, roadside |
| Mobile App Quality | Basic, ID cards, payments, simple claim start | Excellent, core product is app-first |
| Bundling Options | Auto, home, renters, life, umbrella | Renters only |
| Current Availability | -- | Available in 37 states, including New Jersey, covering more than 80% of the U.S. population |
| Partner Distribution | -- | Jerry behavior-based rates; The Zebra personalized quote integration |
| Flexible Payment Option | -- | Hugo partnership for eligible drivers in 16 states |
| Florida Rate Update | -- | Average rate reduction of 15%; about $21M annualized savings for 52,000+ policyholders |
Erie Wins
Erie takes it overall (9/10 vs 7/10), but Root Insurance is still the sharper pick for safe drivers who want their habits rewarded with lower premiums.
Erie's standout strength: Top-tier J.D. Power scores for customer satisfaction and claims in its regions. Its biggest drawback (only available in 12 states plus DC, mostly Mid-Atlantic and Midwest) is easier to live with than Root Insurance's (a 37-state footprint including New Jersey). Root Insurance isn't out of the running though — its own standout strength is rates are primarily based on your actual driving behavior, not demographics. If you fit the profile of safe drivers who want their habits rewarded with lower premiums, that alone can flip the decision. Root now operates in 37 states, including New Jersey, reaching more than 80% of the U.S. population.
Related Comparisons
Root Insurance vs State Farm
Which auto insurer gives you the best rate based on how you actually drive?
Root vs Geico
App-first behavior-based pricing versus the largest direct-to-consumer auto insurer in America.
Root vs Progressive
Behavior-based pricing goes head-to-head with the Snapshot telematics veteran.