CrunchWize / Insurance

Root vs Liberty Mutual

Last updated September 2026

Root Insurance

Fair rates based on how you drive

7/10
PricingVaries by behavior; national average around $100/mo

Advantages

  • Rates primarily based on how you actually drive
  • App-based quoting and claims
  • Consistently safe drivers get some of the lowest rates on the market
  • No high-pressure sales or agent phone calls
  • 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
  • Requires 2-3 week driving test before quoting
  • Limited bundling options

Liberty Mutual

Only pay for what you need

7/10
PricingAround $185/mo on average; stacked discounts common

Advantages

  • Coverage customization tool lets you drop coverages you don't want
  • RightTrack telematics can drop premiums up to 30%
  • Accident forgiveness available after four years claim-free
  • Wide bundling menu across auto, home, boat, motorcycle, and umbrella
  • Available in all 50 states

Drawbacks

  • Base rates run above average in many states
  • Claims satisfaction middle-of-pack in recent studies
  • Marketing-heavy quoting funnel

Root and Liberty Mutual both give you levers to influence your premium, Root through driving behavior, Liberty Mutual through coverage customization. Root rewards demonstrably safe drivers with a low base rate; Liberty Mutual lets you drop unnecessary coverages to lower the bill. Which lever you prefer decides it.

Feature Comparison

FeatureRoot InsuranceLiberty Mutual
Typical Monthly CostVaries by driving score; avg $80-$140/moAvg $160-$215/mo; discounts stack quickly
Quote ProcessThe Zebra comparison search can bind eligible policies in as little as 3 minutes; the app remains the path for behavior-based pricingOnline, phone, or captive agent
Available DiscountsSafe driving, multi-policy, homeownerRightTrack, multi-policy, homeowner, paid in full
Claims ExperienceIn-app filing, digital estimatesApp, phone, 24/7 online submission
Customer SupportIn-app chat, phone, emailPhone, chat, app, captive agents
Coverage OptionsLiability, comprehensive, collision, roadsideLiability, collision, comprehensive, gap, new-car replacement
Mobile App QualityExcellent, core product is app-firstSolid, RightTrack, claims, ID cards
Bundling OptionsRenters onlyAuto, home, boat, motorcycle, umbrella
Current AvailabilityAvailable in 37 states, including New Jersey, covering more than 80% of the U.S. population--
Partner DistributionJerry behavior-based rates; The Zebra personalized quote integration--
Flexible Payment OptionHugo partnership for eligible drivers in 16 states--
Florida Rate UpdateAverage rate reduction of 15%; about $21M annualized savings for 52,000+ policyholders--
Our Verdict

Root Insurance Wins

Root wins on price for safe drivers in supported states. Liberty Mutual is only the better pick if you want to bundle beyond auto.

Root's pure behavior-based pricing consistently beats Liberty Mutual's rates for demonstrably safe drivers, and its app-only experience is smoother than Liberty Mutual's marketing-heavy quoting flow. Liberty Mutual's edge is its bundling menu, if you're buying home, boat, or umbrella too, the combined bill can tilt in its favor. Otherwise Root. Root now operates in 37 states, including New Jersey, reaching more than 80% of the U.S. population.

Root Insurance is best forSafe drivers looking for the lowest possible premium
Liberty Mutual is best forDrivers who want to trim optional coverages and DIY their policy