Claims that stall or vanish
Reviewers describe weeks without adjuster contact, closed claims without notice, and denials after little or no inspection.
Prospective customer warning
228 one-star reviews. Do not be fooled into buying Root.
As of August 03, 2026, Trustpilot’s public profile for Root Insurance (joinroot.com listed 228 one-star reviews—enough to fill 19 pages of results. A low quote is not a reason to ignore that volume. Below is a sample of 47 reviews from the first two pages, with summaries and quotes. These are other customers’ words—not findings of this site.
228
One-star reviews on Trustpilot
19
Pages of 1-star results
47
Quoted on this page
Pattern check
What keeps showing up across hundreds of one-star posts
Coverage fights after the loss
“Full coverage” that allegedly wasn’t; liability-only surprises on financed cars; third parties left unpaid when Root’s insured causes the damage.
Hard to cancel, hard to reach
Autopay charges after cancel, renewal traps, app-only walls, and no human on the phone when money is already taken.
Sample from pages 1–2 · 47 of 228
The warning board
Each card: a short summary of what the reviewer alleges, then their own words. Click through to Trustpilot for the full original. This is only a fraction of the 228 one-star reviews Trustpilot listed as of August 03, 2026.
Root is the absolute worst insurance…
Summary: Root is the absolute worst insurance company I have ever dealt with in all my years of driving They denied my claim for a horrible car accident even though my policy documents…
“Root is the absolute worst insurance company I have ever dealt with in all my years of driving They denied my claim for a horrible car accident even though my policy documents show my policy was in effect from 4/16 at 12:01am until 10/16 at 12:01am They still denied my claim and wont allow me to speak to anyone in corporate office or anyone who is in charge as if they are hiding something big Root insurance is the…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Deemed not at fault in auto accident, pressured to pay deductible
Summary: It's been 12 days since I submitted my auto accident claim.
“It's been 12 days since I submitted my auto accident claim. After determining that the other driver was at fault, the claim agent sent me to the appraiser, who immediately told me to pay my deposit in order to get my vehicle fixed. I was sent a payment link. I thought this was odd, so I talked with my family and looked for answers online. Everything I read said that it's not normal for you to pay your deposit when…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Non-existent customer service-negative 10 star review!
Summary: Alleges claim denial without inspection, unreachable adjuster, and a supervisor who defended a denial the reviewer calls baseless.
“Root insurance company is the absolute bottom of the barrel! DO NOT PURCHASE car insurance from this HORRIBLE company! They tell you that you have complete coverage, but when you need to have a claim covered, they just deny it without doing any due diligence, they do not act in good faith, and they do not even inspect vehicles! You would have to be a BRAIN DEAD ZOMBIE on acid to buy insurance from this company! I…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
WORST INSURANCE COMPANY OF ALL TIME
Summary: Says full-coverage claim sat a month with no inspection, then denial by email; names a supervisor and alleges false explanations.
“WORST INSURANCE COMPANY OF ALL TIME! THIS COMPANY IS A JOKE AND SHOULD LOSE THEIR LICENSE TO OPERATE! A TOTAL SCAM COMPANY! We have full coverage on our vehicle and for one month they did not even get back to us about the claim, they did not inspect the vehicle, then they just emailed us and denied the claim! Do not ever, ever, EVER use this company, they are a bunch of crooks and frauds! Our adjuster in the claims…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
most CORRUPT insurance company in the US
Summary: Describes multi-month claim delays and inability to reach adjusters, support, or supervisors—warns others not to buy.
“This is the most CORRUPT company in the United States! Do not ever, ever, EVER buy an insurance policy from this company! They are beyond HORRIBLE to deal with! Totally uncommunicative adjusters, two month long delays in processing a claim, impossible to get ahold of adjusters, support representatives, or supervisors! BEWARE ROOT INSURANCE! Tell all of your friends, tell all of your family, tell all of your business…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Sucks
Summary: This insurance company is the absolute worst!
“This insurance company is the absolute worst! I had been on a policy with my x husband for several years. Root dropped me off his policy with no reason, and then blocked me from being able to retain new insurance in Florida with any other company! I had to go thru hell to find new insurance and I almost lost my job as a delivery driver due to that! My x husband called, tried adding me back to the policy, was told no…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Root doesn’t reward safe drivers
Summary: Root doesn’t reward safe drivers — they trap you with a low quote, then demand surveillance or a penalty.
“Root doesn’t reward safe drivers — they trap you with a low quote, then demand surveillance or a penalty. I paid my 6-month premium upfront, refused to install their tracking app, and only after payment learned: if you don’t complete their 30-day “test drive,” your rate goes up — guaranteed. They call it a “potential discount,” but it’s a lie. No app? $72/month increase — handed down like a fine. I didn’t…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Poor Customer Service and a Frustrating App Experience
Summary: I’ve had a frustrating experience with Root Insurance.
“I’ve had a frustrating experience with Root Insurance. The biggest issue is their customer service. It feels almost nonexistent. When you do reach someone, they are not warm, helpful, or willing to actually assist with resolving problems. The interactions come across as dismissive and unhelpful, which makes an already frustrating situation worse. Another major issue is the app functionality. The app does not seem…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
My experience with Root Insurance has…
Summary: Reports Root said medical bills were paid, but the hospital never received funds—leaving the customer stuck as middleman.
“My experience with Root Insurance has been extremely disappointing. Communication has been inconsistent, and I have spent far too much time trying to resolve an issue that should have been handled correctly from the beginning. I was informed that payment for my medical expenses had been sent to Cone Health. However, after continuing to receive bills, I contacted Cone Health directly and was told that no payment had…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
DON'T FALL FOR IT
Summary: They don't give you all the information how it works up front...
“They don't give you all the information how it works up front... only after you make your payment do you find out that you have to have your location services ALWAYS on for them or they will give you a worse score and increase your rate without any type of explanation. They also do not let you declare when you are driving or not. They tell you that you only need to have location on for the "Test Drive" or first…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Very awful experience with Root.
Summary: After a totaled financed car, Root allegedly said the policy was liability-only despite the reviewer’s belief they bought full coverage.
“Very awful experience with Root. I’ve had Root for a few months & when a recent unfortunate car accident totaled the car that I’m financing, Root claims that I applied only for liability. When I first joined Root, it was solely because they were the only insurance I was able to find that was willing to give my car full coverage due to such high theft rates with my specific car make/model. During not only a very…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
0 stars
Summary: Wish I could give Roots a 0.
“Wish I could give Roots a 0. This by far the worst Insurance company to deal with especially if you have to file a claim. They are NO HELP at all! Never had to go thru so much stuff to file a claim or get paperwork for something. When you call to talk to someone they say the same thing basically not answering the questions or they dont know the answer. I was in an accident in March wasnt my fault & my car was…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
App based nightmare
Summary: I got a car 6 months ago through carvana and they had a partnership with root.
“I got a car 6 months ago through carvana and they had a partnership with root. So I selected it with the 'hassle free' car purchase. Root is a terrible insurance company that requires you to have an application on your phone for ANYTHING, to pay your bill, to cancel it, to do anything! You have to have this application on your phone that will override all of your permissions, including battery optimization, because…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Garbage service, and unjustified charges.
Summary: I was basically forced to insure my new vehicle through carvanna with root, I figured what the hell.
“I was basically forced to insure my new vehicle through carvanna with root, I figured what the hell. I then tried to cancel after I took delivery, and I was on the phone for twenty minutes, on hold with a rep in India, and still couldn't cancel, he said that I would have to be on hold for another ten minutes minimum. I said no, and he told mr to download the app. I did so, canceled my policy with eleven days left,…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Root insurance is the absolute WORST…
Summary: Third-party victim says Root’s insured totaled their car; alleges deadline-gaming and refusal to reimburse out-of-pocket costs.
“Root insurance is the absolute WORST insurance company I’ve ever had to do business with. I’d give them a negative 5 stars if it allowed me to do so. I know their job is to pay out the least possible…but they do FAR more than that. They are the most inconsiderate & disrespectful company I’ve ever had to do business with. They wait til the deadline date to do anything, they do NOT reimburse for anything I had to pay…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
This has been the worst insurance…
Summary: This has been the worst insurance company I have ever dealt with in my life.
“This has been the worst insurance company I have ever dealt with in my life. You have to call numerous times to get ahold. Even when you call multiple times, nobody answers. I filed my claim two weeks ago today, and my car still hasn't been taken care of. I had to call a different department just to get a rental car. They ruled my car a total loss because paying the actual cash value is better than paying to get it…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
I canceled my insurance. And next day $66 was charged to my card
Summary: Claims a post-cancellation charge wiped grocery/therapy money for a disabled household.
“I canceled my insurance one day before my payment was due. Got new insurance and the next day they charged me $66 which was the only money my son and I had until the 1st. My son's food money and money to get my autistic son to his speech therapy that he so greatly needs. Me my myself is disabled and can't just go make extra money whenever I need it. This is a fraudulent company preying on disabled people and…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Bought insurance for a car that I…
Summary: Bought insurance for a car that I purchased through Carvana - returned the car to Carvana the next day because of mechanical issues.
“Bought insurance for a car that I purchased through Carvana - returned the car to Carvana the next day because of mechanical issues. Had to send them a letter that the car was returned, but THEN in order to get a new quote, they charged me even MORE money telling me that I had to REINSTATE the policy I had in order to get a new quote. Ultimately, I did not choose to go with Root for my insrance and they refused to…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
An "accident" happened for me in April…
Summary: Says a spring claim was closed with the other party while the reviewer got one adjuster call and no updates.
“An "accident" happened for me in April this year and I talked to the claims adjuster 1 time between then and now and somehow they have closed the claim with the other party and I have heard absolutely nothing about it. The claim adjuster NEVER returns calls there's never a supervisor available to review the claim with either. Save yourself and don't use a online only company like this.”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Absolutely horrible company
Summary: Nearly seven weeks after a crash, alleges zero adjuster contact, no payment, and rental companies that won’t work with Root.
“Absolutely horrible company. My daughter got into a car accident on 29 May and as of 7/15 NOTHING! No communication at all from the adjuster, no check nothing ! Do not bother trying to rent a car. Rental companies do not work well with Root and will add security deposit. It has happened to me twice. Good luck cancelling or making changes to your policy. Cant do anything online and they do not return phone…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Buyer beware
Summary: This site’s claimant: parked-car hit by Root’s insured; alleges denial attempt and names adjuster Johanna Harper.
“Buyer beware. They tried to deny my claim in a clear-fault accident where their insured hit my parked car. Pure scam. Johanna Harper was the crooked adjuster. Cost me thousands. Complaints filed with BBB and Nebraska Dept of Insurance.”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Root would not pay
Summary: We had an accident that was caused by someone insured with Root.
“We had an accident that was caused by someone insured with Root. The police report clearly indicated fault of the party insured by Root. Root Insurance company would not cover the accident since they said it was the insured party's son and not the person that purchased the insurance--his Mom. They even admitted that it was their insured person's fault but told us we would have to take them to court since they would…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Canceled because I bought a house
Summary: Root Insurance markets themselves as “driving‑based,” but that wasn’t my experience.
“Root Insurance markets themselves as “driving‑based,” but that wasn’t my experience. I scored a 9/10 on their test drive, have a 764 credit score, and zero missed payments, yet they canceled my coverage because I recently bought a house and my newest account was “too new.” That’s credit‑based underwriting, no matter how they spin it. If you’re expecting rates based on driving alone, be careful. Their actions don’t…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
I was on the phone for 35 minutes and…
Summary: I was on the phone for 35 minutes and couldn't get an answer to a simple question.
“I was on the phone for 35 minutes and couldn't get an answer to a simple question. All their agents are from some foreign country and have problems with English. The agent kept saying the same thing that was not part of my question. (Does a vehicle for sale need to continue having liability insurance if no one is driving it? Any potential buyer that would wreck the car on a test drive would need to file a claim…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Called customer service per I was…
Summary: Between jobs and seeking payment help; alleges only a three-day delay offered, then a cancellation fee with no refund.
“Called customer service per I was between jobs and could not make payment and they would not help me in anyway but to move the date three days and when I canceled the policy they charged me a cancellation fee and would not refund that. Seems to me they are not wanting to help anyone and just take your money.”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Poor experience overall..
Summary: Alleges cancellation without explanation and surprise responsibility for loaner-car damage due to unclear rental coverage limits.
“Cancelled without any additional information or explanation. When I sought coverage, I was not clearly informed about the rental coverage restrictions, which ultimately left me responsible for damages to a loaner vehicle. This was extremely disappointing and could have been avoided with better communication. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this company.”Read full review on Trustpilot →
I was impressed by the initial rate!
Summary: 95% driving-test score, then a $600/year rate hike—calls it bait-and-switch.
“I was impressed by the initial rate as I have added teenage drivers recently. However, after the first month and completion of my app based 'driving test' that gave me a 95% test score, the rate jacked up (not down) by $600 a year. Bait and switch. Good job, but now pay us more. So sick of companies playing this game. Disgusted and gone. Bye Root.”Read full review on Trustpilot →
I cancelled my insurance on the day it…
Summary: I cancelled my insurance on the day it was supposed to start because I refused the vehicle after seeing the problems it Root charged me $50 for cancellation.
“I cancelled my insurance on the day it was supposed to start because I refused the vehicle after seeing the problems it Root charged me $50 for cancellation. I didn’t even get the car and they charged me. This is by far the biggest scam I have ever experienced in my life. Stay away from this company if you can, so you won’t get robbed!!!!!!”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Bad coverage
Summary: Thought a car had full coverage; bank said it wasn’t covered while premiums were being paid.
“I got coverage for my cars with one of them with full coverage. I found out from the bank my car was not cover and I was paying the premiums. I would not get root insurance. Go to someone else.”Read full review on Trustpilot →
I've used root for over a year
Summary: I've used root for over a year.
“I've used root for over a year. Husband had 2 accidents last year no problem with claim. In April my son had an accident its been almost 2 months with no communication on paying out my claim.”Read full review on Trustpilot →
They make you think your saving money…
Summary: They make you think your saving money and that with the test drive your payment may go down um no my driving score was 9-10 and they still couldn’t give me a legit reason why…
“They make you think your saving money and that with the test drive your payment may go down um no my driving score was 9-10 and they still couldn’t give me a legit reason why I’m being canceled had the wrong credit score for me and everything !! DONT WASTE YOUR TIME !!!”Read full review on Trustpilot →
I was rear ended two weeks ago
Summary: I was rear ended two weeks ago.
“I was rear ended two weeks ago. I was asked to provide vin#'s for both my truck & trailer that was hit, which I did. Then I was asked to provide a quote to fix the trailer which I did. Then I was asked to blow up the quote as apparently, they had issues with it, so I did. All they needed to do is obtain a statement from the driver & the policy holder which has still not happened. Do NOT purchase insurance from this…”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Worst insurance I have ever had
Summary: Worst insurance I have ever had.
“Worst insurance I have ever had. I lost my job because they wouldn't send coc documents in time. I waited 5 days and they refused to send them. They won't send documents to the bmv on time and your license will get suspended and they just keep saying 5 to 10 business and still don't send it. Get progressive they send all documents needed asap”Read full review on Trustpilot →
They track you through the root app.
Summary: Warning they track through the root app.
“Warning they track through the root app. My insurance when up $30 in 3 months. No pass tickets or accident.Coverage is little to none yet so expensive.They track on your phone through GPS. Kinda creepy. They have a reputation for rise rate.”Read full review on Trustpilot →
The company is great until you need…
Summary: The company is great until you need them.
“The company is great until you need them. Then, they are perhaps the WORST company I have ever dealt with. I have four vehicles with them, and I am moving them as soon as my claim is done.”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Stupid
Summary: Couldn’t turn off autopay despite preferring manual payments.
“Stupid! Never like their system and they keeps refusing to void auto pay because I’m preferring to make payments as manual, not auto pay. Auto pay makes me so uncomfortable. Hate Root!!!”Read full review on Trustpilot →
If I could give no stars
Summary: If I could give no stars, I would.
“If I could give no stars, I would. It upsets me that I was approved for a policy, and upon going I yo the app to set it up, the system told me that you all could not help me after id already paid $350. In turn, I had to obtain another policy same day as requested, but ended up having to spend another $400 to set that policy up.”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Your app is quite the nuisance
Summary: App falsely flagged “unsafe driving” while reviewer was at home; will not renew.
“Your app is quite the nuisance! It alerts me to be safe driving when I'm literally sitting in my living room, in the shower, and all across the house or yard. The prices are competitive with Progressive with not near the pain in my bottom. I will not renew! One year was too much!”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Worst company dont pay this company any…
Summary: Blunt warning: don’t pay Root—reviewer says they don’t pay when they have to.
“Worst company dont pay this company any dime they dont pay nothing when tbey have to”Read full review on Trustpilot →
My experience may be totally different…
Summary: My experience may be totally different from others, but these guys are rude, miss leading and above all discriminatory.
“My experience may be totally different from others, but these guys are rude, miss leading and above all discriminatory. I pay 250 for liability.. yeah.. I know..”Read full review on Trustpilot →
They over charged for renewal fee
Summary: Alleges overcharge on renewal and a cancel-before-autorenew trap.
“They over charged for renewal fee. Be careful if you want to cancel you have to cancel before they auto renew. Won’t be back to root again.”Read full review on Trustpilot →
I can’t log in
Summary: Paid but couldn’t log into the app—stuck in a quote loop.
“I can’t log in to the app it keeps trying to quote me even after it took my money will change rating once I am able to get ahold of some to fix the issue”Read full review on Trustpilot →
You don’t leave a phone number for…
Summary: No phone number to reach a person; will not renew for that reason alone.
“You don’t leave a phone number for people that need to talk to someone. That is not very customer friendly. I will not be renewing just because of that.”Read full review on Trustpilot →
I did not sign the insurance policy all…
Summary: I did not sign the insurance policy all I did was ask for a quote, wake up this morning the money is missing from my account.
“I did not sign the insurance policy all I did was ask for a quote, wake up this morning the money is missing from my account”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Not support … they will leave you alone…
Summary: Not support … they will leave you alone frustration phone no one answer ..even to close you account Good on your on !!!
“Not support … they will leave you alone frustration phone no one answer ..even to close you account Good on your on !!!”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Unable to access ap want refund ASAP
Summary: Unable to access ap want refund ASAP.
“Unable to access ap want refund ASAP”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Charging me$150 for a one day late fee…
Summary: Charging me$150 for a one day late fee lol!
“Charging me$150 for a one day late fee lol! Crazy work”Read full review on Trustpilot →
Source & method. The count of 228 one-star
reviews is taken from Trustpilot’s 1-star filter for joinroot.com as of
August 03, 2026 (see
trustpilot.com/review/joinroot.com?stars=1). Quotes below come from saved copies of pages 1 and 2 of that filter.
Duplicates were removed by review id / title. Ordered by length and claim/billing
keywords. Quotes may be truncated; tone and spelling are the reviewers’. These
are third-party opinions and have not been independently verified by this site.
Counts on Trustpilot can change; verify before citing. Structured data:
data/trustpilot-1star-all.json, data/trustpilot-stats.json.
If you’re shopping for insurance
Do not let a low quote override 228 one-star warnings.
- Read all one-star reviews on Trustpilot Filter to 1 star. Skim claim and billing stories—not just signup praise.
- BBB profile & complaints Compare accreditation marketing to customer complaint volume.
- Read this site’s documented case Root claim V763L9NE — verbal denial, thin written determination, unpaid parked-car damage.