Root Insurance Expands Behavior-Based Car Coverage to New Jersey, Now in 37 States Including Iowa

Root Insurance, the Columbus, Ohio-based technology company that uses smartphone data to reward safe drivers, has launched its behavior-based auto insurance in New Jersey. The move brings Root's total coverage to 37 states, including Iowa, and puts the company on track to offer policies across the contiguous United States by 2027.

Root (NASDAQ: ROOT) now reaches more than 80 percent of the U.S. population. For Iowa drivers, this expansion signals continued growth for a company that already serves the state with a model that prioritizes actual driving behavior over traditional risk factors like credit scores or age.

How Root Insurance Works for Iowa Drivers

Root's approach is simple: drivers download the mobile app, complete a test drive that measures their real-world driving habits, and receive a personalized quote based on their performance. The app tracks focused driving, smooth braking, and gentle turns to determine rates.

This model appeals to conservative principles of personal responsibility and fair pricing. Instead of relying on broad demographic categories, Root rewards individual behavior. Safe drivers can save money, while those with risky habits pay more.

Iowa drivers who switch to Root could save up to $1,300 annually, according to company data. The savings depend on test drive results and chosen coverage levels.

Expanding Consumer Choice in Insurance Markets

Root founder and CEO Alex Timm framed the New Jersey expansion as a victory for consumer choice.

“Expanding to New Jersey is a massive milestone in our state expansion strategy as we accelerate toward our goal of coverage in the contiguous U.S. by 2027,” Timm said. “By entering the Garden State, we're expanding our reach to a market historically characterized by limited consumer choice. Our ability to scale our behavioral pricing model demonstrates the efficiency of our technology and positions us to capture more market share.”

For Iowans, the expansion means Root's technology continues to mature and improve. The company has analyzed more than 36 billion miles of driving data and its app has been downloaded more than 17 million times.

Root Insurance Availability in Iowa

Root already offers auto insurance to Iowa drivers. The company also provides renters insurance in several states, though that product is not yet available in Iowa.

Drivers can check availability and start the test drive process at joinroot.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Root Insurance available in Iowa?

Yes. Root offers behavior-based auto insurance to Iowa drivers. The company is now available in 37 states nationwide.

How does Root Insurance determine rates?

Root uses data science and mobile technology to measure actual driving behavior. Rates are personalized based on driving performance metrics, including focused driving, smooth braking, and gentle turning habits.

How much can Iowa drivers save with Root Insurance?

Safe drivers who switch to Root Insurance can save up to $1,300 annually, depending on test drive results and chosen coverage levels. Actual savings vary.

Root Insurance Company, founded in 2015, is a subsidiary of Root, Inc. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and underwrites auto insurance policies through Root Property & Casualty in New Jersey.