Metromile vs. Root: Which Usage-Based Insurer Is Better?

Metromile and Root represent two leading approaches to usage-based car insurance, both challenging traditional flat-rate pricing but in fundamentally different ways. Metromile charges based on miles driven, rewarding low-mileage drivers, while Root prices on driving behavior, rewarding safe drivers. For drivers considering usage-based insurance, understanding how these two innovators compare helps you choose the model that best matches your situation.

This comparison examines Metromile versus Root across their pricing models, what they measure, who benefits most, the enrollment process, and ideal customers. By understanding each company’s distinct approach, you can determine which usage-based insurer offers better value for your driving patterns and habits. For background, see our guides on how Metromile works and how Root works.

The Core Difference

The fundamental difference between Metromile and Root lies in what they measure to determine your price. Metromile measures how much you drive, charging a low base rate plus a per-mile fee. The less you drive, the less you pay, regardless of your driving style.

Root measures how you drive, pricing based on driving behavior assessed during a test drive period. Safe drivers pay less regardless of how many miles they drive. The two models reward different things: Metromile rewards low mileage, while Root rewards safe driving habits.

Pricing Model Comparison

What Each Measures

Metromile Measures Mileage

Metromile uses the Pulse device plugged into your vehicle’s diagnostic port to accurately track miles driven. The focus is on usage measurement for billing, with your cost rising and falling based on how much you drive.

Root Measures Behavior

Root uses your smartphone app to measure driving behavior during a test drive period, assessing factors like hard braking, phone use, acceleration, and cornering. The focus is on how safely you drive, which determines your rate and whether Root offers coverage.

The Enrollment Process

Metromile provides quicker coverage but requires the Pulse device. Root requires a test drive period using only your phone but may decline coverage based on demonstrated behavior. Our guide on the Root test drive explains that process.

Who Benefits from Each

The choice depends on your situation. Low-mileage drivers benefit from Metromile, safe high-mileage drivers from Root. Drivers who are both low-mileage and safe should compare both to find their best rate, while high-mileage average drivers may find traditional insurance better.

Privacy and Tracking

Both companies involve tracking, but differently. Metromile uses the Pulse device in your vehicle to track mileage, while Root uses your smartphone to monitor driving behavior. Both raise privacy considerations, though the type of data differs.

Metromile primarily tracks mileage and location for billing and app features. Root tracks driving behavior including braking, phone use, and acceleration patterns. Drivers should consider which type of monitoring they’re more comfortable with when choosing between the two.

The Lemonade Connection

Interestingly, both Metromile and Root connect to the broader insurtech landscape, with Metromile having been acquired by Lemonade in 2022. This means Metromile’s pay-per-mile expertise is now part of the Lemonade platform. Root remains independent, focusing on its behavior-based model.

For drivers interested in the broader insurtech options, our Root vs Metromile vs Lemonade comparison examines all three together, while our Lemonade reviews cover that platform’s offerings.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Metromile If

You drive relatively few miles per year. You’re a remote worker, urban dweller, or retiree with low mileage. You want pricing tied directly to how much you drive. You’re comfortable with the Pulse device. Your driving style is average but your mileage is low. You want quicker coverage without a test drive period.

Choose Root If

You’re a genuinely safe driver regardless of mileage. You drive a normal or high amount but drive safely. You’re penalized by traditional factors despite safe driving. You prefer phone-based tracking over a vehicle device. You want pricing based on how you drive rather than how much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Metromile and Root?

Metromile charges based on miles driven, rewarding low-mileage drivers, while Root prices based on driving behavior, rewarding safe drivers. Metromile measures how much you drive; Root measures how safely you drive. They reward different things.

Which is cheaper, Metromile or Root?

It depends on your situation. Metromile is cheaper for low-mileage drivers regardless of driving style, while Root is cheaper for safe drivers regardless of mileage. A low-mileage driver benefits from Metromile, a safe high-mileage driver from Root.

Which is better for low-mileage drivers?

Metromile is better for low-mileage drivers because it charges based on miles driven with a low base rate plus per-mile fee. Drivers who travel few miles save substantially compared to flat-rate insurance, regardless of their driving style.

Which is better for safe drivers?

Root is better for safe drivers because it prices based on driving behavior, rewarding demonstrated safe habits regardless of mileage. A safe driver, especially a high-mileage one, benefits more from Root’s behavior-based pricing than Metromile’s mileage focus.

Do both require a tracking device?

Metromile requires the Pulse device plugged into your vehicle’s diagnostic port. Root uses your smartphone app rather than a vehicle device. Both involve tracking but differ in method, with Metromile measuring mileage and Root measuring behavior.

Which has a faster signup?

Metromile provides quicker coverage since it doesn’t require a test drive period, though you need the Pulse device. Root requires a two-to-three week test drive period before offering coverage, using only your phone for monitoring.

Can Root decline me but Metromile won’t?

Root may decline coverage based on risky driving demonstrated during the test drive. Metromile uses more standard underwriting without a behavior-based test drive that could lead to declining for driving style. This makes Metromile more predictable for coverage approval.

What if I’m both low-mileage and a safe driver?

If you’re both low-mileage and safe, you could benefit from either company, so compare quotes from both to find your best rate. Metromile rewards your low mileage while Root rewards your safe driving, and which saves more depends on the specifics.

The Bottom Line

Metromile and Root both offer usage-based alternatives to traditional flat-rate insurance, but they reward fundamentally different things. Metromile rewards low mileage through pay-per-mile pricing, benefiting drivers who don’t drive much. Root rewards safe driving through behavior-based pricing, benefiting drivers with good habits regardless of mileage.

The right choice depends on your situation. Low-mileage drivers, remote workers, and urban dwellers benefit most from Metromile. Safe drivers, especially high-mileage ones penalized by traditional factors, benefit most from Root. Drivers who are both low-mileage and safe should compare both to find their best rate.

Both involve tracking, with Metromile using the Pulse device and Root using your smartphone, raising different privacy considerations. Metromile offers quicker coverage without a test drive, while Root requires the test period but may produce larger savings for safe drivers. High-mileage average drivers may find neither beneficial and prefer traditional insurance.

Ready to compare Metromile and Root for your situation? Visit Matrix Insurance to evaluate usage-based options. Use our car insurance calculator to estimate benchmark pricing, or contact our team for personalized guidance on which usage-based insurer fits your driving.