Car insurance is one of the few expenses where switching providers can save you hundreds of dollars a year. But comparing quotes manually is tedious. Enter Jerry and Root: two apps that promise to simplify the process and lower your premiums. However, they work in completely different ways. Jerry is a quote comparison broker, while Root uses telematics to price your policy based on your actual driving.
In this 2026 side-by-side comparison, we analyze quote accuracy, pricing models, user experience, discounts, claims handling, and real-world savings. Whether you're a safe driver looking for low rates or someone who wants to shop multiple insurers instantly, this guide will help you decide which app fits your needs.
➡️ Read next (recommended)
đź“‹ Table of Contents
- 1. What Are Jerry and Root Insurance?
- 2. Jerry vs Root: Feature Comparison Matrix
- 3. Quote Accuracy & Savings Potential
- 4. Pricing Model: Broker vs Telematics
- 5. User Experience & App Interface
- 6. Discounts & Additional Benefits
- 7. Claims Process & Customer Support
- 8. State Availability & Eligibility
- 9. Final Verdict: Which Is Better for You?
What Are Jerry and Root Insurance?
Jerry (launched 2017) is a licensed insurance broker that aggregates quotes from over 45 top carriers (Progressive, Travelers, Nationwide, etc.) in one place. You enter your info once, and Jerry returns multiple quotes side by side. It also helps you switch policies and cancel your old one. Jerry makes money through commissions from insurers when you purchase a policy.
Root Insurance (founded 2015) is a direct-to-consumer insurer that uses a mobile app to track your driving behavior via telematics. After a test drive period (typically 2-4 weeks), Root scores your driving habits (braking, cornering, phone use, time of day) and prices your policy accordingly. Good drivers can save significantly, while aggressive drivers may pay more than traditional rates.
đź’ˇ Key Difference at a Glance:
- Jerry: Comparison shopping across multiple insurers – you keep your existing driving record and get the best rate from their partner carriers.
- Root: Behavior-based pricing – your actual driving determines your premium, potentially rewarding safe habits.
Jerry vs Root: Feature Comparison Matrix
| Feature | Jerry | Root |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Insurance broker / comparison app | Direct insurer with telematics |
| Quote Method | Enter info once → compare 45+ carriers | Test drive (track driving) → get personalized rate |
| Underwriting | Based on your credit, driving history, etc. (traditional) | Based on actual driving behavior + traditional factors |
| Average Savings | Jerry claims average savings of $879/year | Root claims average savings of $900/year (for those who qualify) |
| Availability | Available in 50 states (as broker) | Available in ~30 states (as insurer); varies |
| Payment Options | Monthly, semi-annual, annual (varies by insurer) | Monthly or pay-in-full |
| Claims Handling | Through the chosen insurer; Jerry assists with switching | Directly through Root’s claims team and app |
| Discounts | Multi-policy, bundling, safe driver (through carriers) | Safe driving score, low mileage, referral, bundling |
Quote Accuracy & Savings Potential
Both platforms claim significant savings, but the accuracy depends on your profile.
Jerry: Real-Time Quotes from 45+ Carriers
BrokerJerry’s engine pulls live rates from major insurers. You can see exactly what you’d pay with each company. Since it’s not just one company, you’re likely to find the lowest possible rate among its partners. However, it doesn’t include every insurer (e.g., GEICO, State Farm, USAA are not always on the platform). Still, for most drivers, Jerry finds a better deal than sticking with a single carrier.
đź“Š Real User Data
In a 2025 study of 500 Jerry users, the average annual savings were $887. The highest savings were for drivers with clean records who switched from large national carriers to regional ones like Auto-Owners or Erie.
Root: Telematics-Based Personalization
Usage-BasedRoot’s model can either save you a lot or cost you more. If you have a clean driving record but also drive aggressively (hard braking, speeding, late-night driving), Root may quote you higher than traditional insurers. Conversely, if you’re a consistently safe driver, you could undercut the market. Root’s “test drive” period is essential; only after that do you see a firm quote. Some drivers love the transparency, others find it invasive.
đź“Š Real User Data
Root reports that about 70% of applicants qualify for a policy; the top 30% of safe drivers save an average of $900/year. The bottom 30% either don’t qualify or receive higher-than-average rates.
Pricing Model: Broker vs Telematics
đź’° How Jerry Makes Money
Jerry earns commissions from insurers when you purchase a policy through them. The commission does not affect your premium – it’s the same rate you’d get going directly to the carrier. This means Jerry is free to use, and you get unbiased comparisons because the insurers compete.
📱 How Root Calculates Your Rate
Root’s pricing is a blend of telematics and traditional underwriting factors (age, location, vehicle, credit, claims history). The driving score heavily influences the final rate. Root’s app tracks: hard brakes, rapid accelerations, cornering, phone usage while driving, time of day, and mileage. After the test drive, you receive a score from 1 to 100. Scores above 80 generally lead to competitive rates.
Because Root is the insurer itself, there’s no comparison shopping. You’re stuck with one company’s price. Jerry, on the other hand, lets you compare and choose among multiple carriers. If you value having options, Jerry wins. If you believe your driving is exceptional and want that rewarded directly, Root may be better.
User Experience & App Interface
Both apps are highly rated on iOS and Android:
- Jerry: 4.9 stars on App Store (over 150k reviews) – praised for ease of use, speed, and clarity. The process takes about 90 seconds. You upload photos of your license and current insurance, and Jerry auto-fills the rest. The interface is clean, with side-by-side comparisons and clear pricing.
- Root: 4.7 stars on App Store (over 200k reviews) – users appreciate the intuitive design and driving feedback. However, some find the test drive period inconvenient (you can’t get an instant quote) and battery drain is a minor complaint. The app also offers trip logs and driving insights.
Winner: Jerry for instant gratification; Root for those willing to wait for a potentially lower rate.
Discounts & Additional Benefits
| Discount Type | Jerry (through partners) | Root (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Safe Driver | Yes (varies by insurer) | Yes – based on telematics score |
| Multi-Policy (Bundling) | Yes – home/renters with partners | Yes – home/renters through Root |
| Low Mileage | Some partners offer pay-per-mile | Yes – discounts for driving less |
| Referral | Yes – Jerry gives gift cards for referrals | Yes – cash or premium credits |
| Good Student | Yes | Yes |
| Military/Veteran | Through partner carriers | No specific military discount |
Claims Process & Customer Support
Claims handling is a critical factor when choosing insurance. Jerry doesn’t handle claims – you go through the insurer you selected. But Jerry offers support if you need to switch insurers or have questions about coverage. Root manages claims entirely through its app, with 24/7 claims reporting and digital estimates. User reviews for Root’s claims are generally positive, though some report delays in the early days (pre-2024). Now, Root has improved its adjuster network.
If you value a single point of contact for claims, Root may be simpler. If you prefer to choose among established insurers with known reputations, Jerry gives you that flexibility.
State Availability & Eligibility
đź“Ť Jerry Availability
Jerry’s broker service is available in all 50 states and Washington D.C. They partner with carriers licensed in each state. Even if you live in a state with limited competition, Jerry can still compare the available options.
đź“Ť Root Availability
Root Insurance is licensed in about 30 states (check current list). In states where Root isn’t licensed, you can’t get a policy. Also, Root may not be available for certain vehicles (e.g., high-performance cars, commercial use) or drivers with recent DUIs. The test drive must be completed in a state where Root operates.
If you’re in a state without Root, Jerry is your only option among these two. If you’re in a Root state and are willing to try telematics, you could save big.
Final Verdict: Which Is Better for You?
After analyzing features, real user reviews, and pricing models, here’s a quick decision guide:
- Want to compare rates from multiple insurers instantly
- Prefer not to have your driving tracked
- Need coverage in any state (Root-unavailable states)
- Have a less-than-perfect driving record (Jerry can find the best among traditional carriers)
- Value speed and convenience (no waiting for a test drive)
- Are a consistently safe driver (smooth braking, no phone use, low mileage)
- Don’t mind a test drive period for potentially lower rates
- Live in a Root-licensed state
- Prefer a single insurer for a seamless digital experience
- Want to be rewarded for good driving behavior
Both apps are free to use, so you can try both: use Jerry to get a baseline of the best market rates, then take Root’s test drive and compare the quote after 2-3 weeks. If Root’s quote beats Jerry’s best offer, switch. If not, use Jerry to purchase the best policy from its comparison.
đź’ˇ Pro Tip for 2026:
Insurance rates change constantly. Re-shop every 6-12 months. Jerry makes that easy; Root’s rates adjust at renewal based on your continued driving. If your driving improves, you may get a lower renewal rate automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Jerry is completely free for consumers. They earn a commission from insurance companies when you purchase a policy through them. The price you see is the same as going directly to the insurer.
Root has optimized its app to minimize battery impact. Most users report a 5-10% additional drain per day. You can also disable tracking when not driving. The test drive period typically lasts 2-4 weeks.
Both have strong support. Jerry’s support is primarily via chat and email, and they help with switching policies. Root offers in-app chat, phone, and claims support. Root’s support is more comprehensive because they are the insurer.
Absolutely. Jerry can help you switch mid-policy (most insurers issue prorated refunds). They also remind you to cancel your old policy so you don’t double-pay.
If your score is below Root’s threshold, they may decline to offer a quote or provide a rate higher than traditional insurers. You are not obligated to purchase and can delete the app. There’s no penalty other than not getting coverage.
Young drivers often face high rates. Jerry can help them compare quotes from insurers that specialize in young drivers. Root may offer discounts if they demonstrate safe driving, but the test drive period may show riskier behavior (like late-night driving) that hurts rates. Both are worth trying.