Root, a telematics-based auto insurance startup, has expanded into four additional states, bringing the total in which it operates to 10.
New state approvals to operate are from Pennsylvania, Texas, Kentucky and Mississippi. Root launched in Ohio in fall 2016. Since then, it has also started doing business in Arizona, Indiana, Utah, Illinois and Oklahoma.
Plans are in play for Root to expand into Louisiana, North Dakota, Arkansas and Maryland in the coming months.
Ultimately, Root co-Founder and CEO Alex Timm said the company plans to expand its reach nationwide.
Customers are able to download the basic Root app, which the insurer said can save up to 52 percent on premiums. The company targets good drivers using telematics and smartphone technology. Once the app is downloaded, drivers take a two- or three-week test drive, depending on how often they drive. After that period, Root provides a quote and lets customers request cancellation of their old policy, all through their mobile phone.
In July, Root expanded into rental car coverage via a partnership with ridesharing firm Lyft. For policyholders with short-term needs for alternate transportation after an incident, Root offers a choice between a rental car or a comparable amount of Lyft credits for free rides.
Root launched with $7 million in initial funding from venture capital firm Drive Capital. Munich Re, Odyssey Re and Maiden Re are providing reinsurance, and Silicon Valley Bank backs Root’s reserves.
Source: Root