What AARP home insurance is and who sells it

AARP does not sell home insurance directly. Instead, AARP has partnered with The Hartford, an insurance company, to offer homeowners and renters insurance policies branded as "AARP Home Insurance." When you buy this policy, you are purchasing from The Hartford, but you may see AARP's name on materials and get access to AARP member discounts.

The Hartford has been in the insurance business since 1810 and handles all the underwriting, claims, and customer service. AARP's role is to negotiate rates for members and promote the product through AARP's website and publications. Understanding this distinction matters because your policy contract is with The Hartford, not with AARP, and claims go through The Hartford's system.

This arrangement is common in the insurance world—many organizations partner with insurance companies to offer branded products to their members. AARP has similar partnerships for auto insurance, life insurance, and other products.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP Home Insurance is underwritten and sold by The Hartford, not by AARP itself, though AARP negotiates member discounts.
  • The policy covers damage to your home's structure, personal belongings, liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if you must leave your home temporarily.
  • AARP members typically receive a discount on premiums, though the exact amount varies by location, home age, and claims history.
  • You can get a quote online or by phone, and The Hartford will ask about your home's age, construction, security features, and prior claims.
  • Homeowners must maintain their home and keep it occupied to keep coverage active; vacant homes are not covered.

What the policy covers

AARP Home Insurance through The Hartford includes four main types of coverage. Dwelling coverage pays to repair or rebuild your home's structure if it is damaged by fire, wind, theft, or other covered perils. This does not include damage from floods or earthquakes, which require separate policies. The amount of dwelling coverage you choose should reflect what it would cost to rebuild your home, not its market value.

Personal property coverage protects your belongings—furniture, clothing, electronics, and other items inside the home. If a fire destroys your bedroom furniture or a break-in takes your television, this coverage pays to replace them, up to the limit you choose. Most policies cover 50 to 70 percent of your dwelling coverage amount automatically, though you can increase it.

Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on your property and sues you for medical bills or damages. If a visitor slips on your icy driveway and breaks their arm, your liability coverage pays their medical costs and legal fees if they sue. This coverage also applies if your dog injures someone or if you accidentally damage someone else's property.

Additional living expenses (sometimes called loss of use) pays for hotel, meals, and other costs if your home becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss. If a fire makes your house unlivable while repairs happen, this coverage reimburses you for temporary housing.

What is not covered

Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, even if the water comes from heavy rain. Flood coverage must be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. If your home is in a flood zone or has flooded before, your lender may require you to buy flood insurance.

Earthquake damage is also excluded from standard policies and requires a separate earthquake endorsement or policy. Wear and tear, maintenance problems, and damage from poor upkeep are not covered—if your roof leaks because shingles have deteriorated over years, that is your responsibility. Damage from pests, mold, and settling cracks in the foundation are typically not covered either.

Vacant homes lose coverage after a certain period of vacancy, usually 30 to 60 days depending on the policy. If you own a second home that sits empty most of the year, you will need a different type of policy designed for vacant properties.

How much AARP members pay

The cost of AARP Home Insurance varies widely based on where you live, your home's age and condition, the coverage limits you choose, and your claims history. A newer home in a low-crime area with good security features will cost less than an older home in a high-crime area. Deductibles also affect price—choosing a higher deductible (say $1,000 instead of $500) lowers your premium.

AARP members receive a discount on The Hartford's standard rates, but the discount amount is not fixed. The Hartford publishes that discounts may range from 10 to 25 percent depending on state and individual circumstances, though actual savings vary. Some states allow larger discounts than others, and your personal risk profile affects whether you receive the full discount or a smaller one.

To get an actual price quote, you will need to provide information about your home: year built, square footage, construction type, roof age, heating and cooling systems, security devices, and any prior claims. The Hartford offers quotes online or by phone at 1-800-328-2189. Comparing this quote to quotes from other insurers (State Farm, Allstate, Nationwide, and local companies) helps you understand whether the AARP discount makes it the best value for your situation.

How to get a quote and buy a policy

You can request a quote from The Hartford in two ways. Online, visit the AARP website's insurance section and click the link to The Hartford's quote tool. You will answer questions about your home and receive an estimate within minutes. By phone, call 1-800-328-2189 and speak with a representative who can walk you through the process and answer questions about coverage options.

When you get a quote, have your home's details ready: the year it was built, square footage, number of stories, type of roof, when the roof was last replaced, heating and cooling systems, and whether you have a fireplace or wood stove. You will also be asked about security features like deadbolts, smoke detectors, burglar alarms, and sprinkler systems. Prior claims—even small ones—affect your rate, so be prepared to discuss them.

If you decide to buy, The Hartford will issue your policy and provide a declarations page that summarizes your coverage, limits, deductible, and premium. Your policy typically starts within a few days. You can pay monthly or annually, and you will receive renewal notices before your policy expires so you can decide whether to renew or shop elsewhere.

Discounts available to AARP members

Beyond the base AARP member discount, The Hartford offers additional discounts that can lower your premium further. A multi-policy discount applies if you bundle home insurance with auto insurance through The Hartford or AARP. A safety device discount rewards you for having smoke detectors, burglar alarms, or sprinkler systems. A claim-free discount applies if you have not filed a claim in a certain number of years.

Some states offer discounts for homes that meet certain energy-efficiency standards or have updated electrical systems. Ask The Hartford representative which discounts explore in your state and whether your home qualifies. Stacking multiple discounts can meaningfully reduce your premium, so it is worth asking about each one.

AARP members also have access to The Hartford's online account management, where you can view your policy, make payments, and file claims. Some AARP members receive additional perks through their AARP membership, such as discounted rates on other insurance products or access to AARP's insurance guides and educational materials.

When to review or change your coverage

You should review your homeowners policy annually and whenever your home or situation changes. If you renovate your kitchen or add a deck, your home's replacement cost increases, and your dwelling coverage should increase too. If you buy expensive jewelry, art, or collectibles, standard personal property coverage may not be enough—you may need a separate rider or endorsement to cover high-value items.

If you retire and spend more time at home, or if you travel frequently and leave your home empty for weeks, tell The Hartford because occupancy affects your rate and coverage. If your neighborhood experiences rising crime or you have a claim, your rate may increase at renewal. That is a good time to shop other insurers and see whether staying with The Hartford or switching makes sense.

Life changes like paying off your mortgage, adding a roommate, or installing a new roof can also affect your policy. Some changes lower your premium (a new roof, a security system), while others raise it (an older roof, a history of claims). Staying in touch with your agent or The Hartford's customer service helps may support your coverage stays aligned with your actual home and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to buy this insurance?

No. While AARP negotiates rates for members, The Hartford sells homeowners insurance to anyone who meets their underwriting standards. Non-members pay the standard rate without the AARP discount. If you are not yet an AARP member, joining costs $16 per year and may pay for itself through the insurance discount alone.

What happens if I file a claim?

Contact The Hartford when ready by phone or through your online account. A claims adjuster will be assigned to your case and will ask for details about the damage, photos, and a list of damaged items. The adjuster may inspect your home to assess the damage. Once approved, The Hartford pays according to your coverage limits and deductible. The timeline varies—straightforward claims may be resolved in days, while complex ones take weeks.

Can I cancel my policy anytime?

Yes. You can cancel by contacting The Hartford directly. If you cancel mid-term, you may receive a refund of unused premium, though some states allow The Hartford to charge a small cancellation fee. Your lender may require you to maintain homeowners insurance as long as you have a mortgage, so check your loan documents before canceling.

Does this insurance cover my home if I rent it out?

No. Standard homeowners insurance is for owner-occupied homes only. If you rent your home to tenants, you need a landlord or rental property policy, which is different and usually costs more. The Hartford offers landlord policies, so ask about that option if your situation changes.

What if my home is older or has had damage before?

Older homes and homes with prior claims are riskier from an insurer's perspective, so premiums are higher. The Hartford may require a home inspection for homes built before a certain year (often 1950 or 1960) or may decline to insure homes in very poor condition. If you have had multiple claims, your rate will reflect that. Getting quotes from several insurers helps you find the best rate for your specific situation.