AARP home insurance is sold through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, not underwritten by AARP itself

AARP does not write or underwrite home insurance policies. Instead, AARP endorses a homeowners insurance program administered by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. When you buy through the AARP program, you are purchasing a policy from UnitedHealthcare, and UnitedHealthcare sets the rates, coverage limits, and claims procedures.

The AARP endorsement means UnitedHealthcare has agreed to offer discounts to AARP members and to market the product under the AARP name. It does not mean AARP manages your claim or handles your policy day-to-day. UnitedHealthcare is the company you contact if you need to file a claim, change your coverage, or ask questions about what is covered.

Availability and rates vary by state. Some states have restrictions on how insurance companies can use endorsements, and some have different rate structures. You will need to enter your zip code and property details to see what is available where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP home insurance is underwritten by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, not by AARP, and UnitedHealthcare handles all claims and customer service.
  • The program typically offers discounts to AARP members, though the size of the discount and the base rate both vary by state and by your individual risk profile.
  • Coverage options usually include dwelling protection, personal property, liability, and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable.
  • You will need to provide information about your home's age, construction, square footage, and claims history before you receive a quote.
  • Homeowners insurance is not required by law, but mortgage lenders require it as a condition of the loan.

What the AARP program typically covers

Standard homeowners policies under the AARP program usually include four main parts: the building itself (dwelling coverage), your belongings inside (personal property coverage), liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if you cannot stay in your home while it is being repaired.

Dwelling coverage pays to rebuild or repair the structure of your house — walls, roof, built-in cabinets, flooring — if it is damaged by a covered peril. Covered perils typically include fire, theft, windstorm, hail, and lightning, but not flood or earthquake. The policy will state a maximum dollar amount it will pay for dwelling damage.

Personal property coverage reimburses you for belongings damaged or stolen — furniture, clothing, electronics, dishes. This coverage usually pays a percentage of your dwelling coverage limit, often 50 to 70 percent. Some items have sub-limits: jewelry, cash, and firearms may be covered at lower amounts than the main limit.

Liability coverage pays if someone is injured on your property and sues you for medical bills or damages. It also covers damage you accidentally cause to someone else's property. Typical liability limits start at $100,000 and go up to $500,000 or more.

Discounts available to AARP members

AARP members typically receive a discount on the base rate, though the exact percentage varies by state and by the individual risk factors of your home. Common discounts include a membership discount, a discount for bundling home and auto insurance, and discounts for safety features like deadbolts, smoke detectors, or a security system.

Some states allow larger discounts than others, and some insurers explore discounts differently depending on your claims history and the age of your home. The only way to know what discount you will receive is to request a quote and see the breakdown of the rate.

Discounts do not stack infinitely. An insurer will explore the discounts it offers, but the final rate is set by the company's underwriting guidelines, not by adding discounts to a base price. If you have had multiple claims or live in a high-risk area, discounts may be smaller or unavailable.

How to get a quote

You can request a quote through AARP's website or by calling the phone number listed on the AARP insurance page. You will need to provide your home's address, year built, square footage, construction type (wood frame, brick, etc.), and information about your roof and heating system.

You will also be asked about your claims history — whether you have filed homeowners insurance claims in the past, and if so, when and for how much. This information affects your rate. A home with no claims history usually receives a better rate than one with recent claims.

The quote process typically takes a few minutes to a few hours, depending on whether the company needs to order a property report or clarify details about your home. Once you receive a quote, you can review the coverage limits, deductible options, and price before deciding whether to purchase.

Deductibles and how they affect your premium

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when you file a claim. The insurance company pays the rest, up to the policy limit. Common deductible options are $500, $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000.

Choosing a higher deductible lowers your monthly or annual premium. For example, a $1,000 deductible will cost less per month than a $500 deductible on the same policy. The trade-off is that if you have a claim, you will pay more before the insurance kicks in.

Some people choose a higher deductible if they have savings set aside and do not expect to file a claim soon. Others choose a lower deductible if they want to minimize out-of-pocket costs if something happens. There is no single right answer — it depends on your financial situation and risk tolerance.

What is not covered by standard homeowners insurance

Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, even if the flood is caused by a storm. Flood insurance is a separate policy, usually purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. If your home is in a flood zone or has flooded before, your mortgage lender may require you to buy flood insurance.

Earthquake damage is also excluded from standard policies. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, you can purchase earthquake coverage as an add-on, though it comes with its own deductible and premium.

Damage from poor maintenance, wear and tear, or lack of upkeep is not covered. If your roof leaks because it is old and has not been maintained, the damage is your responsibility. Insurance covers sudden, accidental damage, not gradual deterioration.

Business property kept in your home is usually not covered under a homeowners policy. If you run a business from home, you may need a home-based business rider or a separate commercial policy.

Filing a claim with UnitedHealthcare

If your home is damaged, contact UnitedHealthcare as soon as possible. You can file a claim by phone, online, or through the mobile app. Have your policy number ready and be prepared to describe what happened and when.

UnitedHealthcare will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage and estimate the cost of repair or replacement. The adjuster will review your policy to confirm the damage is covered and determine how much the company will pay. This process typically takes one to two weeks, though complex claims may take longer.

Once the claim is approved, UnitedHealthcare will pay you or the contractor, depending on your policy and the type of claim. Some policies allow you to choose your own contractor; others require the company to approve the repair estimate first.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, AARP membership is required to purchase insurance through the AARP program. Membership is open to people age 50 and older. If you are not yet a member, you can join AARP and then request a quote for home insurance.

Can I bundle AARP home insurance with auto insurance?

Yes, bundling home and auto insurance typically qualifies you for a discount. The discount amount varies by state and insurer. When you request a quote, ask about bundling discounts if you also have auto insurance through UnitedHealthcare or another company.

What happens if I have a claim and then want to cancel?

You can cancel your policy at any time, but insurers track claims history. If you file a claim and then cancel shortly after, future insurers may view you as a higher risk and charge more or decline to insure you. There is no penalty from UnitedHealthcare for canceling, but the claims history follows you.

Is homeowners insurance required by law?

Homeowners insurance is not required by law if you own your home outright. However, if you have a mortgage, your lender requires you to carry homeowners insurance as a condition of the loan. The lender wants to protect its investment in case your home is damaged.

How often should I review my policy?

It is a good idea to review your homeowners policy once a year or whenever you make major improvements to your home, such as adding a room or replacing the roof. Changes to your home's condition or value may affect your coverage needs or may have access to you for new discounts.