What AARP homeowners insurance is

AARP homeowners insurance is a property insurance program underwritten by The Hartford and marketed through AARP membership. It covers damage to your house structure, personal belongings inside, liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if you cannot stay in your home temporarily. The Hartford handles claims and customer service, though you purchase and renew through AARP.

This is not a government program or a benefit you receive as an AARP member. It is a standard homeowners policy sold at rates negotiated for AARP members. You pay a monthly or annual premium, and coverage begins after you purchase it and the policy period starts.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP homeowners insurance is underwritten by The Hartford and covers your home structure, belongings, liability, and additional living costs if you must leave temporarily.
  • You purchase the policy through AARP, but The Hartford processes your claims and handles customer service.
  • Rates vary based on your home's age, location, claims history, and the coverage limits you choose.
  • You can get a quote by calling AARP or visiting their website, and you can compare it to quotes from other insurers before deciding.
  • The policy excludes certain events like floods and earthquakes, which require separate insurance purchased elsewhere.

What the policy covers and what it does not

The standard AARP homeowners policy covers four main areas. Dwelling coverage pays to repair or rebuild your house structure if it is damaged by fire, wind, theft, or other covered events. Personal property coverage reimburses you for belongings inside your home — furniture, clothing, electronics — up to a limit you choose. Liability coverage pays if someone is injured on your property and sues you for medical bills or damages. Additional living expenses cover hotel, meals, and other costs if a covered event makes your home unlivable temporarily.

The policy does not cover floods, earthquakes, or wear and tear. If you live in a flood-prone area, you must purchase flood insurance separately through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Earthquake coverage is also sold as a separate add-on. Damage from lack of maintenance — a roof that leaks because shingles were never replaced, for example — is not covered.

How rates are set and what affects your premium

The Hartford calculates your premium based on several factors. The age and construction of your home matter: older homes or those built with wood cost more to insure than newer brick homes. Your location affects rates because some areas have higher rates of theft, weather damage, or claims. Your personal claims history and credit score also influence the price. The coverage limits you choose — how much dwelling coverage and personal property coverage you want — directly change what you pay.

You cannot know your exact rate without requesting a quote. AARP publishes no standard pricing because rates vary widely by state, zip code, and individual circumstances. Two identical homes in different counties can have different premiums. Calling AARP or visiting their website to get a quote is the only way to see what you would actually pay.

How to get a quote and purchase

You can request a quote by calling AARP's insurance line or visiting the AARP website. You will need basic information about your home: its age, square footage, construction type, and location. You will also answer questions about security features (locks, alarms), claims history, and whether you have other insurance with The Hartford. The quote process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes by phone or can be done online at your own pace.

Once you have a quote, you can review the coverage details, compare it to quotes from other insurers, and decide whether to purchase. If you choose to buy, you select your coverage limits, choose your deductible (usually $500, $1,000, or higher), and set up payment. Your policy becomes active on the date you choose, and you receive your policy documents by mail or email.

Discounts that may reduce your premium

The Hartford offers several discounts for AARP members. A multi-policy discount applies if you bundle homeowners insurance with auto or other coverage. A home security discount reduces your rate if you have a burglar alarm or monitored security system. Some areas offer discounts for homes in gated communities or neighborhoods with active neighborhood watch programs. Paying your premium in full rather than monthly may also lower your cost.

The size of each discount varies and is not may provide. Some discounts may not be available in your state or zip code. When you get your quote, the discounts you may have access to for will be shown, so you can see the actual savings before you decide.

Filing a claim if your home is damaged

If your home is damaged by a covered event, contact The Hartford to file a claim. You can call their claims line, file online, or use their mobile app. Have your policy number ready and describe what happened and when. The Hartford will assign an adjuster who will contact you to schedule an inspection of the damage.

The adjuster will assess the damage, review your coverage limits, and determine what the insurer will pay. If the damage is minor, payment may come quickly. If it is major — such as fire damage to the entire house — the process takes longer because repair estimates and inspections are more complex. You are responsible for your deductible; The Hartford pays the rest up to your coverage limit.

How this compares to other homeowners insurance options

AARP homeowners insurance is one option among many. Other major insurers include State Farm, Allstate, Geico, and regional companies. Some people choose AARP because they are already members and value the bundled service. Others find lower rates elsewhere. The only way to know which is best for you is to get quotes from at least two or three insurers and compare the coverage and price side by side.

When comparing, make sure the coverage limits and deductibles are the same across quotes. A lower premium might come with a higher deductible or lower coverage limits, which would cost you more out of pocket if you file a claim. Checking customer service ratings and claims processing speed on independent review sites can also help you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you must be an AARP member to purchase AARP homeowners insurance. If you are not a member, you can join AARP and then purchase the policy. AARP membership has an annual cost, so factor that into your decision when comparing total cost to other insurers.

Can I cancel the policy if I change my mind?

Yes. Most policies have a grace period — usually 10 to 30 days — during which you can cancel and receive a refund of your premium. After that period, you can still cancel, but you may owe a small cancellation fee. Check your policy documents for the exact cancellation terms and timeline.

What happens if I sell my house?

Your policy covers only the home listed on it. If you sell, you can cancel the policy on your closing date and receive a refund for the unused portion of your premium. If you buy a new home, you can purchase a new AARP homeowners policy for that property.

Does this insurance cover damage from a hurricane or severe storm?

Yes, wind and hail damage from storms and hurricanes are covered under the standard policy in most states. However, some coastal areas have higher deductibles for hurricane damage, or you may need to purchase separate windstorm coverage. Ask about this when you get your quote if you live in a hurricane-prone area.

Can I increase my coverage limits after I buy the policy?

Yes. You can contact The Hartford to increase your dwelling or personal property coverage limits. Your premium will adjust based on the new limits. You may also be able to add coverage for valuable items like jewelry or art through a separate endorsement.