What AARP house insurance actually is

AARP house insurance is homeowners coverage sold through AARP by The Hartford, an insurance company. It is not a government program or a subsidy — it is a standard homeowners policy that AARP members can purchase at group rates. The Hartford underwrites and handles all claims; AARP's role is to negotiate the member discount and make the policy available through AARP's website and customer service.

The coverage itself is ordinary homeowners insurance: it protects your house structure, your belongings inside, liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if you have to leave temporarily due to a covered loss like fire. What makes it specific to AARP members is the discount on the premium and sometimes simplified underwriting for people over 50.

You buy the policy directly from The Hartford through AARP's website or by phone. You are not buying from AARP itself — you are buying from The Hartford and receiving a member rate. The policy renews yearly, and you can cancel at any time.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP house insurance is homeowners coverage from The Hartford, sold at a group discount to AARP members age 50 and older.
  • The policy covers your home structure, personal property, liability, and additional living costs if you must leave due to a covered loss.
  • You purchase directly from The Hartford through AARP's website or phone; AARP does not handle claims or underwriting.
  • Discounts and coverage options vary by state, and some states have restrictions on what The Hartford can offer.
  • You will need information about your home's age, construction, square footage, and claims history before you get a quote.

What the policy covers and what it does not

Dwelling coverage pays to repair or rebuild your house structure if it is damaged by a covered peril — fire, theft, wind, hail, lightning, and others. It does not cover damage from floods, earthquakes, or wear and tear. The amount of dwelling coverage you choose determines your premium; you can set it to the full replacement cost of your home or a lower amount if you prefer a cheaper premium.

Personal property coverage protects your belongings — furniture, clothes, electronics, kitchen items — up to a percentage of your dwelling coverage, usually 50 to 70 percent. Some items have sub-limits: jewelry, cash, and collectibles may be covered at lower amounts unless you add extra coverage. If you have high-value items, you can add a rider to cover them separately.

Liability coverage pays if someone is injured on your property and sues you, or if you accidentally damage someone else's property. Standard policies include $100,000 to $300,000 in liability protection; you can increase this for a small additional premium. This does not cover injuries to people who live with you or damage you cause intentionally.

Additional living expenses cover hotel, food, and other costs if your home becomes unlivable due to a covered loss and you must stay elsewhere while repairs happen. This is usually included as part of the base policy.

Floods and earthquakes are not covered under a standard homeowners policy. If you live in a flood zone, you will need a separate flood insurance policy, usually through the National Flood Insurance Program. Earthquake coverage is sold as an add-on rider in most states.

How much the premium costs and what affects the price

AARP house insurance premiums vary widely by state, county, and individual home. The Hartford does not publish a standard rate, so you must get a quote specific to your property. Factors that affect your premium include your home's age and construction type, square footage, location, claims history, credit score, and the amount of coverage you choose.

Homes built before 1950 often cost more to insure because older wiring, plumbing, and roofing are seen as higher risk. Homes in areas with high theft or weather claims also carry higher premiums. If you have filed multiple claims in the past five years, your premium will be higher or you may be declined.

The AARP member discount typically ranges from 10 to 25 percent off the standard rate, but this varies by state and by The Hartford's current offerings. Some states allow larger discounts than others. You can ask for a quote on AARP's website or by calling 1-800-424-3410 to see what rate you would receive.

Bundling — buying homeowners and auto insurance from The Hartford together — usually lowers both premiums. If you already have auto insurance elsewhere, you can still buy homeowners coverage alone.

How to get a quote and what information you will need

You can get a quote online at aarp.com/homeinsurance or by phone at 1-800-424-3410. The online quote takes about 10 minutes; the phone quote may take longer but allows you to ask questions as you go.

Before you start, gather these details: your home's street address, the year it was built, the square footage, the type of construction (wood frame, brick, stone), the roof material and age, whether you have a basement or crawl space, the number of stories, and how many bathrooms and bedrooms. You will also need to know if you have had any insurance claims in the past five years and what they were for.

The Hartford will ask about your current coverage if you have it, your desired deductible (usually $500, $1,000, or higher), and whether you want to add riders for high-value items. If you are switching from another insurer, have your current policy handy so you can match the coverage levels.

After you submit the quote request, The Hartford will contact you with a rate. If you want to move forward, you can purchase the policy online or over the phone. Coverage typically begins the next day or within a few days, depending on when you complete the purchase.

Discounts available to AARP members

Beyond the base AARP member discount, The Hartford offers additional discounts for specific situations. A claims-free discount applies if you have not filed a homeowners claim in the past three to five years. A bundling discount reduces your premium if you buy homeowners and auto insurance together from The Hartford.

Some states allow a home safety discount if your home has a security system, deadbolt locks, or smoke detectors. A new home discount may explore if your house was built recently. Discounts for paying your premium in full upfront or setting up automatic payments are also available in some states.

Ask The Hartford directly which discounts explore in your state and whether you may have access to. Discounts stack in some cases but not others, and the rules vary by location.

How to file a claim if you have damage

If your home is damaged, contact The Hartford as soon as possible. You can file a claim online, by phone at 1-800-424-3410, or through the mobile app. Have your policy number ready and be prepared to describe what happened, when it happened, and what was damaged.

The Hartford will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage and estimate the cost of repairs. You will need to provide photos, receipts for damaged items if you have them, and access to the damaged area. The adjuster's estimate determines what The Hartford will pay, up to the coverage limits in your policy.

Once the claim is approved, The Hartford can pay you directly, pay the contractor you hire, or pay both of you jointly depending on the type of claim. The timeline for payment varies — straightforward claims may be resolved in days, while complex ones can take weeks.

How AARP house insurance compares to other options

AARP house insurance through The Hartford is one option among many. Other major insurers that serve homeowners age 50 and older include State Farm, Allstate, Geico, and Progressive. Each has different rates, discounts, and coverage options depending on your state and home.

The advantage of AARP insurance is the member discount and the fact that AARP has negotiated simplified underwriting for older homeowners in some states, meaning fewer health questions or medical records requests. The disadvantage is that you are limited to The Hartford's rates and coverage options; you cannot customize as much as you might with some other carriers.

The best approach is to get quotes from at least two or three insurers — including The Hartford through AARP — and compare the premiums, deductibles, and coverage limits side by side. Rates change yearly, so what was cheapest last year may not be this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you must be an AARP member age 50 or older. If you are not a member, you can join AARP and then purchase the policy. AARP membership costs $16 per year.

Can I cancel the policy if I change my mind?

Yes. Most states allow a 30-day free look period after you purchase, during which you can cancel and receive a full refund. After that, you can cancel anytime, though you may owe a pro-rated premium for the time you were covered.

What if my home is in a high-risk area or has had claims?

The Hartford may decline to insure you or offer a higher premium if your home is in a flood zone, wildfire zone, or area with high theft, or if you have filed multiple claims recently. You can still request a quote to see what they will offer. If declined, you may be able to purchase coverage through your state's insurer of last resort program.

Does this cover damage from storms or hurricanes?

Standard homeowners coverage includes wind and hail damage from storms. However, in coastal areas prone to hurricanes, some insurers charge higher premiums or exclude wind damage entirely. Check your policy documents to see what is covered in your specific location.

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

Yes. You can contact The Hartford to increase your dwelling coverage, personal property limits, or liability coverage. Your premium will adjust accordingly. You can also add riders for high-value items at any time.