AARP does not sell auto insurance itself, but it endorses policies through The Hartford and other insurers

AARP is not an insurance company. It is a membership organization. When you see "AARP Auto Insurance" advertised, you are looking at a policy sold by The Hartford or another insurance partner that has paid AARP to use its name and endorsement. The Hartford is the primary auto insurer offering AARP-branded coverage.

This matters because it changes where you call with a claim, who handles your policy, and what discounts actually explore. You are buying from The Hartford (or whichever partner is involved), not from AARP. AARP's role is to negotiate rates for its members and to market the product.

The Hartford has offered AARP auto insurance since 1984. It is a real insurance company regulated by state insurance departments. But the policy itself is underwritten and managed by The Hartford, not AARP.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP-branded auto insurance is sold by The Hartford or other insurance partners, not by AARP itself.
  • You get an AARP member discount on the premium, but the policy is underwritten and serviced by the insurance company.
  • The Hartford offers discounts for bundling home and auto, paying in full, and completing a defensive driving course.
  • You can get a quote online or by phone without committing to anything, and rates vary based on your driving record, age, and location.
  • AARP membership is required to purchase AARP-branded auto insurance through these partners.

How the AARP endorsement affects your rate and coverage

When AARP endorses an insurance product, the insurer typically offers a discount to AARP members. This discount is built into the quote you receive. You do not explore for it separately — it is automatic if you provide your AARP membership number when you get a quote.

The size of the discount varies by state and by your individual risk profile. The Hartford publishes that it offers discounts to AARP members, but the exact percentage depends on where you live, your age, your driving record, and other factors that insurers use to calculate risk. Two AARP members in different states or with different driving histories will see different discounts.

The coverage itself — liability limits, collision, comprehensive, deductibles — is the same as what The Hartford offers to anyone else. AARP does not change the policy terms. It negotiates a rate and puts its name on the marketing.

Discounts available through AARP auto insurance

The Hartford offers several discounts that may reduce your premium. These are not unique to AARP members, but AARP members can stack them on top of the membership discount.

Multi-policy discount: Bundling auto and home insurance with The Hartford typically saves 15 to 25 percent on your auto policy, though the exact amount varies by state and your situation.

Paid-in-full discount: Paying your entire premium upfront rather than in monthly installments usually saves you money.

Defensive driving course discount: Completing an approved defensive driving course (often available online) can reduce your premium by 5 to 10 percent in many states. Some insurers require you to be claim-free for a period before you may have access to.

Low mileage discount: If you drive fewer than a certain number of miles per year (often 7,500 or 10,000), you may may have access to for a reduction.

Not all discounts are available in all states. When you get a quote, the insurer will show you which discounts explore to you based on your location and situation.

How to get a quote and what information you will need

You can get a quote from The Hartford's AARP auto insurance program online at thehartford.com or by calling 1-800-228-4728. You will need your AARP membership number to receive the member discount.

Have ready: your driver's license, your current insurance policy (if you have one), and information about any accidents or violations in the past three to five years. The Hartford will ask about your annual mileage, how far you drive to work, and what safety features your vehicle has.

Getting a quote does not commit you to anything. You can compare The Hartford's offer with quotes from other insurers before you decide. Many people get three to five quotes to see which company offers the best rate for their situation.

What happens if you need to file a claim

If you have an accident or need to file a claim, you contact The Hartford directly, not AARP. AARP does not handle claims. You can file online, by phone, or through the mobile app. The Hartford has local adjusters in most areas who can inspect vehicle damage.

The claims process is the same whether you bought the policy through AARP or directly from The Hartford. Your AARP membership does not give you priority or special handling in claims — it only affected your rate when you bought the policy.

Keep your policy number and The Hartford's claims phone number (usually on your insurance card) in an straightforward-to-find place. After an accident, you will need to report it quickly, usually within 24 to 48 hours.

AARP auto insurance compared to other options

AARP-branded auto insurance through The Hartford is one option among many. Whether it is the cheapest depends on your age, driving record, location, and the coverage you need. Younger drivers often find better rates elsewhere. Older drivers sometimes find AARP's rates competitive because The Hartford specializes in insuring people over 50.

Other major insurers — State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate — also offer discounts to older adults and may or may not be cheaper than The Hartford. The only way to know is to get quotes from several companies. Most people who switch insurers save money by comparing at least three options.

AARP membership itself costs money (currently $16 per year for a standard membership). If you are considering joining AARP only for the auto insurance discount, calculate whether the discount over a year exceeds the membership cost. For many people, the AARP membership pays for itself through insurance savings alone, but not always.

What AARP membership actually includes

AARP membership gives you access to the AARP-branded insurance products, but it also includes other benefits: discounts at pharmacies and retailers, access to AARP's magazine and website, and may be able to access for other AARP-endorsed products like travel and home services.

You do not have to be retired to join AARP. You must be 50 or older. If you are under 50, you cannot purchase AARP auto insurance, even if someone else in your household is an AARP member.

AARP membership is separate from your auto insurance policy. If you cancel your membership, your auto insurance does not automatically cancel — you would need to contact The Hartford separately. However, you would lose the AARP member discount on renewal, and your rate would likely increase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get AARP auto insurance if I am under 50?

No. AARP membership requires you to be 50 or older, and AARP-branded auto insurance is only available to AARP members. If you are under 50, you can get a quote from The Hartford directly, but you will not receive the AARP member discount.

Does AARP auto insurance cover rideshare driving like Uber or Lyft?

Standard personal auto policies, including AARP-branded policies, do not cover rideshare driving. If you drive for Uber or Lyft, you need commercial rideshare coverage. The Hartford and other insurers offer this as an add-on or separate policy. Tell the insurer about any rideshare work when you get a quote.

What if I have a poor driving record — can I still get AARP auto insurance?

Yes, but your rate will be higher. The Hartford insures drivers with accidents and violations, but it charges more for higher-risk profiles. Getting quotes from multiple insurers is especially important if you have a poor driving record, because rates vary widely based on how each company weighs past incidents.

Can I bundle AARP auto insurance with homeowners insurance from a different company?

No. The multi-policy discount applies when you bundle auto and home with The Hartford. If your homeowners insurance is with another company, you will not receive the bundling discount. You would need to move your homeowners policy to The Hartford to get that savings.

How often can I change my coverage or deductible?

You can usually change your coverage and deductible at any time, though changes typically take effect on your next billing date. Contact The Hartford directly to make changes. Some changes (like lowering your deductible) may take effect when ready, while others may wait until your renewal date.