AARP does not sell car insurance itself, but it endorses policies from The Hartford and National General
AARP is not an insurance company. It is a membership organization for people 50 and older. When you see "AARP car insurance," you are looking at auto policies that AARP has partnered with specific insurers to offer to its members, usually at a discounted rate.
The two main insurers behind AARP car insurance are The Hartford and National General. Which one you can purchase from depends on your state — not all states have both options available. The Hartford tends to be the larger of the two programs and operates in most states. National General operates in fewer states but is also available in many regions.
When you buy through an AARP endorsement, you are buying an actual insurance policy from one of these companies, not from AARP. AARP receives a commission from the insurer, which is how the partnership works. The discount you receive for being an AARP member is real, but the policy itself, the claims process, and customer service all come from The Hartford or National General, not from AARP.
Key Takeaways
- AARP car insurance is sold by The Hartford or National General depending on your state, not by AARP itself.
- AARP members typically receive a discount on premiums, but the actual policy and claims handling come from the insurance company.
- You can compare AARP-endorsed rates against other insurers to see whether the member discount makes it the lowest price for your situation.
- The Hartford and National General both offer standard coverage types — liability, collision, comprehensive — with options to customize your deductibles and limits.
How the AARP endorsement affects your rate
Being an AARP member gives you access to a discounted rate that non-members cannot receive from the same insurer. The size of the discount varies by state, by your driving history, and by the coverage options you choose. AARP does not publish a single discount percentage because it changes based on these factors.
The discount is applied at the time you get a quote. You do not need to do anything special to receive it — you straightforward provide your AARP membership number when you request a quote, and the rate reflects the member pricing. If you are not yet an AARP member, you would need to join AARP first before you can access the member rate.
However, a member discount does not automatically mean AARP insurance is the cheapest option for you. Other insurers may offer lower rates to drivers in your age group, with your driving record, or in your location. It is worth getting quotes from at least two or three other companies — such as State Farm, Geico, or Progressive — to compare the actual dollar amount you would pay.
What coverage types are available through AARP
AARP-endorsed policies include the standard types of car insurance: liability coverage (which pays for damage or injury you cause to others), collision coverage (which pays for damage to your own car from a crash), and comprehensive coverage (which covers theft, weather, and other non-collision damage).
You can also add optional coverage such as uninsured motorist protection, medical payments coverage, and roadside information. The specific options available depend on which insurer you are working with and which state you live in, because insurance rules vary by state.
When you get a quote, you will be asked to choose your deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. A higher deductible (such as $1,000) lowers your monthly premium, while a lower deductible (such as $250) raises it. The choice depends on how much you can afford to pay if you have an accident.
How to get a quote for AARP car insurance
You can request a quote online through AARP's website or by phone. If you go online, you will enter your personal information, driving history, and the coverage options you want. The quote process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will need your driver's license and current insurance information (if you have it) to complete the quote.
If you prefer to speak with someone, AARP provides a phone number where you can talk to a representative who will walk you through the quote process. Having your driver's license and current policy information nearby will speed up the call.
After you receive a quote, you have time to think about it. There is no pressure to buy when ready. You can also use that quote as a comparison point when you contact other insurers to see how the rates stack up.
The difference between AARP insurance and other discounts
AARP membership is one way to receive a discount on car insurance, but it is not the only way. Many insurers offer discounts for things like bundling home and auto policies, maintaining a clean driving record, completing a defensive driving course, or paying your premium in full upfront rather than monthly.
Some insurers also offer usage-based discounts, where they monitor your actual driving habits through an app or device and lower your rate if you drive safely. These discounts can sometimes be larger than an AARP member discount, depending on your situation.
The point is that an AARP discount is one piece of the puzzle. When you compare quotes from different companies, you should make sure each quote includes all the discounts you are actually may have access to to — not just the AARP discount, but also any others that explore to you. That way you are comparing apples to apples.
What happens if you need to file a claim
If you have an accident or other incident that requires a claim, you contact the insurance company directly — The Hartford or National General — not AARP. AARP does not handle claims. The insurer will assign an adjuster, guide you through the process, and arrange for repairs or payment.
Both The Hartford and National General offer multiple ways to file a claim: online, by phone, or through a mobile app. You can also visit a local claims office in person if you prefer. The process is the same as it would be for any customer of that insurer, whether or not they came through the AARP endorsement.
Customer service quality and claims handling speed vary by company and by individual situations. If you are concerned about how a particular insurer handles claims, you can look up their complaint history with your state's insurance commissioner or read customer reviews before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AARP member to buy AARP car insurance?
Yes. You must be an AARP member to receive the member discount. If you are not yet a member, you would need to join AARP first. AARP membership has an annual cost, so factor that into your comparison when deciding whether the car insurance discount makes the overall package worthwhile for you.
Can I switch from my current insurance to AARP insurance mid-policy?
Yes. You can switch to a new insurance company at any time. There is no penalty for canceling your current policy early. You would straightforward start your new AARP policy on the date you choose, and your old policy would end. Make sure your new coverage starts before your old coverage ends so you are never without insurance.
What if I live in a state where AARP insurance is not available?
Not all states have AARP-endorsed insurance programs. If neither The Hartford nor National General operates in your state, you cannot purchase through the AARP endorsement. You would need to compare rates from other insurers directly. You can contact AARP to confirm whether the program is available where you live.
Does AARP car insurance cost more or less than regular insurance?
The AARP member discount typically makes the rate lower than the non-member rate from the same insurer. However, that does not mean it is lower than every other insurance company. Rates vary widely based on your age, driving history, location, and the coverage you choose. Always compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best price for your situation.
Can I bundle AARP car insurance with home insurance?
The Hartford and National General both offer home insurance as well as car insurance, and bundling typically qualifies you for an additional discount. However, you do not have to bundle with the same company that insures your car. You can also compare bundled rates from other insurers to see which combination gives you the lowest total cost.