AARP does not sell auto insurance directly, but it offers discounts through partner companies

AARP itself is not an insurance company. Instead, AARP has partnerships with insurance carriers—primarily The Hartford and National General—that offer discounts to AARP members on car insurance. When you buy a policy through one of these partners, you are purchasing from the insurance company, not from AARP. AARP's role is to negotiate member discounts and make those policies available through its website and customer service.

The discount amount varies depending on your driving record, location, and the coverage you choose. AARP members typically receive a discount on the base premium, but the final price depends on the same underwriting factors that any insurance company uses—your age, claims history, the vehicle you drive, and how much you drive.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP partners with The Hartford and National General to offer discounted auto insurance to members, but does not underwrite policies itself.
  • You can get a quote online or by phone, and coverage options include liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist protection.
  • AARP members receive a discount on the base rate, though your final premium depends on your driving history and other standard insurance factors.
  • You can bundle auto insurance with home or renters insurance through the same partner to potentially lower your overall cost.
  • AARP membership is required to purchase through these discounted programs, and you must be at least 50 years old to join AARP.

Which insurance companies partner with AARP

The Hartford is the primary AARP auto insurance partner in most states. The Hartford has been working with AARP since 1963 and handles the majority of AARP member policies. National General is available in some states as an alternative option.

Both companies are licensed insurers regulated by your state's insurance commissioner. When you buy a policy, your contract is with The Hartford or National General, not with AARP. AARP does not handle claims, policy changes, or customer service for the actual insurance—the insurance company does.

What coverage options are available

AARP auto insurance through The Hartford and National General includes the standard coverage types: liability (bodily injury and property damage), collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and underinsured motorist protection. You choose your coverage limits and deductibles when you get a quote.

Liability coverage is required by law in every state and pays for damage or injuries you cause to others. Collision covers damage to your own car from an accident. Comprehensive covers theft, weather, vandalism, and other non-collision damage. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver without insurance.

You can also add optional coverage such as roadside information, rental car reimbursement, and gap insurance (which covers the difference between what you owe on a loan and the car's actual value if it is totaled).

How to get a quote and compare rates

You can request a quote on AARP's website or by calling AARP's insurance customer service line. You will need basic information: your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), current coverage details if you have insurance, and your driving history. The quote process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes online or 20 to 30 minutes over the phone.

AARP does not publish standard discount percentages because the discount depends on your individual situation. The best way to understand what you would pay is to get a quote. You can also compare that quote to rates from other insurers—AARP discounts are valuable for some drivers but not always the lowest price in every market.

Bundling auto insurance with home or renters coverage

If you have homeowners or renters insurance through The Hartford or National General, you can bundle it with auto insurance for an additional discount. Bundling typically saves 10 to 25 percent on your combined premium, though the exact savings depend on your location and coverage choices.

You do not have to switch your home or renters insurance to get the auto discount, but bundling usually costs less than buying policies separately. If you already have home or renters insurance elsewhere, you can ask The Hartford or National General for a quote on both policies to see whether bundling would save you money.

Discounts beyond the AARP member rate

In addition to the AARP member discount, The Hartford and National General offer other reductions for safe driving, completing a defensive driving course, having safety features in your vehicle, paying your premium in full upfront, and setting up automatic payments. You may also receive a discount if you have not had an accident or moving violation in a certain number of years.

Some insurers offer usage-based discounts through a mobile app or device that monitors your driving habits. If you drive safely—smooth acceleration, gentle braking, avoiding late-night driving—you can lower your rate further. Ask about these programs when you get your quote.

What to know before you buy

AARP membership is required to purchase insurance through these discounted programs. You must be at least 50 years old to join AARP; membership costs $16 per year for a single membership or $27 per year for a household membership. Your AARP membership must be active when you buy the policy and when you renew it.

The Hartford and National General are both licensed insurers with financial ratings from A.M. Best, a company that evaluates insurance company stability. You can check an insurer's rating and complaint history on your state insurance commissioner's website or on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) website.

If you cancel your policy before the term ends, you may owe a cancellation fee depending on your state and the insurance company's rules. Ask about cancellation terms when you get your quote so you understand the cost of switching later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get AARP auto insurance if I do not have a current policy?

Yes. You can get a quote and buy a new policy even if you are not currently insured. You will need your driver's license and vehicle information. However, if you are driving without insurance now, you should buy coverage before you drive again, as driving uninsured is illegal in every state.

What happens to my rate if I have an accident or traffic violation?

Your rate may increase at your next renewal if you have an accident or moving violation on your record. The amount of the increase depends on the severity of the incident and your state's insurance rules. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that prevent a rate increase after your first accident if you meet certain conditions.

Can I switch to AARP auto insurance from another company mid-policy?

Yes, you can switch at any time. Your new policy will start on the date you choose. Check your current policy's cancellation terms to understand whether you will owe a fee for ending it early. Many people switch on their renewal date to avoid cancellation fees.

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

Standard personal auto insurance does not cover rideshare driving. If you drive for Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service, you need commercial or rideshare coverage. Ask The Hartford or National General whether they offer rideshare coverage in your state, as availability varies.

How do I file a claim if I have an accident?

You file a claim directly with The Hartford or National General, not with AARP. You can file online, by phone, or through their mobile app. Have your policy number and details about the accident ready. The insurance company will assign an adjuster to investigate and determine coverage.