AARP does not sell car insurance itself, but it endorses policies from The Hartford and Amica Mutual
AARP is not an insurance company. It is a membership organization. When you see "AARP car insurance," you are looking at policies sold by The Hartford or Amica Mutual — two separate insurance companies that have agreements to market their products to AARP members. AARP receives a commission when members buy these policies, but AARP does not underwrite the coverage, set the rates, or handle your claims.
This matters because your contract is with The Hartford or Amica, not with AARP. If you have a billing question or file a claim, you contact the insurance company directly, not AARP. The AARP endorsement means the policy meets AARP's standards and that AARP members may receive a discount — typically 10 to 15 percent off the base rate — but the actual coverage, exclusions, and claim process are controlled by the insurer.
Key Takeaways
- AARP endorses car insurance from The Hartford and Amica Mutual, but does not sell or underwrite the policies itself.
- AARP members usually receive a discount of 10 to 15 percent on the base premium when they buy through the AARP endorsement.
- Your insurance contract is with The Hartford or Amica, so you contact them directly for claims, billing, and coverage questions.
- You do not have to be an AARP member to buy from these insurers, but you will not receive the AARP discount if you are not.
- Comparing the AARP-endorsed rates to quotes from other insurers is the only way to know if you are getting a real savings.
The Hartford and Amica Mutual: The Two AARP-Endorsed Insurers
The Hartford is the larger of the two AARP partners. It offers standard auto coverage — liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist — and sells policies in all 50 states. The Hartford also offers homeowners insurance, which some members bundle with auto for an additional discount. Amica Mutual is a smaller, mutual insurance company (meaning it is owned by its policyholders rather than shareholders) and operates in most states but not all. Amica does not offer homeowners insurance.
Both companies have long histories. The Hartford has been in business since 1810. Amica has been writing auto insurance since 1956. Neither is a startup or a discount-only online insurer. Both maintain local agents in many areas, though you can also get quotes and manage policies online.
The choice between them usually comes down to which one offers the lower rate in your state and zip code, and whether you want the option to bundle home and auto insurance. You can get quotes from both without committing to either.
How the AARP Discount Works
When you request a quote through AARP's website or by phone, you are directed to The Hartford or Amica. During the quote process, your AARP membership is verified. If you are a member, the quote reflects the AARP discount — usually 10 to 15 percent off the base rate for that coverage level in your location.
The discount is not automatic. You must mention that you are an AARP member or go through the AARP referral link to receive it. If you call The Hartford or Amica directly without mentioning AARP, you will not get the discount. The discount applies to the base premium only, not to taxes or fees, and it can be combined with other discounts the insurer offers — such as discounts for bundling, paying in full, or completing a defensive driving course.
The size of the discount varies by state, age, driving record, and the specific coverage you choose. AARP publishes the typical range (10 to 15 percent) but does not may provide a specific amount. Your actual savings depend on the quote you receive.
What the AARP Endorsement Does and Does Not Mean
An AARP endorsement means AARP has reviewed the insurer's financial stability, customer service record, and claims handling. It does not mean AARP guarantees the rates, covers any part of your premium, or takes responsibility if something goes wrong with your policy. AARP is not your insurance agent or broker — it is a third party that has negotiated a discount for its members.
The endorsement also does not mean the policy is tailored to older adults or that it includes coverage you would not find elsewhere. The Hartford and Amica sell the same types of policies to all customers. The AARP version is the same product at a discounted price for members.
If you have a complaint about the insurer or your policy, you file it with the insurance company and, if needed, with your state's insurance commissioner. AARP can provide contact information, but AARP itself does not resolve insurance disputes.
Comparing AARP Rates to Other Insurers
The AARP discount is meaningful only if the base rate from The Hartford or Amica is competitive to begin with. Insurance rates vary widely by insurer, location, age, driving history, and the coverage limits you choose. A 15 percent discount on a high base rate may still cost more than a lower base rate from another company with no discount.
The only way to know if AARP insurance is the best deal for you is to get quotes from at least two or three other major insurers — such as State Farm, Geico, Progressive, or Allstate — and compare the final out-of-pocket cost after all discounts. Most insurers offer online quote tools that take 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Write down the same coverage limits (liability, collision, comprehensive, deductibles) for each quote so you are comparing the same thing.
Some people find that AARP rates are the lowest in their area. Others find that a different insurer is cheaper even without an AARP discount. There is no way to predict which will be true for you without running the numbers.
How to Get an AARP Car Insurance Quote
Visit AARP's website and look for the car insurance section, or call AARP at 1-855-456-2277. You will be asked for basic information: your age, driving history, current coverage (if you have it), and the vehicle you want to insure. AARP will then direct you to The Hartford or Amica, or both, depending on availability in your state.
You can also call The Hartford directly at 1-800-228-1011 or Amica at 1-800-242-6422 and mention that you are an AARP member. Both companies will verify your membership and explore the discount. Getting a quote does not commit you to buying, and it does not affect your credit score.
If you decide to buy, you will complete the process with the insurance company, choose your coverage levels and deductibles, and set up payment. Most policies start within a few days of approval. You will receive your policy documents by mail and can access them online through the insurer's website or app.
When AARP Insurance May Not Be the Right Choice
AARP insurance is not available in every state. Amica, in particular, does not operate in all 50 states. If you live in a state where neither The Hartford nor Amica is available, you will need to look elsewhere.
AARP insurance may also not be the best choice if you have a very poor driving record or if you are looking for specialized coverage — such as coverage for a high-value vehicle or a commercial use policy. The Hartford and Amica are mainstream insurers with standard underwriting. They may decline to insure you or charge a high rate if your risk profile is outside their normal range. In those cases, a specialty insurer or a high-risk pool may be your only option.
Finally, if you do not value the AARP membership itself, the discount alone may not justify the membership cost. AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year and $24 per year after that. If the AARP discount saves you $100 per year on car insurance, the membership pays for itself. But if the savings are smaller, or if you do not use other AARP benefits, the math may not work in your favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AARP member to buy car insurance from The Hartford or Amica?
No. Both insurers sell policies to anyone who meets their underwriting standards. You straightforward will not receive the AARP discount if you are not a member. If you are considering AARP membership only for the car insurance discount, compare the discounted AARP rate to the non-member rate from the same insurer to see if the savings justify the membership cost.
Can I use the AARP discount if I am under 50?
AARP membership is open to people 50 and older. If you are younger, you cannot join AARP and therefore cannot receive the AARP discount. You can still get a quote from The Hartford or Amica directly, but you will pay the standard rate.
Does the AARP discount explore to all types of coverage?
The discount applies to the base premium for auto insurance. It covers liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage. Taxes, fees, and surcharges are not discounted. Some insurers also offer additional discounts — for example, for bundling home and auto, paying in full, or completing a defensive driving course — which can be combined with the AARP discount.
What if I have a claim? Do I contact AARP or the insurance company?
You contact the insurance company directly. Call The Hartford at 1-800-228-1011 or Amica at 1-800-242-6422, or use their website or mobile app to report a claim. AARP does not handle claims. Your policy is with the insurance company, and that is who manages the claim process from start to finish.
Can I switch from AARP insurance to another insurer if I am not happy?
Yes. You can cancel your policy at any time, usually with 30 days' notice. There is no penalty for switching insurers. If you have paid your premium in advance, the insurer will refund the unused portion. You can then buy a policy from another company without any restriction.