AARP does not sell homeowners insurance directly, but it endorses policies through partner insurers
AARP itself is not an insurance company. Instead, AARP has partnered with insurers — primarily The Hartford and Homeowners Choice Inc. (HCI) — to offer homeowners insurance products under the AARP brand. When you buy an "AARP homeowners insurance" policy, you are actually buying from one of these partner companies, not from AARP itself.
The partnership means AARP members may see discounts or policy options marketed through AARP's website and materials, but the insurance company handles your claims, coverage decisions, and customer service. Understanding this distinction matters because your policy documents will show the actual insurer's name, not AARP's.
Availability varies by state. Not all states have AARP homeowners insurance programs, and coverage options differ depending on where you live. You will need to check what is offered in your state before comparing it to other insurers.
Key Takeaways
- AARP partners with The Hartford and Homeowners Choice Inc. to offer homeowners insurance, but does not underwrite the policies itself.
- Your actual insurance company is The Hartford or HCI, not AARP, so they handle claims and coverage decisions.
- AARP membership may may have access to you for discounts, but you should compare rates and coverage with other insurers before buying.
- Homeowners insurance through AARP is not available in every state, so check your state's offerings first.
- The policy documents you receive will show the partner insurer's name and contact information for claims.
How AARP homeowners insurance works
When you request a quote through AARP's website or phone line, you are directed to one of the partner insurers. That company collects your information, assesses your home's risk, and quotes a premium. If you buy the policy, you pay the insurer directly, not AARP.
AARP's role is to negotiate rates and coverage terms on behalf of its members, then market those options. Some policies marketed as "AARP homeowners insurance" may include member discounts or bundling options (such as combining home and auto coverage). However, the underwriting, claims handling, and customer service all come from The Hartford or HCI.
If you have a claim, you contact the insurance company listed on your policy documents, not AARP. AARP does not process claims or make coverage decisions.
What coverage is typically included
AARP homeowners policies through The Hartford and HCI generally cover the structure of your home, personal belongings inside it, liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable. The exact coverage limits and deductibles depend on the policy you choose and the state where you live.
Most policies exclude certain risks — such as flooding, earthquakes, or wear and tear — unless you add separate coverage. Some policies offer options to add coverage for valuable items like jewelry or art. You should review the specific policy documents to understand what is and is not covered.
Discounts may be available for safety features (smoke detectors, security systems), bundling with auto insurance, or paying your premium in full upfront. The discounts offered vary by state and by the partner insurer.
How to get a quote
You can request a quote by visiting AARP's website or calling their insurance phone line. You will need basic information about your home: its age, square footage, construction type, and current condition. The insurer will also ask about your claims history and what coverage limits you want.
The quote process usually takes a few minutes to an hour, depending on how much detail the insurer needs. Some quotes are provided when ready online; others require a follow-up call or email. You are not obligated to buy after receiving a quote.
Before you buy, compare the quote with rates from other insurers. AARP's rates may be competitive for some people and less so for others, depending on your home's characteristics and your location. Getting quotes from at least two or three other companies helps you understand the market.
Comparing AARP homeowners insurance to other options
AARP homeowners insurance is one option among many. Other major insurers — such as State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, and Nationwide — also offer homeowners coverage, and regional or local insurers may have competitive rates in your area.
The main advantage of AARP insurance is that it is marketed specifically to people 50 and older, so the underwriting and pricing may reflect that demographic. Some policies include features or discounts tailored to older homeowners. However, this does not automatically mean the rates are lower than elsewhere.
When comparing, look at the same coverage limits and deductible across all quotes. A lower premium that comes with a higher deductible or lower coverage limits is not necessarily the better deal. Also check whether discounts explore to all years of the policy or only the first year.
What to do if you are not satisfied with the policy
If you buy an AARP homeowners policy and later want to cancel, you can contact the insurance company (The Hartford or HCI) directly. Most policies allow you to cancel within a certain period — often 30 days — without penalty, though this varies by state and policy.
If you have a complaint about the policy, coverage decision, or claims handling, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner or department of insurance. This is a free service. AARP does not handle complaints about the actual insurance; the partner insurer does.
If you believe you were misled about what AARP homeowners insurance is or how it works, you can also contact AARP directly through their website or customer service line to report the issue.
State availability and limitations
AARP homeowners insurance is not available in every state. Availability depends on which partner insurer operates in your state and whether they have chosen to offer the AARP-branded product there. Some states have limited options — for example, only auto insurance but not homeowners insurance.
If AARP homeowners insurance is not available where you live, you will need to shop with other insurers. Your state's insurance commissioner's office can direct you to companies licensed to sell homeowners insurance in your state.
Even in states where AARP homeowners insurance is offered, you may find that other insurers have better rates or coverage for your specific situation. Availability does not mean it is the best option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AARP homeowners insurance cheaper than other insurance companies?
Not necessarily. AARP negotiates rates with its partners, and some members get discounts, but rates vary widely based on your home's age, location, claims history, and other factors. You should compare quotes from at least two or three other insurers to see how AARP's rates compare in your area.
Do I have to be an AARP member to buy homeowners insurance through AARP?
Yes, you must be an AARP member to purchase homeowners insurance marketed under the AARP brand. However, you can buy homeowners insurance from The Hartford or HCI directly without going through AARP if you are not a member.
What happens if I need to file a claim?
You contact the insurance company listed on your policy (The Hartford or HCI), not AARP. They will assign a claims adjuster, investigate the damage, and determine what your policy covers. AARP does not process claims or make coverage decisions.
Can I bundle AARP homeowners insurance with auto insurance?
Some AARP homeowners policies allow bundling with auto insurance from the same partner insurer, which may may have access to you for a discount. However, bundling options vary by state and by which partner insurer you are working with. Ask about bundling discounts when you request a quote.
What if AARP homeowners insurance is not available in my state?
You will need to shop with other insurers. Your state's insurance commissioner's office maintains a list of companies licensed to sell homeowners insurance in your state. You can also contact local independent insurance agents, who represent multiple companies and can help you compare options.