AARP car insurance is sold by The Hartford, not by AARP itself
AARP does not underwrite or sell car insurance directly. Instead, AARP endorses a program underwritten by The Hartford, an insurance company based in Connecticut. When you buy "AARP car insurance," you are buying a Hartford policy that comes with discounts available only to AARP members. The Hartford handles all claims, customer service, and coverage decisions.
This matters because it means your contract is with The Hartford, not with AARP. If you have a claim dispute or a coverage question, you contact The Hartford's claims department, not AARP. AARP's role is to negotiate member discounts and to market the program to its membership.
The Hartford has been in business since 1810 and is rated A+ by A.M. Best, a firm that measures insurance company financial strength. That rating means the company is unlikely to become insolvent and unable to pay claims. It does not mean the company will approve every claim or offer the lowest price.
Key Takeaways
- AARP car insurance is underwritten by The Hartford, and you buy directly from Hartford, not from AARP.
- AARP members typically receive discounts of 10 to 25 percent, though the actual discount depends on your driving record, location, and coverage choices.
- The Hartford's rates are not always the lowest available, so comparing quotes from at least two other insurers is worth the time.
- The Hartford offers the same coverage types as other insurers—liability, collision, comprehensive—and does not restrict coverage based on age alone.
- You can cancel at any time without penalty, and AARP membership is not required to keep a Hartford policy if you already have one.
What discounts AARP members actually receive
AARP members can receive discounts on Hartford car insurance, but the size of the discount varies widely. The most commonly advertised discount is 10 percent straightforward for being an AARP member. Additional discounts may explore if you bundle home and auto insurance, pay your premium in full rather than monthly, maintain a clean driving record, or complete a defensive driving course.
Some discounts stack—meaning you can combine the member discount with the bundling discount and the safe driver discount—while others do not. The Hartford's website and quote tool will show you which discounts explore to your specific situation. A discount advertised as "up to 25 percent" means some customers receive 25 percent off, but many receive less.
The member discount itself requires an active AARP membership. If your membership lapses, you lose the discount on your next renewal. You do not lose your policy, but your rate will increase unless you may have access to for other discounts.
How Hartford's rates compare to other insurers
The Hartford is a mid-range insurer in terms of price. It is not the cheapest option available, and it is not the most expensive. Rates depend heavily on your age, driving history, location, and the coverage limits you choose, so a quote that is competitive for one person may not be for another.
State Farm, Geico, and Progressive often quote lower rates than Hartford for drivers with clean records. Drivers with accidents or violations on their record may find Hartford's rates more competitive, because Hartford does not penalize older drivers as heavily as some competitors do. The only way to know whether Hartford is a good price for you is to get quotes from at least two other insurers and compare the total annual cost.
Rates also change annually. A company that was cheapest last year may not be this year. Getting new quotes every two to three years is a normal part of shopping for insurance.
Coverage options and limits you can choose
Hartford offers the standard coverage types: liability (which pays for damage you cause to others), collision (which pays for damage to your car from a crash), comprehensive (which covers theft, weather, and vandalism), and uninsured motorist protection (which covers you if hit by someone without insurance). You choose your deductible—typically $250, $500, $1,000, or higher—and your liability limits.
Liability limits are expressed as three numbers, such as 25/50/25, meaning $25,000 per person injured, $50,000 total per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Most states require a minimum of 25/50/25, but many financial advisors recommend higher limits like 100/300/100 if you have assets to protect. Hartford allows you to set your own limits up to the maximum the state permits.
Hartford does not have an upper age limit for coverage. Some insurers drop drivers at 80 or 85; Hartford does not. If you are over 75 and have been turned down elsewhere, Hartford may be worth a quote.
Customer service and claims handling
The Hartford operates a 24/7 claims hotline and allows you to file claims online or by phone. You can also file through the Hartford's mobile app. Claims are assigned to an adjuster, who contacts you within one business day in most cases. The Hartford does not require you to use one of their repair shops; you can take your car to any shop you choose.
Customer satisfaction ratings for Hartford are mixed. J.D. Power's 2023 auto insurance satisfaction study ranked Hartford in the middle of the pack nationally, meaning some customers report good experiences and others report frustration with claim handling or billing. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) tracks complaint ratios by company; Hartford's ratio is close to the national average, neither notably high nor notably low.
If you have a complaint about Hartford that the company does not resolve, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner. Every state has an insurance department that investigates complaints at no cost to you.
When Hartford may not be the right choice
Hartford is not the best option if you are looking for the absolute lowest price. Geico and some regional insurers often quote lower rates, especially for drivers under 50 with clean records. If price is your only concern, get quotes from at least three companies before deciding.
Hartford may also not be ideal if you need roadside information or rental car coverage included in your base policy. These are available as add-ons, but they cost extra. Some competitors include them in standard policies. If you use these services frequently, compare the total cost including add-ons.
If you have had multiple accidents or violations, Hartford's rates may still be higher than some specialty insurers that focus on high-risk drivers. Companies like SafeAuto and National General sometimes quote lower rates for drivers with poor records.
How to get a Hartford quote and what to have ready
You can get a quote from Hartford online at thehartford.com, by phone at 1-800-378-4667, or through an independent agent who sells Hartford policies. The online quote tool takes about 10 minutes and does not require you to provide your email or phone number unless you ask for a formal quote.
Have your driver's license, current insurance policy (if you have one), and vehicle registration information ready. You will need to provide your driving history for the past three to five years, including any accidents or violations. Be honest about this; insurers verify it through the Motor Vehicle Report, and lying can result in denial of a claim later.
Once you receive a quote, you have no obligation to buy. Quotes are typically valid for 30 to 60 days. If you decide to purchase, you can usually start coverage the same day or the next day, depending on when you complete the process and payment.
Canceling or switching away from Hartford
You can cancel a Hartford policy at any time without penalty. Most states require at least 10 days' notice, but Hartford typically processes cancellations when ready if you request it online or by phone. You will receive a refund for any unused premium if you paid in advance.
If you switch to another insurer, make sure your new policy is active before you cancel Hartford. Driving without insurance is illegal in every state and can result in fines, license suspension, and higher rates with your next insurer.
AARP membership is not required to keep a Hartford policy if you already have one. If your AARP membership ends, your policy continues, but you lose the member discount at your next renewal. You can renew at the higher rate or shop for a new insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AARP member to buy Hartford car insurance?
No. Hartford sells policies to anyone who meets their underwriting standards, regardless of AARP membership. However, AARP members receive a discount that non-members do not. If you are not an AARP member, you may find better rates elsewhere.
What happens to my Hartford policy if I cancel my AARP membership?
Your policy continues without interruption. You do not lose coverage. However, at your next renewal date, you lose the AARP member discount, and your rate increases unless you may have access to for other discounts. You can shop for a new insurer at that time.
Does Hartford insure drivers over 75?
Yes. Hartford does not have an upper age limit and does not automatically increase rates based on age alone. Rates are based on driving record, location, and coverage choices. If you have been turned down by other insurers due to age, Hartford may be worth a quote.
Can I use any repair shop if I have a claim?
Yes. Hartford does not require you to use one of their preferred shops. You can take your car to any licensed repair shop you choose. The adjuster will work with the shop to approve the repair estimate.
How long does it take to get a Hartford quote?
An online quote takes about 10 minutes and is available when ready. A phone quote also takes about 10 minutes. You do not need to provide contact information to see a preliminary quote; you only need it if you want a formal quote or to purchase.