AARP car insurance is underwritten by The Hartford, not owned by AARP itself, and the rates and coverage depend on your driving record, age, location, and the car you drive — not on AARP membership alone

AARP does not sell insurance directly. Instead, AARP endorses a car insurance program underwritten by The Hartford, a Connecticut-based insurer. When you buy through the AARP program, you are buying a Hartford policy with some discounts that AARP members may receive. The monthly cost varies widely: a 65-year-old with a clean driving record in one state might pay $80 a month for basic coverage, while the same driver in another state or with an accident history could pay $150 or more. The Hartford sets the base rate; AARP membership can lower it, but membership alone does not determine your price.

The real question is whether AARP car insurance is a good deal for you specifically — and that depends on what you are comparing it to. You should get quotes from at least two other insurers (State Farm, Geico, and Allstate all write senior policies) before deciding. Some seniors find AARP rates competitive; others find cheaper options elsewhere. The AARP endorsement means the policy meets certain standards, but it does not mean it is the lowest price available to you.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP car insurance is a Hartford policy with potential AARP member discounts, not a separate product owned by AARP.
  • Your actual monthly cost depends on your age, driving history, location, and vehicle — not membership status alone.
  • You should compare quotes from at least two other major insurers before choosing, because AARP rates are not always the lowest.
  • AARP policies often include discounts for safe driving courses, bundling home and auto, and paying in full upfront.
  • The Hartford customer service is available by phone, and AARP members can also call AARP's insurance hotline for help with claims or questions.

What coverage types are included in AARP policies

AARP car insurance through The Hartford offers the same coverage types as any other auto policy: liability (which pays for damage you cause to someone else's car or property), collision (which covers damage to your own car from an accident), comprehensive (which covers theft, weather, and vandalism), and uninsured motorist protection (which covers you if hit by a driver with no insurance). You choose the coverage limits and deductibles yourself — AARP does not set these for you. A policy with high liability limits and a low deductible will cost more than one with minimum coverage.

Many AARP policies also include roadside information, which covers towing and lockout service, and rental car reimbursement, which pays for a rental car while yours is being repaired. These add-ons increase the monthly premium but can save money if you actually need them. Read the policy documents carefully to see what is and is not covered — for example, some policies exclude coverage if you are driving for commercial purposes like food delivery.

Discounts available to AARP members and older drivers

The Hartford offers several discounts that may lower your monthly cost. A safe driving discount applies if you have had no accidents or moving violations in the past three to five years (the exact period varies by state). Many insurers, including Hartford, offer a discount for completing a defensive driving course — AARP itself offers an online safe driving course that may may have access to you for this discount with Hartford or other insurers. A bundling discount applies if you insure both your car and home with Hartford; this can save 15 to 25 percent on your auto premium depending on your state.

Paying your premium in full upfront rather than monthly sometimes lowers your cost, and some policies offer a small discount for setting up automatic payments. AARP members may also receive a discount straightforward for being an AARP member, though the size of this discount varies by state and changes periodically. None of these discounts are automatic — you have to ask about them when you get a quote or review your policy. If you took a defensive driving course or your driving record improves, contact Hartford to see if you now may have access to for a discount you did not have before.

How AARP car insurance rates compare to other major insurers

AARP rates are competitive for some drivers and not for others. A 70-year-old with no accidents in the past five years living in a suburban area might find AARP cheaper than State Farm or Allstate. The same driver with one accident in the past three years might find Geico or a regional insurer cheaper. The only way to know is to get quotes from at least three insurers using the same coverage limits and deductibles. Most insurers offer free quotes online or by phone in under 10 minutes.

One advantage of AARP policies is that The Hartford has experience writing policies for older drivers and does not automatically raise rates as you age — some other insurers do. Another advantage is that AARP members can call AARP's insurance hotline for help understanding their policy or filing a claim, in addition to calling Hartford directly. However, customer service quality and claims processing speed vary by insurer and by individual experience, so read recent customer reviews before deciding.

How to get a quote and what information you will need

To get an AARP car insurance quote, visit the AARP website or call the AARP insurance hotline at 1-855-456-2777. You will need your driver's license, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current insurance information if you have it. The quote process takes about 10 minutes. You will be asked about your driving history, the annual mileage you drive, how you use the car (commuting, pleasure, business), and what coverage limits you want.

Have your current insurance declaration page handy so you can match the coverage limits when you get quotes from other insurers — this ensures you are comparing the same thing. If you have taken a defensive driving course, have that certificate ready, because you may get a discount. Once you have quotes from AARP and at least two other insurers, compare the total monthly cost, the deductibles, and what add-ons are included. Do not choose based on price alone; if one insurer has significantly worse customer service ratings, that matters too.

When AARP car insurance may not be the best choice

AARP car insurance may not be right for you if you have a recent accident or moving violation on your record. The Hartford, like most insurers, charges higher rates for drivers with accidents or tickets, and some competitors may charge less for your specific situation. If you drive very little (under 5,000 miles per year), a usage-based insurance program that tracks your actual driving might be cheaper than a standard policy. If you own an older car worth less than $5,000, carrying collision and comprehensive coverage may not make financial sense — the premium might be nearly as much as the car is worth.

AARP car insurance is also not available in all states. The Hartford operates in most states but not all, and coverage options vary by state. If you live in a state where The Hartford does not write policies, you will need to look elsewhere. Finally, if you are looking for the absolute lowest price and do not care about the AARP brand or member discounts, a regional or online-only insurer might be cheaper. Price is important, but so is the likelihood you can reach someone quickly if you have an accident or need to file a claim.

How to file a claim and get roadside help

If you have an accident or need to file a claim, contact The Hartford directly at 1-800-922-4257 or through the Hartford website. You can also call the AARP insurance hotline at 1-855-456-2777, and AARP staff can help you start the claim process or answer questions about your coverage. Have your policy number, the date and time of the incident, and the other driver's information (if applicable) ready when you call. The Hartford will assign a claims adjuster who will contact you within one business day.

If you need roadside information (towing, lockout service, fuel delivery), call the number on your insurance card or the Hartford roadside information line. Most policies cover up to 100 miles of towing and will pay for a locksmith or fuel delivery on the spot. Keep your policy documents and the Hartford phone number in your car so you have them if you need help while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to buy this car insurance?

No. You can buy a Hartford policy without AARP membership, but AARP members often receive a discount. If you are not a member, get a quote anyway — the Hartford rate might still be competitive. If you are close to the AARP membership cost, the member discount might make membership worthwhile, but compare the total cost of membership plus insurance to non-member insurance elsewhere.

Will my rate go up just because I am getting older?

The Hartford does not automatically raise rates based on age alone. However, if your driving record changes (an accident or ticket), your rate will go up. Some other insurers do raise rates as drivers age, so this is one advantage of AARP policies. Ask any insurer you quote whether age alone affects your rate.

Can I use the AARP safe driving course to get a discount?

Yes. AARP offers an online defensive driving course that may may have access to you for a discount with The Hartford or other insurers. The course costs around $20 and takes about four hours. Check with your insurer first to confirm they offer a discount for this specific course, and ask how much the discount is — it should be at least $20 per year to be worth your time.

What happens to my policy if I move to a different state?

Contact The Hartford before you move to confirm they write policies in your new state and that your coverage will transfer. Some states have different coverage requirements, and The Hartford may not operate in every state. If they do not, you will need to find a new insurer in your new state.

Can I lower my premium by taking a defensive driving course?

Yes, if The Hartford offers a discount for the course you take. The discount is usually 5 to 10 percent of your premium for three years. The course itself costs $15 to $25 and takes four to six hours online or in person. Calculate whether the discount over three years exceeds the course cost before you sign up.