AARP auto insurance is underwritten by The Hartford, not sold directly by AARP

AARP does not sell car insurance itself. Instead, AARP members can purchase auto insurance through a program underwritten by The Hartford, a major insurance company. AARP endorses the program and negotiates rates for members, but The Hartford handles underwriting, claims, and customer service. This matters because your policy documents, billing, and claims go through The Hartford, not AARP.

The program is available to AARP members age 50 and older who have a valid driver's license and own a vehicle. You can get a quote online, by phone, or through an AARP-affiliated agent. The Hartford offers standard auto coverage types: liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and medical payments.

Rates vary based on your driving record, age, location, vehicle type, and the coverage limits you choose — not on AARP membership alone. Some members see discounts compared to standard rates; others do not. The only way to know your actual price is to request a quote.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP auto insurance is sold and serviced by The Hartford, a separate insurance company, so you will deal with The Hartford for billing, claims, and policy changes.
  • The program is open to AARP members age 50 and older with a valid driver's license and an owned or financed vehicle.
  • You can request a quote online at aarp.com/auto, by phone at 1-855-405-2727, or through a local agent, and rates depend on your driving history and location, not membership status alone.
  • Standard coverage options include liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and medical payments, with limits and deductibles you can adjust.
  • The Hartford handles all claims processing, so you report accidents and file claims directly with them, not with AARP.

What coverage types are included

The Hartford offers the same coverage types available through most auto insurers. Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to another person or their property. Most states require a minimum amount; your state's requirement depends on where you live and register your vehicle.

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your own vehicle if you hit another car, object, or structure. Comprehensive coverage covers damage from events you do not cause — theft, weather, vandalism, or hitting an animal. Both collision and comprehensive require you to choose a deductible, usually $250, $500, $750, or $1,000. A higher deductible lowers your premium but means you pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if another driver causes an accident and has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Medical payments coverage covers medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who caused it. You can add optional coverages like roadside information, rental car reimbursement, and gap insurance (which covers the difference between what you owe on a loan and what your car is worth if it is totaled).

How to request a quote and what information you will need

You can get a quote three ways: online at aarp.com/auto, by phone at 1-855-405-2727, or through a local independent agent who represents The Hartford. The online quote tool is fastest if you have your information ready and want to compare options when ready. Phone quotes take longer but let you ask questions in real time. An agent can walk you through coverage options and help you understand what limits make sense for your situation.

Have these details ready before you start: your driver's license number, current insurance information (if you have it), vehicle identification number (VIN), annual mileage, and your driving history for the past three to five years. The Hartford will ask about accidents, traffic violations, and insurance claims. Be honest — misrepresenting your history can void coverage later.

The quote process does not lock you into anything. You can request quotes from multiple insurers and compare prices and coverage before you decide. Once you choose The Hartford, you can usually bind coverage online or by phone the same day, and your policy can start as soon as the next day.

Discounts that may be available to AARP members

The Hartford offers several discounts that may lower your premium. A multi-policy discount applies if you bundle auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance through The Hartford. A good driver discount rewards members with a clean driving record — typically three or more years without accidents or violations, though the exact requirement varies by state.

Safety feature discounts explore if your vehicle has anti-theft devices, anti-lock brakes, airbags, or automatic seat belts. Some vehicles may have access to for discounts automatically; others require you to provide proof. Defensive driving course discounts are available in many states if you complete an approved course — some insurers offer a one-time discount, others offer it every three years.

Discounts vary by state and change over time. The Hartford will show you which discounts explore to your quote before you purchase. Do not assume a discount applies just because you think you may have access to — ask The Hartford directly or check your quote summary.

How claims work and who to contact

If you have an accident or need to file a claim, you report it to The Hartford, not to AARP. You can file a claim online, by phone, or through The Hartford's mobile app. For accidents, have your policy number, the other driver's information (if applicable), photos of damage, and a description of what happened ready when you call.

The Hartford assigns a claims adjuster who will contact you within one business day. The adjuster inspects the damage, reviews your coverage, and determines what The Hartford will pay. If your vehicle is repairable, The Hartford can direct you to a repair shop or let you choose your own. If your vehicle is totaled, the adjuster will assess its value and offer a settlement.

Claims processing time varies. straightforward claims with clear liability may be resolved in days; complex claims or disputes over vehicle value can take weeks. You can check your claim status online or by calling your adjuster. If you disagree with The Hartford's settlement offer, you have the right to dispute it — ask your adjuster about the appeals process.

How AARP membership affects your policy

AARP membership is required to purchase this auto insurance program, but membership itself does not determine your rate or coverage. Your premium is based on the same underwriting factors any insurer uses: age, driving record, location, vehicle type, and coverage choices. Some AARP members pay less than they would elsewhere; others pay more. The discount, if any, comes from The Hartford's negotiated rates for the AARP program, not from AARP itself.

If you let your AARP membership lapse, you can usually keep your auto insurance policy with The Hartford — the policy and AARP membership are separate. However, you may lose access to AARP-specific discounts or rates. Contact The Hartford directly if your membership status changes.

AARP does not handle billing, claims, or policy changes. All customer service goes through The Hartford. If you have questions about your policy, need to make changes, or want to file a claim, call The Hartford at the number on your policy documents or visit The Hartford's website.

Comparing AARP auto insurance to other options

The Hartford program through AARP is one option among many. Other major insurers — State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate, and regional companies — also serve drivers age 50 and older. Some offer similar discounts for bundling, good driving records, or safety features. Rates and coverage options differ, so comparing quotes from at least two or three insurers helps you understand what is available in your area.

When you compare, look at the same coverage limits across all quotes. A lower premium with a $1,000 deductible is not the same as a higher premium with a $250 deductible. Also check what discounts each insurer offers and whether you may have access to. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness (one accident does not raise your rate), disappearing deductibles (your deductible shrinks if you do not claim), or other features The Hartford may not.

You can switch insurers at any time. If you find a better rate elsewhere, you can cancel The Hartford and move to another company. There is no penalty for switching, though you should make sure your new coverage starts before your current policy ends so you are never uninsured.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The Hartford auto insurance through AARP is only open to current AARP members age 50 and older. You must maintain your AARP membership to purchase the policy, though you may be able to keep it if your membership lapses later. Check with The Hartford about their specific policy on membership status changes.

Can I get a quote without providing my full driving history?

You can start a quote with basic information, but The Hartford will ask about accidents and violations before giving you a final price. Be honest — insurers verify driving records through the Motor Vehicle Report, and misrepresenting your history can void your coverage if you file a claim.

What if I have a poor driving record or recent accident?

The Hartford will still quote you, but your premium will be higher. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer better rates. Request quotes from multiple companies to compare. Some states also have assigned risk pools for drivers who cannot find coverage elsewhere, though these are usually more expensive.

Can I change my coverage or deductible after I buy the policy?

Yes. You can contact The Hartford to change your coverage limits, deductibles, or add optional coverages at any time. Changes usually take effect when ready or on the date you request. Your premium will adjust based on the changes you make.

What happens if I move to a different state?

Contact The Hartford before you move. Insurance rates and coverage requirements vary by state, so your premium and available options may change. The Hartford will update your policy for your new address and state of residence.