What AARP auto insurance is and who sells it

AARP does not sell auto insurance directly. Instead, AARP has partnered with The Hartford, an insurance company, to offer auto policies branded as "AARP Auto Insurance." When you buy through AARP, you are buying a Hartford policy, and Hartford handles all claims, customer service, and coverage decisions.

The partnership means AARP members see discounted rates compared to Hartford's standard pricing. Non-members can also buy Hartford auto insurance at regular rates, but the AARP discount typically saves members 10 to 15 percent on their premium, though the actual savings depend on your driving history, location, and the coverage you choose.

AARP membership itself costs $16 per year for those 50 and older. If you are considering AARP auto insurance, the membership fee is separate from your insurance premium and is not refunded if you decide not to buy the policy.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP auto insurance is underwritten by The Hartford, not sold directly by AARP, and membership is required to receive the AARP discount.
  • Coverage options include liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist protection, with deductibles and limits you choose when you buy.
  • Discounts beyond the AARP member rate include bundling home and auto, safety features in your car, completing a defensive driving course, and low mileage.
  • You can get a quote online or by phone without committing to buy, and you can switch to AARP insurance from another carrier at any time.
  • Claims are handled by Hartford adjusters, not AARP, and you can report accidents online, by phone, or through the Hartford mobile app.

Types of coverage and what each one does

Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else in an accident. It has two parts: bodily injury liability (covers medical bills and lost wages for the other person) and property damage liability (covers their vehicle or other property). Your state sets a minimum amount you must carry; most states require at least $25,000 in bodily injury and $25,000 in property damage, though many people carry higher limits.

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your own car if you hit another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. You choose a deductible—typically $250, $500, or $1,000—and you pay that amount out of pocket when you file a claim. The insurance pays the rest, up to your car's actual cash value.

Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your car from events other than collisions: theft, vandalism, weather, animal strikes, and falling objects. Like collision, you choose the deductible. If your car is financed or leased, your lender or leasing company usually requires both collision and comprehensive.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your injuries. This coverage pays your medical bills and lost wages up to the limit you choose. It is not required in all states, but most insurance agents recommend it.

Discounts that lower your premium

Beyond the AARP member discount, Hartford offers several ways to reduce what you pay. Bundling—buying auto and home insurance together—typically saves 15 to 25 percent on your auto premium. Safety features in your car, such as automatic braking, lane departure warning, or backup cameras, can lower your rate. Defensive driving course completion qualifies you for a discount in most states; AARP members can take an AARP-branded online course that Hartford recognizes.

Low mileage discounts explore if you drive fewer than a certain number of miles per year—often 7,500 or fewer. Paperless billing (receiving your bill by email instead of mail) sometimes saves a small amount. Paid-in-full discounts reward you for paying your annual or six-month premium upfront rather than in monthly installments.

Hartford also offers usage-based discounts through a program called Snapshot, which uses a mobile app or a small device plugged into your car to monitor your driving habits. Safe drivers—those who avoid hard braking, speeding, and nighttime driving—can save up to 30 percent, though you can also earn no discount or a small one if your habits do not meet the program's standards.

How to get a quote and buy a policy

You can get a quote online at the AARP website or by calling AARP's insurance phone line. You will need your driver's license, current insurance information (if you have it), and details about your vehicle: the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN). The online quote tool takes about 10 to 15 minutes and shows you rates for different coverage levels and deductibles side by side.

If you prefer to talk to someone, AARP's phone line connects you to a Hartford agent who can walk you through coverage options and answer questions about discounts. Phone quotes usually take 15 to 20 minutes. Neither online nor phone quotes obligate you to buy; you can review the quote and decide later.

If you decide to buy, you can complete the purchase online or over the phone. Your policy typically becomes active the same day or the next business day, depending on when you complete the transaction. You will receive your policy documents and insurance card by email or mail.

How claims work and what to do after an accident

If you are in an accident, you report it to Hartford, not to AARP. You can report a claim online through Hartford's website, through the Hartford mobile app, or by calling Hartford's claims line. Have your policy number and details about the accident ready: the date, time, location, other driver's information, and photos of the damage if it is safe to take them.

Hartford assigns an adjuster to your claim. The adjuster may ask you for a recorded statement about what happened, inspect your vehicle, and get repair estimates. If your car is repairable, Hartford pays the repair shop directly or reimburses you after you pay. If your car is totaled (the cost to repair exceeds its actual cash value), Hartford pays you the cash value minus your deductible.

The time from claim report to payment varies. straightforward claims with clear liability may be resolved in days; complex claims or disputes over the car's value can take weeks. Hartford publishes average claim resolution times on its website, though your individual claim may be faster or slower.

Switching to AARP insurance from another carrier

You can switch to AARP auto insurance at any time—you do not have to wait for your current policy to expire. Get a quote from AARP first to confirm the rate and coverage. Once you buy the AARP policy, it becomes active on the date you choose, and you can cancel your old insurance on the same day to avoid overlap.

If you are in the middle of a claim with your current insurer, switching does not affect that claim—your old insurer remains responsible for it. However, if you switch before a claim is resolved, make sure both insurers know about it so there is no confusion about who handles what.

Some people worry about losing discounts they earned with their old insurer. AARP and Hartford do not carry over discounts from other companies, but you may may have access to for different discounts with Hartford—such as bundling or safety features—that offset the loss.

What AARP auto insurance does not cover

Standard auto insurance policies, including AARP's, do not cover routine maintenance, wear and tear, or mechanical breakdown. If your engine fails or your transmission needs repair, your insurance will not pay for it. Rental car reimbursement is not automatic; you have to add it as an optional coverage if you want Hartford to pay for a rental while your car is being repaired.

Roadside information—towing, lockout service, fuel delivery—is also optional. AARP members have access to roadside information through their AARP membership itself, separate from insurance, so you may not need to add it to your policy. Check your AARP membership benefits to see what is included.

If you lend your car to someone and they cause an accident, your insurance covers the damage (because the policy covers the car, not the driver), but the other person's injuries may not be fully covered if they are a household member. Coverage for household members varies by state and policy, so ask Hartford about your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You must be an AARP member to receive the AARP discount on Hartford auto insurance. If you are not yet a member, you can join AARP at the same time you buy the policy. Non-members can buy Hartford auto insurance at regular rates without joining AARP.

Can I use AARP auto insurance if I have a poor driving record?

Hartford insures drivers with accidents and violations on their record, but your premium will be higher than for a clean driving history. Hartford does not publicly state which violations or how many accidents disqualify you, so the only way to know is to get a quote with your actual driving history included.

What happens if I do not renew my AARP membership?

Your auto insurance policy continues as long as you pay the premium. However, you will lose the AARP member discount when your membership expires. Your rate will increase at your next renewal date, and you will pay Hartford's standard rate for your coverage level and driving profile.

Can I add a teenage driver to my AARP auto insurance policy?

Yes. You can add a household member of any age to your policy. Teenage drivers typically increase your premium significantly because they have less driving experience and statistically higher accident rates. Get a quote that includes the teenager to see the actual cost before you add them.

How do I cancel my AARP auto insurance policy?

Contact Hartford directly by phone or online to request cancellation. You can cancel effective when ready or on a future date. If you have paid your premium in advance and cancel before the end of the billing period, Hartford will refund the unused portion, though some policies have a small cancellation fee.