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 to AARP members age 50 and older. When you buy through this program, you are purchasing from The Hartford—not from AARP itself—but you may see discounts because you are an AARP member.

The Hartford handles all the underwriting, claims, and customer service. AARP receives a commission when members buy policies through this partnership, but AARP membership is not required to buy from The Hartford. You can purchase directly from The Hartford without joining AARP, though you would not receive the member discount.

This arrangement is common: AARP has similar partnerships for home insurance, life insurance, and other products. The key point is that your actual insurance contract is with The Hartford, not with AARP.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP auto insurance is sold by The Hartford, an insurance company, not by AARP itself, though AARP members typically receive a discount on premiums.
  • Coverage options include liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist protection, and medical payments, with limits and deductibles you choose when you buy.
  • The Hartford offers discounts for safe driving, bundling home and auto policies, paying in full, and completing a defensive driving course.
  • You can get a quote online or by phone, and The Hartford handles all claims and customer service after you purchase.
  • This is one option among many auto insurers; comparing quotes from other companies helps you find the best rate for your situation.

Coverage types and what they pay for

Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else in an accident. It has two limits: bodily injury (per person and per accident) and property damage. State minimum requirements vary, but most states require at least 25/50/25 (meaning $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for injury, and $25,000 for property damage). The Hartford allows you to choose higher limits if you want more protection.

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your 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 Hartford then pays the rest, up to your car's actual cash value.

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from events other than collisions: theft, weather, vandalism, hitting an animal, or falling objects. Like collision, you choose the deductible. Comprehensive is not required by law, but if you have a loan or lease on your car, your lender usually requires it.

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 your chosen limit. It is required in most states.

Medical payments coverage (also called MedPay) pays reasonable medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. Limits are usually $1,000 to $5,000 per person.

Discounts The Hartford offers to AARP members

The Hartford advertises several discounts, though the exact discount amounts and which ones you receive depend on your driving history, location, and the coverage you choose. Common discounts include a member discount for AARP members, a multi-policy discount if you bundle auto and home insurance, a paid-in-full discount if you pay your annual premium upfront instead of in installments, and a defensive driving discount if you complete an approved course.

Some insurers also offer usage-based discounts through a mobile app or device that monitors your driving habits, though availability varies. The Hartford's program is called Snapshot. If you enroll, the company tracks your driving for a period and may lower your rate if you demonstrate safe habits.

Discounts do not stack infinitely. The Hartford applies the ones you are may have access to to, but your final rate is based on your risk profile—age, driving record, location, vehicle type, and coverage choices all matter more than the discount total.

How to get a quote and buy a policy

You can request a quote online at The Hartford's website or by calling their phone line. You will need basic information: your driver's license number, current insurance details (if you have a policy), vehicle identification number (VIN), and driving history. The quote process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes online or 20 to 30 minutes over the phone.

The Hartford will show you several coverage options with different deductibles and limits, along with the monthly or annual premium for each. Review the coverage limits carefully—state minimums are often too low for real protection. If you own your home or have significant assets, higher liability limits (like 100/300/100) are worth considering.

Once you choose a policy, you can buy it online, by phone, or through an agent. You typically need to pay your first premium before coverage begins. The Hartford issues a digital ID card when ready, which you can show to police if you are stopped. A physical card arrives by mail within days.

Filing a claim and what to expect

If you are in an accident, contact The Hartford as soon as possible. You can file a claim online, by phone, or through the mobile app. Have your policy number, the other driver's information (if applicable), photos of the damage, and a description of what happened ready when you call.

The Hartford assigns a claims adjuster who will review your claim, inspect the vehicle if needed, and determine what is covered under your policy. If your car is repairable, The Hartford can direct you to one of their network repair shops, which often waive the deductible for parts and labor (though you still pay your deductible at the time of service). If your car is totaled, The Hartford pays the actual cash value minus your deductible.

Claims typically take one to three weeks to resolve, depending on complexity. The Hartford provides a claim status tracker so you can check progress online.

How AARP auto insurance compares to other insurers

The Hartford is one of many auto insurers. Other large national companies include State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate, and Nationwide. Rates vary significantly based on your age, driving record, location, and vehicle, so the cheapest option for one person may not be the cheapest for another.

The Hartford's partnership with AARP is marketed as a benefit to members, but the discount does not automatically make it the lowest-cost choice. A 50-year-old with a clean driving record in a suburban area might find a better rate elsewhere; a 70-year-old in an urban area might find The Hartford more competitive. The only way to know is to compare quotes.

When comparing, make sure you are looking at the same coverage limits and deductibles across all quotes. A quote that looks cheaper but has lower liability limits or a higher deductible is not necessarily a better deal. Also check customer service ratings and claims satisfaction scores through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) or J.D. Power, which publishes annual rankings.

When to review or change your policy

Your auto insurance needs can change. If you pay off a car loan, you may no longer need collision and comprehensive coverage (though it is still wise if the car has significant value). If you retire and drive less, you might may have access to for a low-mileage discount. If you move to a different state, your rates and required coverage may change.

Review your policy annually or whenever your situation changes—a move, a new vehicle, a change in driving habits, or a major life event. You can contact The Hartford to update your information and see if your rate changes. Some changes lower your premium; others raise it.

You are not locked into The Hartford. You can switch to another insurer at any time, though you should make sure new coverage starts before your current policy ends so you are never without insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can buy directly from The Hartford without AARP membership. However, AARP members typically receive a discount, so membership can lower your premium. If you are not yet a member, compare the cost of AARP membership plus the discounted Hartford rate against quotes from other insurers to see which is cheaper overall.

What is the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage?

Collision pays if you hit another car or object. Comprehensive pays for theft, weather, vandalism, or hitting an animal. Both are optional unless you have a loan or lease on your car. If your car is paid off and worth very little, skipping both might make sense; if it is newer or valuable, both are worth keeping.

Can I lower my premium by raising my deductible?

Yes. A higher deductible (like $1,000 instead of $250) lowers your monthly premium because you are agreeing to pay more out of pocket if you have a claim. Choose a deductible you can actually afford to pay if an accident happens. A very low premium is not a bargain if you cannot cover the deductible when you need it.

How long does it take to get a quote from The Hartford?

Online quotes usually take 10 to 15 minutes. Phone quotes take 20 to 30 minutes because an agent gathers more detail. You do not need to buy when ready after getting a quote; you can shop around and return later if The Hartford remains your best option.

What happens if I let my policy lapse?

Driving without insurance is illegal in all states and can result in fines, license suspension, and civil liability if you cause an accident. If your policy lapses, contact The Hartford when ready to reinstate it or switch to another insurer. Do not drive until you have active coverage.