What AARP car insurance is and who sells it
AARP does not sell car insurance directly. Instead, AARP has partnered with The Hartford to offer car insurance policies to AARP members age 50 and older. When you buy through this partnership, you are purchasing from The Hartford — a licensed insurance company — but you may see discounts or terms available only to AARP members.
The Hartford handles all the underwriting, claims, and customer service. AARP's role is to negotiate member pricing and to market the product to its membership. This matters because it means your policy is backed by The Hartford's financial stability and claims process, not by AARP itself.
You do not have to be an AARP member to buy car insurance from The Hartford, but AARP members typically see lower rates than non-members. Membership in AARP costs $16 per year for those 50 and older.
Key Takeaways
- AARP car insurance is sold by The Hartford, a separate insurance company, and is available only to people age 50 and older.
- Coverage types — liability, collision, comprehensive — are standard insurance products; AARP membership may lower your rate but does not change what the policy covers.
- Discounts for AARP members, bundling multiple policies, and safety features on your car can reduce your premium, but the actual discount amount varies by location and driving history.
- You can get a quote online or by phone without committing to buy, and you can compare it to quotes from other insurers before deciding.
- If you file a claim, you work with The Hartford's claims department, not with AARP.
Coverage types and what they pay for
AARP car insurance through The Hartford offers the same basic coverage types as any other car insurance company: liability, collision, comprehensive, and optional add-ons. Liability pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else. Collision pays for damage to your own car from a crash. Comprehensive covers theft, weather, vandalism, and other non-collision events.
You choose the coverage limits and deductibles when you buy the policy. A higher deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in) lowers your monthly premium. A lower deductible raises your premium but means you pay less when you file a claim. There is no single "right" choice — it depends on how much you can afford to pay if you have an accident and how much risk you want to carry yourself.
The Hartford also offers optional add-ons such as roadside information, rental car reimbursement, and uninsured motorist coverage. These are not included in the base policy and cost extra, but they can be useful if you drive frequently or live far from repair shops.
Discounts available to AARP members
AARP members may receive discounts on The Hartford policies, but the amount varies by state, age, driving record, and the type of vehicle you drive. Common discounts include a membership discount (straightforward for being an AARP member), a multi-policy discount (if you bundle car insurance with home or other policies), and discounts for safety features on your car such as anti-theft devices or automatic braking systems.
Some insurers also offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course, though you should confirm whether The Hartford honors this in your state before paying for a course. Discounts are applied at the time you buy the policy, so you see the reduced rate in your quote before you commit.
The only way to know what discounts you personally may have access to for is to request a quote. The Hartford's website and phone line both allow you to enter your information and see a price estimate without buying.
How to get a quote and compare rates
You can request a quote from The Hartford online at their website or by calling their phone line. You will need to provide your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), current coverage information if you have it, and details about your driving history. The process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
The Hartford will show you a quote for the coverage levels you select. This quote is not a binding offer — you can review it, compare it to other insurers, and decide whether to buy. If you do decide to buy, you can usually start coverage the same day or the next day, depending on when you complete the purchase.
To compare fairly, get quotes from at least two other insurers using the same coverage limits and deductibles. Rates vary significantly by company and location, so the lowest price is not always from AARP. Comparing also helps you understand whether the AARP member discount is meaningful in your situation.
How claims work and what to expect
If you have an accident or other incident covered by your policy, you report the claim to The Hartford, not to AARP. You can file a claim online, by phone, or through The Hartford's mobile app. The Hartford will assign a claims adjuster to your case.
The adjuster will review the details of your claim, may request photos or a police report, and will determine what the policy covers and what you owe (your deductible). If your car needs repair, The Hartford can direct you to one of their network repair shops, or you can choose your own mechanic — the coverage is the same either way.
The time from filing to payment varies depending on the complexity of the claim. A straightforward claim might be resolved in a few days. A claim involving multiple vehicles or injury may take weeks. The Hartford publishes average claim resolution times on their website, though your individual claim may be faster or slower.
When AARP car insurance may not be the best fit
AARP car insurance through The Hartford works well for many people over 50, but it is not the only option and may not be the cheapest for your situation. If you have a poor driving record, multiple accidents, or a DUI, you may find lower rates through a company that specializes in high-risk drivers. If you have a very new or very expensive car, you might want to compare coverage options with insurers that focus on luxury vehicles.
If you are under 50, you cannot buy AARP car insurance at all — you would need to shop with other insurers. If you live in a state where The Hartford does not operate, AARP's partnership does not explore to you.
The best approach is to get quotes from three to five insurers, including The Hartford through AARP, and compare the total cost for the coverage you actually need. Price is important, but so is the company's reputation for claims handling and customer service in your state.
Canceling or switching policies
If you buy a policy from The Hartford through AARP and later decide to switch to another insurer, you can cancel at any time. Most policies allow you to cancel without penalty, though you may owe a prorated premium for the days you were covered. Check your policy documents for the cancellation terms specific to your state.
When you cancel, make sure your new insurance is in effect before you stop coverage with The Hartford. Driving without active insurance is illegal in all states and can result in fines, license suspension, and higher rates when you buy insurance again.
If you are unhappy with The Hartford's service or rates, you can switch to another company at any time. There is no lock-in period or penalty for moving to a competitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AARP member to buy car insurance from The Hartford?
No. The Hartford sells car insurance to anyone age 50 and older. However, AARP members typically receive a discount that non-members do not. If you are not an AARP member, you can still buy from The Hartford, but you will pay the non-member rate.
What happens to my rate if I get a ticket or have an accident?
Your rate may increase after a ticket or accident, depending on your state's insurance laws and The Hartford's underwriting rules. The increase varies by the severity of the incident. You can ask The Hartford for a rate review after a certain period (often three to five years) if you have a clean driving record since the incident.
Can I bundle AARP car insurance with homeowners insurance?
Yes. The Hartford offers homeowners insurance and other policies, and bundling typically lowers your rate on both. When you get a quote for car insurance, you can ask about bundling options or request a separate quote for home coverage to see the combined savings.
How do I file a claim if I am in an accident?
Contact The Hartford directly by phone, online, or through their mobile app. Have your policy number, driver's license, and details of the incident ready. The Hartford will assign an adjuster and guide you through the next steps. Do not contact AARP — they do not handle claims.
Is AARP car insurance available in my state?
The Hartford operates in most states, but not all. You can check availability by visiting The Hartford's website or calling their phone line with your zip code. If The Hartford does not operate in your state, AARP may have partnerships with other insurers, which you can explore through AARP's website.