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 people age 50 and older who are AARP members. When you buy through this partnership, you are purchasing a Hartford policy, but you may receive discounts available only to AARP members.
The Hartford is a licensed insurance company that underwrites and issues the actual policy. AARP's role is to negotiate member discounts and make the product available through AARP's website and marketing. This matters because your policy documents, claims, and coverage details come from The Hartford, not from AARP.
You do not have to be an AARP member to get car insurance from The Hartford, but AARP members typically receive lower rates than non-members. AARP membership costs $16 per year for those 50 and older.
Key Takeaways
- AARP car insurance is underwritten by The Hartford and available only to AARP members age 50 and older, with discounts built into the member rates.
- Coverage options include liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, 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 coverage can start as soon as the next day if you need it quickly.
- Claims are handled by The Hartford's claims department, not by AARP, so you will contact Hartford directly if you have an accident or damage.
Coverage types and what they protect
Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else in an accident. It has two parts: bodily injury liability (medical bills and lost wages for the other person) and property damage liability (repair or replacement of their vehicle or property). Your state sets a minimum liability limit you must carry. Most states require at least $25,000 in bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident, plus $25,000 in property damage, but these minimums vary.
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—which is what you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest. Collision is optional if you own your car outright, but required if you have a loan or lease.
Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car from events other than collisions: theft, weather, vandalism, hitting an animal, or glass damage. Like collision, you choose the deductible. Comprehensive is optional if you own the car, but lenders usually require it.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you if the other driver has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your injuries or damage. This coverage is required in most states and is often a good value because it costs relatively little and covers a real gap.
Medical payments coverage (also called MedPay) pays medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident, up to the limit you choose. It pays regardless of fault and does not affect your health insurance.
Discounts that lower your rate
The Hartford offers several discounts that can reduce your premium. A safe driver discount applies if you have no accidents or moving violations in the past three to five years (the exact period varies by state). This is the most common discount and often saves 10 to 15 percent, though the amount varies.
A bundling discount applies when you insure both your car and home with The Hartford. Bundling typically saves 15 to 25 percent on your auto policy, but the exact amount depends on your home coverage and location.
Paying your premium in full upfront rather than in monthly installments usually saves you a small amount. Some insurers also offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course, though availability and the discount amount vary by state.
AARP members may also see a discount straightforward for being a member, which is already built into the rates you see when you get a quote. You do not need to enter a code or take extra steps—the member discount applies automatically if you buy through AARP's website or phone number.
How to get a quote and what information you will need
You can get a quote from The Hartford through AARP's website or by calling AARP's insurance phone line. Online quotes usually take 10 to 15 minutes and show you rates for different coverage levels side by side. Phone quotes take longer but let you ask questions as you go.
To get a quote, have ready 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). You will also answer questions about your driving history, how many miles you drive per year, and what you use the car for (commuting, pleasure, business).
The Hartford will ask what coverage limits and deductibles you want. If you are not sure what to choose, the quote tool usually shows you what your state requires for liability and what most people in your area choose for collision and comprehensive deductibles. You can adjust these before you buy to see how the price changes.
Once you have a quote you like, you can buy online when ready or call to finalize the purchase. Coverage can start as soon as the next day if you need it quickly, though you can also choose a future start date.
How claims work and what to expect
If you have an accident or damage, you report the claim directly 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 who will contact you to gather details about what happened.
For minor damage or theft, The Hartford may authorize a repair shop or direct you to one of their network shops, where you can often get the work done without paying anything upfront—the shop bills The Hartford directly. For major accidents, an adjuster will inspect the vehicle and determine whether it is repairable or a total loss.
The claims process usually takes one to three weeks from the time you file until you receive payment or the repair is complete, though this varies depending on the complexity of the claim and how busy The Hartford's claims department is at the time.
How AARP car insurance compares to other options
AARP car insurance through The Hartford is one option among many. Other large insurers like State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and Allstate also offer policies to seniors, and some have their own senior-focused programs or discounts. The best choice depends on your driving history, the coverage you need, and which discounts you may have access to for.
The Hartford's rates through AARP are competitive for people age 50 and older with clean driving records. If you have accidents or violations on your record, you may find better rates elsewhere. If you want to bundle home and auto insurance, The Hartford's bundling discount can be substantial, but you should also check what other insurers offer for bundling.
Getting quotes from two or three insurers takes about an hour total and often saves you hundreds of dollars per year. Because rates change and insurers adjust their pricing frequently, comparing every few years is worth the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AARP member to buy this insurance?
You do not have to be a member, but AARP members receive lower rates. If you are not a member, you can still buy The Hartford's standard auto insurance, but you will pay the non-member price. AARP membership costs $16 per year, so if the member discount saves you more than that, membership pays for itself when ready.
What happens to my rate if I have an accident?
Your rate will likely increase after an accident, even if you were not at fault in some states. The amount of the increase depends on your state's rules and The Hartford's underwriting guidelines. You can ask The Hartford how much your rate will go up before you file a claim, though the exact increase is not always predictable until the claim is closed.
Can I cancel my policy if I change my mind?
Yes. Most states allow a grace period of 10 to 30 days after you buy a policy to cancel without penalty. After that period, you can still cancel, but you may owe a cancellation fee or lose a discount for paying in advance. Check your policy documents or call The Hartford to understand your state's rules.
Does AARP car insurance cover rideshare driving like Uber or Lyft?
Standard personal auto policies, including The Hartford's, do not cover rideshare driving. If you drive for Uber or Lyft, you need a commercial or rideshare endorsement. The Hartford offers this as an add-on, but you must tell them you drive for rideshare when you buy or update your policy.
How often should I review my coverage?
You should review your coverage at least once a year or whenever your situation changes: you pay off a car loan, you retire, you move, or your driving habits change. Your coverage needs may shift, and rates change frequently, so comparing quotes every year or two can save you money.