AARP does not sell auto insurance directly, but it endorses policies through partner insurance companies

AARP itself is not an insurance company. Instead, AARP has agreements with insurance carriers — primarily The Hartford and National General — to offer auto insurance policies under the AARP brand. When you buy "AARP auto insurance," you are actually purchasing a policy from one of these partner companies, but the policy is marketed and sometimes discounted through your AARP membership.

This arrangement means AARP handles the marketing and membership discount, while the insurance company handles the actual coverage, claims, and customer service. Understanding this distinction matters because your policy documents will show the insurance company's name, not AARP's, and you will contact that company directly if you need to file a claim or make changes.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP auto insurance is underwritten by The Hartford or National General, not by AARP itself, so your policy will list one of these companies as the insurer.
  • AARP membership typically qualifies you for a discount on premiums, though the discount amount varies by state, age, and driving history.
  • You can get a quote through AARP's website or by phone without committing to purchase, and quotes do not affect your current insurance or credit score.
  • The Hartford and National General both offer standard coverage types — liability, collision, comprehensive — plus options like roadside information and accident forgiveness.
  • If you already have auto insurance, you can switch to an AARP-endorsed policy at any time; there is no penalty for leaving your current insurer mid-policy.

Which insurance companies actually provide AARP auto insurance

The Hartford is the primary provider of AARP auto insurance in most states. The Hartford is a large, established insurance company that has held the AARP endorsement for decades. National General is the second provider and is available in some states as an alternative option.

Both companies are licensed insurers regulated by state insurance departments. Both offer the same basic coverage types — liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist — and both allow you to customize your deductibles and add optional coverages. The specific discounts, rates, and available options can differ between the two, which is why getting quotes from both is worth doing if you have the choice in your state.

You can find out which company serves your state by visiting the AARP auto insurance page or calling their phone line. The representative can tell you when ready which insurer operates in your area and whether you can get quotes from both or only one.

What discounts come with AARP membership

AARP members typically receive a discount on auto insurance premiums straightforward by holding membership. The discount is not automatic — you have to request a quote through AARP's channels to receive it — but it applies to new policies and renewals. The amount of the discount varies by state, age, driving record, and the specific coverage you choose, so there is no single percentage that applies everywhere.

Beyond the membership discount, both The Hartford and National General offer additional discounts that have nothing to do with AARP. These include discounts for bundling auto and home insurance, maintaining a clean driving record, completing a defensive driving course, paying your premium in full upfront, and setting up automatic payments. You may may have access to for multiple discounts at once, and they can stack to reduce your final premium.

Some discounts require you to take action — such as completing an online defensive driving course — while others explore automatically once you meet the condition. When you get a quote, the representative or online quote tool will show you which discounts you may have access to for and how much each one saves.

How to get a quote for AARP auto insurance

You can get a quote through AARP's website or by calling their auto insurance phone line. Both routes take about 10 to 15 minutes and require basic information: your driver's license number, current insurance details (if you have a policy), vehicle information, and driving history. You do not need to provide payment information or commit to anything during the quote process.

Getting a quote does not affect your credit score and does not notify your current insurance company. It is a soft inquiry that lets you see what rate you would pay. If you decide to purchase, you will then move into the formal process process, which includes a more detailed background check and underwriting review.

After you receive a quote, you have time to compare it to other insurers. AARP does not pressure you to buy when ready, and the quote remains valid for a set period (usually 30 to 60 days, depending on your state). If you decide to switch, you can choose your start date — many people choose a date that aligns with their current policy's renewal to avoid overlapping coverage.

What coverage types are available through AARP auto insurance

AARP-endorsed policies include all the standard auto insurance coverage types. Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else in an accident and is required by law in every state. Collision coverage pays for damage to your own vehicle from a crash, regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from events other than collisions — theft, weather, vandalism, hitting an animal.

You choose your deductible for collision and comprehensive coverage, typically ranging from $250 to $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 you are hit by a driver who has no insurance or leaves the scene.

Optional add-ons include roadside information (towing, lockout service, fuel delivery), accident forgiveness (your rate does not increase after your first accident), and rental car reimbursement (covers a rental car while yours is being repaired). The Hartford and National General both offer these options, though availability and pricing vary by state.

How AARP auto insurance compares to other insurers

AARP-endorsed policies are competitively priced, but they are not automatically cheaper than every other option. The AARP membership discount is real, but other large insurers — State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate — also offer discounts for bundling, safe driving, and other factors. The best rate for you depends on your age, driving history, location, and the coverage you need.

The main advantage of AARP insurance is the membership discount combined with the endorsement itself. AARP vets its insurance partners and negotiates terms on behalf of members, which some people find reassuring. The Hartford and National General are both established companies with reasonable customer service ratings, though like all insurers they receive complaints.

The best way to know whether AARP insurance is the right choice for you is to get quotes from at least two other insurers and compare the total premium, available discounts, and coverage options side by side. Spending 30 minutes getting three quotes can save you hundreds of dollars per year.

What to do if you want to switch to AARP auto insurance

If you currently have auto insurance with another company and want to switch to an AARP-endorsed policy, you can do so at any time. There is no penalty for canceling your current policy early, though you may lose any unused premium if you paid in advance. Most people choose a switch date that aligns with their current policy's renewal to avoid a gap in coverage.

Here is the basic sequence: get a quote from AARP, decide on a start date, complete the formal process, and provide proof of current coverage if requested. Once your new policy is approved and active, contact your current insurer to cancel. Make sure the cancellation date is the same day your new policy starts so you never have a lapse.

If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, your lender or leasing company requires continuous coverage. Notify them of your new insurer's name and policy number so they have the correct information on file. This is especially important if they have a clause allowing them to purchase coverage on your behalf if you let your policy lapse — you want to avoid that scenario.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you must be an AARP member to purchase auto insurance under the AARP brand and receive the membership discount. AARP membership is open to people age 50 and older. If you are not yet a member, you can join AARP and then request an auto insurance quote.

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

Yes, you can still get a quote. The Hartford and National General do not automatically deny coverage based on accidents or violations. However, your premium will be higher if you have recent claims or traffic violations. The underwriting process reviews your specific history, so the best way to know your rate is to request a quote.

What happens if I need to file a claim?

You contact The Hartford or National General directly — whichever company issued your policy — not AARP. Your policy documents will include the claims phone number and online portal. You can file a claim 24/7, and an adjuster will be assigned to review your case and authorize repairs or payment.

Can I bundle AARP auto insurance with home insurance?

Yes, both The Hartford and National General offer homeowners insurance and typically provide a discount when you bundle auto and home policies. You can ask about bundling discounts when you get your auto quote, or you can purchase auto first and add home insurance later.

What if I move to a different state?

Contact your insurance company to update your address and vehicle registration. Your rates may change because insurance is regulated by state, and different states have different minimum coverage requirements and rate structures. Your insurer will recalculate your premium based on your new location.