AARP does not sell car insurance directly, but it endorses policies from The Hartford and other insurers

AARP itself is not an insurance company. It is a membership organization for people 50 and older. When you see "AARP car insurance" advertised, you are looking at policies sold by insurance companies that have paid AARP to use its name and logo in their marketing. The main partner is The Hartford, which has held the AARP endorsement for decades. Other insurers also market policies to AARP members, but The Hartford is the largest and most visible.

The endorsement means AARP has reviewed the company and its products, but it does not mean AARP runs the insurance, sets the rates, or handles your claims. When you buy a policy, you are buying from The Hartford or another insurance company, not from AARP. Your policy documents, your bill, and your claims go through that company's systems.

AARP members may see discounts on these endorsed policies — typically 10 to 15 percent off the standard rate — but the discount is part of the marketing agreement between AARP and the insurer, not a benefit AARP provides from its own funds.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP endorses car insurance policies from The Hartford and other companies, but does not sell insurance itself or handle claims.
  • AARP members may receive discounts of 10 to 15 percent when buying through endorsed insurers, though rates still vary by location, driving record, and age.
  • You can buy AARP-endorsed policies online, by phone, or through an agent, and you deal directly with the insurance company for billing and claims.
  • AARP membership is not required to buy from these insurers, though non-members typically do not receive the AARP member discount.
  • The Hartford offers discounts for safe driving, bundling home and auto policies, and completing a defensive driving course.

How The Hartford AARP car insurance works

The Hartford is the primary insurer behind AARP car insurance. It offers standard coverage types — liability, collision, comprehensive — and optional add-ons like roadside information and accident forgiveness. The policies are underwritten and managed by The Hartford, which means The Hartford sets the rates, processes your payments, handles your claims, and decides whether to renew your policy each year.

When you contact AARP about car insurance, you are directed to The Hartford's sales team or website. You provide your driving history, vehicle information, and coverage preferences. The Hartford quotes you a rate. If you buy, you receive a policy document from The Hartford. Your monthly or annual bill comes from The Hartford. If you have an accident, you file a claim with The Hartford.

AARP's role is to market the product to its members and to negotiate the member discount. AARP does not process your process, collect your premium, or settle your claim. Some AARP members find this distinction confusing because the advertising emphasizes the AARP name, but understanding it matters: if you have a problem with your policy or claim, you contact The Hartford, not AARP.

What discounts are available to AARP members

AARP members typically receive a discount of 10 to 15 percent off The Hartford's standard rates. This discount applies when you buy through AARP's marketing channels — usually the AARP website, a phone number listed in AARP materials, or an AARP-affiliated agent. The exact discount varies by state and by your personal risk profile (age, driving record, location, vehicle type).

Beyond the AARP member discount, The Hartford offers other reductions that stack on top: discounts for bundling auto and home insurance, completing a defensive driving course, maintaining a clean driving record, and paying your premium in full rather than monthly. Some discounts are available only in certain states. The Hartford also offers accident forgiveness on some policies, which means your rates will not increase after your first accident.

Non-AARP members can buy from The Hartford directly, but they do not receive the AARP member discount. If you are not an AARP member, you may find better rates by comparing quotes from other insurers — State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and others — rather than assuming The Hartford is the cheapest option.

How to get a quote and buy AARP car insurance

Start by going to AARP's website and looking for the car insurance section, or call the phone number listed in AARP materials. You will be directed to The Hartford's quote system. You will need your driver's license, vehicle registration, and current insurance information (if you have it). The quote process takes 10 to 15 minutes online or 15 to 20 minutes by phone.

The Hartford will ask for your driving history, the vehicles you want to insure, the coverage limits you want, and your preferred deductible. It will then generate a quote showing your monthly or annual premium. You can review the quote, adjust your coverage, and see how different deductibles affect the price. Once you are satisfied, you can buy the policy online, by phone, or through an agent.

After you buy, The Hartford will send you a policy document by email or mail, usually within a few days. Your coverage begins on the date you select during the purchase process. You will receive a bill for your first premium before your coverage starts. If you are switching from another insurer, coordinate the timing so your new policy starts the day your old one ends, with no gap in coverage.

AARP car insurance versus other insurers

The Hartford is not the only option for car insurance, and the AARP discount does not automatically make it the cheapest. Rates depend heavily on your age, location, driving record, and vehicle. A 65-year-old with a clean record in a rural area may get a better rate from The Hartford than from Geico, while a 55-year-old in an urban area with one accident might pay less at State Farm or Progressive.

The best approach is to get quotes from at least three insurers: The Hartford (through AARP if you are a member), one or two national carriers like State Farm or Geico, and one regional insurer if you live in an area where they operate. Compare the quotes at the same coverage levels and deductibles. Look at each company's customer service ratings and claims handling reputation, not just the price. A slightly higher premium from a company with better reviews may be worth it.

AARP membership costs $16 per year (or $27 for three years). If the AARP member discount on car insurance saves you more than $16 annually, membership pays for itself on insurance alone. But AARP offers other discounts on travel, prescriptions, and services, so many members join for reasons beyond insurance.

What coverage types are available

The Hartford offers the standard coverage types required or recommended for most drivers. Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to others. Collision coverage pays for damage to your car from a crash with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from theft, weather, vandalism, or hitting an animal. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver without insurance or with insufficient insurance.

Most states require you to carry liability coverage. Collision and comprehensive are optional but are usually required by your lender if you have a car loan or lease. The Hartford lets you choose your deductible — typically $250, $500, $750, or $1,000 — which affects your premium. A higher deductible lowers your monthly cost but means you pay more out of pocket if you have a claim.

Optional add-ons include roadside information (towing, lockout service, fuel delivery), accident forgiveness (your rate does not increase after your first accident), new car replacement (your insurer pays the full replacement cost if your car is totaled within a certain period), and gap insurance (covers the difference between what you owe on a loan and what your car is worth if it is totaled).

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The Hartford sells policies to anyone who meets its underwriting standards, regardless of AARP membership. However, non-members do not receive the AARP member discount. If you are not an AARP member, you can buy directly from The Hartford's website or call their main customer service line, but you will pay the full rate.

Can I use AARP car insurance if I am under 50?

AARP membership requires you to be 50 or older, so you cannot use AARP's marketing channels to buy the endorsed policy. However, The Hartford sells car insurance to drivers of any age through its standard channels. You would not receive the AARP member discount, but you can still get a quote and buy a policy.

How do I file a claim with AARP car insurance?

You file the claim directly with The Hartford, not with AARP. You can file online through The Hartford's website, by phone, or through a mobile app. The Hartford will assign an adjuster, who will contact you to schedule an inspection and discuss your claim. AARP does not handle claims or participate in the claims process.

Can I cancel my AARP car insurance policy anytime?

Yes. You can cancel your policy with The Hartford at any time, though some states allow insurers to charge a cancellation fee if you cancel mid-term. Contact The Hartford directly to cancel. Canceling your car insurance policy does not affect your AARP membership — they are separate.

Does AARP car insurance cover rideshare driving like Uber or Lyft?

Standard personal auto policies, including The Hartford's, do not cover you while you are driving for Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare services. You need a separate rideshare insurance policy or a commercial auto policy. Check The Hartford's website or call to ask whether it offers rideshare coverage as an add-on in your state.