AARP Does Not Sell Auto Insurance Directly

AARP itself does not underwrite or sell auto insurance. Instead, AARP has partnered with The Hartford, an insurance company, to offer auto insurance products to AARP members. When you buy auto insurance through AARP, you are actually purchasing a policy from The Hartford — AARP is the membership organization that negotiated the partnership and handles member communications about it.

This distinction matters because your policy documents, claims, and customer service all come from The Hartford, not from AARP. If you need to file a claim or change your coverage, you contact The Hartford directly. AARP's role is to make the product available to members and to advertise member-only discounts.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP partners with The Hartford to offer auto insurance to members, but The Hartford is the actual insurance company that issues your policy and handles claims.
  • AARP members may receive discounts on auto insurance through this partnership, though the exact discount amount varies by state and your driving record.
  • You can get a quote through AARP's website or by calling their insurance phone line, and you will be connected to The Hartford's underwriting system.
  • The Hartford's auto insurance covers liability, collision, comprehensive, and other standard coverages, with options to customize your deductible and limits.
  • Non-members can also buy auto insurance from The Hartford directly, but they will not receive AARP member discounts.

What Coverage Is Available Through the AARP and Hartford Partnership

The Hartford offers standard auto insurance coverages through AARP, including liability (bodily injury and property damage), collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist protection, and medical payments coverage. You can also add optional coverages such as roadside information, rental car reimbursement, and gap insurance.

The specific coverages and their costs depend on your state, your driving history, the vehicle you drive, and the limits and deductibles you choose. Some states regulate insurance more strictly than others, so what is available in one state may not be available in another. You can customize your policy by adjusting your deductible (usually $250, $500, $1,000, or higher) and your coverage limits to match your needs and budget.

How to Get a Quote and Understand Member Discounts

You can request a quote through AARP's website or by calling the AARP insurance phone line. You will need basic information: your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), current insurance details if you have them, and your driving history. The Hartford will use this information to generate a quote.

AARP members may receive discounts on their auto insurance premium, though the amount varies by state, your age, your driving record, and other factors. Common discounts include a multi-policy discount (if you bundle auto and home insurance), a safety feature discount (if your vehicle has certain safety technology), and a low-mileage discount (if you drive fewer miles per year). Ask about all available discounts when you get your quote, because not all are applied automatically.

Non-AARP members can purchase auto insurance from The Hartford directly, but they will not receive the member-only discounts. If you are not yet an AARP member, you can join AARP separately; membership has an annual cost, and whether it makes financial sense depends on whether the insurance discount and other AARP benefits offset that cost.

What Happens After You Purchase a Policy

Once you purchase an auto insurance policy through the AARP and Hartford partnership, your policy is issued by The Hartford. You will receive your policy documents, declarations page, and ID card from The Hartford, not from AARP. Your billing and payment go through The Hartford as well.

If you need to make changes to your policy — such as adding a driver, changing your deductible, or updating your vehicle — you contact The Hartford directly. If you have a claim, you also report it to The Hartford. AARP does not process claims or handle policy changes; it is a membership organization that brokered the partnership, not an insurance company.

Common Reasons People Choose or Avoid This Option

Many AARP members choose this auto insurance because the member discount can reduce their premium, and bundling auto and home insurance often lowers the total cost further. The Hartford is a long-established insurance company with a national presence, which some people value for stability and ease of claims.

Some people avoid it because they are already satisfied with their current insurance, or because they have found lower rates elsewhere. Others are concerned about the cost of AARP membership itself and want to know whether the insurance discount justifies it. Shopping around — getting quotes from The Hartford through AARP, from The Hartford directly, and from other insurers — is the only way to know whether this option is the cheapest for your situation.

How This Differs From Other AARP Insurance Products

AARP also partners with other insurance companies to offer life insurance, supplemental health insurance, and long-term care insurance. In each case, AARP is the membership organization that negotiated the partnership and markets the product, but the actual insurance company (not AARP) issues your policy and handles claims. The same principle applies: AARP membership gives you access to these products and often a member discount, but AARP does not underwrite the insurance itself.

Auto insurance through AARP and The Hartford works the same way. You are buying insurance from The Hartford, with an AARP member discount, not buying insurance from AARP.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The Hartford sells auto insurance to anyone, AARP member or not. However, AARP members receive member-only discounts that non-members do not. If you are not an AARP member, you can still buy from The Hartford directly, but you will pay the standard rate without the member discount.

If I switch to AARP auto insurance, will my rates go up or down?

That depends on your current insurance, your driving record, your vehicle, and your state. The only way to know is to get a quote from The Hartford through AARP and compare it to your current premium. Some people save money; others find their current insurance is cheaper. Always compare before switching.

What if I have an accident or need to file a claim?

You report the claim directly to The Hartford, not to AARP. The Hartford has a claims phone line and online claims reporting. Your policy documents will include The Hartford's claims contact information. AARP does not process claims.

Can I cancel my AARP auto insurance policy if I change my mind?

Yes. The Hartford allows you to cancel your policy, though there may be a cancellation fee depending on your state and how long you have had the policy. Check your policy documents or call The Hartford to understand the cancellation terms before you purchase.

Is AARP auto insurance available in my state?

The Hartford operates in most states, but not all states, and not all coverages are available in every state. You can check availability by getting a quote through AARP's website or by calling their insurance line. If The Hartford does not operate in your state, AARP will let you know.