AARP Does Not Sell Homeowners Insurance Directly
AARP itself does not underwrite or sell homeowners insurance. Instead, AARP has partnered with The Hartford, an insurance company, to offer homeowners coverage to AARP members. This means when you buy a homeowners policy through AARP, you are actually purchasing from The Hartford — AARP is the intermediary that negotiated group rates and handles marketing to its members.
The distinction matters because your policy documents, claims, and customer service come from The Hartford, not from AARP. If you need to file a claim or change your coverage, you will contact The Hartford directly, not AARP.
Key Takeaways
- AARP partners with The Hartford to offer homeowners insurance to members, but The Hartford is the actual insurance company that covers your home.
- You must be an AARP member to purchase homeowners coverage through this program, and membership requires you to be 50 or older.
- The Hartford homeowners policies through AARP typically cover dwelling, personal property, liability, and medical payments, though coverage limits and exclusions vary by policy.
- Rates and available discounts depend on your home's age, location, claims history, and the specific coverage you choose, so comparing quotes is necessary to know your actual cost.
- You can get a quote online or by phone without committing to purchase, and you can also shop other insurers to compare before deciding.
Who Can Buy AARP Homeowners Insurance
To purchase homeowners insurance through the AARP and The Hartford partnership, you must be an AARP member. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 years old or older. If you are not yet a member, you can join AARP separately before or at the same time you request a homeowners insurance quote.
There is no requirement that you own your home outright or that you have owned it for a certain length of time. Homeowners with mortgages, home equity lines of credit, or other liens can purchase coverage. Your lender will typically require you to carry homeowners insurance anyway, so this is often a necessary step in the mortgage process.
What The Hartford Homeowners Policies Cover
The Hartford homeowners policies offered through AARP typically include four main categories of coverage: dwelling (the structure of your home), personal property (your belongings inside the home), liability (if someone is injured on your property and sues), and medical payments (small medical bills for injuries on your property, regardless of fault).
The amount of coverage in each category depends on the policy you choose. Dwelling coverage is usually set based on the replacement cost of your home — what it would cost to rebuild it from scratch, not what you paid for it. Personal property coverage is typically 50 to 70 percent of your dwelling coverage limit. Liability limits commonly start at $100,000 and go up to $500,000 or higher. Medical payments coverage is usually $1,000 to $5,000 per person.
Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood, earthquakes, or certain high-value items like jewelry or fine art. If you live in a flood zone, you will need separate flood insurance. If you have valuable items, you may need to add a rider or schedule to your policy to cover them fully.
How to Get a Quote and What Information You Will Need
You can request a quote from The Hartford through AARP's website or by calling AARP's insurance phone line. The process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will be asked for basic information about your home: its age, square footage, construction type (wood frame, brick, etc.), number of stories, roof age, and whether it has a fireplace or wood stove.
You will also need to provide information about your claims history — whether you have filed homeowners or renters insurance claims in the past five to seven years — and your credit history, which insurers use to calculate rates. Have your home's address ready, and if you have had homeowners insurance before, have that policy number or the name of your previous insurer available.
The quote you receive is an estimate based on the information you provide. It is not a binding offer. You can review the quote, compare it to other insurers, and decide whether to move forward.
Discounts Available Through AARP and The Hartford
The Hartford offers several discounts to AARP members, though the specific discounts and their size vary by state and by your individual situation. Common discounts include bundling (combining homeowners and auto insurance), having safety features like deadbolts or a security system, being a non-smoker, having a good driving record, and being a long-time customer with no claims.
Some discounts are automatic — you receive them straightforward by meeting the requirement. Others require you to ask for them or provide proof (such as a photo of your security system or a certificate from your alarm company). When you get a quote, ask the agent which discounts you may be may have access to to and whether any require documentation.
The AARP membership itself does not reduce your rate, but it gives you access to rates that AARP negotiated on behalf of its members. These rates are typically lower than what you would pay if you walked in off the street, but you should still compare them to quotes from other insurers.
How Rates Are Set and What Affects Your Premium
The Hartford sets homeowners insurance rates based on several factors: your home's age and condition, its location (including local crime rates and weather risk), the replacement cost of your home, your claims history, your credit score, the coverage limits you choose, and your deductible. A newer home in a low-crime area with no prior claims will cost less to insure than an older home in a high-crime area with a history of claims.
Your deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — also affects your premium. Choosing a higher deductible (such as $1,000 instead of $500) will lower your annual premium, but you will pay more if you need to file a claim. The right deductible depends on how much you can afford to pay in an emergency.
Rates are not fixed. The Hartford reviews and adjusts rates periodically, and your rate may increase or decrease when you renew your policy each year. If your rate increases significantly, you have the option to shop other insurers or ask The Hartford about additional discounts you may have become may have access to to.
How to File a Claim and Get Support
If you have a loss — such as theft, fire, or weather damage — you will report it directly to The Hartford, not to AARP. The Hartford has a 24/7 claims line and an online portal where you can file a claim. When you call or file online, have your policy number ready and be prepared to describe what happened, when it happened, and what was damaged or lost.
The Hartford will assign an adjuster to your claim. The adjuster may inspect your home, review photos you provide, or request receipts or proof of ownership for damaged items. The process typically takes two to four weeks, depending on the complexity of the claim and how quickly you can provide the information the adjuster needs.
AARP does not handle claims or provide customer service for The Hartford policies. If you have questions about your coverage, need to make changes to your policy, or want to discuss a claim, you will work with The Hartford directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy homeowners insurance through AARP if I am not yet 50?
No. AARP membership requires you to be 50 or older, and you must be an AARP member to purchase homeowners insurance through this program. If you are younger than 50, you will need to shop for homeowners insurance through other insurers directly.
Is homeowners insurance through AARP cheaper than other companies?
Not necessarily. AARP negotiated group rates with The Hartford, which are often competitive, but rates vary by location, home age, and your personal history. You should get quotes from at least two or three other insurers to compare before deciding. The lowest rate depends on your specific situation.
What happens to my policy if I cancel my AARP membership?
Your homeowners insurance policy remains in force. Canceling AARP membership does not automatically cancel your insurance. However, you may lose access to AARP-specific discounts when you renew. Contact The Hartford to understand how your rate or coverage may change.
Does AARP homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
No. Standard homeowners policies, including those through AARP and The Hartford, do not cover flood damage. If you live in a flood zone or want flood coverage, you must purchase a separate flood insurance policy, usually through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer.
Can I bundle homeowners and auto insurance through AARP?
The Hartford offers homeowners insurance through AARP, but auto insurance is handled separately. You can ask The Hartford whether they offer auto insurance and whether bundling discounts explore. You may also choose to buy auto insurance from a different company — bundling is not required to purchase homeowners coverage through AARP.