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The Hartford Auto Insurance

The Hartford caters to AARP members with low-cost coverage for auto insurance. See if this provider is the best option for you and your needs.

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Written by:
Dash Lewis , Writer
Written by: Dash Lewis Content Writer
03/05/2024 09:32 PM

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Key Points:

  • The Hartford partners with AARP to offer competitive auto insurance rates to drivers aged 50 and older.
  • The Hartford has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and performs well in J.D. Power consumer studies.
  • Over 35,000 customer reviews on The Hartford’s website give the provider an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.0 stars.
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The Hartford has a number of coverage choices and lifetime renewability, but you need to be an AARP member to qualify. The insurance company has more than 200 years of experience and offers a wide variety of coverage, specifically for AARP members. In our review of The Hartford auto insurance, we’ll take a look at The Hartford insurance reviews, coverage, costs, and discounts.

To make sure that you get the best coverage for your car, we also encourage you to take a look at our ranking of the best car insurance companies. Whenever you shop for car insurance, you should get quotes from multiple providers so you can compare coverage and rates. In addition to the auto insurance company you choose, factors such as your age, vehicle make and model, and driving history can affect your premium, so what’s best for your neighbor might not be best for you.


The Hartford Insurance Overview

Here’s a quick look at some pros and cons of The Hartford auto insurance:

Pros

  • Wide range of car insurance coverage plans
  • Rates locked in for 12 months
  • Lifetime renewability
  • Discounted rates for drivers 50 and older

Cons

  • Above-average rates for younger drivers
  • AARP membership required

The Hartford is officially known as The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. This company is based out of Hartford, Connecticut, and has been in business since 1810. With more than 200 years under its belt, it’s become a leader in the industry. It’s now formed the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford, which focuses on selling various programs and plans to AARP members only.

The insurance products that The Hartford offers include:

  • Car insurance
  • Classic car insurance
  • Commercial auto insurance
  • Homeowners insurance
  • Renters insurance
  • Condo insurance
  • Flood insurance
  • Umbrella policies
  • Business insurance
  • General liability insurance
  • Workers compensation insurance
  • Various employee benefits

The Hartford Auto Insurance Coverage

Otherwise known as the AARP Auto Insurance program, The Hartford has several options when it comes to coverage. Plans are available in all 50 states, but only to AARP members. It offers the standard selection of liability coverage and comprehensive options, some of which are mandated by your state. For details about each type of insurance, read our full article on the different types of car insurance.

The Hartford auto insurance policies automatically include the following:

The Hartford CoveragesDetails
Lifetime RenewabilityOnce your auto insurance policy is in place, The Hartford promises never to deny you coverage. You must continue paying all premiums, maintain a valid driver’s license, and meet other requirements. This perk isn’t available in all states.
RecoverCareThis plan covers transportation, cleaning, cooking, or other costs that you need help with after a car accident that causes an injury not covered by your health insurance or Medicare.
New Car ReplacementIf your new vehicle is totaled, The Hartford writes you a check for the price of the same model.

In addition, you can receive the following optional features:

  • First accident forgiveness: Your premium doesn’t increase after the first car accident. To qualify, you must be accident-free for five years. This plan isn’t available in California.
  • Disappearing deductible: As long as you maintain a clean driving record, your deductible could be reduced by up to $500. This plan isn’t available in California. 
  • 24/7 roadside assistance: If you have a dead battery, flat tire, or lost keys, The Hartford can help. 

The Hartford Auto Insurance Cost And Discounts

The Hartford focuses heavily on offering car insurance discounts to drivers over the age of 50. That’s part of the reason for the partnership to offer AARP auto insurance. If you fall within that age bracket you may get low car insurance rates.

However, it may not be as affordable if you put younger drivers on your policy, according to Hartford Insurance reviews. For example, if you have a teenage driver in the home, you can expect to pay significantly more through this company than you would with other providers.

Thankfully, The Hartford car insurance does provide a variety of discounts you might qualify for. Here are a few examples:

The Hartford DiscountDetails
Bundled InsuranceIf you have multiple insurance policies through The Hartford, such as auto and home insurance, you might qualify for a bundling discount.
Pay in FullYou can receive a discount for paying for the entire policy at once.
Safety DeviceIf your vehicle has anti-lock brakes or multiple airbags, you’ll get money off your premium.
Defensive DriverSend in your completed defensive driving course certificate to get a discount. These classes are great for all drivers, even with plenty of experience.
Vehicle Fuel TypeIf you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle, there are additional discounts available.
Driver TrainingIf you have a young driver on your policy, you will want to have them take an approved driver course to help keep the costs to a minimum.

The average annual premium rate estimate for car insurance, based on the profile of a 35-year-old person with good credit and a clean driving record, ranged from $1,000 to $3,000, according to the data we analyzed from Quadrant Information Services. But the only way to know for sure what your car insurance premium will be is to receive a quote from the provider.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Car Insurance

It doesn’t take long to get a car insurance quote from The Hartford. You can do it online or call a customer service representative, and The Hartford insurance reviews show many customers are happy with the quotes process. The company bases insurance rates on the following criteria:

  • Driving record: A safe driving record helps lower your premiums. You can expect to pay more if you have auto accidents or moving violations on your record.
  • Driving frequency: The Hartford auto insurance takes into consideration how much time you spend on the road to figure out your risk. If you have a long commute or do a lot of traveling, you’ll likely pay more. However, this evaluation benefits people that don’t drive often.
  • Vehicle type: Modestly priced cars cost less to insure. In addition, the insurance company looks at safety features and ratings. Some vehicles are notoriously expensive to insure because of how much the parts cost.
  • Coverage history: It’s crucial that you maintain continuous auto insurance coverage. This track record proves that you are responsible. If you allow your insurance to lapse, you’ll pay more.
  • Location: The population density of your neighborhood will factor into the cost of your premiums. If you live in a heavily populated area, your chance of an accident rises.

To see how a quote from The Hartford auto insurance compares to other insurers, use the tool below.

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The Hartford Car Insurance Claims

It isn’t difficult to file an insurance claim with The Hartford. You can reach the claims department online or by phone. Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Among the options available, you can report a claim on:

  • Your auto policy
  • A glass-only incident
  • Another person’s car insurance policy

Once you report the event, you’ll have a claims representative assigned to the case. This rep documents all of the details and receives clarification on the damage, witnesses, and injuries. If you have questions throughout the process, you’ll speak with this rep. You can also track and check the status of your claim online.

In addition to the claims process, here are some other good things to know: 

  • Auto repair network: Use preferred repair shops, and receive a guarantee on the work for as long as you own the vehicle.
  • Rental car services: If you require a rental car, the representative will help you secure a vehicle while reporting your claim.
  • RESCUE 1-800®: Through this phone number, Roadside assistance is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

The Hartford Auto Insurance Industry Ratings

Some of the most important factors when evaluating insurance companies are reputation and customer satisfaction. The Hartford has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a customer rating of 1.1 out of 5 stars based on 227 reviews. 

The Hartford ranked highly in a few regions in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study℠: It got first place in the Northwest, third place in both the Mid-Atlantic and Southwest, and fifth place in Florida. However, the provider didn’t rank in every region of the country.

Positive Hartford Insurance Customer Reviews

Unlike many auto insurance providers, The Hartford allows customers to leave reviews directly on the website. We think this level of transparency is refreshing and further proves that the company cares. 

With over 35,000 reviews on its website, The Hartford holds an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5.0 stars. Positive insurance reviews praise knowledgeable, efficient customer service and easy claims service. Dissatisfied policyholders complain of poor communication. 


The Hartford Auto Insurance: Our Take

We rate The Hartford 4.1 out of 5.0 stars and consider it the best option for AARP members in our industry-wide review. Its variety of plan options, discounts, positive reviews, and industry reputation make The Hartford a smart choice for eligible drivers.

While we recommend The Hartford for auto insurance, it isn’t available for all drivers. If you don’t have an AARP membership, you won’t get coverage. Additionally, if you want to insure any teenage drivers through your policy, you might pay more than you would somewhere else. That being said, we think The Hartford auto insurance is a great option for drivers that qualify.


Top Recommendations For Auto Insurance

We always recommend receiving multiple auto insurance quotes to compare coverage before committing to a provider. After reviewing each of the top auto insurers in the industry, we found several other companies that may offer you better rates.

USAA: Best For Military

If you’re a military member, veteran, or family member of someone in the armed services, you might get the best rates from USAA car insurance. In the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study, USAA is listed as a top choice in every region surveyed. It also maintains high customer reviews and has a strong financial backing.

Learn more in our complete USAA insurance review.


Progressive: Best for Usage-Based Insurance

Progressive has one of the best telematics programs on the market, which is why we named it Best for Usage-Based Insurance. Through its mobile app, the Snapshot program gives you discounts for good driving habits. Progressive is known for providing a variety of coverage options at affordable rates, and it also scored well in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study.

Read more about coverage in our full Progressive insurance review.


Geico: Best for Basic Coverage

Geico offers a variety of coverage options as well as 16 discounts to help you save money. That’s why we named it Best for Basic Coverage. Geico ranks highly in the customer service department, earning an A+ rating from the BBB, and has proven itself as a leader in the insurance industry. We also like its specialty coverages, like mechanical breakdown insurance and rideshare insurance.

Read our Geico auto insurance review to learn more.


State Farm: Best Overall Provider

While State Farm auto insurance has higher rates, we think the customer service and coverage options are top-of-the-line and worth the cost. It has a nationwide network of local insurance agents for personalized service. You may also be eligible for a variety of discounts to keep the rates to a minimum. State Farm even rewards safe driving habits with its usage-based insurance program. Its high ranking in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study further justifies the value of using this insurance provider.

Read our State Farm insurance review to learn more.


The Hartford Auto Insurance: FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about The Hartford car insurance:

Does The Hartford have a good reputation?

The Hartford is a solid car insurance provider, as our team gave it a rating of 4.1 out of 5.0 stars for its variety of discounts and excellent coverage for drivers over 50.

What is The Hartford insurance known for?

The Hartford is best known for partnering with AARP to provide competitive rates for drivers aged 50 and older. Strong customer service and a wide range of coverage options also help The Hartford stand out from the competition.

Do you have to be a member of AARP to have Hartford insurance?

You must either be a member of AARP or be on a policy with a member to get car insurance through The Hartford. The company has offered policies exclusively to AARP members for the past 40 years.


How We Rate Auto Insurers

Our review team extensively researches auto insurance providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:

  • Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
  • Availability: Insurance companies that offer wider availability to consumers in terms of state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
  • Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
  • Pricing: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
  • Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer a smooth experience.
  • Technology: Providers with an online quote tool, easy-to-use claims app and a usage-based insurance app score best in this category.