AARP Auto Insurance Review 2023
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AARP has been offering auto coverage through The Hartford since 1984. While it provides a broad range of insurance products, car insurance is only available to AARP members aged 50 or older. Seniors enjoy reliable coverage and discounts with companies like Denny's and AT&T. However, accident forgiveness and disappearing deductibles are only available to policyholders in some states.
Membership fees are advertised at just $12 for new members annually (the price rises to $16 upon renewal, according to its website). Even at that low price, the advertised benefits of an AARP membership extend into many areas, including banking and investments, financial planning, fraud protection, gas and auto services, and other discounts on groceries and dining out.
Types of Auto Insurance Plans from AARP
Like most auto insurers,
AARP's collision insurance covers the following:
- Accidents with another car
- Single-car collisions, such as a rollover
- Crashes into your parked car while you're in it
- Collisions in a vehicle you've rented within the US
- A collision with a stationary object, such as a mailbox
AARP's comprehensive insurance covers the following:
- Natural disasters or a fire
- Vandalism or theft
- Falling objects
- Civil disturbances such as riots
- Hitting an animal
- Glass damage
AARP's uninsured/underinsured coverage covers the following:
- Medical bills and other costs if you're in an accident caused by an uninsured driver
- Auto damage associated with a drunk driver or another driver who hits your car while it's unoccupied and parked
- Medical bills and other costs if you're in an accident caused by a driver with insufficient coverage for the damages caused
- Uninsured and underinsured coverage is used alongside any coverage the offending driver may have. So if you buy state minimum coverage limits for underinsured driver coverage, you may not see any benefits. Your limits match your chosen liability limits.
In addition to the main types of insurance, AARP also offers the following unique benefits:
- New Car Replacement Coverage - If you total your new car shortly after buying it, AARP's car insurance plan will pay to replace it with a new vehicle of the same make, model, and equipment. This rider does not factor in depreciation, covering the immediate drop in value when you drive off the lot.
- RecoverCare - If you're hurt in an accident, you may struggle to handle everyday tasks. RecoverCare from AARP helps pay for things you can't do for yourself during this time, including housecleaning, lawn maintenance, snow removal, transportation services, food preparation, and dog walking. If you can't drive to work, RecoverCare will also pay for an alternative mode of transportation.
- Lifetime Car Repair Assurance - This service offered by AARP helps you find a trusted repair service if you need one, saving you the hassle of doing it yourself. With 1,600 repair shops in an approved network, it backs the quality of repairs for the duration of your vehicle ownership or lease.
- 24/7 claims hotline - Many companies have 24/7 access to claim support. This way, no matter when it happens, you'll have an agent to answer questions and help you after an accident or other incident.
Additional Coverage Options (Riders)
AARP offers additional coverage options, including
- Accident Forgiveness - Everyone makes mistakes, and AARP knows it. After five years, you can qualify for accident forgiveness with a clean driving record. Availability may vary by state. We recommend checking with your agent representing The Hartford to verify.
- Disappearing Deductible - With this option, the collision deductible decreases each year you maintain a clean driving record. Over time, you could pay no deductible after an accident. However, the disappearing deductible would be reset.
- Rescue 1-800 Towing Coverage - This additional coverage is only offered to those with comprehensive coverage. Available 24/7, 365 days per year, The Hartford's roadside assistance program is available when calling 800-322-7789. All that is needed is your name, location, problem type, and auto insurance policy number.
- Gap coverage - This coverage helps pay the difference between what your car is worth and how much you still owe if it is totaled or stolen. Without gap coverage, you may still be on the hook for additional loan balances if you experience a total loss.
- Rental car reimbursement coverage - If you're in a covered accident, this covers the cost of a rental vehicle. You pick the per-day rates, and your policy will cover up to 30 days, depending on the accident. With rental cars on the rise, it's worth considering higher limits.
- Full glass coverage - This rider offers full coverage for headlights, windshields, and mirrors without applying your deductible. It's not available in some states.
- Rental car insurance - If you're renting a car, this coverage will pay to repair damage to your vehicle after a covered incident. Your deductible will apply to any claims made.
- Medical payments - Also called PIP in some states, it helps pay for medical expenses after an accident. Some states make medical payments (sometimes called PIP) part of minimum state auto insurance coverage.
How Much Does AARP Auto Insurance Cost?
AARP
The type of car also impacts costs if you have collision and comprehensive coverage. Vehicles that are more prone to theft may have higher comprehensive insurance rates. Luxury cars and electric vehicles are also more expensive to insure as these vehicles cost more to fix or replace. However, the price of your car may be offset by extra safety features. Your insurer can run the exact algorithm.
AARP only insures drivers 50 and older, removing teens and some other high-risk groups from the equation. However, age may still affect this limited demographic. For example, AARP states that drivers between 50 and 60 may pay less, while rates may increase for those over 70.
How to File a Claim
AARP prides itself on its six-point Claim Commitment, and its process is accessible 24/7. To file a claim anytime, call 877-805-9918. If you prefer to submit your claim online, you can fill out a form at https://autoclaims.thehartford.com/personal. If you need to file a glass-only claim, you can do so at https://submit.glassclaim.com/self-service/Welcome.aspx.
If you have questions during the process, you can contact your claims representative or check the status inside your The Hartford portal online or through its app.
AARP Auto Insurance FAQs
How can I get a quote for AARP auto insurance?
AARP customers can speak to an agent, get a quote online at https://www.thehartford.com/aarp/car-insurance/car-insurance-quotes, or call 800-684-1933 to get a quote for auto and other insurance products.
What discounts does AARP auto insurance offer?
If you bundle your car insurance with other plans, you can save up to 5% on your premiums. By bundling your home and auto coverage, you can save up to 20%. Discounts are also available for paying in full and submitting an online quote form online. You can get a full range of available deals on your quote.
What information is needed to obtain an online quote from AARP?
To obtain an online quote, you need to have your:
- Driver's license number and zip code
- Vehicle registration
- Current insurance documentation
- Vehicle identification number
- Car mileage
- Loan or lease information, if applicable
Methodology: How We Reviewed AARP Auto Insurance
Business Insider evaluated car insurance companies based on customer service and claims satisfaction scores. This review includes availability, price, coverage, and additional features, as explained in our insurance rating methodology.
We consider vendor websites and online review sites featuring thousands of consumer reviews. We also factor in industry expertise based on current industry standards. This allows us to rank insurance providers and offer objective assessments.
Compare AARP vs. AAA
The Hartford (AARP) and the
AAA Rewards members save 10% on auto insurance and offer discounts for specific education and occupation classes. AARP members also enjoy a 10% discount off their premium and various discounts across different industries. Those 50 and older who are already AAA members or considering doing so should compare the two to see where they can get affordable coverage.
Compare AARP vs. Progressive
AARP (The Hartford) and
One caveat is AARP offers accident forgiveness, while Progressive gives users small and large accident forgiveness for no additional cost. Eligible drivers should determine essential features and compare AARP and Progressive to see which makes the most sense. Drivers under 50 can compare Progressive with other insurers.
Compare AARP vs. Root
While AARP is available across the US, Root is not only available in 34 states. Root also offers cash back for referring family and friends to the company. So if you're not afraid of trying out a newer technology company, Root could be worth checking out for good drivers wanting lower rates.