AARP does not sell car insurance directly, but it offers discounts through partner insurance companies
AARP itself is not an insurance company and does not underwrite or sell car insurance policies. Instead, AARP has partnerships with insurance carriers — primarily The Hartford and National General — that offer discounted rates to AARP members. If you are an AARP member looking for car insurance, you would purchase a policy from one of these partner companies, not from AARP itself.
The discount typically ranges from 10 to 15 percent off the partner company's standard rates, though the actual savings depend on your driving record, location, age, and the coverage you choose. You must be an AARP member to receive the discount, and membership costs $16 per year for those 50 and older.
It is worth comparing these discounted rates against quotes from other insurers before you commit. A discount applied to a higher base rate may not beat a competitor's standard price, and different companies weight factors like age, accident history, and location differently.
Key Takeaways
- AARP partners with The Hartford and National General to offer car insurance discounts to members, but does not sell policies itself.
- The discount is typically 10 to 15 percent off the partner company's rates, and you must be an AARP member age 50 or older to receive it.
- AARP membership costs $16 per year, so factor that into your total savings calculation.
- You should get quotes from multiple insurers — including AARP's partners and other companies — to find the lowest actual premium for your situation.
How AARP's insurance partnerships work
When you contact The Hartford or National General as an AARP member, you provide your membership number during the quote process. The insurer verifies your membership and applies the discount to your rate. You then purchase the policy directly from that insurance company, not through AARP, and your policy documents and billing come from the insurer.
AARP receives a commission from these insurance partners for referring members, but that does not change your premium or the terms of your policy. You are buying insurance from a licensed carrier with the same coverage options and claims process as any other customer of that company.
What coverage AARP's partner insurers offer
The Hartford and National General both offer standard car insurance coverage: liability (bodily injury and property damage), collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist protection, and medical payments. They also offer optional add-ons like roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, and gap insurance depending on your state and policy type.
Coverage limits, deductibles, and specific add-ons vary by state because insurance is regulated at the state level. When you get a quote, the insurer will show you what is available in your location and let you customize your policy before you buy.
Comparing AARP discounts to other insurers
The 10 to 15 percent AARP member discount is meaningful, but it applies only to The Hartford and National General. Other major insurers — State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate, and others — offer their own discounts for things like bundling home and auto policies, maintaining a clean driving record, completing a defensive driving course, or paying your premium in full upfront.
A driver age 65 or older might find that some insurers offer larger discounts for that age group than AARP's standard member discount. A younger driver with a good record might save more through a multi-policy bundle elsewhere. The only way to know is to get quotes from at least three or four companies and compare the final premium after all discounts are applied.
Use online quote tools or call insurers directly. Most provide estimates without requiring you to commit, and comparing takes 20 to 30 minutes. Write down the coverage limits and deductibles for each quote so you are comparing the same level of protection.
When AARP insurance makes sense
AARP's discounted rates are worth considering if you are already an AARP member and the partner insurers' final quotes are competitive in your area. If you are not yet a member, calculate whether the $16 annual membership fee plus the discounted premium beats what you would pay elsewhere. In many cases it does, but not always.
AARP's partnerships also appeal to members who value the organization's other services and simply want the insurance discount as an added benefit. If you use AARP for travel planning, discounts on prescriptions, or other member perks, bundling insurance there may simplify your accounts even if the rate is not the absolute lowest available.
How to get an AARP car insurance quote
Visit AARP's website and navigate to the insurance section, or call AARP's insurance phone line. You will be directed to The Hartford or National General depending on your state. Have your driver's license, vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year), and current insurance details (if you have them) ready.
Provide your AARP membership number to receive the member discount. If you are not yet an AARP member, you can join during the quote process, though you may want to join first and then shop to avoid any confusion about when the discount takes effect.
The quote process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes online or by phone. You will see the base rate, the member discount applied, and your final premium. Review the coverage limits and deductibles carefully before you buy.
Other car insurance options for older adults
Beyond AARP, several insurers specialize in or offer enhanced discounts for drivers age 50 and older. The Hartford itself (AARP's partner) is known for competitive rates on older drivers. Geico, State Farm, and Progressive all offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course, which can be especially valuable for older drivers and sometimes reduces your premium by 5 to 10 percent.
Some states offer low-income car insurance programs or senior discount programs through the state insurance commissioner's office. These are separate from AARP and may be worth exploring if you have limited income or are looking for the absolute lowest-cost coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AARP member to get a quote from The Hartford or National General?
No. Both insurers sell policies to anyone who meets their underwriting standards. The AARP member discount applies only if you provide a valid membership number, but you can get a standard quote without membership and compare it to the member rate.
Can I cancel AARP membership and keep my insurance discount?
No. Your discount is tied to active AARP membership. If you cancel your membership, you lose the discount on your next renewal. Your existing policy remains in force until renewal, but your rate will increase at that time unless you are still a member.
Does AARP car insurance cost more or less than other companies?
It depends on your age, driving record, location, and the coverage you choose. The AARP member discount makes The Hartford and National General competitive for many people, but other insurers may offer lower rates in your specific situation. Always get multiple quotes to compare.
What if I have a poor driving record — can I still get AARP insurance?
AARP's partner insurers have their own underwriting standards and may decline to insure drivers with serious violations or multiple accidents. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers. If you are declined, ask the insurer for a list of alternatives or contact your state insurance commissioner's office for resources.