AARP Car Insurance: What AARP Actually Offers and How It Works

AARP does not sell car insurance directly, but it negotiates group rates with insurance companies on behalf of its members

AARP itself is not an insurance company. Instead, AARP has partnerships with insurers — primarily The Hartford and National General — that offer discounted rates to AARP members. When you see "AARP car insurance," you are buying a policy from one of these partner companies, not from AARP. AARP's role is to negotiate the discount and handle the marketing; the insurance company handles underwriting, claims, and policy terms.

The discount varies by state, age, driving history, and the specific insurer. AARP members typically receive a percentage off the standard rate, but the exact amount depends on your personal risk profile and where you live. You still go through the same underwriting process as any other applicant — AARP membership does not bypass that step.

AARP membership itself costs $16 per year for those 50 and older. The car insurance discount may or may not offset that cost depending on your current rate and how much you drive. Some members save hundreds annually; others save less. You can request a quote to see the actual discount before deciding whether membership makes financial sense for your situation.

Key Takeaways

• AARP negotiates discounted rates with partner insurers like The Hartford and National General, but does not underwrite or sell policies itself.
• The discount amount varies by state, age, driving record, and which partner company you choose, so you must get a quote to know the actual savings.
• AARP membership costs $16 annually, and you should compare the car insurance discount against that cost to determine if membership is worth it for you.
• You still complete a full underwriting process with the insurance company, and AARP membership does not change your rates based on driving history or claims.
• The Hartford and National General are the primary AARP insurance partners, though partnerships may vary by state.

Which insurance companies partner with AARP

The Hartford is the largest AARP insurance partner and offers coverage in most states. National General is the second major partner. Both companies underwrite the policies, set the terms, and handle claims. AARP does not process claims or make coverage decisions — the insurance company does.

Some states may have additional or different partners. You can see which companies operate in your state by visiting AARP's insurance page or calling their member services line. The discount is specific to each partner, so if both The Hartford and National General operate where you live, you can compare quotes from each.

How the AARP discount works and what it covers

The discount applies to the base rate for your policy. It does not explore to taxes, fees, or surcharges that the state or insurer adds. If your base rate is $1,200 per year and the AARP discount is 15 percent, you save $180 on the base — but your final bill will include any mandatory fees or state taxes on top of that discounted amount.

The discount covers the same types of coverage that any other customer can buy: liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and optional add-ons like roadside information. AARP membership does not change what coverage is available or what the policy terms are. You choose the same deductibles and limits as anyone else.

Some AARP members also receive additional perks through their insurance partner, such as discounts on roadside information, accident forgiveness, or safe driver discounts. These vary by partner and state. Ask the insurance company directly what extras come with the AARP rate in your area.

Age requirements and who can get AARP car insurance

You must be 50 or older to join AARP and therefore to access AARP car insurance rates. If you are under 50, you cannot use AARP's negotiated discounts. Some insurance companies offer their own discounts for safe driving, bundling policies, or other factors that may be available to you regardless of age.

AARP membership is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents 50 and older. You do not need to be retired. Once you join, you can request a car insurance quote from The Hartford, National General, or whichever partner operates in your state.

How to compare AARP rates against other insurers

Get a quote from the AARP partner in your state, then get quotes from at least two other major insurers using the same coverage limits and deductibles. Write down the base rate, any discounts applied, taxes, and the final total for each quote. Compare the final totals, not just the base rates, because discounts and fees vary widely.

When you request an AARP quote, you will provide your age, driving history, vehicle information, and coverage preferences — the same information any insurer needs. The quote will show the AARP discount as a line item. If the final price is lower than other quotes, the AARP rate is worth considering. If it is higher, you may find better rates elsewhere even with the AARP discount included.

Keep in mind that rates change annually and vary by insurer. An AARP rate that is competitive this year may not be next year. Review your policy annually and compare quotes from multiple companies to make sure you are still getting a good rate.

AARP insurance discounts beyond car coverage

AARP also negotiates group rates for homeowners insurance, renters insurance, and travel insurance through partner companies. These work the same way as car insurance: AARP negotiates a discount, you buy the policy from the partner company, and the partner handles underwriting and claims. The discount varies by product and state.

Some members bundle car and home insurance with the same AARP partner to receive additional discounts. Ask about bundling when you request a quote to see if it lowers your total cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AARP membership may provide I will get a discount on car insurance?

AARP membership gives you access to negotiated rates, but the actual discount depends on your age, driving history, location, and the insurance company's underwriting. You will receive a quote that shows the discount amount, but you are not may provide any specific savings. Some members save significantly; others save less.

Can I cancel my AARP membership and keep the insurance rate?

No. The discounted rate is available only to current AARP members. If you cancel your membership, your insurance rate will change to the standard rate for your profile. Your policy will not be cancelled, but you will pay the full non-member price when it renews.

What happens to my AARP insurance rate if I get a traffic ticket or accident?

Your rate is handled by the insurance company, not by AARP. If you have an accident or ticket, the insurance company may increase your rate at renewal according to its underwriting guidelines. AARP membership does not protect you from rate increases based on your driving record.

Is AARP car insurance available in every state?

The Hartford operates in most states, but not all. National General also has state-by-state availability. You can check whether AARP insurance partners operate in your state by visiting AARP's website or calling their member services line. If no partner operates in your state, you cannot purchase AARP car insurance there.

How do I switch to AARP car insurance from my current policy?

Request a quote from the AARP partner in your state. If you decide to switch, contact your current insurer to cancel your policy (watch your cancellation date to avoid a gap in coverage), then set up the new AARP policy on your desired start date. The insurance company will guide you through the process once you have purchased the policy.