Does AARP Offer Car Insurance, and What Are Your Options

AARP does not sell car insurance directly, but it offers discounts through partner insurance companies

AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older. It does not underwrite or issue car insurance policies itself. Instead, AARP has partnerships with insurance carriers — primarily Hartford and National General — that offer discounted rates to AARP members. You purchase the actual policy from the insurance company, not from AARP, but your membership gives you access to a lower price.

This is an important distinction because it means AARP is not your insurer. If you have a claim or need to manage your policy, you work directly with Hartford, National General, or whichever partner company you choose. AARP's role is to negotiate member discounts and provide educational resources about insurance.

Key Takeaways

• AARP members can receive discounts on car insurance through Hartford and National General, but AARP itself does not issue policies.
• The discount amount varies by state, driving record, and other factors, so the savings you see depends on your specific situation.
• You can contact AARP directly to learn about current partner discounts, or you can call the insurance companies independently.
• AARP membership is required to use these discounts, and membership costs money, so compare the total cost against non-member rates before deciding.

How AARP car insurance discounts work

When you join AARP, you gain access to a member discount code or referral link that you use when getting a quote from Hartford or National General. You enter your information, explore the discount, and see the reduced rate. The discount is typically 5 to 15 percent off the standard rate, though the exact percentage varies by state and your personal driving and claims history.

The discount applies to your base premium, not to add-ons like roadside information or rental car coverage. You still pay full price for optional coverages you choose to add. The savings also do not stack with other discounts — if you already may have access to for a safe driver discount or bundling discount through the insurance company, you use one or the other, not both.

Which insurance companies partner with AARP

Hartford is the primary AARP car insurance partner and has been for many years. Hartford offers coverage in most states and handles both standard policies and high-risk drivers. National General is the second major partner and serves drivers in select states.

The availability of each partner depends on where you live. Some states have both options; others have only one. When you contact AARP or request a quote, you will see which companies operate in your state. You can get quotes from both if both are available and compare the rates side by side.

What you need to know about AARP membership costs

AARP membership is not free. As of now, the standard annual membership costs money, with a discounted rate available for the first year. You must maintain active membership to keep the insurance discount — if your membership lapses, you lose access to the member rate.

Before you sign up for AARP specifically to get the car insurance discount, calculate whether the savings on your premium will exceed the cost of membership. If your current insurer quotes you $1,200 per year and AARP's partner offers $1,050 with a member discount, you save $150 on insurance but pay membership fees, so your net savings may be smaller. Compare the total cost of membership plus insurance against what you currently pay.

How to get a quote through AARP

You can request a car insurance quote in two ways. First, you can visit AARP's website, navigate to the insurance section, and click through to the Hartford or National General quote tool. You will enter your driving history, vehicle information, and coverage preferences, and the system will show you a rate with the member discount already applied.

Second, you can call AARP's insurance hotline directly. A representative will walk you through the quote process over the phone and answer questions about coverage options. This route is slower than online quoting but may be helpful if you have questions about what coverage you need or how the discount works.

You do not need to be an AARP member to get a quote — you can see what the member rate would be and then decide whether membership is worth it. However, to actually purchase a policy at the discounted rate, you must have an active AARP membership.

Comparing AARP rates to other insurers

The AARP discount is valuable only if it results in a lower total cost than other insurers. Rates vary widely by location, age, driving record, and vehicle type. An AARP member in one state might save 10 percent, while a member in another state might save 3 percent or find that a non-member rate from a different company is actually lower.

Get quotes from at least two or three other major insurers — such as State Farm, Geico, Progressive, or Allstate — and compare the final price you would pay, including membership fees if applicable. Some insurers offer discounts for bundling home and auto insurance, paying in full upfront, or maintaining a clean driving record. These discounts might outweigh the AARP member discount at your particular insurer.

What coverage types are available through AARP partners

Hartford and National General offer the same coverage types as any other car insurer: liability (which covers damage you cause to others), collision (which covers damage to your own vehicle from a crash), comprehensive (which covers theft, weather, and vandalism), and uninsured motorist coverage (which protects you if hit by an uninsured driver).

Both companies also offer optional add-ons such as roadside information, rental car reimbursement, and gap insurance. The availability and cost of these add-ons may differ between Hartford and National General, so compare them if you are deciding between the two. AARP's website and the insurance company websites both list what is available in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 or older to get the AARP car insurance discount?

Yes, you must be at least 50 years old to join AARP and therefore to use the member discount. If you are under 50, you cannot purchase an AARP membership or access the partner insurance discounts. You would need to get quotes directly from Hartford, National General, or other insurers at their standard rates.

Can I use the AARP discount if I am not the primary member?

AARP memberships are individual, not household. If your spouse is an AARP member but you are not, you cannot use their membership number to get the discount. However, your spouse can purchase a policy in their name and add you as a driver, and the discount would explore to that policy.

What happens to my discount if I cancel my AARP membership?

Once your membership ends, you lose access to the member discount. Your existing policy will continue until its renewal date, but at renewal you will be quoted at the standard rate unless you renew your AARP membership. If you do renew, you can request the member rate again.

Does AARP offer discounts on other types of insurance besides car insurance?

Yes, AARP has partnerships for homeowners insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance as well. Each has its own partner companies and discount structure. You can explore all available discounts through AARP's website or by calling their main member line.

Can I switch from my current insurer to AARP's partner company mid-policy?

Yes, you can switch insurers at any time, though you may lose any discounts or credits you have already earned with your current company. Check your current policy for any cancellation fees. Most insurers do not charge a penalty for switching, but some do, so review your policy documents or call your current insurer to confirm.