Is AARP or AAA better?

Since every driver and every car insurance policy is unique, deciding which company is better for your needs means first considering your own priorities and preferences. If you are an older driver, for example, and want a policy that is tailored for the needs of those over the age of 50, AARP's insurance may be a better option for you. On the other hand, AAA's many secondary benefits and robust roadside assistance may appeal to you, especially if you are already an AAA member. To find the best car insurance for you, it can be useful to shop around and compare the offerings and potential costs of a range of insurers.

Which insurance company is best at paying claims?

J.D. Power monitors the claims satisfaction of car insurance customers in its annual Overall Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking. In 2024, The Hartford, which underwrites and manages AARP policies, scored one position above average, suggesting that the company is doing a fairly good job of managing claims payments. Since AAA car insurance includes a number of auto groups underwriting policies, it's a bit more challenging to get a sense of how well claims are paid. However, two of AAA's largest underwriters — Auto Club of Southern California and CSAA Insurance Group — scored well above average with J.D. Power. The third AAA group that is monitored by J.D. Power is the Automobile Club Group, and that underwriter scored below average, indicating that its policyholders were less satisfied with the company's claims management.

What is the best car insurance company?

Determining the best car insurance company for your purposes is a matter of considering what is most important to you since every company has different strengths and weaknesses. Some companies, for example, are known for writing cheap insurance policies, making them a good choice if you're trying to save money. Reviewing J.D. Power's independent assessments can be a good way to find out which companies offer the best customer service if that is your highest priority. Other companies may work best for you depending on your coverage needs. Perhaps you need high-risk insurance because of a few marks on your license, or maybe you're looking for a company with the best teen discounts. Thinking about the most important characteristics for you can help make your decision easier when it is time to pick a new insurer.

Do AARP and AAA offer homeowners insurance?

Yes, both organizations offer homeowners insurance, suggesting that you may be able to bundle your car coverage with home insurance to save money on both policies. AARP offers home insurance through The Hartford, while AAA's home coverage is primarily through CSAA Insurance Group. Policies may not be available in all states, however, and the types and levels of coverage may vary from location to location.

Does AARP offer roadside assistance?

Yes, AARP does offer roadside assistance, and you do not necessarily need to have car insurance through the company to take advantage of it. AARP members may access a reduced rate for Allstate Roadside, which includes towing, tire changes, lockout assistance and more. If you have your car insurance with The Hartford through AARP, you will also have access to that company's roadside assistance program, called RESCUE 1-800.

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AARP vs. AAA 2025

Written by

Mary Van Keuren

Edited by

Natasha Cornelius, CLU

Edited by

Natasha Cornelius, CLU

Updated Feb 01, 2025

AAA and AARP both offer robust coverage options and discounts, but require membership to purchase a policy — Bankrate helps you find the best fit for your needs.

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On This Page

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has long been associated with providing benefits to older adults. It was founded in 1958 by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired teacher, and now has a membership of more than 38 million members aged 50 and over. Although it offers extensive advocacy and other services, car insurance has been part of the nonprofit's portfolio since 1984 through its affiliation with The Hartford, which underwrites its policies. AARP also offers a highly-regarded driver training course for older adults, which may earn participants a discount with many insurers.

Like AARP, the American Automobile Association (AAA) didn't begin solely to sell car insurance. Instead, the organization, founded in 1902, was one of the earliest groups designed to support drivers by offering road maps, advocacy and more. It currently exists as a federation of individual motor clubs operating throughout the U.S., each of which offers car insurance through CSAA Insurance Group and other insurers. Types of coverage, discounts and other details may differ depending on your location and the AAA group you work with for your coverage.

Our verdict

When considering AARP vs. AAA, it’s important to note that both have membership requirements. Of the two, AARP is more restricted, with coverage only extended to AARP members over the age of 50. AARP offers unique coverage options, like RecoverCare, which gives you up to $2,500 to pay for transportation, cooking, cleaning or any other help you may need if you are injured in a car accident. As far as AAA vs. AARP roadside assistance programs, AAA is widely known for this perk, but AARP also offers it to policyholders, and the plans are similar. AARP has cheaper average rates in most circumstances, but AAA may be a more affordable option for drivers with high-risk incidents on their record.

AARP vs. AAA comparison

Featured AARP Not scored Bankrate scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience, in addition to average quoted rates. A secondary assessment of each provider's online and mobile resources and policy management options also contributed to overall ratings Read Review	AAA Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5 3.8 Bankrate scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience, in addition to average quoted rates. A secondary assessment of each provider's online and mobile resources and policy management options also contributed to overall ratings Cost & ratings Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 4.6 Coverage Rating: 3 stars out of 5 3.0 Support Rating: 3 stars out of 5 3.0 Read Review
OVERVIEW Bankrate identified key carrier features, coverage offerings, discounts and more
If you fit the company's 50-and-over demographic, it may be worth considering AARP for your coverage. There is an extensive list of discounts to help save money on your insurance, and the company offers several useful endorsements, including accident forgiveness and new car replacement coverage. The Hartford, which underwrites AARP policies, also offers a disappearing deductible, which reduces the amount you'll pay out-of-pocket after a claim as long as you maintain a clean driving record. Read More	Car insurance is available only to those who purchase an AAA membership, but this is available for less than $100 a year, so will not add significantly to the cost of your policy, and also includes other benefits. Because of the company's network structure, it is difficult to define the experience that policyholders have since the quality of customer service and breadth of coverage options and discounts may differ from group to group. That can also be a benefit, though, as there may be perks related to your local region. Read More
STANDOUT FEATURES These features are some of the carrier’s most impressive
Wide variety of endorsements Local agents available A+ financial strength rating Low minimum premiums	Robust roadside assistance Travel planning available Highly-rated mobile app Localized membership perks
AVG FULL COV. AUTO RATE Average national annual cost of a full coverage auto insurance policy
No rates available	$2,329
AVG MIN COV. AUTO RATE Average national annual cost of a minimum coverage auto insurance policy
No rates available	$630
J.D. POWER AUTO SCORE J.D. Power’s Auto Claims Satisfaction Study assesses customer satisfaction with the claims experience on a 1,000-point scale
Not Scored	701/1000
AM BEST RATING AM Best ratings assess companies’ financial strength based on historical ability to pay out claims, among other financial obligations
Not Scored	A(Excellent)

AARP pros and cons

Pros

The Hartford, AARP's underwriter, scored above average in the 2024 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study in Florida and the Southwest regions.
Membership includes perks such as an extensive list of savings coupons, Medicare resources and information on travel opportunities, safe driving and more.
24/7 claims management is available.
Discounts available for bundling, taking a defensive driving course and driving a hybrid or electric vehicle.

Cons

The Hartford scored below average in the 2024 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study in the Mid-Atlantic and Northwest regions.
Coverage access requires paid membership to AARP.
Only AARP members over the age of 50 and their families are eligible for coverage.
The Hartford scored in last place in the 2024 J.D. Power Digital Experience Study in the Services category.

AAA pros and cons

Pros

Local agents available country-wide through the AAA's membership groups.
Numerous membership perks and discounts.
Membership includes a robust roadside assistance program, including battery and fuel delivery service.
AAA groups scored at or near the top in several regions of the 2024 J.D. Power's Overall Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking.

Cons

Coverage options, discounts and availability may vary from one group to another.
AAA membership is required to purchase car insurance.
Average full and minimum coverage rates may be above national averages depending on the region and company underwriting the policy.
One of AAA's auto clubs, Automobile Club Group, scored below average in the 2024 J.D. Power Overall Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking.

Is AARP cheaper than AAA?

Because car insurance rates are highly personalized and based on a range of factors that are unique to each individual, it's a good idea to compare rates across various insurers to see which company can offer you the most affordable rate on a policy that best matches your needs and circumstances. Average rates are not currently available for AARP car insurance, so you will have to reach out to them directly for a quote. The table below shows annual premiums for AAA for a variety of driver profiles. For comparison’s sake, the national average cost for car insurance is $2,670 for full coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive insurance, and $773 for state-mandated minimum coverage, based on pricing data from Quadrant Information Services.


Young driver (age 25)	AARP avg. full coverage premium N/A	AAA avg. full coverage premium $2,789
Senior driver (age 70)	AARP avg. full coverage premium N/A	AAA avg. full coverage premium $2,290
Good driver, good credit	AARP avg. full coverage premium N/A	AAA avg. full coverage premium $2,329
Good driver, poor credit	AARP avg. full coverage premium N/A	AAA avg. full coverage premium $4,831
Speeding ticket with good credit	AARP avg. full coverage premium N/A	AAA avg. full coverage premium $3,155
At-fault accident with good credit	AARP avg. full coverage premium N/A	AAA avg. full coverage premium $3,238
DUI conviction with good credit	AARP avg. full coverage premium N/A	AAA avg. full coverage premium $4,170

Bankrate's take

If you have marks on your license, especially for serious infractions like a DUI, you may have challenges finding affordable coverage. In fact, some insurers will not write policies for individuals with a DUI, although both AARP and AAA will. It's always a good idea to disclose any past infractions when asking for a car insurance quote so that you can receive an accurate rate estimate.

As you can see from the table above, the average cost of insurance varies — sometimes significantly — based on factors including age, credit history and driving record. When determining rates, insurers use algorithms that take into account the sum total of claims filed by drivers in each of these categories. Groups that file a greater number of claims — for example, teen drivers, who are statistically the most likely age group to be involved in an accident — are generally assigned higher premium rates.

AARP vs AAA: discounts

AARP offers several benefits and discounts exclusively for its senior member base. AAA also caters to its members with many discounts and benefits that go beyond car insurance, including a strong focus on assisting members with travel plans and reservations. Both AARP and AAA discounts are extensive, with standard discounts including potential savings for vehicle safety features, bundling and paying your premium in full.

Discounts available from both carriers

Common discounts carried by both insurers include one for bundling your car insurance with another type of policy, such as homeowner; both also feature a telematics discount program. AARP's program is called TrueLane and could net you as much as 40 percent off, depending on your driving habits. AAA offers several telematics programs depending on the group you are insured by, including AAADrive, SmartTrek or OnBoard.

AARP discounts

Vehicle fuel type discount: Hybrid and electric vehicles may earn policyholders a discount.
AARP membership discount: The Hartford underwrites AARP auto insurance policies and offers a discount of up to 10 percent to AARP members.
Online quoting discount: Getting a quote online may save you money on your premium, but this discount is only available in select states.
Paid-in-full discount: You may receive a discount if you pay your entire bill at one time rather than making monthly or quarterly payments.

AAA discounts

AAA membership discount: AAA members may be eligible for automatic discounts.
Loyalty discount: This discount is for policyholders who maintain continuous AAA car insurance for a designated period of time.
Advanced shopping discount: You may save with AAA if your auto insurance quote is initiated at least a week before the effective date.
Good student discount: Full-time high school and college students may earn a discount based on their grade point average. This discount is usually available for drivers aged 24 and under.
Education and occupation discount: You may earn savings if you have reached a certain level of education or if you are employed in a qualifying field.

AARP and AAA telematics programs

Telematics programs are becoming increasingly common as a way to save money — and potentially improve your driving skills. These programs use a mobile app to monitor your driving in real time, awarding a discounted premium to drivers who demonstrate safe and careful driving habits. For AARP policies, The Hartford uses a program called TrueLane. AAA groups offer several telematics programs, but one of the most common is AAADrive.

	AARP TrueLane	AAADrive
Device	Mobile app	Mobile app
Can it raise your rate?	Yes	No
Availability	Select states	Select states
Discount	Up to 40%	Up to 25%
What it monitors	Time, speed, mobile phone usage, acceleration and location	Start and end time, location, accelerometer data, mobile phone use and how long you drive without taking a break

AARP vs. AAA: customer experience comparison

Customer satisfaction is a priority for many drivers when looking for auto insurance. For many, two of the most important factors are the handling of claims and how viable an insurer’s digital tools are. We’ve compiled app ratings from the App Store and Google Play Store, along with insurance claims satisfaction scores from the 2024 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Data under AARP is from The Hartford's app and J.D. Power rating, and we have included ratings for three of AAA’s largest auto clubs that were included in the study.

	AARP/The Hartford	AAA
Apple store	4.8 out of 5	4.7 of 5
Google play	4.5 out of 5	4.4 of 5
J.D. Power claims satisfaction	701/1,000	Automobile Club Group: 692/1,000 CSAA Insurance Group: 704/1,000 Auto Club of Southern California Insurance Group: 706/1,000

Customer complaints

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) manages a complaint index that monitors the number of complaints earned by insurance companies. The industry standard is 1.0; any number higher than that indicates a company that receives more than the average number of complaints, while anything under 1.0 indicates fewer complaints than average. Knowing your insurer's complaint index number can give you a sense of the quality of the company's customer service and its responsiveness to policyholder needs.

AARP auto insurance customer complaints

Since The Hartford underwrites AARP policies, this is the company that is monitored by NAIC. The Hartford customer complaints rating has hovered around average since 2021, with 2023 coming in slightly above. This suggests that policyholders are generally satisfied with the level of customer care they receive when filing claims or managing other car insurance business.

AAA auto insurance customer complaints

Because AAA policies are underwritten and serviced by different carriers, NAIC records show mixed complaint scores. CSAA, one of AAA’s largest servicers, has hovered below 1.00 for the last few years. The Auto Club Group, shown in the graph, had a relatively high complaint score in 2021. However, it's clear that over the past several years, AAA has increased its focus on customer satisfaction.

Frequently asked questions

Since every driver and every car insurance policy is unique, deciding which company is better for your needs means first considering your own priorities and preferences. If you are an older driver, for example, and want a policy that is tailored for the needs of those over the age of 50, AARP's insurance may be a better option for you. On the other hand, AAA's many secondary benefits and robust roadside assistance may appeal to you, especially if you are already an AAA member. To find the best car insurance for you, it can be useful to shop around and compare the offerings and potential costs of a range of insurers.
J.D. Power monitors the claims satisfaction of car insurance customers in its annual Overall Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking. In 2024, The Hartford, which underwrites and manages AARP policies, scored one position above average, suggesting that the company is doing a fairly good job of managing claims payments. Since AAA car insurance includes a number of auto groups underwriting policies, it's a bit more challenging to get a sense of how well claims are paid. However, two of AAA's largest underwriters — Auto Club of Southern California and CSAA Insurance Group — scored well above average with J.D. Power. The third AAA group that is monitored by J.D. Power is the Automobile Club Group, and that underwriter scored below average, indicating that its policyholders were less satisfied with the company's claims management.
Determining the best car insurance company for your purposes is a matter of considering what is most important to you since every company has different strengths and weaknesses. Some companies, for example, are known for writing cheap insurance policies, making them a good choice if you're trying to save money. Reviewing J.D. Power's independent assessments can be a good way to find out which companies offer the best customer service if that is your highest priority. Other companies may work best for you depending on your coverage needs. Perhaps you need high-risk insurance because of a few marks on your license, or maybe you're looking for a company with the best teen discounts. Thinking about the most important characteristics for you can help make your decision easier when it is time to pick a new insurer.
Yes, both organizations offer homeowners insurance, suggesting that you may be able to bundle your car coverage with home insurance to save money on both policies. AARP offers home insurance through The Hartford, while AAA's home coverage is primarily through CSAA Insurance Group. Policies may not be available in all states, however, and the types and levels of coverage may vary from location to location.
Yes, AARP does offer roadside assistance, and you do not necessarily need to have car insurance through the company to take advantage of it. AARP members may access a reduced rate for Allstate Roadside, which includes towing, tire changes, lockout assistance and more. If you have your car insurance with The Hartford through AARP, you will also have access to that company's roadside assistance program, called RESCUE 1-800.

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze February 2025 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

$100,000 bodily injury liability per person
$300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
$50,000 property damage liability per accident
$100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
$300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
$500 collision deductible
$500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2023 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.

Credit-based insurance scores: Rates were calculated based on the following insurance credit tiers assigned to our drivers: “poor, average, good (base) and excellent.” Insurance credit tiers factor in your official credit scores but are not dependent on that variable alone. Four states prohibit or limit the use of credit as a rating factor in determining auto insurance rates: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan.

Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction.

Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 25-70 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.

Bankrate Scores

Our Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impact policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.

Overall Score

Cost & ratings 50%
Coverage & savings 30%
Support 20%

Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.