The Hartford Insurance review 2023

The Hartford car insurance

The Hartford could be an excellent choice for auto insurance, but it depends on your needs and if you qualify. The Hartford is only available to members of the American Association of Retired People (AARP). To be a member of AARP, you must be 50 or older.

According to our extensive The Hartford insurance review, this company may not be the cheapest car insurance company for most drivers. However, drivers willing to pay a little extra for top-notch customer service may be interested in requesting a quote from The Hartford due to its high scores in the 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study. Although not ranked in every region, the company placed between first and second in overall customer satisfaction in three out of the four regions its policyholders were surveyed in. Although The Hartford is not available for all drivers and may offer higher premiums, The Hartford earned a respectable 3.9 auto Bankrate Score, thanks in part to its customer service.

The Hartford car insurance is available in all 50 states for those who qualify. It offers all the standard coverage you would expect. Additionally, it offers some stand-out coverage options. Two of these include new car replacement and RecoverCare, which can help pay for necessary services you may require after an accident, like house cleaning or dog walking.

Pros and cons of The Hartford car insurance

The Hartford may be one of the best car insurance companies for drivers who qualify. When shopping for new coverage, consider the pros and cons of The Hartford to help you determine how it matches your needs compared to other insurers.

The Hartford car insurance cost

According to proprietary rate data from Quadrant Information Services, the national average cost of car insurance for a full coverage policy in 2023 is $2,014 per year. For minimum coverage, the average annual rate is $622 per year. Average rates for The Hartford car insurance are $2,104 and $595, respectively. However, how much you pay for car insurance depends on several rating factors, so you may pay more or less than average.

The Hartford car insurance rates by driving history

Bankrate sources proprietary premium data from Quadrant Information Service to provide an in-depth insurance analysis that may help you compare quotes. The tables below demonstrate how different types of driving activity may impact your premium.

The Hartford car insurance quotes by age

Another factor that can determine how much you pay for car insurance is your age. Typically, younger drivers pay more for car insurance due to their statistically higher risk of being involved in a car accident. For example, the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) found that almost 39 percent of all fatal car accidents in 2020 involved drivers aged 16 to 20. Remember, though — you must be 50 or older to qualify for coverage through The Hartford. In the tables below, you’ll find the average rates for The Hartford car insurance for drivers that may qualify for coverage based on age.

Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their own policy

The Hartford car insurance discounts

The Hartford car insurance may be more expensive on average, but the company offers a handful of discounts that may help you save. The company doesn’t specify the savings amounts for many of its discounts, but these opportunities include:

The Hartford car tools and benefits

Since The Hartford is AARP’s insurance product line, customers of The Hartford can enjoy the benefits that AARP provides. These include savings on a wide variety of products and services, including groceries, car repairs, travel-related expenses, pet insurance and more. Additionally, AARP members have exclusive access to specialized credit cards, annuities, personal loans and financial planning services.

The Hartford also offers insurance for many other types of vehicles aside from private passenger autos, including golf carts, RVs, classic cars, ATVs and snowmobiles.

The Hartford home insurance

The Hartford may be the company for you if you value customer service over all else. It may not be the cheapest homeowners insurance company, but The Hartford received high marks for customer satisfaction and property claims satisfaction, according to J.D. Power. As with its auto policies, you must be an AARP member to qualify for a homeowners insurance policy with The Hartford. However, The Hartford homeowners insurance is not available in all states. Its reduced availability and higher-than-average rates negatively impacted The Hartford’s home Bankrate Score, but it still earned a 3.5 out of 5, thanks partly due to its customer satisfaction, discount availability and coverage options.

The Hartford could be one of the best homeowners insurance companies for shoppers looking for robust coverage. Alongside standard homeowners coverage types like dwelling, other structures and personal liability, The Hartford also offers an extensive list of coverage add-ons that allow for a personalized policy. For instance, The Hartford’s Green Rebuilding coverage will increase a policy’s limits up to 10 percent to account for the added expense of using environmentally friendly materials to rebuild or repair a home. Another option is the company’s New for Old protection, which may offset depreciation by replacing your personal property with brand-new belongings when required due to a covered loss.

Pros and cons of The Hartford homeowners insurance

It can be easy to lose track of the options that various companies provide when you’re comparing homeowners quotes. If this is the case, you might find it helpful to compare a list of The Hartford’s pros and cons to help see if it stands out against other options.

The Hartford home insurance cost

Bankrate’s insurance editorial team analyzed proprietary rate data sourced from Quadrant Information Services. The 2023 average cost of a homeowners policy is $1,428 per year for $250,000 in dwelling coverage. The Hartford policyholders pay $1,973 per year on average for the same level of coverage.

The Hartford home insurance discounts

The Hartford homeowners policyholders could save on their premiums by taking advantage of discounts. The company doesn’t advertise the exact savings for many of its discounts, so you will need to contact a Hartford agent for more information.

The Hartford home tools and benefits

Since you must be a member of AARP to be eligible for The Hartford, homeowners that are insured with The Hartford get to take advantage of all the benefits that AARP offers. Additionally, The Hartford sells flood policies written through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), along with renters insurance, and condo insurance.

The Hartford life insurance

The Hartford doesn’t offer life insurance. However, the AARP Life Insurance Program provides whole life insurance written through New York Life.

The Hartford customer satisfaction

To evaluate insurance companies’ service, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team analyzes J.D. Power scores for both customer and claims satisfaction. These scores range up to 1,000 points, with the higher a company’s score, the more satisfied its customers are with its service.

Along with J.D. Power studies, we also review the number of complaints lodged with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). To quantify this data, the NAIC issues each company a complaint index score, with the baseline (or average) index score being 1.0. For example, if a company ranks above 1.0, it has more complaints than average (or the baseline). The opposite is also true — if a company falls below 1.0, it has fewer complaints than average.

The Hartford auto satisfaction

J.D. Power did not include The Hartford in every region of its 2022 auto customer satisfaction study. In the areas where The Hartford was included, it generally scored very high. Take Florida and the Northwest region, for instance, where The Hartford earned the number one spot for overall customer satisfaction. However, it may be worth noting that the company scored third from last in the Mid-Atlantic region, with 811 points. The Hartford also scored slightly below the industry average in the 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.

The Hartford’s private passenger auto product scores 0.74 on the NAIC complaint index, indicating that fewer customers, compared to baseline, contact the NAIC with an issue regarding The Hartford’s service or claims process.

The Hartford homeowners satisfaction

The Hartford homeowners insurance also scores high for customer satisfaction. In its 2022 Home Insurance Study, J.D. Power ranked The Hartford third out of all the companies it included, granting it a score of 839. In the 2022 J.D. Power Property Claims Satisfaction Study, The Hartford fared even better, scoring 886 out of 1,000, earning the number two spot on the list.

Regarding NAIC complaints, The Hartford’s homeowners insurance line has only received three total complaints, landing it solidly under the baseline average with an index of 0.64.

How to file a claim with The Hartford

You will need some basic information to file a claim with The Hartford. For instance, if you file an auto claim, the company will probably ask for your policy number, the basic information for the drivers involved and the accident details. When you’re ready, you can file a claim with The Hartford through one of the following options:

• Calling 1-877-805-9918 for auto and homeowners claims
• Visiting The Hartford’s online auto claims portal
• Visiting The Hartford’s online homeowners claims portal
• Reporting the claim on The Hartford’s mobile app

The Hartford availability

The Hartford car insurance is available in all 50 states for AARP members.

However, there are some states where The Hartford home insurance is not available, including:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Delaware
• Florida
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New York
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Washington
• Washington, D.C.
• Wyoming

Other The Hartford perks worth considering

In addition to the AARP perks that The Hartford’s customers are automatically eligible for, you may also find these benefits helpful:

• Mobile app: Although The Hartford scored last for service in the 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study, some customers may find the company’s mobile app useful to make payments and manage their policies.
• Umbrella insurance: Shoppers who are interested in extra financial protection could be interested in purchasing umbrella insurance from The Hartford.
• Business insurance: The Hartford offers policies for large and small businesses.
• The Hartford Insights: The Hartford Insights is a hub of articles that cover a breadth of subjects, including health and wellness, economic trends and safety. Here, readers can also learn more about insurance topics, The Hartford and other industry happenings.

The Hartford corporate sustainability

The Hartford puts time into corporate sustainability efforts, as evidenced by its community involvement. From United Way to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the company donates to a long list of nonprofits and charitable organizations.

In 2021, it announced a $1 million grant to the Northside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance (NINA). This grant aims to increase access to homeownership and reduce blight by repairing and restoring homes in the company’s hometown neighborhood of Asylum Hill.

Another one of The Hartford’s initiatives is the Junior Fire Marshal Program — since 1947, the company has educated more than 112 million children on fire safety through classroom sessions with first responders. Virtual lessons are also available.

Not sure if The Hartford is right for you?

Whether due to ineligibility or rates, you may not be sure if The Hartford is the right company for you. If this is the case, then it may be worth comparing coverage and requesting quotes with one more of the companies below:

The Hartford vs. State Farm

Shoppers who prioritize digital tools may find State Farm appealing, as it secured the number two spot on the 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study. With its full-service mobile app and online portal, State Farm policyholders can manage their policies from the convenience of their homes. State Farm premiums may also be lower than average.

Learn more: State Farm Insurance review

The Hartford vs. Geico

Drivers who qualify for The Hartford’s insurance based on AARP’s eligibility requirements may also find Geico an attractive option. Geico’s Prime Time contract could grant policyholders who are 50 or older guaranteed renewal for life as long as they meet a few eligibility requirements. In addition, drivers 50+ may qualify for a discount if they take a defensive driving course.

Learn more: Geico Insurance review

The Hartford vs. Allstate

Allstate may be an excellent choice for drivers who are interested in using telematics for a discount. Policyholders who sign up for Allstate’s telematics program, Drivewise, could earn a discount for safe driving habits, and unlike some other carriers, there’s no penalty if your driving is subpar. Unlike The Hartford, Allstate’s homeowners insurance is also available in all 50 states (although coverage may be unavailable in certain areas within a state).

Learn more: Allstate Insurance review

Is The Hartford a good insurance company?

The Hartford could be a good company, but it depends on what you’re looking for in an insurance company. Bankrate’s review of the company, which includes research by our team of insurance experts and knowledge of over 100 other carriers reviewed, The Hartford may not be a good fit if you are budget-conscious and need the lowest rates possible. Eligibility requirements may also be a concern. However, if you are an AARP member who finds value in excellent customer service, you may want to consider including The Hartford when requesting quotes.

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for 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 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

Auto

• $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 2021 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually. 

Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile (age 40)  and the ages 50, 60 and 70 applied. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts.

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

Homeowners

• Coverage A, Dwelling: $150,000, $250,000, $350,000, $450,000, $750,000
• Coverage B, Other Structures: $15,000, $25,000, $35,000, $45,000, $75,000
• Coverage C, Personal Property: $75,000, $125,000, $175,000, $225,000, $375,000
• Coverage D, Loss of Use: $30,000, $50,000, $70,000, $90,000, $150,000
• Coverage E, Liability: $300,000, $300,000, $300,000, $300,000, $500,000
• Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000

The homeowners also have a $1,000 deductible and a separate wind and hail deductible (if required).

These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes will differ.

Bankrate Scores

Our 2023 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts 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. 

Like our previous Bankrate Scores, 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. This year, our 2023 scoring model provides a more comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and better highlighting where they fall short.

• Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, 2023 quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best and the NAIC, were analyzed.
• Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
• Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto and home insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.

Tier scores are unweighted to show the company's true score in each category out of a possible five points.