Is The Hartford Good for Auto Insurance?

Last Updated on January 6, 2026

The Hartford is one of the oldest insurance companies in the U.S., and it’s especially well known today for its long-running relationship with AARP. If you’re 50+ (or shopping through AARP), The Hartford can be a strong option thanks to mature-driver-focused pricing and unique benefits you don’t always see from other major insurers.

That said, The Hartford isn’t automatically the cheapest choice for every driver. Rates vary a lot by state, driving history, and credit-based insurance factors. Availability can also vary by location and product—The Hartford notes that the AARP auto program isn’t available in all states and it doesn’t write new business in all areas (including some restrictions in California and Florida) on its AARP Auto Insurance page.

The Hartford at a glance

• Founded: 1810 (headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut)
• Big picture: a large property and casualty insurance carrier with major commercial insurance operations, plus personal auto/home offerings
• Financial strength: strong insurer ratings (A.M. Best rates key Hartford insurance companies A+ “Superior,” per its Investor Relations financial ratings page)
• Best for: AARP members and drivers 50+, drivers who want extras like Accident Forgiveness and a Disappearing Deductible, and many classic or collector vehicle owners
• May be less competitive for: drivers younger than 50, drivers with recent violations/accidents, and shoppers who are strictly price-first

What is The Hartford?

The Hartford Financial Services Group (often just called “The Hartford”) dates back to 1810 and is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. Today, the company is a Fortune 500 insurer with major business lines in commercial insurance, employee benefits, and personal insurance.

While many people associate The Hartford with AARP auto insurance, it’s important to know the company is bigger than just personal auto. In recent company fact sheets, The Hartford reports roughly 19,000 employees and annual revenue in the mid‑$20B range (figures can change year to year).

The Hartford sells through a network of independent agents and brokers, and also offers direct-to-consumer quoting for certain programs. If you’re unsure which route is best, here’s a quick explainer on the difference between a broker and an agent.

Who is The Hartford good for?

The Hartford tends to be a particularly good fit for:

• Drivers 50+ looking for value: auto insurance is often cheaper for drivers in their 50s, and The Hartford leans into that demographic with pricing and benefits designed around experienced drivers.
• AARP members: The AARP program (written/serviced by The Hartford) includes extra features and discounts that can make it more compelling than a standard policy. If you’re on the fence, see our guide on whether seniors should get AARP auto insurance.
• Older drivers who want stability: many long-time customers choose The Hartford because they want consistent coverage and strong support as they age. (For more on shopping later in life, read our guide to auto insurance for elderly drivers.)
• Drivers who want “extras” beyond the basics: options like RecoverCare and Disappearing Deductibles can be genuinely useful, depending on your needs.

When The Hartford might not be the best fit

The Hartford can still be worth quoting for anyone, but it’s often less competitive if:

• You’re shopping purely on price: plenty of insurers can beat Hartford’s pricing in certain states and driver profiles—especially for younger drivers or drivers with recent claims/violations.
• You have recent tickets/accidents or weaker credit: like most insurers, Hartford pricing can be sensitive to risk signals.
• You need a carrier that writes broadly in every ZIP code: availability can vary, and some programs have state restrictions.

How competitive are The Hartford’s auto insurance rates?

The Hartford’s “sweet spot” is typically experienced drivers—especially AARP members—who qualify for multiple discounts and who value benefits beyond just the lowest monthly payment.

If you’re comparing The Hartford against other carriers, remember that “cheap” and “good” aren’t always the same thing. Sometimes a slightly higher premium buys you better service, smoother claims handling, and better coverage options. On the flip side, if you’re just trying to meet state minimums, you may find a better deal elsewhere.

If you’re deciding between big-name carriers and smaller regional companies, this guide can help: Are major auto insurance companies better than smaller ones?

Coverages and standout perks

Like most national carriers, The Hartford offers the standard building blocks of auto insurance (availability varies by state):

• Liability coverage (bodily injury and property damage)
• Collision and comprehensive coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Medical Payments and/or PIP (where available)
• Rental reimbursement and towing/roadside options

Where The Hartford often stands out is in its optional benefits, especially through the AARP program:

• RecoverCare: helps pay for certain day-to-day needs (like transportation or household help) after an accident-related injury, when you don’t have coverage elsewhere.
• Accident Forgiveness: can help keep your premium from jumping after your first at-fault accident (eligibility rules apply). Learn more: The Hartford Accident Forgiveness.
• Disappearing Deductible: reduces your deductible over time for safe driving. Here’s how it works: What is a disappearing deductible?
• Deductible savings and repair incentives: some policies include extra deductible reductions or benefits when you use approved repair options. (Related: collision deductible waivers.)
• Roadside assistance: AARP members may have access to additional roadside benefits. More details: AARP roadside assistance.

One more perk that’s frequently mentioned for AARP policies is a “lifetime renewability” style promise (terms apply). Always read the policy and state-specific endorsements, because insurers can still take underwriting action in certain circumstances. If you want to understand what “non-renewal” can look like in the real world, here’s our explainer on when an insurance company can cancel or non-renew a policy.

Discounts: how to save with The Hartford

The Hartford offers a mix of common discounts (like bundling and safe-driver savings) and AARP-specific discounts. Your best approach is to ask for a full discount review when you quote, then confirm what actually shows up on your declarations page after purchase.

For a full list of commonly advertised offers, see: The Hartford auto insurance discounts.

Also, many drivers qualify for some form of safe-driver savings. If you’re not sure what counts, here’s a deeper dive on the good driver discount.

Claims, customer service, and digital tools

Customer experience matters most when you actually need help—after a crash, a stolen vehicle, or a roadside emergency. The Hartford is generally viewed as a strong service-oriented carrier, particularly for its AARP customers, and it offers online account management and a mobile app for common tasks like paying bills and pulling policy documents.

The Hartford also supports digital proof of insurance in the app in many situations. Rules can vary by state, so here’s a quick guide on whether electronic proof of insurance is valid.

If you want to compare customer satisfaction and claims reputation across multiple carriers, you can also review our roundup of the best auto insurance companies in America (then narrow down based on your state and driver profile).

FAQs on The Hartford Auto Insurance

Final word: is The Hartford good for auto insurance?

Yes—The Hartford can be an excellent auto insurance company, especially if you’re 50+ and shopping through the AARP program. The combination of strong financial stability, member-focused discounts, and practical add-ons (like Accident Forgiveness and Disappearing Deductibles) makes it a smart quote to get.

If you’re under 50, have recent violations/accidents, or you’re shopping in a market where Hartford’s availability is limited, it may still be worth quoting—but you should compare it against a few other insurers to make sure you’re getting the best overall value for your situation.