AARP Hartford Auto Insurance

[TerrellR417733]

I bundled my home and auto policies with AARP Hartford in February 2025 due to an attractive quote, but I was not told that the auto quote required me to download their TrueLane app, which detects driving performance. I learned that my policy would increase 15% if I did not have the app. Then I found out that my phone at that time did not have a motion sensor. So I spent $170 on a new phone which has a motion sensor, thinking I would make make up the cost in one year, by saving $90 every 6 months on my auto rate. Imagine my surprise when I received my renewal for August 2025 with a 20% increase. This is a 40% annual increase, in an era of 2 to 3% annual inflation, and wipes out the supposed savings by having the app. The app does not work all the time but when it does work, it usually gives me a one star rating, due to hard braking. If you drive in normal traffic conditions, you will invariably need to brake hard occasionally due to traffic stopping abruptly in front of you or someone pulling out in front of you. Apparently Hartford prefers that you actually hit the vehicle in front of you instead of hard braking. For this reason, my current rating on the app is a score of 9 out of 100, and I am due for a 38% increase on my next renewal. Keep in mind that I have not had a violation in 27 years, or an at-fault accident in over 30 years, and I drive my 2009 vehicle less than 2,000 miles per year. So, if you drive like Aunt Matilda who only drives on Sundays to the Piggly Wiggly for groceries, perhaps the TrueLane app will save you some money. Otherwise, you will learn why Hartford only quotes a 6-month policy, and you will likely get a big increase on your first and subsequent renewals. 

[papawofboo]

1--I have never heard of a motion sensor on a phone.

2--What and where did you get a phone for $170.00?

3--Scoring a 9 out of a 100 is going to get you a rate increase with anyone.

[TerrellR417733]

It's also called a gyroscope. The cheaper phones do not have one, and these Insurance apps won't work without it. I I got the phone through Assurance Wireless affiliate called shop q1 in Florida. And unfortunately the app only seems to work about half the time, and my score of 9 out of 100 implies that I'm an unsafe driver Which is far from the case.

[TRL1111]

I don't understand your numbers.  You said your increase after six months is 20%, and that equals a 40% annual increase.  That doesn't make sense because the next policy renewal after August could have a 0% increase or a 90% increase or even go down--you won't know until it happens.

But you also said you're due for a 38% increase on your "next renewal."  What renewal is that?

[TerrellR417733]

If the price of something goes up 20% in 6 months that's 40% annualized. And based on my current 9 out of 100 score, Hartford is projecting that my premium will increase 38% at the next renewal in February of 2026.

[AARPConsumerCare]

TerrellR417733 I'm sorry to hear of your experience with The Hartford and a rate increase. . We would like the chance to help as soon as possible. Please visit https://help.aarp.org/s/article/contact-aarp to chat, text, or speak with a representative who can get you in touch with our Member Relations team. - Christy C. 

[TerrellR417733]

Christy, on June 25th I called AARP Hertford and spoke to Tavarria. She couldn't help me but she promised to have her supervisor Sheronta call me in two to five business days. I'm still waiting. If you think your member relations team can help me, just forward my message to them. Thank you.

[AARPConsumerCare]

TerrellR417733 I'm so sorry, I am unable to forward your message. We'll also need to gather some additional details. You can click this link - https://help.aarp.org/s/article/contact-aarp - to get in touch.