AARP and Auto Insurance

[barbiejune]

I have been insured with AARP The Hartford for both auto and homeowners for more than 15 years.  This past June at renewal time, my homeowner's premium increased from $372 to $405 (expected reasonable increase) BUT my auto insurance increased from $925 to $2,072!!  When I called The Hartford to ask why there was more than a 100% increase, they said it was because of increased repair costs and medical costs.  The rep said I had an above average driver rating (I had a very small autobody claim recently), but that is what the insurance department approved for an increase.  I called around to several other insurance companies and insurance brokers, and none were anywhere close to what The Hartford was trying to gouge me for.  Obviously, I cancelled The Hartford and went with another company that is charging me LESS in annual premium for MORE coverage.  I have lodged a complaint with the Insurance Department and copies a senior leader at The Hartford.  Shame on The Hartford for price gouging retirees!

[VintageDrummer]

From what I can see, it seems AARP simply sits idly by (learned helplessness, in a sense) while its recommended auto insurance vendor engages in what some people might consider price gouging. I easily solved the problem by changing to Progressive (got a comparatively great rate) and saving even more money by dropping my long-standing AARP membership. As a practical matter, AARP should (1) learn how to be much more member-centric; (2) reevaluate who it takes on as a business partner; (3) have two or more endorsed auto insurers to foster competitiveness; and (4) use its several publications to objectively share useful and informative stories about the auto insurance situation, including the role AARP itself plays. Unless and until AARP takes substantial meaningful steps in this direction, I'll remain on the sidelines as to re-upping my multi-year membership. As it currently stands, my trust in the organization is diminished.