Hartford Raised Auto Premium 45%

[LarryA556457]

We have been with AARP for several years and decided a few years ago to switch auto insurance to Hartford because of their affiliation with AARP.  For no apparent reason Hartford raised our auto insurance premium 45% this time around.  Can AARP help us with this problem?

[VintageDrummer]

I’m highly likely not to renew my AARP membership because of the rate increase by The Hartford. I had only signed up with AARP in order to obtain at the time a good rate on auto insurance. I don’t much use AARP for other purposes.

The organization seems to have lost its way and strayed from its Mission by not doing more to truly leverage its relationship with this insurance Provider to the benefit of AARP Members. If The Hartford can’t provide highly competitive insurance rates then AARP should simply replace it with a better Provider; however, I have seen no evidence of AARP moving in that direction. 

Herding Members to chat with Member Relations fixes nothing. AARP already understands the problem facing Members. Maybe AARP values Provider-paid royalties over the financial well-being of auto-driving Members?

[KristinaS401487]

I went with progressive. All insurance companies raised their rates this year

[LEA0001]

i I agree 100% with this response. If AARP is working to partner with the most economical auto insurance provider, then it should reconsider remaining with Hartford. This is not proven, but I suspect the increases in the auto/home premiums are NOT due to the nationwide increase as Hartford representatives continue to tell their customers, but perhaps more so because of the loss of many customers, the remaining customers suffer premium increases.   But whatever the case, these are unacceptable increases for seniors with a fixed income.  

[GailL1]

@VintageDrummer 

OK,I’ll ask - what part of your AARP branded Auto Insurance went up the most or was it an overall increase?  Did your policy change from before to now?  Did you change any in the part of premium adjustments that deals with you - age adjustment, credit score decline, family makeup change, geographical location change.

There are all kinds of situations and circumstances that affect premiums on insurance of all kinds.  All I hear in these complaints is that premiums are higher - the reason they might be is what is important and that’s never mentioned.

My (not AARP affiliated) UN/UNDER Insured coverage has increased dramatically - guess why.

My comprehensive also increased - reason being car thefts/vandalisms  are up where I live.

Could there be something on the policy has changed - did you lose one of those “valued” discounts that is linked to this branded product?  Did you uncouple your home/auto coverage thus you lost this discount.

Do you have a Safe Driving Device attached to your car - read by the insurance company for safe driving measure - IDK if this branded product has such a feature.

In addition to all of this, one has to also look at the average claim size now that cars are so expensive with all the new electronics and differences in EVs and Combustible engines.  

Maybe you are getting MORE of something - we don’t know.

It really would be interesting to see a more detailed analysis of the whys than just “more money”.  

[VintageDrummer]

@GailL1 

Nothing about the coverage on my policy changed. Simply stated the renewal rate increased by 42%. My driving record is excellent as are my credit ratings. 

From the consumer angle it’s not complicated - The Hartford is raising the price. Because they can. And I’m now in the process of evaluating more competitive alternatives (which do exist). 

And, quite likely, I won’t be renewing my AARP membership.

As well, I don’t care to hear about AARP not being able to do something about the behavior of one of its royalty-paying Provider partners. I don’t believe that assertion absent transparent contractual documentation that supports that contention. And if that were to be the case, AARP should find a more price competitive Provider and learn how to negotiate better contracts. 

[GailL1]

@VintageDrummer wrote

As well, I don’t care to hear about AARP not being able to do something about the behavior of one of its royalty-paying Provider partners. I don’t believe that assertion absent transparent contractual documentation that supports that contention.

———————————————————

That’s the reason why I am saying that until we know how AARP Services came up with their selection of this branded partner will we understand the WHY.

Value can mean different things to different people - maybe it is because of some risk adjustment that they use for older member - maybe it has something to do with the wide number of discounts available - selected or standard - like disappearing deductible, new care replacement, the safe driving app, etc.

So what is AARP Services definition or measure of value for their members. Wonder if that is something these AARP.org CustomerCare reps would like to share - 

Full disclosure - not an AARP member, have NO benefits from them bought or given - I have come here since 2008 answering questions on this board mostly on Social Security and Medicare.

[VintageDrummer]

@GailL1 
The large percentage rate increase is pretty much across the board, based on speaking with my very knowledgeable insurance agent. I've learned it's not much about the particular intricacies of coverage aspects you've been wondering about. If you don't believe me, research it yourself. The Hartford raised its rates because it can get away with doing so. AARP earns royalties from its connection with The Hartford. Usually "royalties" means a percentage of sales. If insurance rates go up, maybe AARP's ok with that - more $$$ for AARP if royalties are based on sales but then, sadly, more expense for Members who don't take the effort to find another auto insurance company.

I'm in the process of changing to a better and less expensive provider and will be dropping The Hartford like an overheated potato. AARP is not doing what's best for its Members.  AARP could offer more than one insurance carrier; AARP could drop insurance partners if they stop being good deals. AARP seems stuck in its many years' relationship connected to The Hartford (Cui Bono?). AARP doesn't seem capable of change. Their support operation is of no usefulness in this matter. AARP has lost its way and needs better leadership. Probably the only thing that will prompt AARP to act differently would be if large numbers of Members cancel their membership. Much of the so-called AARP benefits and information on various topics can be found elsewhere (online; libraries; books; etc.)

I'll very soon be quitting AARP and requesting a prorated refund. The net result will be me saving significant money and not wasting time trying to improve matters by interacting further with their support operation.

[GailL1]

@VintageDrummer 

So Liability rose 45%, Collision rose 45%, Comprehensive rose 45%, etc.?

[VintageDrummer]

@GailL1 @AARPConsumerCare 

I’m referring to the fact that the overall cost that I would pay has risen to maintain exactly the same level and types of coverage. Basically for consumers the cost of renewing with The Hartford is in the neighborhood of almost 50% +\- with the exact percentage depending likely on a variety of factors such as type of coverage, driver characteristics, the particular state, discounts and the car’s value. I’ve no interest in dissecting the exact percentages herein at the individual insured level. There simply is no reason for me to devote time diving into the weeds here - I’ve already learned directly from The Hartford that no option exists to counteract their cost increase and keep the same coverage. Furthermore bundling in my home insurance is a substantially worse deal (less coverage, higher cost for home insurance than what I currently have). 

The fundamental point is that AARP’s chosen Provider for auto insurance benefits has raised the cost dramatically at the macro level even taking into account possible discounts such as taking a safe driving course, bundling home and auto policies, etc. 

AARP seems unable to meaningfully solve this insurance headache for reasons that are not completely transparent. To best protect my finances the solution for me is that I’m soon changing auto insurers. And although I first joined AARP over 20 years ago, with some sadness I’ll be canceling my membership as a form of protest, too. 

[kyjweber]

AARP, I don't think investigating ONE person's complaint will help the rest of us.  We are ALL claiming ridiculous increases every 6 months on auto and yearly on house.  You need to re-examine your partnership with Hartford and maybe change.

[AARPConsumerCare]

@kyjweber We're sorry to hear you’re having trouble with one of our benefit providers. We are listening and 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.  - Janelle M.

[PhillC37239]

"ALREADY HAD THE "CHAT"...WAS A WASTE OF TIME...PAID CAR INSURANCE SINCE 1966....NOW AT 74 WAS TOLD "I SHOULD BE PROUD OF MY DRIVI9NG RECORD!".......YA THINK!!!!;;;;;;;;;;;

[PhillC37239]

"LETS ALL "CRY TEARS" FOR THE CEO AND BOARD WHO RUN THE HARTFORD.....SUCKS HAVING TO BE FORCED TO TAKE MILLIONS IN SALARYS ANDS BONUSES.... WHILE SCREWING AMERICAS ELDERLY!

[VintageDrummer]

Hi Janelle,

At this point in time, what is it that you / Member Relations do not understand about The Hartford's rate increases? What else do you need to understand? The rates have increased very dramatically in a short period of time. It's causing financial distress. It's affecting many AARP members. Doing 1:1 interactions with people who raise their concerns here is not helpful in this circumstance. It comes across as a bureaucratic deflection. People join AARP hoping to find information and services of value. The value provided by AARP has decreased because one your partner Providers is problematic. Please feel welcome to pass along my summary to the Member Relations team and then please develop a vision and strategy to soon create better service. If you are unable to do so with The Hartford, then maybe find a better partner Provider?

[AARPConsumerCare]

Hi @@VintageDrummer, please check your previous post, I've sent you a reply. - Diana G.

[GailL1]

@kyjweber 

Maybe you should go to the source - meaning the AARP arm that developed the name branded agreement with The Hartford.

AARP.org - AARP SERVICES, Inc

[kyjweber]

Thanks for the suggestion, @GailL1, but I've spent too much time on this already.  Trying to find the right person and correct way to contact them will take so much more time.  If they haven't checked the complaints here in the past few years, I don't have much hope.

I'm in the process of changing insurance companies. To be fair, the rate hikes happen with every company.  Every 3 years or so I do some research and at least start out at a better rate.  (Love your Roseanna pic!  Love Gilda.)

[susanr624672]

Hartford raised my insurance 42% this year. AARP help! Does anyone have a good alternative? I'm finding this out at renewal and don't have any alternatives in place so stuck paying the inflated $483 extra.

[PhillC37239]

I  HAVE A SPOTLESS DRIVING RECORD SINCE 1966..NOW 74 AND RARELY DRIVE ANYWHERE...NOW..I DRIVE AN HOUR A WEEK AT MOST...WAS TOLD BY SOME GOOBER IN THE HARTFORD THAT "I SHOULD BE PROUD OF MY SPOTLESS DRIVING RECORD"...THAT DID NOT STOP MY INSURANCE FROM GOING FROM $660. A YEAR TO $969 A YEAR!! SO...A LIFETIME OF PAYING FOR SOMETHING....NEVER TAKING ANYTHING....AND NOW GETTING "THANKED BY THE HARTFORD WITH A SMILE AND A HUGE RATE INCREASE."WHEN DO I GET ANY PAYBACK OR IS THAT IT!!??"

FYI:   .The compensation of The Hartford CEO and Chairman Christopher Swift totaled nearly $16 million in 2021. The compensation of W. Robert Berkley, Jr., CEO of Greenwich-based W. R. Berkley, totaled about $14 million in 2021.Jun 6, 2022

[AARPConsumerCare]

@PhillC37239 I'm sorry to hear you’re having trouble with one of our benefit providers, the Hartford. We are listening and 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.  - Janelle M.

[FrancisC271004]

I am having a similar experience with Hartford. I have no idea why AARP is endorsing them. Two years ago on recommendation from AARP I got a quote from Hartford that was extremely competitive, and I signed up with Hartford. I signed up with them.  Last year, my rate went up over 40%, and this year again it went up over 40%. My driving record hasn't changed, my residence hasn't changed, my vehicles haven't changed. Yet the rate is going up at an annual rate of 40%. Why is AARP recommending this company when it is known that we are senior citizens on a fixed income, and yet we have increases that we can no longer afford with this company that is recommended by AARP. I would suggest that AARP align itself with a different company that is more focused on doing business with seniors that are on a fixed income. For two older cars, they now want over $4,600 a year for full coverage.  I AM NOW SHOPPING OTHER COMPANIES.

[GailL1]

Your rates are based on where you live (zip code) and the conditions in that area - car thefts, accidents, population density, type of cars on the road.  Same thing for homeowners - weather conditions, age of home - especially the roof and electric age. 

I put on a new roof last year and my homeowners premiums dropped by almost $ 700 dollars - course I have a big house so the roof was $ 50K (50 year warranty) - a far cry from the $ 20K we paid back in 2003 which was the time before.  Yea, I have been here a long time.

Again, insurance is a shared product - You pay for me and I pay for you.  And it goes up when events happen that creates claims to the insurer.  They all have to be paid - same thing for health, auto, or homeowners.  

Yes, shopping around is good - cause claims are different between them usually - unless there is a catastrophic even that affects everybody in the area.  

Some people may drive a very old car with few if any amenities or safety features - but for property liability coverage if you live in a major metro ares, you have to be insured to cover you in case you hit a new $ 80K auto.  And of course, you protect yourself liability wise just in case there is an accident where you are at fault and someone gets severely hurt.  Lots of uninsured and underinsured drivers on the road now - so that means you have to doubly protect your self from them. 

[VintageDrummer]

Billions of $$$ ???

My sense is that AARP seriously benefits financially in connection with the insurance providers they associate with. AARP is deeply intertwined into the world of insurance, such as the way they offer members access to branded insurance products and benefits through outside companies, especially in health/Medicare, life, auto, home, renters, and property coverage.

From what I can gather, they LICENSE their brand and member-access programs to partner insurers - licensing being the contractual mechanism pathway to financial gain. According to the Perplexity AI, “In AARP’s own financial reporting as summarized by reporting and filings, royalties were a little over $1 billion in 2020, about $1.06 billion in 2021, about $1.11 billion in 2022, and about $1.1 billion in 2023.” 

This kind of financial licensing relationship brings up deep conflict of interest questions and concerns about who benefits in light of, e.g., highly escalating automobile insurance premiums. It also brings up transparency issues such as how visible to members are the contract terms between AARP and insurance companies. To what extent might the escalating insurance premiums be caused, in part, by factors in addition to competitive market forces about insurance risks?

See this article for more information:

https://kffhealthnews.org/aging/aarp-health-marketing-partnerships-medicare-medigap/ 

[KellytheBelly]

@susanr624672 Hi. Found this on the web...

What Insurance Company Is Better Than The Hartford?

State Farm, Geico, and Progressive are better than The Hartford, based on factors like average premiums, number of discounts available, and customer service record. Geico is also one of four top-10 car insurance companies that are cheaper than The Hartford, on average, along with Travelers, USAA and Progressive. (Sep 19, 2023) 

I do hope that AARP can provide some alternatives for you. Yet, I highly doubt it. They (AARP) seem to strive in soliciting Hartford to many AARP members. You may want to venture outside of AARP to find your savings. 

I hope it all works out for you. 

[susanr624672]

Thanks so much for your reply. I was pretty shocked by the increase. I've been with them for years.

[KellytheBelly]

@susanr624672  I've gone through the same hike with several companies, too.

I do hope you'll return with what company you decided to go with, something useful for others, as well.  🙂

[SummerOnTheWay1]

1 comment (2/25/24) @susanr624672 , it depends on what coverage you want. I have Allstate in Virginia and retired with a 2006 Hyundai Elantra. I also live in Florida and that state is h.ll with insurance. Good Luck  😎

---

[*** SUSAN @susanr624672 wrote:

Hartford raised my insurance 42% this year. AARP help! Does anyone have a good alternative? I'm finding this out at renewal and don't have any alternatives in place so stuck paying the inflated $483 extra. ***]

---

[PhillC37239]

DO WHAT I DID....AT 74...AND DRIVING 1 HOUR A WEEK...."DUMP THE INSURANCE"...LET THE LAWMAKERS DEAL WITH THOSE GREEDY HARTFORD EXECUTIVES!

[susanr624672]

Thank you!!