Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

I resolved The Hartford insurance rate increase and saved $$$

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
June 4, 2024
112 replies
79455 views

Here's how I successfully resolved the interrelated problem with The Hartford raising the insurance premium dramatically for my auto insurance even though I have an excellent driving history, and AARP acting helpless to leverage the matter with its business partner (i.e., The Hartford) ...

I recently dropped The Hartford at renewal time in favor of a different carrier (Progressive) and, in the process, save substantial money.

I subsequently called AARP and cancelled my membership and will be receiving a prorated refund of my five-year membership payment (more savings for me). If more people took this approach and there was a decrease in membership, perhaps AARP leadership would redirect its energies to be more member centric?

It seems that AARP has lost its way helping members in favor of income from royalties paid by business partnerships.

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DebLup610

Contributor ⭐

I called The Hartford to compare car insurance to what I pay at StateFarm, I am staying where I am. The Hartford was almost double for the same coverage.

VintageDrummerAuthor

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

@DebLup610 I’m glad to hear this - that you’re able to get a much better deal from State Farm.

@DebLup610 wrote:
I called The Hartford to compare car insurance to what I pay at StateFarm, I am staying where I am. The Hartford was almost double for the same coverage.

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AARPConsumerCare

Community Champion ⭐

@DrummerCT1 I'm terribly sorry to hear that the Hartford did not work out for you. I'm disappointed to learn that we've lost your support as well. I hope that you reconsider and decide to give us another try. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything in the future. - Janelle M.

VintageDrummerAuthor

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

@AARPConsumerCare

Rather than spending energy on expressing regret to me (it rings hollow and pro forma), perhaps redirect your actions and energy toward leveraging AARP’s relationship with The Hartford to unwind its rate increases. And to bring on board other insurance business “partners” who provide better offerings at much more competitive rates. There’s no law prohibiting you having additional companies than The Hartford. I won’t be rejoining AARP unless and until it puts members’ concerns above inflated royalty revenue.

GailL1

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

@VintageDrummer wrote

“There’s no law prohibiting you having additional companies than The Hartford.”

================

Right, there is no law but most likely there is a contract for the agreement.

The Hartford News Release 06/20/2020 - The Hartford And AARP Agree To Extend Auto And Home Insurance Program For AARP Members

from the link ~

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Hartford announced an extension of its long-standing auto and home insurance program for AARP members until Jan. 1, 2033. The Hartford’s program has been endorsed by AARP for 35 years. It launched in 1984 and since then has developed into a leading affinity program.

IT‘S ALWAYS SOMETHING . . . . .. . . . Roseanne Roseannadanna

dantheman63

Contributor ⭐

American Family increased my rates by 50%, even though I have an excellent driving record. Progressive gave me a rate lower than my former premium. Maybe insurers think that old people are too reluctant to change. I did this all online.

VintageDrummerAuthor

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

I suspect The Hartford may be relying on existing customers to not do as you’ve done - by shopping around and benefiting from doing so!

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rv920

Contributor ⭐

Did the same thing, also switching to Progressive for a much lower rate. Hartford raised our premiums by 84% over the last 3 years. Same vehicles...no losses...no moving violations.

M

MartynP267354

Contributor ⭐⭐

bravissimo,

bravissimo

VintageDrummerAuthor

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

UPDATE: From what I can see, it seems AARP continues to simply sit idly by (learned helplessness, in a sense) while its recommended auto insurance vendor engages in what some people might consider price gouging. As mentioned above, 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 print/online 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.

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AARPConsumerCare

Community Champion ⭐

Hello, we are deeply sorry to hear about your experience with the Hartford, and we appreciate your feedback as we are always looking for ways to improve what we offer to our members. I really hope that you reconsider and decide to give us another opportunity. Please send me a DM through here, so I can get you in touch with our Member Relations team. They act as liaison for AARP service providers. Here is an article that will show you how to activate Private messages: https://aarp.info/47hWcl7. I look forward to hearing from you. - Daniela R.

VintageDrummerAuthor

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

Daniela R. - The only thing that would perhaps prompt me to reconsider would be for AARP to offer multiple *competitive* business partners for auto insurance and to engage in a real conversation on this forum instead of, time and again, trying to steer those who complain to take the convo private with the Member Relations team. The issues at hand deserve community forum attention not 1:1's with Member Relations. This lack of transparency with members is part of the problem. For now, I'll stick with Progressive for auto insurance; I don't trust The Hartford as matters stand; I doubt I'm alone on this.

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BarbaraV753349

Contributor ⭐

I too have been with The Hartford/AARP since 2019.. My premiums drastically increased for this new renewal which I will not be renewing. We are seniors and I only drive maybe once a week 2 miles. I was told by Hartford that my rates increased due to countywide and statewide increases, which is it? Second was told that my mileage changed… actually my mileage is less then when I was working, 3 years retired. Then was told the rate increase due to a rate adjustment that Hartford implemented in my state since my policy was last renewed. I also was told that I am receiving AARP discount but no one can tell me how much or where it states in my policy only that I am getting it…. The rate increase also was because of our age and mileage…last was told by AARP and Hartford that this discount is built into the overall rate and that my policy is benefiting from my membership…. Really. My insurance went from $2100.00 to $3110.00. Who’s BENEFITING… sure is not me. I am shopping around so once I find an insurance company that I can trust I will not be renewing. Thank you for your message about The Hartford/AARP.

VintageDrummerAuthor

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

I’m sorry to learn that you, too, have been negatively impacted by The Hartford’s ridiculous rate increase and concomitant lack of transparency. And apparently AARP is doing nothing visible to be helpful, to make insurance cost matters worse. I’m glad I switched to Progressive for auto insurance - I am saving significant money plus their customer service was very helpful when I recently needed my front windshield replaced due to road hazard damage. Wishing you the best in finding a better auto insurance solution!

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LinS423641

Contributor ⭐

My husband just called The Hartford . Our home & car insurance went up $1,364.00 . We have been loyal to The Hartford for years! We are seniors, low milage on driving, no accidents, and AARP members. Yet we were told nationally rates were up and nothing they could do. We will just have to start searching for better prices and will check Progressive too and other car insurance rates...let see how it goes.

VintageDrummerAuthor

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

Wow, that’s quite a rate increase. AARP should be ashamed by their endorsement of The Hartford. Wishing you luck finding a better insurance company!

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SuzanneG701313

Contributor ⭐

I just saved $500.00 by going with Progressive and not renewing my insurance through AARP with the Hartford. That is just deplorable. AARP is supposed to help us all save and many seniors don't want the hassle of switching or they like to show loyalty and stick with companies.

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barbaran135913

Contributor ⭐

Me too. Safe driver, no accidents and my premium doubled. I quickly switched to Progressive. Shame on AARP. I expected you to save us money, not endorse and promote PRICE GOUGING! I will reconsider my AARP membership! !

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AARPConsumerCare

Community Champion ⭐

We hope you stay with us, @barbaran135913. I can understand how disappointing that can be. I can get you in touch with our Member Relations team. They act as liaison for AARP service providers. Please send me a private message with your name, membership number and the best phone number or email for our Member Relations team to get back to you. - Diana G.

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goffprof

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

@AARPConsumerCare- your repeated responses to customers who are switching carriers due to the 30% rate increases are disrespectful and simply not acceptable. We all KNOW you don’t want us to leave, but your responses are ridiculous and embarrassing to AARP. Many of us are long time AARP members and are able to secure far less costly insurance easily and immediately. Why does AARP continue to aggravate its most loyal customer base? Your responses don’t address the problems and are being reposted all over the internet as more AARP customers drop The Hartford as their insurer and do not renew AARP membership. Do you understand?

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