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

[VintageDrummer]

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) ...

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

1. 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. 

[StevenS900365]

I I agree. I used to hae the Hartford year ago, but ended up Insurance shopping over th year for cheaper rates. Back in September I resighned up with the Hartford from Progressive for cheaper rates.

Right now I'm stuck at home because The Hartford failed to inform me they didn't get their payment, and my policy is cancelled and to reinstate they want 4 times my normal monthly payment. So I payed it but because they are closed on the weekends the payment is pending. I called them all upset and it showed in my voice and the Rep just said don't yell at me. I said I'm not yelling at you I'm just upset. If you are a customer rep you need to get used to some loud upset taking. So I aked why wasn't the payment taken out of the new debit card I added on line for my auto payments. She said we don't have any new updates showing. Apparently on Auto pay they don't allow you to change your form of payment. My Bank account had recently been scammed and I had to go throught the long process of opening up a new bank account and waiting for a new debit card. When it arrived I went online and updated the info with The Hatford. Apparently it didn't arrive at their end and because they didn't receive payment. I was unaware of this for 20 days, with out The Hartford E-mailing me or texting me to ask why the payment didn't go through. So after trying to explain to the Rep the reason she didn't care and didn't make any effort to come up with an alternative solution. I asked for a Supervisor and was told she'd call me back when she was done with another customer. That didn't happen. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!. So now I'm stuck at home because they haven't processed my payments. As soon as I can get some temp insurance I'm cancelling them out along with my home insurance and am calling my state insurance board

[AARPConsumerCare]

@StevenS900365  I am so sorry to hear you had that much trouble with The Hartford! We are listening and want to help. 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. Take care!  Jodee R. 

[goffprof]

Jodee- respectfully, many of us have already contacted AARP customer service and member relations.  We all get the same useless apology, and request that we don’t cancel The Hartford or AARP.  There is never a serious response to customers as AARP has failed it’s members and won’t acknowledge it has a terrible contract with The Hartford.  Progressive and other insurers can provide similar insurance coverage for $hundreds less.   Long time customers are not pleased with AARP or The Hartford. Self serving meaningless apologies from AARP are simply NOT acceptable. Do you finally understand? 

[MartynP267354]

Well stated. Right on. 

[kb6149]

We are facing this same problem. Your last comment of " ... It seems that AARP has lost its way helping members in favor of income from royalties paid by business partnerships. ..." is spot on. We are dropping them as well,

[AlanM252517]

Interesting  because I just got a quote from Hartford which is $1,000 cheaper than Progressive on the same 4 vehicles for a 6 month term.

[MartynP267354]

  Beware start-up rates and be prepared for a big jump in the future.  Ask how much is the new customer discount. 

[goffprof]

Alan- I would confirm both quotes because The Hartford rates are  now consistently higher.  Most people are finding the difference to be $300. - $800.  Good luck!

[AARPConsumerCare]

kb6149 We're sorry to hear you’re having trouble with a rate increase through 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?cmp=SNO-LITHIUM---&socialid=15290187304 to chat, text, or speak with a representative who can get you in touch with our Member Relations team. - Christy C. 

[VintageDrummer]

@AARPConsumerCare 

On behalf of the nearly 5,000 Members who have viewed my original post herein...

Can you please share and describe recent instances (without naming names) where Member Relations has successfully helped Members significantly reduce their auto insurance premiums in a way that mitigated the price increases by The Hartford? What expectations should Members have for positive progress when you route them to Member Relations? I've not come across any Member Relations stories or news to suggest that speaking with Member Relations accomplishes anything financially meaningful for Members regarding The Hartford. My sense is that others, like myself, have jumped ship from The Hartford to other carriers for more affordable auto insurance. It's baffling that AARP is so quiet on this issue - it doesn't come across that AARP is advocating for Members concerning this issue. It makes me wonder about the nature of the relationship between The Hartford and AARP. Apologies alone from AARP Consumer Care is not the same as problem solving. Maybe change the name from "Member Relations" to "Members' Solutions" and have a strategy to live up to that brand?

[goffprof]

VintageDrummer-  exactly the right question to ask.  You won’t get a real response with any info.  AARP has really lost its focus and no longer has any credibility.  Wow….  

[goffprof]

Customer Care- this issue is NOT resolved.  Your responses to all of us are always the same. Referring us to call Member Relations is a waste of time and an attempt to divert attention from the real issue. Member Relations continually apologizes to us for the ridiculous insurance rate increases, asks us to stay with The Hartford and AARP, and provides NO explanation or reason WHY we should stay.  This is an embarrassing situation for AARP as many loyal members have already dropped The  Hartford and secured home and auto insurance from one of several other carriers for hundreds of dollars less.  Many of us are long time AARP members but will not be renewing. Progressive Insurance posted a message on an internet board that several thousand former AARP members have contacted them and are disgusted with AARP for allowing The Hartford to cheat long term, loyal AARP customers. Please stop responding to members suggesting Member Services as it only makes a bad situation even worse. Absolutely disgraceful Customer Service behavior from both The Hartford and AARP. 

[jc1875]

I had two separate calls with Hartford that went nowhere.  Shopped around and went with Allstate that had significantly lower auto and homeowner rates. Problem solved😎.

[davidf72743]

Wish I would have seen this before I made my post.

AARP Are you paying attention?

[pipman317]

My increase was about 90% when I got my renewal documents a couple of days ago...I switched to Progressive as well and may also drop my AARP membership too because The Hartford low rate I was getting was the only tangible on-going benefit from an AARP membership. The buck's got your back? The buck is sticking it to us in the back. A little lower, actually.

November 5 update: Not only has The Hartford raised their rates and AARP has not sufficiently addressed this situation with its members, but I just got an email from AARP that their membership fee is also going up. Bye bye AARP.

[barbaran135913]

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! ! 

[AARPConsumerCare]

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.

[goffprof]

@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? 

[SuzanneG701313]

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. 

[LinS423641]

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.

[VintageDrummer]

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!

[BarbaraV753349]

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. 

[AARPConsumerCare]

@BarbaraV753349 We're sorry to hear you’re having trouble with The Hartford! We hope you'll reconsider your membership, as we are listening and would like the chance to help as soon as possible. Please visit https://help.aarp.org/s/article/contact-aarp?cmp=SNO-LITHIUM---&socialid=15000479287 to chat, text, or speak with a representative who can get you in touch with our Member Relations team. Thanks!  Jodee R. 

[jc1875]

AARP does not care about the astronomical rate increases by Hartford.

[goffprof]

AARP consumer care- many of us are surprised at your response as it doesn’t address our concern about the ridiculous AARP (The Hartford) insurance price increase.  We were ALL able to find comparable insurance at *much* less cost. AARP is alienating long term customers and providing ZERO customer service responses other than to apologize.  The other insurers are eager to get long term loyal AARP customers and are laughing at AARP for letting the Hartford enact 30% rate increases. AARP has lost its’ way as well as the long time customers who were AARP supporters but no longer.  I won’t be renewing my AARP membership.  AARP is very disrespectful to members and that is simply NOT acceptable.  Fix the rates or continue to lose customers. You are driving us away! 

[AARPConsumerCare]

@goffprof I'm terribly sorry to hear about your experience with the Hartford. AARP has offered customer service options to our members who voice complaints regarding our service providers. We have a Member Relations team for handling these specialized interactions, so we must ask our members to contact us on a different channel to get them in touch with our dedicated team. As AARP is not an insurance company, we do not have the ability to adjust the rates offered by the Hartford. I hope that you reconsider and stick with AARP. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.  - Janelle M.

[VintageDrummer]

@AARPConsumerCare 
Your reply is a condescending non-answer. AARP in effect endorses The Hartford as a business partner, yet AARP continues to duck responsibility for their part in the problem. Very, very non-transparent and disappointing. How about a change where AARP removes The Hartford as a business partner and replaces it with a company that is affordable? Otherwise, just get out of the insurance provider recommending business. Currently, the debacle is trashing your brand in the minds of many who previously trusted your judgment in selecting insurance business partners. 

[MartynP267354]

Perhaps your 'Member Relations Team for Specialized Interactions' would care to make a detailed statement to all members regarding the Hartford debacle.  Surely the outrage and disappointment with AARP is sufficiently widespread?  Or perhaps, better still, Jo Ann Jenkins could make a public statement explaining  exactly what AARP is doing to promote the interests of members with respect to auto insurance and why AARP continues to endorse Hartford in the light of what many have commented what they regard as price gouging. 

[VintageDrummer]

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!