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. 

[VintageDrummer]

@AARPConsumerCare 
Can you please post examples of how you've helped significantly reduce auto insurance premiums from The Hartford? (no need to provide customer names, of course)

If there are none, what is the point of taking Community posts private, as is repeatedly the effort of AARP?

[GailL1]

@jg5115 

Some reasons why premium are increasing - everywhere.

1.  The age of the driver i - you know why, right - not as agile- slower reflexes.  

Premiums are high for those less than 25 - especially males.  Premiums are also high for those over 70.

2.  The cost of cars - not just the one that the insured is driving but the ones that they might hit.  I read somewhere that with all the tech in cars today, that many are just claimed to be a total loss because of the cost of the repairs.

3. Under insured and UNinsured drivers are another reason and there are many driving around with little or no coverage so it is up to a person to insure against people that this.

5.  Added liability to protect what one might have in cash, investments and in assets/resource.

I know there are more reasons - but I am running out of juice.  Raise the deductibles, see if he might qualify for low mileage, talk to his agent to see what other discounts he may be eligible.  

[tklemen]

The reason why "many driving around with little or no coverage" is because auto insurance is very high and there seems to be no limit in rate increases. I just asked for a low mileage adjustment/reduction to my policy from the Hartford now that I'm driving about 5k miles/year, and they increased my premium by 25%. Insurance rates increase every year, and my fixed income can't keep up. 

[AARPConsumerCare]

I can understand your frustration about your increased premium, @tklemen. We are listening and would like to hear more about your experience. 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. We look forwards to hearing from you soon. - Daniela R. 

[SpringIsHereVA]

@tklemen , I had asked for the same thing here in Virginia and mine went down. I have had Allstate since 2018. Retired when COVID hit in 2020 = less mileage.

➡️*** YOU WROTE: I just asked for a low mileage adjustment/reduction  to my policy from the Hartford now that I'm driving about 5k miles/year, and they increased my premium by 25%.

Take care,

Nicole  👵

[RosettaW353361]

I too got a Progressive quote which is $400 cheaper. However,  when I did a customer review Progressive customer service rating is extremely poor. 

[VintageDrummer]

@RosettaW353361 

I needed to use my new Progressive coverage last year (after switching from The Hartford) to file a claim for windshield damage. The customer service I experienced was top notch, no hassles at all and the windshield was replaced professionally. This was my only experience with them and I have no complaints at all unlike my experience with The Hartford and AARP in terms of discussion about rate increase. I cannot attest to others' experience with Progressive; maybe others can chime in?

[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 over 18,000 Members who have viewed my original post herein... [view number updated 6/14/2025]

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?

[VintageDrummer]

UPDATE:  As of today February 12, 2025, the number of viewers of my post has risen to 9,316. And still no substantive reply from AARP Member Relations concerning The Hartford, insurance costs. What, if anything, is AARP doing to meaningfully help its members about lower insurance costs??

[goffprof]

They won’t and can’t give you a meaningful response.  AARP has no interest in solving the ridiculous Hartford Insurance rate increase problem for long time customers as they have lost their way and are no longer a worthy organization.  AARP’s complete disrespect for long time customers is absolutely NOT ACCEPTABLE.  Other insurers (Progressive, Allstate, etc) are eager to get our business and laugh at The Hartford and AARP for making so many foolish business mistakes. 

[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!