Content starts here
CLOSE ×

Search

BEWARE of Hartford Auto BAIT and SWITCH

Reply
Newbie

BEWARE of Hartford Auto BAIT and SWITCH

I switched to AARP Hartford Auto Insurance last year.  The premium for the first year was very attractive saving us about $200 compared to our previous carrier.

BUT,  when the policy renewed after the first year, Hartford has raised the premiums by 28%.  I have no claims, perfect driving record, and no changes to the policy.  Hartford customer service has no credible explanation for the increase.  This looks like a classic BAIT and SWITCH to me.  I am hugely disappointed in Hartford and will be switching insurance again after getting some new quotes from different companies.  AARP should seriously look at what businesses they endorse. 

SammieS.
21,187 Views
67
Report
Regular Contributor

Nekaj.  so go to allstate and you will get the same insurance you had at very close to the old price you were paying. much much less that Hartford....I just got AARP magazine, and Hartford purchases full page adds touting their insurance:  "Saves new customers an average of $550 less when they switch to us from Allstate" LIES!  a blatant lie.....its Hartford that charges double! and AARP sells their endorsement to this price gouging corporate crook.   HOW MUCH IS HARTFORD PAYING YOU MANGERS OF AARP?  (they won't answer),  AARP keeps the millions from Hartford payola that is more important to them then doing their job for the membership of AARP that pay dues to employ them...they sell us out to the highest corporate bidder, who then price gouges seniors 

15,465 Views
0
Report
Regular Contributor

Hi there! AARP Member Benefits Team here to help. We certainly understand your concern regarding the rate increase of your Hartford Auto insurance policy. We’d be happy to forward your concern to the Escalation team we work with at The Hartford for their thorough review and investigation if you’d like, as there are a multitude of factors that impact your rate. To do this, we will need more information. Please send me a private message in the AARP Online Community by clicking this link and entering my username, “LakeishaT901230” into the “Send to” box https://community.aarp.org/t5/notes/composepage

Please provide the following details in your message:
- AARP membership number (or home address)
- Best contact phone number
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate you informing us of your concern. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

17,153 Views
0
Report
Anonymous
Not applicable

Hi @BillH614618 you are right about <Allstate>. Luv them 😎

17,565 Views
2
Report
Regular Contributor

thanks...glad I found allstate, saving me $1250 annually.....the big question I'd like to know is how many $million$ does Hartford give to the AARP org for their endorsement.?    I wish my AARP org worked  for me, getting me the best rates  as a group--instead, they apparently, just sold us out to the highest corporate bidder  

17,517 Views
1
Report
Anonymous
Not applicable

You are welcome @BillH614618 😎 Thanks for sharing your story with us. 

17,509 Views
0
Report
Contributor

We recently had a similar increase as well, approx. 30%.  We also switched to Hartford because they gave us a really good rate to start with.  Very frustrating.. I wouldn't expect it to be because of our ages!

 

Laurie

17,742 Views
0
Report
Retired Moderator

@SammieS99563  Hi there! AARP Member Benefits Team here to help. We certainly understand your concern regarding the rate increase of your Hartford Auto insurance policy. We’d be happy to forward your concern to the Escalation team we work with at The Hartford for their thorough review and investigation if you’d like, as there are a multitude of factors that impact your rate. To do this, we will need more information. Please send me a private message in the AARP Online Community by clicking this link and entering my username, “AARPAngelaC” into the “Send to” box https://community.aarp.org/t5/notes/composepage

Please provide the following details in your message:
- AARP membership number (or home address)
- Best contact phone number
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate you informing us of your concern. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

18,177 Views
14
Report
Contributor

That was an automated form reply. The exact same reply, word for word as LakeishaT901230 above. AARP doesn't care about our concerns so I'm out also. Bye

3,863 Views
0
Report
Newbie

The only thing that impacts my renewal rate going up to $636 from 490 is a big fat lie!  My husband and I are the victims of a classic bait and switch.  Who is going to help us with this? Obviously not AARP.  Shall we get an attorney involved?

8,728 Views
2
Report
Regular Contributor

Hi @TinaBhere!  We understand your concerns about your recent premium increase and have reviewed your two post. The most recent term increased primarily due to a rate revision The Hartford implemented in all states that The Hartford insurance is offered. There’s been a increase in supply chain issues, labor shortages, and the frequency and severity of car accidents. These trends, combined with medical costs continuing to soar, have caused the price of most accidents to rise. It was necessary for The Hartford to increase their prices to keep up with the costs for repairing or replacing damaged vehicles and helping to indemnify those harmed in losses. The increase was approved by each state. 

 

If you were unable to get specific answers as to why your premium increase and what options The Hartford can offer to you to save, we would be glad to work with the Escalation team at The Hartford to have this investigated for you. To do this, we will need more information. At your convenience, please send a private message to provide the following:

  • AARP membership number (or home address)
  • Best email address & telephone number
  • Description of your issue

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate you informing us of your concern. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

8,619 Views
1
Report
Honored Social Butterfly

And don't forget the average price of cars - new, specifically, but used too, have risen greatly.  

Kelly Blue Book 12/12/2022 - Average New Car Price Sets Record

 

People need to make sure that they are fully insured; adequately insured, because if not, and an accident happens which could be your fault - you are risking financial ruin if not adequately covered.

 

 

It's Always Something . . . . Roseanna Roseannadanna
0 Kudos
8,585 Views
0
Report
Regular Contributor

AngelaC....I couldn't navigate to you directly, but please call me directly at [EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED FROM PUBLIC VIEW FOR YOUR ONLINE SAFETY] if you want documentation.   I am outraged that my trust in AARP as an org that should represent MY interests, to whom I pay a membership, will endorse and license their name to an insurance company that then CHARGES DOUBLE!!!!    this ruins my trust in AARP completely....seems just another marketing scam out for yourselves, taking corporate payola to screw your own members.  Please change my mind!  fire Hartford and give the AARP endorsement to another more deserving ins company (or do they pay you too much and you just can't turn them down)

16,512 Views
1
Report
Anonymous
Not applicable

Hi @BillH614618 

 

  1. Click on @AARPAngelaC .
  2. This will take you to her AARP Profile.
  3. Scroll down to bottom and click on <Send Private Message.> This will open up a blank message already going to her. Fill in meesage. Click send.
  4. Three <screenshots below>.
  5.  

20210715_213827.jpg

20210715_213846.jpg

20210715_213748.jpg

 

16,306 Views
0
Report
Contributor

I agree with Sammie. My house insurance with Hartford has gone up tremendously. In 2014 it was $1360/year, and for 2021 it is $4,020/year! This is a huge increase for someone who is 78. The house has not changed in size. I did update the kitchen. And now I need a new roof and they are being so difficult. This is my first claim with them. Being an AARP member does not seem to help. 

 

16,746 Views
7
Report
Newbie

Oh my goodness!  NO, this is criminal.  I know this is a 2 year old post, but the same thing keeps happening to everyone over and over again.  And in your case, that's a $3000 difference.  They are obviously trying to take advantage of the elderly.  This is absolutely criminal.

 

8,023 Views
0
Report
Regular Contributor

don't just pay the increased rates....that outrageous....get on the net and get cheaper insurance.  This is a competitive market economy, get the best deal, save those thousands in ins. savings to buy good food to cook in your new kitchen.     AARP has just sold you out....call Allstate, got my insurance reduced more that half.

16,068 Views
5
Report
Newbie

  After Hartford jacked my auto insurance way up, I found another insurance company and did indeed get a much better rate. The problem is, Hartford keeps sending me a bill (attached below) even though I did not renew with them. Now they are threatening to send the bill to collections even though I got insurance through another company! Please note the "Important Information" field!

Hartford Bill.jpg

Community Concierge

W're sorry to hear you’re having trouble with The Hartford. We 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 on your behalf.  Jodee R. 

0 Kudos
291 Views
0
Report
Periodic Contributor

As I understand it. As soon as you have another insurance companies effective date your new insurance company notify your former insurer. I would contact your newer insurance agency to contact Hartford. 

Honored Social Butterfly

@JosephA563556 

 

Did you do as the invoice directs you to do - send in a copy of the policy (declaration page) of the new policy you picked up?  

 

They just want to see that your new policy whomever it is with begins on 10/01/2023 - the date that your policy lapsed with Hartford.  

 

If you did not have the new one in effect on 10/01/2023 and if you did not cancel the Hartford policy in writing before that date then you were still insured with Hartford and they are just asking you to pay for that coverage period whether or not you used the Hartford policy - because you could have used it if the need arose.

 

 

 

 

It's Always Something . . . . Roseanna Roseannadanna
0 Kudos
352 Views
0
Report
Recognized Social Butterfly

(2/21/24) Joseph @JosephA563556 have you contacted your STATE whatever who "watches" INSURANCE COMPANIES?🤔

 

Be careful with Hartford... 😎

 


[*** JOSEPH @JosephA563556 wrote:

  After Hartford jacked my auto insurance way up, I found another insurance company and did indeed get a much better rate. The problem is, Hartford keeps sending me a bill (attached below) even though I did not renew with them. Now they are threatening to send the bill to collections even though I got insurance through another company! Please note the "Important Information" field!

Hartford Bill.jpg


0 Kudos
369 Views
0
Report
Honored Social Butterfly

I can't give you a specific explanation EXCEPT that insurance is a shared and shared alike type program and many things will affect your premiums outside of yourself and your specific record.

1.  Your age and the age of others in your household who are of driving age.  There are many age point increases just like there are increases and decreases in other age / other characteristics in earlier years in our life.

2.  The cost of [new and used] vehicles - as these cost rise they affect your premiums because if you hit one, your insurance pays.  Repair cost as well as Replacement cost -

3.  The amount of traffic, the number of accidents in your general area - your zip code and the surrounding area.

4.  The number of people that are UN-insured or UNDER-insured or lack drivers licenses in your general area if you have that coverage on your policy.

5.  The number and type of claims in your general area - not just yours - EVERYBODY.

6.  Know what extra coverage is added on - stuff like Accident Forgiveness / Declining Deductible

all add to the cost too.

 

One thing that you didn't mention was under which type of coverage you saw the most increase - Liability, Comprehensive,   UN- or UNDER-Insured coverage - both liability and property coverage.

When shopping coverage, you have to compare a lot of different categories for a reasonable comparison:  See if you qualify for any discounts or could by taking some type of action. 

What about raising your deductible limits?  Did your various limits stay the same when you switched before or were these limits raised?  Did you pick up or drop any accessory coverage like towing / rental car coverage and are these the same as before.

Once you know what you actually have by deciphering the policy, do an analysis of your existing coverage and then compare [the same or as close as you can] with other companies.

 

What special member benefits do you get with them by being an AARP member?  Make sure you read their details and disclaimers.  Are you paying for more things than you might need or don't get in another policy?

https://www.thehartford.com/aarp/car-insurance/aarp-benefits-discounts 

 

It's Always Something . . . . Roseanna Roseannadanna
17,467 Views
16
Report
Periodic Contributor

When you also add in the loss factors due to climate change that result from natural catastrophes as well as car theft it's not surprising everyone's rates increase. Also if planning on a used car be very careful of cars involved with flood damage. The insurance companies send them to auction houses that dealers pick up and disguises the fact they were flooded. Usually with electrical problems they bandaid but can't be permanently fixed. Once your service agreement ends...your continued out of pocket begins.

Periodic Contributor

When other auto insurance companies are raising their rates in the neighborhood of 8% in 2023 (over 2022 rates) these small factors you mention spread across millions of customers would never justify the huge rate increases we are seeing upon Hartford first renewal. My base rate adjustment would have been 36.48%. No, it's bait and switch and piracy of many older folks who don't, can't or won't make a switch when they're being screwed. And, the agent tried to placate little-OLD-me by saying "everything is going up - have you been to the grocery store?" As THOUGH I am computer illiterate and can't learn that 36.48% is way out of the ballpark from the normal industry standard rate increase of 8%

8,944 Views
3
Report
Periodic Contributor

I believe i heard Chicago insurance rates went up as high as 50% +. 

Newbie

I totally understand where you are coming from!  I, too, see it time and time again, this ageism - being spoken to as if I was just born yesterday, and Hartford needs to be held accountable for its criminal actions.

7,307 Views
0
Report
Honored Social Butterfly

So this isn’t correct ?

WalletHub 01/20/2023 The Hartford Insurance Review 2023

 

 

 

It's Always Something . . . . Roseanna Roseannadanna
8,103 Views
0
Report
Contributor

Wrong. As others have said, many insurance companies offer a great premium the first year so you'll make the switch and then you'll see a big increase at renewal. Others do not do this. Regardless, I have never gotten a competitive offer from the Hartford but that may be a state-specific thing. My auto coverage is with Travelers and it actually went down a couple dollars last time.

 

If you do make a change, be very careful that you are comparing apples to apples and you think about the coverage you need. Always refer to your declaration page when shopping rates because often agents and online applications will default to the statutory minimums which may not be sufficient but of course they're likely to be less expensive. 

8,458 Views
0
Report
Regular Contributor

No No No.   when another large reputable insurance company will give you the same insurance coverage on the same house FOR HALF THE COST!  you know you were being hosed by the AARP Hartford.      Why would Allstate be less than half as much?    BECAUSE AARP WAS OVERCHARGING, figuring you have retired seniors who will just not question and pay up....scandalous!

11,485 Views
9
Report
Periodic Contributor

@ BillH614618 - You are absolutely right! I love to see someone who knows how to stand up for their rights. Unfortunately - and they know this - seniors often don't have the ability or knowledge to do this. And that's why piracy of the elderly is completely reprehensible. Time for a class action lawsuit - I betcha Hartford would have a hard time justifying their rate increase percentage on what should be a protected class of insureds. Oh, and you're right - WHERE IS AARP when we need protected???!?

4,728 Views
8
Report
cancel
Showing results for 
Show  only  | Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Users
Need to Know

NEW: AARP Games Tournament Tuesdays! This week, achieve a top score in Atari Breakout® and you could win $100! Learn More.

AARP Games Tournament Tuesdays

More From AARP