28% increase in The Hartford auto insurance premiums

[mt45338869]

Over the past year we have had our auto insurance through AARP and the Hartford, paying $2,497 for two vehicles. It is renewal time and our Agent tells us that The Hartford has decided to increase their rates across the tri-county area in south Florida. Our renewal policy increased $690 annually. This, in spite of our clear driving record.

My agent also tells us that it is a strategy the company has taken to reduce risk. They know that X% will drop them and switch to another company. They also know that Y% will continue with them and pay the higher rate, offsetting the lost revenue. So the insurance company, in the end, is able to maintain revenue with a smaller customer base and thus reduce their exposure to risk. Great plan for the company unless the value of X turns out greater than expected.

Although I think the Hartford is a top notch company I am one of the X's and am switching to another well regarded company with similar coverage, including accident forgiveness, paying slightly less than I did in 2016.

I share this in the interest of increasing awareness and motivating AARP to address this with the company and, if that doesn't happen, possibly making "X" greater than anticipated for companies that do this.

[StacyL117080]

I recently went through some life-changes that left me with a financial hardship that was so daunting, I had to seriously we can.” I jumped at AARP’s collaboration with Hartfords and its promise to beat what I had been paying by at least several hundred dollars, so I got the quote. It wasn’t hard to fulfill that promise, as I was already made aware that my auto/home insurance company could have charged me less - they just chose not too. I took the bundled quote, and prepared to move on to the next cost cutting measure. I paid for one year of homeowners in advance and six months of auto to begin in one month’s time; when my old policy was set to renew. It became active on the last day of this July. In August my 65th birthday came along, and my Retirement check was shy $200 beginning that month, although I had full healthcare insurance and opted out of Medicare because I knew that my health insurance would not change; I had developed a rare disease that my legal settlement included full healthcare insurance paid for life. Huge relief to know at least I had that, because I had settled in with a healthcare team I didn’t want to change. I chose to opt out of Medicare for the savings. I was able to pay my expenses, but just.  I couldn’t pay for anything I didn’t need.  At the end of that first Month in August, I received a letter from Hartford’s claiming that my auto insurance had gone up, and I had to pay the difference within ten days or I would lose my coverage. The amount? Double! The first month of coverage. It took me what seemed like forever to get someone to explain why they did that. They finally said “You can’t continue to have the QHC discount now that you’re eligible for Medicare. By opting out, you made yourself ineligible for that 45% discount we quoted you.” I pointed out that I wasn’t even eligible for Medicare when the quote for my first six months were calculated, yet as I have been getting the discount for a full month I’d been with them. They gave me a quote for six months - yet suddenly it doubles in the second month since I paid them, during the first real month of coverage. I also pointed out that having Medicare was not required for the PIP discount. I had been getting the discount since it became law in 2020. Then they said, “Well, WE require it.” So here I am, looking through the AARP’s on-line magazine and I see your post, followed by several others who were also baited and switched to Hartford. AARP couldn’t have seen this coming. 

[s853532c]

They are THIEVES.  AARP should cease its relationship with The Hartford.

[s853532c]

My Hartford Premium went from $3,000.00 to $5,000.00.  No claims.  Switched to Erie, and saved $2,000.00 for better coverage.  Thieves.  No reason to renew AARP Membership.

[SherryS133816]

AARP has a contract with the Hartford to endorse their product to AARP members and potential members so AARP needs to address these large increases with the Hartford -- it's called leverage.   I've been with Hartford for a number of years, suddenly my auto premium increased 44% which translated to $700 in additional premium.  I have the max credits they can apply for bundling, safe driving certificate, no accidents, no tickets, limited driving for pleasure, secure parking, high credit rating, True Lane credit.  The rate is supposed to reflect your driving but the new rate doesn't reflect my driving or anything else about me.   I heard the excuses -- more expensive to repair, labor and parts costs up etc, more accidents etc.  Of course, the truth is it's climate factors driving the rates -- floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires etc. which we see each day on the news that are occurring more frequently in more parts of the country which indicates that underwriting of risk has to take in the factor of location and proximity to these catastrophic events.  We've all seen the burned out cars from massive fires, the flooded vehicles from heavy rains, the overturned smashed cars from hurricanes and tornadoes.   It's not only accidents driving the rates up.   The company needs to be more selective where they write auto and give a break to those of us not living in zones being decimated by weather events. 

Very disappointed in Hartford and their support operation AARP.   I moved my auto to Progressive for same premium as expiring policy and same coverage.  I moved my renters insurance also and saw a $300 decrease in price for same coverage. 

[dn1663]

 I hope you have better luck with Progressive than I have. The Hartford sent me running with increases of almost 80% for me with all the discounts, no tickets or claims, but I've had all of the major (and some lesser known) providers and Progressive was by far the worst. They actually used an absurd tactic to raise my rates. I had a single car on a policy that was a vehicle the Hartford wouldn't insure when I already had four on my policy. Progressive sent me letters and emails demanding proof of prior insurance, which is something every insurance company can see online when you call for a quote. They didn't really want proof of prior insurance, which I'd had without interruption for decades, they wanted to see how much I was paying other companies. I ignored the requests for the info and they raised my rate by $150 and billed me for that amount. I got coverage with Allstate that day and cancelled the Progressive policy. I don't play silly games. They're terrible, and "Flo" was nowhere to be found!

[FrederickB425756]

My Auto Insurance with Hartford increased 72.465% from last year(2023) after a No Fault Accident. So, last year I switch over to Hartford Ins for my auto insurance in Sept 23 with a  Clean driving record and my rate was $1213/year then. In November after Thankgiven I had an 18yo drivers run a stop light and made a left turn in front of me and totaled my truck. I had a dash cam which show the driver was at fault and the accident report stated the same. My claim process with Hartford was slow for Hartford to pay out and settle after the other driver was "Under Insured" with a 25K Limit maxnium on a claim. Hartford had to get involved to settle a payout of my total loss vechicle which happen in the end of January 29th. I loss several good chances to purchase another good used vehicle because of the delay in the claim settlement and had an auto rental bills of $2,553.06 which I have not been reimbursed as of today. I have received a letter from the other insurance compay GEICO to settle for $1872.02 but I havent agree to that amount yet. Thank god there were no injuries to this other than a few heartfelt flutters. Today is Aug, 26th 2024.....

There is no Heart in Hartford - I loss my mother 10 days after this acccident and its been a rough haul for me. 

[GailL1]

@FrederickB425756 

So, you did have coverage for UN-Insured / UNDER-Insured motorist on your auto policy under Hartford and they were just slow to act?

[madelitx]

Sorry you went through that ordeal. I had something similar happen with AAA in 2016. Had to keep calling and emailing until they paid and if you were not at fault the other company has to pay for your rental car costs, so I can't understand the states allow such low liability limits.

[FrederickB425756]

Yes I had Un-Insured/Under-Insured coverage which is the SC State mimium of 25K.

The accident occured on Nov 18th, 2023 and I received a Total Loss Setttlement for my vehicle January 30th 2024.That put me in a rental for 74 days, which they only covered the two weeks(14 days) in the policy and I'm having to fight for 60 days of rental($2,553.06) with GEICO now for that amount. I received a letter from GEICO Claims which they want to low-ball me at $1872.00 for the rental amount. I just got my Hartford Renewal letter last week and my insurance increase from $1213.00 to $2,092.00 for 1yr coverage. Thats a 72.465% increase now after the accident. My driving record was clean before the accident and my Credit Score is 805. So I see Hartford going away.

Fred - SC

https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/insurance-services/the-hartford-auto-insurance/

[GailL1]

I have never had The Hartford coverage but it seems from what you have said that your policy with them (UNDER-insured classification) has paid some of your claims - which they should have up to your limit of coverage - (state minimum) $25K.  Which in todays cost for cars isn’t much -

They should have (and seems they did) represented you in the negotiations with (I guess, Geico - the other person’s insurance company).  They did play a roll and most likely this does have a bearing on your increase in premiums.  Driving record and credit score probably played a part too - albeit a smaller part than before the accident.  Age also plays a part - I think my last rather hefty premium increase was when I crossed the 75 year mark.

I have Un- Under- insured limits set at Liability $ 300K + property $ 200K and then on top of that I have an Umbrella policy that covers up to ONE MILLION.  People have to cover their value at least cause you never know what a lawsuit could do to ones’ finances - Insurance is for those “what if” situations.

 Premiums are also set based on the average cost of autos in your area, the number of cars on the road in your area, accident data, auto crime data, un-under-insured drivers,  repair cost - in many areas all of those are pretty high.  So insurance is more than just about you - it is about the other guy and their cars too.

Like I said, never had The Hartford for any insurance - I shop around periodically for a comparison to what I currently have which, most likely, I am over insured.  

Good Luck - hope you find what you are looking for - 

[GailL1]

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@madelitx wrote:

Sorry you went through that ordeal. I had something similar happen with AAA in 2016. Had to keep calling and emailing until they paid and if you were not at fault the other company has to pay for your rental car costs, so I can't understand the states allow such low liability limits.

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Because if states set higher limits then many people could not afford auto insurance at all plus if one has NOTHING then why insure against a loss?  Can”t get blood out of a turnip.

So this is why people that have something the want to protect, like life and limb and property in auto insurance, pick up an ample amount of UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED coverage to pay their claims against those who are the ones who are Un- or Under- insured that may hit you.

We have lots of exposure in today’s economy to those who are UN- or UNDER- Insured with the price of the property and liability issues.  

If people don’t have this coverage, then they are risking a big loss - in property and in loss of life and limb.

There is always an Umbrella policy that can even add more protection as long as the defined amount of UN- or UNDER- insured limits are carried on your auto insurance policy and the Umbrella policy can also extend coverage to your home.

[DanielO257149]

 I'm in Florida, was with Geico for about 10 years. One day I get the premium and was over $5000 for two cars and no accidents. I went with The Hartford. I think it's a game to snag you in. Insurance for 3 vehicles for $1200 for six months. Then the renewal price goes up. My last renewal was $3526 and I expect it will be higher in May with the next renewal. 

Credit score over 800, no accidents, no claims. 

  I called Geico back thinking maybe they wanted me back as a customer, the  quote was over $6000.   So if you're  in Florida and found better insurance please share with me. 

[JamesH377174]

 Try Progressive. I have a perfect record and great credit score and no one could touch them. 

[dn1663]

 I had the exact opposite experience with Progressive. Over the years I've had policies with all of the major carrier and some lesser knowns, and I rate Progressive as the absolute worst. They not only look for but they invent ways to raise your premium, and play silly games assuming you're an uninformed consumer. The last time I had a policy with them it was for a single vehicle, and within days of getting the coverage they sent me an email telling me I needed to provide proof of prior insurance or they would raise my rate significantly. Total scam, all of the insurance companies can see your prior insurance. When I first got coverage from the Hartford the agent who gave me the quote said I can see you've had continuous coverage for over twenty years. Progressive sees the same thing, only they play games so they can raise your rates.
 I ignored the requests for proof of prior insurance mainly because I'm not the type to play silly  ;games and they wanted to see copies of my previous policies. They want that so they can see how much you're willing to pay and how much they can get away with charging .They sent me a bill for an increased premium because I wouldn't play along, and I switched to another provider and cancelled. They had to refund almost all of the money  I paid them because I pay my policies in full, and I'd only had it for a couple of weeks. When shopping around now I don't consider Progressives. I consider them to be rip off scammers.

[JamesH377174]

 Thats weird, had them for 3 years and they have asked me for nothing. No other company could match there rates. 

[dgdc11]

I am really glad I came across this thread. I'm in Florida and this state is crazy high when it comes to premiums and the insurance companies get away with it.  Like many of you, we've been with The Hartford for years. I'm a chiropractic physician and have recommended the Hartford to my senior patients because they do have some nice bells and whistles. That was before they increased their premiums. Well, here we are. Our policy is set to renew this month and the premium has increased by almost 40%. I thought for sure, this must be a mistake. Afterall, why would AARP recommend them? As mentioned by many of you, we also have perfect driving records and great credit. AARP needs to stop promoting The Hartford to members. If The Hartford's intention is to streamline and cater to the luxury class, they are out of reach for many AARP members. It truly is a disservice to members, who should be rewarded for great driving records, not penalized with insane premium increases. We recently had to renew our homeowners insurance too. I was hoping to bundle with auto. I found out that The Hartford pulled completely out of Florida. We are stuck with the highest premiums for homeowners insurance in the US - 4 times higher than the national average. Turns out that there are much less frivolous lawsuits then previously counted and used as the excuse for high premiums. 

[JohnM437089]

   BAIT & SWITCH

[JohnM437089]

What % does AARP get 

[dn1663]

 I've got four cars on one policy and one on another because they have a four car limit per policy. I've had the Hartford for several years, and the rates were unbeatable until last year. The increase for the 4 car policy was the highest I've ever heard of any person with no violations and no claims getting: 75%. Just got my renewal notice for the single car policy, increase is 41.5%. 
Here's the tip. It pays to call around or you can simply do it yourself online and get quotes. I tried State Farm first who would charge me $2,000 a year more than the Hartford's outrageous rate after the astronomical increases.
 Allstate's quote was a little higher than the Hartford's. I then went through the process to get an online quote from GEICO, which I've never bothered with because over the years their quotes have always been highest. Much to my surprise and delight their rate is far less than half what the Hartford thinks I should pay them, and that's before the crazy increases. GEICO'S rate is $511 less than I paid the Hartford last year, and $1,033 less than what it would cost to stay with them. For the exact same coverage. Needless to say I switched to GEICO for the single vehicle that was due to renew. Next up taking my other four cars and my homeowner's business to GEICO. Call me done with the Hartford's    astronomical ridiculous increases. Their increases were tantamount to begging   me to take my business elsewhere. 

[JohnM437089]

same here

[kytourguy]

My Hartford premium went up by 35%!  I've been with them for 8 years, have had no claims, no tickets, and my credit score is over 800.  I'm shopping around and have found coverage from well-known companies for lots less.  Shame on The Hartford for taking advantage of senior citizens!

[DebbieC491966]

I had to change mine from the heartford,aarp. Was 130.went up a additional 100. A month. Perfect driving record. Not happy with them,disappointed because it was a good company, but additional 100,there not that great. I added myself to my husband's,  Dairyland insurance ,no extra cost. Less than I was paying.  

[dn1663]

I called them all after the biggest increase with the Hartford I've ever heard of anyone getting, 78.5% increase. No claims no tickets. Credit score is 840. All the other carriers came in higher than the Hartford's new more than double the premium for last year. Almost an 80 increase and I can't find a better deal.

[iLuvAutumn]

(2/20/24) @dn1663 , I was pleasantly surprised with my renewal with Allstate THIS TIME. I am in Virginia.

Pandemic and post- pandemic use to have my premiums TOO HIGH.

Hopefully things will stabilize more. 2020 to 2023 was AWFUL for me.

When I had asked WHY my premiums were SO HIGH (no issues or claims) I was told EVERYONE gets hit with OTHER FOLKS claims and fraud claims.

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[*** @dn1663 wrote:

I called them all after the biggest increase with the Hartford I've ever heard of anyone getting, 78.5% increase. No claims no tickets. Credit score is 840. All the other carriers came in higher than the Hartford's new more than double the premium for last year. Almost an 80 increase and I can't find a better deal. ***]

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[DebbieU340539]

Wow  wish I would of read the reviews sooner.  Looks like the Hartford has been doing this for a long time.  I have only been with Hartford for 18 months and premiums have increased 400 dollars.  Wish I would of never switched.

[sktn77a]

All insurance companies have increased their rate by similar amounts this year.  Your only protection is to get competing quotes every year and switch as necessary.  It's a pain, but you gotta do what you gotta do!

[Russell435]

We changed a few years ago to State Farm. Three old cars. Just got renewal. Two went down about $20 each and one old truck up $20. We do use their app and little Bluetooth device in the cars to connect to our cellphones (big brother watches our driving) so it goes. Got good discount this renewal.  Rate may have gone up but our discount beat that down.  Home insurance was renewed last June with them. It went down about $32. Could not believe that one. Nothing reduced on the home insurance as far a coverage but only price down a little rather then up. We live in Georgia, northern suburb of Atlanta.

[sktn77a]

Well, you're lucky.  We've been with State Farm for over 40 years.  This last time round, they increased out bundled homeowners (2 homes) and auto (3 cars) by 50%.  I'm in the process of getting competing bids for our insurance but they aren't saving us much so far!

[WayneF254394]

Just got my renewal notice, 40% rate increase with no claims or changes, no excuse for this bs!