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The Hartford/AARP Homeowners Insurance Review 2024
![Sarah Schlichter](https://www.nerdwallet.com/assets/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Sarah-Schlichter-headshot-square-160x160.jpg)
Lead Writer | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Sarah Schlichter is a NerdWallet authority on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she spent more than 15 years in digital media as a writer, editor and spokesperson. Sarah enjoys delving into complicated topics and helping readers understand the ins and outs of their insurance coverage. She lives in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
![Caitlin Constantine](https://www.nerdwallet.com/assets/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Caitlin-Constantine-160x160.jpeg)
Assigning Editor | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Caitlin Constantine is an assigning editor at NerdWallet, focusing on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. She has more than 15 years of experience in digital media, including as the deputy managing editor at The Penny Hoarder and as a digital producer for a 24/7 news station based in the Tampa Bay area. Caitlin enjoys exploring the ways technology can help people become better informed about the world. She currently lives outside Asheville, North Carolina.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
![insurance-product-card-logo](https://www.nerdwallet.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85/cdn/insurance/logos/thehartford.png)
The Hartford
3.5
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- Lots of coverage options.
- Discounts for retirees and AARP members.
- User-friendly website.
Cons
- Far more than the expected number of complaints for a company of its size.
- Poorly rated Android app.
The Hartford
3.5
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- Lots of coverage options.
- Discounts for retirees and AARP members.
- User-friendly website.
Cons
- Far more than the expected number of complaints for a company of its size.
- Poorly rated Android app.
About AARP home insurance from The Hartford
3.5
NerdWallet ratingThe Hartford/AARP homeowners insurance earned 3.5 out of 5 stars for overall performance. The Hartford has been the provider of AARP home insurance since the 1980s. However, you don’t need to be an AARP member to buy insurance from The Hartford. Non-members can get coverage through independent agents.
The Hartford is one of the insurance industry’s most venerable brands, dating back to 1810.
Our star ratings are based on consumer complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; financial strength grades from AM Best; coverage and discounts available; and the overall consumer experience. See our criteria for evaluating home insurance companies.
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines that ensure fairness and accuracy to help you choose the financial products that work best for you. Here is a list of our partners, and here’s how we make money.
Where The Hartford/AARP stands out
Perks for older homeowners. The Hartford targets mature homeowners with retiree and AARP discounts. In addition, its "Replacement Plus" coverage could make it easier for those with limited mobility to get around their home after a covered claim.
Many coverage options. The Hartford offers quite a few ways to customize your policy, including the ability to waive your deductible for large claims.
Where The Hartford/AARP falls short
Consumer complaints. The Hartford's biggest weak point is its high volume of customer complaints.
Buggy Android app. Judging by user ratings and reviews, The Hartford's Android app may not be the most effective way to manage your policy. The iOS app fares better, however.
State availability
The Hartford offers homeowners insurance to AARP members in Washington, D.C., and every state but California and Florida. In most states, non-members can get Hartford home insurance through independent agents.
The Hartford/AARP home insurance coverage
You can customize your homeowners policy with numerous add-ons, but below are the types of coverage that generally come standard:
Type of coverage | What it does |
---|---|
Pays to repair or rebuild the structure of your home. | |
Covers damage to unattached structures such as sheds or fences. | |
Pays to repair or replace personal belongings such as furniture or clothing. | |
Pays for hotel stays, restaurant meals or other expenses if you have to live elsewhere while your home undergoes covered repairs. | |
Covers legal expenses and damages if you're responsible for injuries to other people or their property. | |
Covers injuries to guests in your home, regardless of fault. |
For more details, see What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
The Hartford offers the standard home insurance above as well as other coverage options, such as:
Additional Limits Coverage. It pays up to 125% of your coverage limits (or 150% in some areas) if you need to rebuild your home completely.
ProtectorPlus Zero Deductible Benefit. Waives your home insurance deductible (the amount of a claim you're responsible for) up to $5,000 if you make a damage claim of $27,500 or more.
"New for Old" Protection. Pays to replace your possessions with new items after a claim, regardless of the old possessions' age or condition (often known as contents replacement cost coverage).
Lock replacement. Pays up to $500 (minus a deductible) to replace your locks if a key is lost or stolen.
Personal injury liability coverage. Helps pay for damages from a libel or slander claim, which standard liability coverage typically doesn't.
Identity fraud coverage. Pays out-of-pocket expenses to help you recover after fraud or identity theft. Learn more about identity theft insurance.
Disappearing Property Deductible. Reduces your deductible after you've been claim-free for three years.
Green Rebuilding. Increases your policy limits by up to 10% to pay for environmentally friendly materials or methods to repair your home after a claim.
Equipment breakdown coverage. Pays to repair or replace appliances and electronics if they fail for a reason other than normal wear and tear.
Replacement Plus or Easy Living Upgrade Coverage. Helps pay to make your kitchen or bathroom safer and more accessible after a covered claim with upgrades such as multi-level countertops or wider doorways.
Water backup and sump pump overflow. Reimburses you if a backed-up drain or failed sump pump causes water damage.
Scheduled personal property. Offers extra coverage for individual items that a standard policy won't fully cover, such as an expensive ring.
Valuable items blanket coverage. Raises the payout limit for items such as jewelry and silverware if stolen, lost or damaged — up to $10,000 per item.
Ordinance or law coverage. Pays to bring your home up to the latest building codes after a covered claim.
Refrigerated property coverage. Pays to replace refrigerated food ruined during a power outage or mechanical breakdown.
Discounts
Depending on where you live, you may be able to get a discount by:
Bundling auto and homeowners policies.
Having home security features.
Installing certain fire protection devices like sprinkler systems or monitored fire alarms.
Owning a new home.
Having good credit.
Having filed no homeowners claims.
Working less than 24 hours a week.
Living in a gated community.
Being an AARP member.
Taking steps to prevent wind damage to your home.
Renewing your policy.
Consumer complaints
The Hartford had far more than the expected number of complaints to state regulators relative to its size for home insurance, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Consumer experience
Website: The Hartford's website offers coverage information, online quotes and a portal where you can pay bills and manage your policy. You can also use your online account to file and track claims.
App: Some of The Hartford's mobile app features are similar to the website's, such as bill payments and claim tracking. However, Android users have reported bugs that make the app challenging to use. iPhone users report a slightly better experience with the app.
Claims: You can report a homeowners insurance claim through The Hartford's website. If you'd rather speak to someone, AARP members can call 877-805-9918, while non-AARP policyholders can call 800-243-5860. For advice, see how to file a home insurance claim.
Customer service: AARP homeowners policyholders can call 800-423-0567, Monday through Saturday, for customer support. Non-AARP members can contact their local agent or call 800-624-5578, Monday through Saturday.
The bottom line
If you're an AARP member or considering becoming one, the organization's homeowners insurance is worth considering. But you don't need an AARP membership to get The Hartford's insurance; you can contact one of its local independent agents to ask about your options.
Other home insurance companies to consider
Not ready to make a decision? You may be interested in these other homeowners insurance companies:
Current Product
NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 3.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.0 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.0 /5 |
Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Far more than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Fewer than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Fewer than expected |
Coverage Ratings are based on the types of coverage a company offers in comparison to other insurers. About average | Coverage Ratings are based on the types of coverage a company offers in comparison to other insurers. About average | Coverage Ratings are based on the types of coverage a company offers in comparison to other insurers. About average |
Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Average set of discounts |
Bottom line AARP members can get homeowners insurance through the organization’s partnership with The Hartford. | Bottom line Those seeking policy add-ons like diminishing deductibles and claims forgiveness may want to consider Farmers. | Bottom line A solid option that's available in most states. |
In addition to homeowners insurance, The Hartford sells policies including auto, renters, condo and umbrella through its partnership with AARP. The Hartford also offers various types of business insurance. Check out NerdWallet’s Hartford auto insurance review.
AARP partners with Foremost to insure manufactured and mobile homes. Learn more about mobile home insurance.
No. The Hartford is a third-party insurer that sells AARP-branded homeowners, auto and other insurance. The Hartford also sells policies to non-AARP members through independent agents.
In addition to homeowners insurance, The Hartford sells policies including auto, renters, condo and umbrella through its partnership with AARP. The Hartford also offers various types of business insurance. Check out NerdWallet’s
Hartford auto insurance review
.
AARP partners with Foremost to insure manufactured and mobile homes. Learn more about
mobile home insurance
.
No. The Hartford is a third-party insurer that sells AARP-branded homeowners, auto and other insurance. The Hartford also sells policies to non-AARP members through independent agents.
Homeowners insurance star ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverage, discounts and online experience. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our full ratings methodology for home insurance.
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2020-2022. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
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