The 2022 Hartford/AARP Home Insurance Review: Is It Right For You?

The Hartford offers policies designed for senior homeowners through its partnership with AARP. The company has been the provider of AARP home insurance since the 1980s.

However, you do not need to be an AARP member to purchase insurance from The Hartford. Non-members can obtain coverage through independent agents.

The Hartford is one of the most venerable brands in the insurance industry, dating back to 1810.

Hartford/AARP Home Insurance earned 3.5 out of 5 stars for overall performance. Our editorial team determines NerdWallet’s ratings. The home insurance rating formula considers coverage options and discounts, ease of filing a claim, website transparency, financial strength of the company, customer complaint data. National Association of Insurance Commissioners, etc.

The Hartford offers homeowners insurance to AARP members in Washington, DC, and in every state except Florida. In most states, non-members can obtain Hartford home insurance through independent agents.

The Hartford offers standard home insurance as well as several home insurance packages. Additional coverage options may be available, including:

• Coverage of additional limits. It pays up to 125% of your coverage limits (or 150% in some areas) if you have to completely rebuild your home.

• Benefit without ProtectorPlus deductible. give up your deductible (the amount of a claim for which you are responsible) up to $5,000 if you make a claim of $27,500 or more.

• “New for old” protection. Pays to replace your belongings with new items, regardless of the age or condition of the old belongings (often known as content replacement cost coverage).

• Lock replacement. Pay up to $500 (minus your deductible) to replace your locks if a key is lost or stolen.

• Personal injury liability cover. Helps pay for damages resulting from a claim of defamation or slander, which standard liability coverage typically does not cover.

• Coverage against identity theft. Pay for personal expenses to help you recover from fraud or identity theft. Learn more about identity theft insurance.

• Deductible on endangered property. Reduces your deductible after three years without claims.

• Green rebuilding. Increases your policy limits by up to 10% to pay for environmentally friendly materials or methods to repair your home after a disaster.

• Equipment breakdown coverage. Pay to repair or replace appliances and electronics if they fail for a reason other than normal wear and tear.

• Replacement plus patented cover. Help pay to make your kitchen or bathroom safer and more accessible after a covered claim with upgrades like tiered countertops or single-lever faucets.

• Backflow and overflow from sump pump. Reimburses you if a backed up drain or failing sump pump causes water damage.

• Planned movable property. Provides additional coverage for individual items not fully covered by a standard policy, such as an expensive ring.

• Coverage of valuables. Increases the payment limit for items such as jewelry and silverware in the event of theft, loss or damage – up to $10,000 per item.

• Prescription or legal coverage. Pays to bring your home up to the latest building codes after a covered claim.

Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for a discount in:

• Consolidation of auto and home policies.

• Have home security features.

• Installation of certain fire protection devices such as sprinkler systems or monitored fire alarms.

• Owning a new house or a house with a new roof.

• Having filed no owner complaint.

• Work less than 24 hours a week.

• Live in a gated community.

• Not having a mortgage on your home.

• Take steps to prevent wind damage to your home.

• Be a recent buyer.

The Hartford had far more than expected number of complaints to state regulators for its size for home insurance, according to three years of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Website: The Hartford website offers coverage information, online quotes, and a portal where you can pay your bills and manage your policy. You can also use your online account to file and track complaints.

Application : Some of the functionality of The Hartford’s mobile app is similar to that of the website, such as paying bills and tracking complaints. However, Android users have reported bugs that make the app difficult to use. iPhone users report a slightly better experience with the app.

Complaints: You can file a home insurance claim through The Hartford’s website. If you’d rather talk to someone, AARP members can call 877-805-9918, while non-AARP policyholders can call 800-243-5860. For advice, see how to apply for home insurance.

Customer service: AARP homeowners 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.

Benefits for older owners. The Hartford targets mature homeowners with retiree and AARP discounts. In addition, its “Replacement Plus” coverage could make it easier for people with reduced mobility to move around their kitchen or bathroom after a covered claim.

Many coverage options. The Hartford offers several ways to customize your policy, including the ability to waive your deductible for large claims.

Consumer Complaints. The Hartford’s biggest weak spot is its high volume of customer complaints.

Buggy Android app. Judging by ratings and user reviews, Hartford’s Android app may not be the most efficient way to manage your policy. The iOS app fare better, however.

If you are a member of AARP or are considering becoming one, the organization’s home insurance is worth considering. But you don’t have to be an AARP member to get insurance from The Hartford; you can contact one of their local independent agents to inquire about your options.

Not ready to make a decision? You might be interested in these other home insurance companies:

• Farmers: Offers three levels of home insurance coverage.

• At national scale: Fonts widely available with a wide range of coverage options.

• Safeco: Solid home insurance with customizable features.