---
title: "The Hartford Insurance Review [Updated 2026]"
description: "Founded in 1810, The Hartford is one of America's oldest insurers, offering personal lines including auto, homeowners, renters, condo, and specialty insurance. Known for its AARP partnership, the company serves customers in most states."
canonical: "https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/the-hartford"
last-updated: "2026-08-13"
---

# The Hartford Insurance Review [Updated 2026]

1. [Introduction to The Hartford Insurance](#introduction)
2. [What Types of Insurance Does The Hartford Offer?](#types-insurance)
3. [Does The Hartford Sell Homeowners Insurance?](#homeowners)
4. [Does The Hartford Sell Auto Insurance?](#auto-insurance)
5. [How Does The Hartford Insurance Work?](#how-it-works)
6. [Pros and Cons of The Hartford Insurance](#pros-cons)
7. [Ratings and Customer Feedback](#ratings)
8. [Get Customer Support or File a Claim](#customer-support)
9. [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq)

## <a id="introduction"></a>Introduction to The Hartford Insurance

The Hartford was founded in 1810 in Hartford, Connecticut, making it one of America's oldest insurance companies. A group of local merchants gathered in a Hartford inn and, with working capital of $15,000, founded the Hartford Fire Insurance Company to address the need for organized fire protection financing in expanding urban centers.

Today, The Hartford is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in its namesake city. The company ranks as the 13th-largest property and casualty insurer in the United States, with approximately 19,100 employees and over 1 million small businesses insured [(Wikipedia, "The Hartford", 2026)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hartford).

The company sells products primarily through a network of agents and brokers. It has also served as the exclusive auto and home insurance provider for AARP members for more than 40 years. This AARP partnership, which began in 1984, gives the company a unique position in the senior insurance market [(The Hartford, "AARP Auto Insurance From The Hartford", 2026)](https://www.thehartford.com/aarp/car-insurance).

The Hartford operates through multiple subsidiary companies, including Hartford Fire Insurance Co, Hartford Accident & Indemnity Co, Hartford Casualty Insurance Co, Hartford Underwriters Insurance Co, Navigators Insurance Co, Sentinel Insurance Company, Trumbull Insurance Co, Twin City Fire Insurance Co, and others. The company acquired Navigators in 2019, which added specialty products across 22 vertical markets.

## <a id="types-insurance"></a>What Types of Insurance Does The Hartford Offer?

The Hartford offers a comprehensive range of personal [insurance types](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/home) focused on individual and family needs:

**Primary Coverage Options:**
- [Auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance) for personal vehicles
- [Homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) for single-family homes
- [Condo insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/condo-insurance) for condominiums
- [Renters insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/renters-insurance) for tenants
- Landlord/rental property insurance

**Specialty Coverage:**
- RV and motorhome insurance
- Boat and watercraft insurance
- Motorcycle insurance (through partners)
- Classic car insurance (through partners)
- ATV, golf cart, and snowmobile insurance
- [Umbrella insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance) for extra liability protection
- Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program

The company does not currently write new business insurance policies, focusing instead on personal lines coverage.

## <a id="homeowners"></a>Does The Hartford Sell Homeowners Insurance?

Yes. The Hartford sells [homeowners insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance), though availability varies by location. The Hartford is not available in California and Florida for new homeowners policies [(U.S. News, "The Hartford Homeowners Insurance Review for 2026", 2026)](https://www.usnews.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/the-hartford).

**Coverage Types Available:**
- Single-family homeowners insurance
- Condo insurance
- Renters insurance
- Landlord/rental property insurance (up to four units)
- Seasonal and vacation home coverage

Standard homeowners insurance helps protect your home and belongings if they are damaged in the event of a covered loss. The Hartford offers customizable home insurance coverage options to meet your unique needs [(The Hartford, "Homeowners Insurance FAQs", 2026)](https://www.thehartford.com/aarp/homeowners-insurance/house-insurance).

**Standard Homeowners Coverage Includes:**
- Dwelling coverage for the structure
- Personal property protection
- Liability coverage
- Additional living expenses (loss of use)
- Other structures coverage
- Medical payments to others

**Optional Add-ons:**
- ProtectorPLUS Zero Deductible Benefit waives your home insurance deductible (up to $5,000) if your home is severely damaged by a covered peril, resulting in $32,900 or more in losses [(The Hartford, "What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?", 2026)](https://www.thehartford.com/aarp/homeowners-insurance/coverage)
- Additional Limits Coverage pays up to 125-150% of coverage limits for total losses
- Water backup coverage
- Equipment breakdown protection
- Green rebuilding coverage (boosts limits by 10% for eco-friendly repairs) [(U.S. News, "Cheapest Homeowners Insurance Companies of 2026", 2026)](https://www.usnews.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/cheapest)
- Identity theft recovery

The Hartford's average home insurance rates are cheaper than the current national average. A home insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage from The Hartford averages $2,075 per year compared to the national average of $2,304 per year for the same coverage.

| Coverage Component | Coverage Details |
|-------------------|------------------|
| Dwelling | Covers the structure itself |
| Other Structures | 10% of dwelling coverage |
| Personal Property | 50-70% of dwelling coverage |
| Liability | Protects against lawsuits |
| Loss of Use | Pays for temporary housing |
| Medical Payments | Covers guest injuries |

## <a id="auto-insurance"></a>Does The Hartford Sell Auto Insurance?

Yes. The Hartford sells comprehensive [auto insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/car-insurance) in all 50 states. AARP members can purchase coverage directly and access exclusive discounts, while non-AARP members must use independent agents.

**Standard Auto Coverage:**
- Liability insurance (bodily injury and property damage)
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection
- Medical payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

**Optional Auto Coverage:**
- Gap insurance can pay the difference between your vehicle's current value and the amount still owed on a loan or lease if your car is declared a total loss
- Rental car reimbursement
- 24/7 emergency roadside assistance coverage
- New car replacement coverage
- Full glass coverage

**Special Benefits for AARP Members:**
- RecoverCare reimbursement for services after an accident
- Accident forgiveness after five years claim-free
- Disappearing deductible for safe drivers
- Up to 10% AARP membership discount plus 8% online quote discount
- Bundle savings average $963 for auto and home insurance
- Customers who switch save an average of $597 on auto insurance [(The Hartford, "AARP Auto Insurance From The Hartford", 2026)](https://www.thehartford.com/aarp/car-insurance)

The Hartford is ranked 9th in the nation for affordability. However, The Hartford's car insurance rates are more expensive than the national average. Full coverage auto insurance policies average $2,694 per year, while minimum coverage policies average $738 per year.

## <a id="how-it-works"></a>How Does The Hartford Insurance Work?

The Hartford operates through multiple distribution channels:

**For AARP Members (Age 50+):**
AARP members can purchase policies directly through The Hartford's website or by phone. The company will help sign up new AARP members during the purchase process. Homeowners insurance with The Hartford is only available to AARP members who are 50 or older.

**For Non-AARP Members:**
Non-members must work with independent insurance agents and brokers nationwide to purchase Hartford policies.

**Getting a Quote:**
1. Visit The Hartford's website or call customer service
2. Provide basic information about your property or vehicle
3. Select coverage levels and optional add-ons
4. Review available discounts
5. Complete the application and pay your premium

**Policy Management:**
Customers can manage their policies through:
- Online account portal at thehartford.com
- Mobile app for policy access and ID cards (rated 4.8 stars with 6,800 ratings on Apple App Store)
- Phone support with customer service representatives
- Local independent agents (for non-AARP policies)

The Hartford has invested in technology platforms to improve customer experience, including the Prevail Agency platform now live in 10 states with 30 state launches planned by early 2027 [(Investing.com, "Earnings call transcript: Hartford surpasses Q4 2025 earnings expectations", 2026)](https://www.investing.com/news/transcripts/earnings-call-transcript-hartford-surpasses-q4-2025-earnings-expectations-93CH-4476616).

## <a id="pros-cons"></a>Pros and Cons of The Hartford Insurance

<div class="grid">
  <div class="column">
    <p><b>Pros</b></p>
    <ul>
      <li>AM Best upgraded Hartford Fire Insurance Company to A+ (Superior) financial strength rating with stable outlook in 2025, with additional A1 rating from Moody's and A+ from S&P</li>
      <li>Over 200 years of insurance experience and stability</li>
      <li>Exclusive AARP partnership with member discounts (the only auto insurance endorsed by AARP)</li>
      <li>Home insurance rates cheaper than national average</li>
      <li>Homeowners insurance NAIC complaint index of 0.53, well below the 1.0 industry average in 2023</li>
      <li>24/7 claims reporting and customer service</li>
      <li>Multi-policy bundling discounts average $963 for auto and home insurance</li>
      <li>Comprehensive specialty coverage options (RV, boat, classic cars)</li>
      <li>Strong 2025 financial performance with $3.8 billion net income and 19.4% core earnings ROE</li>
    </ul>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p><b>Cons</b></p>
    <ul>
      <li>No new homeowners policies in California and Florida</li>
      <li>Car insurance rates more expensive than national average</li>
      <li>AARP membership required for best rates and direct purchase</li>
      <li>More than the expected number of complaints about auto insurance to state regulators relative to its size</li>
      <li>High volume of customer complaints filed against the carrier through the BBB</li>
      <li>Trustpilot rating of 1.2 stars (372 reviews) with mixed sentiment about service quality</li>
      <li>Limited availability in some states for homeowners coverage</li>
      <li>Non-AARP members must use independent agents</li>
    </ul>
  </div>
</div>

## <a id="ratings"></a>Ratings and Customer Feedback for The Hartford Insurance

### Financial Strength Ratings

In July 2025, AM Best upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings to "a" (Excellent) from "a-" and upgraded Hartford Fire Insurance Company's Financial Strength Rating to A+ (Superior) from A (Excellent) [(AM Best, "AM Best Upgrades Credit Ratings of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries", 2025)](https://news.ambest.com/PR/PressContent.aspx?refnum=33641&altsrc=3).

AM Best assesses The Hartford Insurance Group's balance sheet strength as strongest, with strong operating performance, favorable business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Additionally, The Hartford received financial stability ratings of A1 from Moody's and A+ from S&P [(The Hartford, "The Hartford - Financials - Financial Ratings", 2026)](https://ir.thehartford.com/financials/financial-ratings/default.aspx). Hartford Fire Insurance Company and Hartford Life & Accident Insurance Company both maintain A+ (Stable) ratings from A.M. Best.

The company demonstrated strong financial performance in 2025, with fourth-quarter net income of $1.1 billion (up 33% year-over-year) and full-year net income of $3.8 billion (up 23%). The core earnings return on equity reached 19.4%, nearly double the 10% industry average [(Insurance Business Magazine, "The Hartford rides personal lines turnaround to record year", 2026)](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/the-hartford-rides-personal-lines-turnaround-to-record-year-563908.aspx).

| Rating Agency | Rating | Outlook |
|--------------|--------|---------|
| AM Best | A+ (Superior) | Stable |
| Moody's | A1 | Stable |
| S&P | A+ | Positive |

### Customer Review Summary

| Source | Avg. Rating & Count | Representative Quote | Takeaway |
|--------|---------------------|----------------------|----------|
| [**Apple App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-hartford/id6450317375) | 4.8 (6.8k ratings) | N/A | Generally positive reviews on the mobile application |
| [**Trustpilot**](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/thehartford.com) | ~1.2 (372 reviews) | "I switched insurance companies due to a significant rate increase" | Mixed reviews, rate increase complaints |
| [**Better Business Bureau**](https://www.bbb.org/us/ct/hartford/profile/insurance-companies/the-hartford-financial-services-group-inc-0111-1047) | 1.13/5 stars (256 reviews) | "Extremely dishonest company. They did not provide valuable information up front" | Not BBB accredited, high complaint volume |
| [**J.D. Power U.S. Property Claims**](https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-property-claims-satisfaction-study) | 725/1,000 from the 2025 J.D. Power Home Insurance Study | N/A | Above-average claims experience |

Trustpilot reviews show 372 customer reviews with mixed sentiment [(Trustpilot, "The Hartford Reviews", 2026)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/thehartford.com). Negative reviews cite roadside service issues, difficulty reaching live representatives, and significant rate increases. Positive reviews praise clear policies and responsive support teams.

### Real Customer Reviews for The Hartford Insurance

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>5 ★</p>
    <p><b>Skippy from Florida, 2025</b></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.thehartford.com/aarp/car-insurance/reviews"><span class="text-muted">via The Hartford Reviews</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>The Hartford was exellent in handling everything for me</p>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>5 ★</p>
    <p><b>Tree Kisser from Sonora, 2025</b></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.thehartford.com/aarp/car-insurance/reviews"><span class="text-muted">via The Hartford Reviews</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>Husband backed into a tree damaging our new GMC truck tailgate and bumper. Filed a claim online after calling and the claim was approved within hours. Had a check within a week.</p>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>2 ★</p>
    <p><b>Dylan, May 2025</b></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/review/thehartford.com?stars=2"><span class="text-muted">via Trustpilot</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>Their auto insurance rates are good, but their service is terrible, and they have hard and fast rules that are their way or the highway. Two ecamples; I tried to add my umbrella to the auto policy, but because Someone rolled into the back of my car over two years prior, and paid in full for the repairs, they turned. No other accidents and no tickets. Great credit score. Then I sold the car recently. They won't cancel the policy on the day I turned in the plates, and if I hadn't contacted them for another day or two, it would have to be the day after that. No way to reason with them. They get to keep the extra premium. </p>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>2 ★</p>
    <p><b>Cindy, 2025</b></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.trustpilot.com/review/thehartford.com?search=%22significant+rate%22"><span class="text-muted">via Trustpilot</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>Unfortunately, I am not able to give zero (0) stars. On April 27, 2025, I switched insurance companies due to a significant rate increase. I have no accidents or points on my driver's license, and I use my vehicle for pleasure. While shopping for insurance, I saw an advertisement for Hartford through AARP. I had to join AARP to purchase Hartford insurance through them.</p>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="grid customer-review">
  <div class="column">
    <p>1 ★</p>
    <p><b>R David L, 2025</b></p>
    <p><a href="https://www.bbb.org/us/ct/hartford/profile/insurance-companies/the-hartford-financial-services-group-inc-0111-1047/customer-reviews"><span class="text-muted">via Better Business Bureau</span></a></p>
  </div>
  <div class="column">
    <p>I have been paying into my short term disability insurance for 27 years through my job. I needed it this year; I have been on medical leave for just over six months. And The Hartford denied my claim. They give no real reasons why.</p>
  </div>
</div>

## <a id="customer-support"></a>Get Customer Support or File a Claim for The Hartford Insurance

### Contact Information

**For AARP Auto & Home Insurance:**
- Quote requests: 888-413-8970 or 877-422-2345
- Customer service: 877-805-9918 (AARP members) or 800-624-5578 (non-members)
- Mailing address: AARP Insurance Program, The Hartford, P.O. Box 14219, Lexington, KY 40512

**Claims Reporting:**
- Auto claims: 800-243-5860 (non-AARP) and 877-805-9918 (AARP), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and for glass claims 800-892-8484 [(The Hartford, "Auto Claims", 2026)](https://www.thehartford.com/car-insurance/claims)
- Homeowners claims: 877-805-9918 (AARP) or 800-243-5860 (non-AARP) 
- Flood damage: 800-787-5677 [(The Hartford, "Homeowners Claims", 2026)](https://www.thehartford.com/homeowners-insurance/claims)
- Online claims: File through your account at [(The Hartford, "Customer Login", 2026)](https://account.thehartford.com/customer/login)

### How to File a Claim

Customers can report claims online (about 10 minutes to complete) or by phone, track claim status online, and receive assistance from experienced claim handlers [(The Hartford, "Claims Center", 2026)](https://www.thehartford.com/claims). You can also:
- File online through your Hartford account
- Use The Hartford mobile app
- Contact your independent agent (if applicable)

The company offers more than 12,000 glass installers, with repairs usually performed at your home or office. For vehicle repairs, The Hartford partners with over 1,600 approved repair shops.

## <a id="faq"></a>Frequently Asked Questions

### Is The Hartford Insurance a Real Insurance Company?

Yes. The Hartford is a legitimate Fortune 500 insurance company founded in 1810. The company ranks as the 13th-largest property and casualty insurer in the United States and holds an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best [(AM Best, "AM Best Upgrades Credit Ratings of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries", 2025)](https://news.ambest.com/PR/PressContent.aspx?refnum=33641&altsrc=3).

### Do I Need to Be an AARP Member to Buy The Hartford Insurance?

Homeowners insurance with The Hartford is only available to AARP members who are 50 or older for direct purchase. However, insurance policies with The Hartford are available to non-members through independent agents.

### How Much Does The Hartford Insurance Cost?

Pricing varies based on location, coverage, and personal factors. A home insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage from The Hartford averages $2,075 per year. Auto insurance premiums average $738 for minimum coverage and $2,694 for full coverage.

### What States Does The Hartford Offer Homeowners Insurance?

The Hartford is available in 45 states. The company does not write new homeowners policies in California and Florida. Auto insurance is available in all 50 states.

### How Do I Cancel My Hartford Insurance Policy?

You can cancel by calling customer service, contacting your local agent, or logging into your online account. If you paid for your entire policy premium upfront, you'll receive a refund of a prorated amount for the remainder of your policy period. However, you may be subject to a cancellation fee. Depending on where you live, you could face an early termination fee of 10 percent of your remaining policy premium.

### Does The Hartford Offer Umbrella Insurance?

Yes. The Hartford offers [umbrella insurance](https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance) to provide additional liability protection beyond standard auto and home policies.

### What Discounts Does The Hartford Offer?

The company claims customers can save an average of $813 when bundling AARP Auto and Home Insurance from The Hartford. You can save up to 12% on your car insurance and up to 20% on your renters, condo, or home insurance. Other discounts include:
- Up to 15% for participating in TrueLane safe driving program, with renewal discounts up to 40%
- Up to 10% for AARP membership
- Up to 8% for starting quote online
- Up to 10% for paying bill on time
- Defensive driving course discounts
- Fire protection and home security discounts
- Paid-in-full discounts

### Should I Buy The Hartford Insurance?

The Hartford may be a good choice if you:
- Are an AARP member age 50 or older
- Want coverage from a financially stable, established company
- Need multi-policy bundling options
- Live in a state where they offer homeowners coverage
- Value 24/7 claims support

The company may not be ideal if you:
- Need homeowners insurance in California or Florida
- Want the absolute lowest rates (especially for auto)
- Prefer direct online purchase without AARP membership
- Are sensitive to complaint ratios

For personalized quotes and to compare The Hartford with other carriers, consider working with an independent insurance broker who can access multiple companies or, if you're in CA, TX, WA, FL, or NY use everyone's favorite online insurance brokerage [Coverage Cat](https://www.coveragecat.com)