Complain about a product or service

AARP/Hartford Auto Insurance

Save up to $379 on Your Auto Insurance. Compare Quotes from Top Providers Now! Find the Best Deal and Apply! - Adv.

Select an insurance Auto and Home Auto Home Life Health Long Term Care Are you currently insured? Yes No Enter ZIP Insurance • Auto • Health • Homeowners • Life • Medicare Supplemental Other Products • AARP/Chase Visa • Motoring Club • Pharmacy

Richard of Altoona, PA November 20, 2009

My policy came up for renewal this August and the rates increased by 1/2. I was paying approx. 800 a year and it jumped to over 1,200. I waited too long to cancel and the new policy went into effect and when I switched from the AARP/Hartford to State Farm and went to cancel my policy, the Hartford informed me that I owed a 10% cancellation fee, which I disputed, but even though my policy was cancelled, ten days later they still tried to take the renewal fees for the new policy out of my checking account, which was 147.36. I noticed it when I checked my account on-line and put a stop payment on it, but the payment went out anyways. The bank asked for it back and it was returned, only to recieve a bill for that amount in the mail. The Hartford refused to budge, so I filed a complaint with the Dept. of Ins. in Pennsylvania and the amount was reduced to 29.36, which I reluctantly paid. I have read all of the articles on this site and its plain to see that The Hartford looks for any excuse to raise your rates or to under pay claims. I myself was tricked into believing that I had full coverage when I first signed up, when I was asked to sign forms for what they said was coverage that I didn't want, which gave me the lower premium.

I later found out what it was that I signed away from State Farm and that was my under-insured motorist coverage, while only having uninsured motorist coverage for 3 years. I was told that the reasons for my premium increase was losing my multi-car discount, turning 60 years old and a Hartford rate increase for all policies. I had lost my multi-car discount a year before and turned 60 in my previous policy as well, so was I being charged for that agian? I noticed that the new premiums were within 2 of the premiums that I was paying when I had both cars insured. I am paying 300 less now with State Farm with full coverage than what the Hartford wanted with incomplete coverage and needless to say, I will not be renewing my AARP membership. I would say that representatives of the Hartford are very nice until you have a problem, but for them to raise my rates that much without having any claims, tickets or accidents, is totally rediculous as well as their reasons for the rate increase. I guess that I'm lucky that I never had a claim with them, because I got a good taste of how they really are! They certainly are not out to help Seniors at all and I can now laugh at their TV comerdials knowing better.

Denis of Central Islip, NY November 15, 2009

Yesterday, I had a rock chip my windshield on my 2010 Lexus RX 350. I telephoned the Hartford, and was put in touch with the glass people with whom you work. They set up an appointment for me, and my windshield is scheduled to be repaired tomorrow. When I came home this afternoon, I received a message on my answering machine explaining to me that my 500.00 deductible would be waived so long as my windshield was repaired using your window repairer. This confused me as I have full glass coverage. I telephoned the Hartford, fully expecting to be told that this was an error due to my full glass coverage.

Much to my surprise, I was told that I do NOT have full coverage on my 2010 Lexus. It was explained to me that the Lexus dealer had ordered the insurance, and that they were not permitted to choose deductibles. It was further explained that an explanation sheet had been sent out when I first insured the car, and that this sheet clearly showed that I did not have full coverage on BOTH of my cars.

I examined the Declarations Page, and I am appalled to see that they are indeed correct. I have been driving around for months with very limited coverage on a car that cost me almost 50,000. First of all, this is not very clear on the Declarations Page. Items A, B, and C are listed on the first side of the page. Item D is listed on the reverse side of the page and, in my opinion, it is totally ambiguous that this coverage was omitted. To be totally truthful, I most likely never even turned the page over.

I previously owned a 2004 Lexus and, when I checked that policy, saw that I did have full coverage on that car. Why would the Hartford assume that I would not want the exact same coverage on a six year newer - not to mention much more expensive - car? I am appalled that this occurred and I blame you, the Hartford Insurance Company. I would NEVER have driven this car out of the showroom without full coverage, and I cannot understand how you would allow this to occur. While I am thankful that this occurred now and that I was not calling you to report that my car was totaled (finding out at that time that my coverage was indeed limited), I cannot fathom how The Harford Insurance Company could permit this to occur. When the Lexus dealer told me that they would take care of the insurance, I assumed that they would indeed do that. Lexus dealers will do anything for the customer. When they offer to carry out a task of this magnitude, one assumes that it is being done correctly and, if it is not, that the insurance company will contact the insured to correct the situation.

I have now corrected this situation, and I now carry full coverage on both of my cars. I am, however, seriously doubtful of the abilities of Hartford’s customer service. I have often spoken about how wonderful your insurance company is. I have recommended your company to everyone I know over the age of 50 (I even recommended your company to the salesperson I purchased the Lexus from; Mr. Rick R did not switch companies solely due to the fact that you could not offer him motorcycle insurance at a competitive price). I do not believe that this will occur in the future.

Al of Monterey, CA October 22, 2009

I got my car insurance from The Hartford. I gave them my credit card number and they sent me a policy and Insurance cards. Eight months later I received a letter from the State of Arizona recinding my car plates for lack of insurance. I contacted The Hartford. They told me that they droped me for lack of payment. I asked them why they didn't charge my credit card. They gave me no answer.

As a result, I got Insurance from another company but had to file an SR-22 with the state of Arizona which has to stat on my record for five years. My insurance cost doubled. As a retired person, I can't afford the increase in cost since I only have my social security and very little other income. The Hartford does drop people. Don't beleive there advertising.

Beverly of Wauchula, FL October 12, 2009

I called to see if there might be a grace period to pay the premium on my auto policy. #55PHK736544. This billing arrived at my residence while I was away and as it turned out I spent most of the month of September in the hospital in Wisconsin ( I have statements to verify this) As soon as I got back to IL where I had communication available, I called to see it it was possible to renew this policy.

Extenuating circumstances had entered into the situation however, as while the car was being towed by our motorhome. In the process of turning around the car jack-knifed against the rear bumper of the motorhome damaging the front corner of the car including the headlight & hood. I should be clear that the damage will be covered under the motorhome policy as the car was attached at the time therefore becoming a part of the motorhome unit.

Back to the car, I was refused renewal coverage on the car because it was damaged. Had I not been incapacitated at the time the premium was due, it would have been paid up to date. I'm asking for reconsideration of renewal of this policy because the car will be repaired before we use it again. Please consider that I have complete coverage of all of my vehicles & that this one needs to be reinstated. At present we have no transportation until our auto is repaired and covered again with proper insurance. This was not an accident that happened while the car was being driven.

Jodie of Grand Junction, CO August 28, 2009

I purchased a Hartford policy a few years ago after joining AARP. At the beginning I was enthused to have a policy that was on paper superior to my existing policy for less money. I got one speeding ticket in a work zone. (note that this was on a corner on the interstate with no equipment or workers present.) After it was reported - Hartford raised my policy rates to 3x what they had been previously. This caused me to have to find another policy holder. It's obvious that if you have any issues - tickets or accidents that they make it impossible to buy their policies.

F. of Tucson, AZ August 28, 2009

I carried the Hartford AARP auto insurance policy for many, many years. Suddenly I saw an increase in my premium, even though I had no accidents,no tickets and the car was a year older. When I called I was told the rate increased because I was now over 70 years of age. This, from a company that claims to provide better benefits for seniors????

Richard of Elroy, WI August 24, 2009

My wife and I recieved from the " Hartford " An auto Ins. Policy Renewal letter. This is dated 08/19/09. The policy no is # 55PHH490613. We were informed by this letter that our auto ins. Is to go up approx. 500.00. I called theit 800 no. and spoke to a " Terri ".She informed me that the reason of price increase was the mileage on our two vehicles. The one that is way out of line is she told me the price went up because we had both become a year older!! I'm 72 my wife is 70. No accidents; or vehicle violations for over a year.! This is age discrimination!! I am now looking for a replacement policy for us old people. The Hartford and AARP for using them should hang their heads in shame!!

chuck of bonanza, OR August 19, 2009

First I will give some advice. Every state attorney general has a department of consumer affairs and a department of insurance. If you have a problem don't hesitate to file a complaint. It doesn't take much longer than posting your story here. You can also look up your state's insurance statutes on the Internet when filing a complaint. In Oregon a company has 30 days to either approve or deny a personal injury claim. Things like that. I have found that most companies are even more responsive to a complaint filed with the Better Business Bureau which can also be done on line. Don't hesitate to file multiple complaints which cause the company to spend hours and resources responding. Make it not worth their time to screw with you and revenge is sweet.

As a last resort you can file a small claims suit where you can present your own case and they are barred from being represented by an attorney. Here is my story. When I switched to AARP/Harford part of the requirement for purchasing a policy was AARP membership. I paid for the membership the day I applied for the policy. I never received a card. I was canceled by Hartford who claimed I was not an AARP member. I called customer service and provided a membership confirmation number and was reinstated the same day.

Because of the cancellation, the fact that I never received a membership card and the horror stories I read about Hartford I canceled the policy. I later received a bill for 67 that included a 10% of the unused premium cancellation penalty. I filed a complaint with the Oregon Insurance Department and department of consumer affairs as well as the BBB. Hartford CS called and removed the 20 penalty charge but the account was turned over to their collections department for the 67. I told CS the 20 was not acceptable that they owed me for the membership fee I paid but did not benefit from as well as for unused premium. I next received a letter lowering the amount owed to 37 which was correct except for the refund of the membership fee. At the same time I received a letter stating that they had turned the amount of 37 over to their collection department which may be against the law since I had already disputed the 67.

I amended my complaint alleging Hartford had misrepresented the amount of a debt which is in violation of state and federal fair trade practices statutes. Two weeks ago I received a letter stating that they were refunding the membership fee but that it would take at least 8 weeks. I received a letter from their collections department yesterday stating that they are going to start charging late fees on the 37.

My position is that I do not owe them 37 since they have not refunded the membership fee. Make sure you keep all correspondence. One avoidance tactic they have used is that Hartford tells the consumer to take the problem to AARP and AARP tells you to take it to Hartford. Yet, on every envelope is the heading AARP/Hartford Insurance Company. Don't be a door mat for their unethical practices. You do all of us a favor when you make their life miserable. Before you cancel your policy get on the Internet and do your homework before purchasing another policy. I found out the hard way that cheaper is not better with insurance companies if you have an accident.

It's better to pay a little more for a company that pays it's just claims and does not use any excuse to up your rates. Go with the company that has a good track record and the fewest complaints against it. It may be a smaller company you never heard of such as Oregon Mutual. How much do you think the insured pays in the end for all that garbage mail they receive every week from AARP/Hartford?

Gwen of Euless, TX July 30, 2009

I was involved in a motor vehicle accident on May 26, 2009. My neck was broken at the C-2 level of the spine. A request was made for forms to make a claim against my PIP insurance since I was a passenger in the accident and not driving my personal vehicle. It is now 2 months later and no forms have been mailed or faxed to either me or my lawyer even after numerous attempts. We have been told on numerous occations the paperwork would be sent, we received none nor did we get any phone calls or emails explaining why the delay. I added the PIP protection to my policy to be protected in case of an accident. Now I am being ignored by the company intrusted to take care of my needs when necessary. This is unacceptable and indecent behavior on the part of Hartford Insurance. It is too bad AARP has affiliated themselves with a company of such low caliber. I have also filed a complaint with the State Board of Insurance.

glenn of port charlotte, FL July 21, 2009

I recieved my annual bill for my two cars, and it was increased by 20%. I called and got a run-around about "It MAY have been caused by a number of reasons"?? Never did find out the reason.. Could it have been my wife and I were another year older?? No tickets, accidents, claims, late payments, etc. etc. I called Progressive for the heck of it, and guess what???? SAME EXACT COVERAGE, WE saved 681.52 Thank you AARP for the great work your not doing..

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Share		Follow us on Twitter.

Back to the top |