Updated: December 16, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
The Hartford ranks fourth for full coverage affordability and sixth for minimum liability coverage, with average rates of $116 and $62 monthly, respectively.
The Hartford ranks 13th nationwide for overall customer satisfaction, which places it behind many competitors despite its established agent network and industry reviews.
Want to see what policyholders actually say? We compiled customer reviews from across review platforms. Read More.
The Hartford ranks 10th nationally, among the moderately strong best car insurance companies for most drivers. It offers good coverage options and competitive rates.
This ranking reflects a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations. The Hartford's ranking for your profile depends on your coverage needs.
| Overall Score | 3.97 | 10 |
| Customer Experience | 4.11 | 13 |
| Coverage | 3.63 | 6 |
| Affordability | 3.96 | 9 |
We assessed Hartford using rate comparisons, policy features and service metrics detailed in our methodology.
Policyholder accounts reveal sharp contrasts in satisfaction levels. AARP members over 50 frequently celebrate competitive premiums that undercut competitors by hundreds annually, responsive claims handlers who demonstrate compassion during stressful situations and included benefits like new car replacement that other insurers charge extra for, while younger drivers and non-AARP members consistently report premium quotes substantially higher than alternatives like GEICO or Progressive, unexpected policy cancellations despite clean records and auto-renewal payment errors that trigger overdraft fees followed by inadequate customer service responses.
Here's what real MoneyGeek users are saying about their experience with Hartford.
★★★★ (4 stars) | Posted by RetiredTeacher65 "Finally turned 65 and got the AARP discount through Hartford. Paying way less than I was with Progressive and the coverage is actually better. New car replacement is included which is great. Claims person was professional when I had a minor accident last year. Good company for seniors." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by SeniorSaver "Hartford gave me rates through AARP that beat everyone else by like $600 a year. At my age it's nice to finally have insurance work in my favor. Haven't had to file a claim yet but customer service has been helpful when I've called with questions." |
★★★★ (4 stars) | Posted by ExperiencedDriver "The Hartford handled my collision claim really professionally. Took about three weeks total which seems pretty standard. My adjuster kept me updated and the process wasn't complicated. Rates are a bit higher than some companies but the service quality makes up for it in my opinion." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by AARPDiscountWorks "The AARP discount through Hartford is substantial. Saved over $500 a year compared to my previous insurer. Customer service is professional and claims have been handled well." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by NewCarReplacement "My two-year-old car was totaled and Hartford's new car replacement coverage kicked in. They paid for a brand new equivalent model instead of depreciated value. That feature alone is worth it." |
★★★★★ (5 stars) | Posted by SeniorFriendly "Hartford really caters to seniors. The agent took time to explain everything at my pace and they offer features that matter to older drivers. Been with them three years very happily." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by RecoverCareIncluded "Hartford's RecoverCare benefit covered my rental car for three weeks while I recovered from accident injuries. Most companies only cover a few days. Really helpful during a tough time." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by ProfessionalClaims "Filed a claim and the Hartford adjuster was extremely professional. Kept me informed throughout the process and the settlement was fair. No complaints about how they handled it." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by FinancialStrength "Hartford has been around forever and their financial ratings are solid. I wanted a stable company that will be there when I need them and Hartford fits that requirement." |
★★★★☆ (4 stars) | Posted by RoadsideReliable "Used Hartford's roadside assistance twice this year. Both times the tow truck arrived within 40 minutes. Service was professional and got me taken care of quickly." |
★ (1 star) | Posted by BillingNightmare "Hartford withdrew payment from my account TWICE in the same month even after I paid over the phone. Now I'm overdrawn and they just keep saying it was automatic and there's nothing they can do. I'm a senior on fixed income and this has completely messed up my finances. Filing complaints with BBB and attorney general." |
★★ (2 stars) | Posted by YoungDriver30 "Got a quote from Hartford when I turned 30 and their rates were insane. Like $300 more per month than what I'm paying with GEICO. Seems like they really only want older customers and price everyone else out. Not worth it unless you're over 50 with AARP." |
★ (1 star) | Posted by PolicyCanceled "They doubled my premium at renewal even though I've had zero claims or tickets. When I called they admitted I didn't do anything wrong but said they're raising rates across the board. Switched to Farmers and saved $1,400. Absolutely ridiculous." |
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars) | Posted by YoungDriverExpensive "Hartford's rates for drivers under 50 are really high. I'm 35 with a clean record and they quoted me $2,400 a year. Got the same coverage elsewhere for $1,600. They clearly target seniors." |
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars) | Posted by BillingErrorRepeated "Hartford overdrafted my account twice by taking payments on the wrong dates. Each time I have to call and wait on hold for an hour to fix their mistake. Their billing system is unreliable." |
★★☆☆☆ (2 stars) | Posted by ClaimDelayedMonths "Simple fender bender claim took four months to settle. The adjuster was slow to respond and kept asking for the same documents multiple times. Incredibly frustrating process." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by PolicyCancelledUnexpected "Hartford cancelled my policy with 30 days notice claiming I didn't respond to their inspection request. I never received any inspection request. Now I'm stuck finding expensive coverage elsewhere." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by CustomerServiceRude "Called with a billing question and the rep was condescending and unhelpful. When I asked to speak to a supervisor I was put on hold for 30 minutes then disconnected. Unacceptable." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by AutoPayTrap "Hartford kept billing my autopay even after I cancelled and switched companies. Had to dispute charges with my bank. They finally refunded but it took two months of fighting." |
★☆☆☆☆ (1 star) | Posted by LiabilityDisputeNightmare "Was in a not-at-fault accident with a Hartford policyholder. Their adjuster tried to assign me 30% blame despite clear evidence. Took six months and attorney involvement to get proper settlement." |
The Hartford customers on Reddit and online forums praise the company's excellent service for older drivers.
Common complaints include limited appeal for younger drivers with higher rates, occasional claim processing delays and digital tools that feel dated.
Competitive rates for drivers over 50, especially AARP members, but less attractive for younger customers:
"The Hartford gave me great rates through AARP that beat most other companies. At 65, I'm finally in the sweet spot where my age works in my favor for insurance pricing."
“Looked at The Hartford when I turned 30 and their rates were way higher than GEICO or Progressive. Seems like they really focus on older drivers and price everyone else out.”
Generally fair claim handling, though processing times can be slower than some competitors:
"The Hartford handled my collision claim professionally. Fair settlement, no disputes over coverage, though it did take about three weeks longer than I expected to get everything resolved."
"Had a comprehensive claim for storm damage and The Hartford paid everything without question. The adjuster was thorough and knowledgeable, even if the process felt a bit slow."
Solid customer service that particularly caters to older customers' preferences:
"The Hartford reps are patient and explain things clearly without talking down to me. As someone who prefers talking to real people over using apps, I appreciate their approach."
"Customer service is good but feels geared toward an older demographic. They spend time explaining things thoroughly, which is nice if you want that level of service but slow if you just need quick answers."
The Hartford mobile app receives moderate ratings with 4.8 out of 5 on the Apple App Store and 4.7 out of 5 on Google Play. The app works for basic functions but lacks modern features:
"The Hartford's app handles the basics fine, viewing policies, making payments, accessing ID cards. It's not fancy, but it's reliable and straightforward to use."
Strong brand trust, particularly among older customers who value stability and tradition:
"The Hartford has been around forever and has a solid reputation. At my age, I want an established company that'll be there when I need them, not some flashy startup."
"Trust The Hartford's financial stability and their focus on mature drivers. They understand what older customers want: reliable service without gimmicks or constant changes."
Good coverage options with features that appeal to older drivers, though younger customers may find better value elsewhere:
"The Hartford offers practical coverage options like accident forgiveness and new car replacement that make sense for my situation. Not flashy, just solid protection."
Negative reviews dominate forums and don't reflect overall service quality. For a complete picture, combine user reviews with industry resources like J.D. Power, independent agents, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the Insurance Information Institute.
The Hartford works best for drivers with bad credit, those with a DUI, drivers with low income and owners of older cars seeking affordable coverage. You should skip The Hartford if you're a young or a senior driver.
Compare how The Hartford stacks up for your profile below.
| Overall Score | 4.24 | 6 |
The Hartford doesn't rank within the top five insurance companies in any of the 51 states and territories we analyzed. While it may not lead in state rankings, The Hartford offers specialized coverage options and has built a reputation for serving specific customer segments across the country.
| Arizona | 4.12 | 8 |
*Ratings are based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations who insures a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Below you can compare how The Hartford car insurance stacks up against national competitors:
The Hartford vs. GEICO | 3.97 vs. 4.34 | GEICO's affordability and customer experience make it a better overall option than The Hartford. |
The Hartford vs. State Farm | 3.97 vs. 4.15 | Despite having a slightly higher coverage score, State Farm is still the better option due to affordability and customer experience. |
The Hartford vs. AAA | 3.97 vs. 3.79 | The Hartford is the more balanced option overall, beating AAA in our categories of cost and coverage. |
The Hartford vs. Allstate | 3.97 vs. 3.78 | The Hartford edges out Allstate primarily due to a higher affordability score. |
The Hartford vs. USAA | 3.97 vs. 4.86 | USAA is a much stronger overall option than The Hartford for those who qualify, beating it in all three of our categories. |
The Hartford vs. Travelers | 3.97 vs. 4.5 | Travelers is a stronger option for most drivers, earning higher scores in all of our categories. |
The Hartford vs. Farmers | 3.97 vs. 3.86 | The Hartford beats Farmers mainly due to a higher affordability score, despite Farmers' top ranked coverage. |
Your profile and coverage needs determine where you'll fall in The Hartford's car insurance costs range of $50 to $1,382 monthly. To find the best rate for your situation, check the national costs below by age group, gender, coverage, credit score and driving record.
| $259 | $3,107 | -25% | 6 |
Young drivers, senior drivers and those with speeding tickets will find The Hartford much more expensive than other cheapest car insurance companies. Below you can review how affordable The Hartford is for your specific driving category.
| Adult Drivers | $65 | $122 | 3% | 7 |
| Young Drivers | $188 | $364 | 23% | 13 |
| Senior Drivers | $104 | $167 | 17% | 11 |
| Drivers With An Accident | $108 | $190 | 11% | 10 |
| Drivers With A DUI | $105 | $192 | -9% | 6 |
| Drivers With A Speeding Ticket | $92 | $167 | 13% | 11 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $145 | $276 | -7% | 9 |
| Drivers With Low Income | $92 | $166 | -4% | 6 |
| Adult Drivers | $69 | $128 | 7% | 9 |
| Drivers With Newer Cars | $77 | $141 | 1% | 7 |
| Drivers With Old Cars | $52 | $96 | -10% | 6 |
*We modified all profiles based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit and no driving violations, driving a 2012 Toyota Camry. Young drivers are 25 and under, adults 26 to 64 and seniors 65+. We changed the vehicle age to 2007 for older cars and 2025 for newer ones.
The Hartford's monthly rates vary from $69 to $128 across different states. The company doesn't rank within the top five most affordable insurers for any of the 51 states and territories. You can review The Hartford's affordability and pricing for your area below.
| Arizona | $69 | $128 | -3% | 7 |
*Rates are based on a 40-year-old male driver with good credit, no driving violations and a 2012 Toyota Camry.
The Hartford offers multiple discounts for AARP members, with potential savings averaging $577 for members who switch. The company provides both standard discounts and AARP-specific benefits.
AARP Membership | Up to 10% | Must be an AARP member age 50 or older | Not available in CA, FL |
Multi-Policy/Bundle | Up to 12% auto, 20% home | Bundle auto with home, condo or renters insurance | Not available in CA, FL |
TrueLane Program | Up to 15% enrollment, up to 40% renewal | Download app, enroll within 60 days of policy start | Not available in CA |
Clean Driving Record | Up to 10% | Keep a clean driving record for 5 consecutive years | Not available in CA, FL |
Defensive Driving Course | Up 5% | Complete approved course like AARP Smart Driver | 3-year discount; course approval varies by state |
Paid-in-Full | Up to 10% | Pay 6-month premium in advance | Not available in CA, FL |
Online Quote | Up to 8% | Start and complete quote online | Not available in CA, FL |
Vehicle Safety Features | Variable | Anti-lock brakes, airbags, anti-theft devices | Not available in CA, FL |
Good Student | Variable | Students 16-25, full-time enrollment, B average or better | Availability varies by state |
Hybrid/Electric Vehicle | Variable | Own qualifying hybrid or electric vehicle | Not available in CA, FL |
Multi-Car | Variable | 2+ vehicles on same policy at same address | Not available in CA, FL |
Driver Training | Variable | Complete approved driver education course | Available for drivers under 21 (under 25 in GA) |
The Hartford ranks 13th in overall customer satisfaction in MoneyGeek's comprehensive customer experience study. Customer reviews highlight that the company excels in agent service quality, with policyholders frequently praising knowledgeable representatives and personalized attention. Claims handling generates more complaints than average, with customers citing longer processing times and communication gaps during the claims process.
The following sections break down buying, policy management and claims process experiences based on MoneyGeek's research.
The Hartford offers online quotes and phone-based purchasing, with representatives who understand the specific needs of older drivers. The AARP partnership provides automatic discounts and benefits that aren't available elsewhere. The buying process emphasizes explaining coverage options clearly, with less pressure to complete purchases quickly. Representatives are trained to discuss age-specific concerns like medical payments coverage and the importance of higher liability limits for asset protection.
The Hartford's website and mobile app provide standard policy management features, though the interface is designed with older users in mind, featuring larger text and simpler navigation. Many customers prefer phone contact for policy changes, and representatives are patient and thorough in explaining options. The company offers unique features like RecoverCare, which covers extended recovery costs after accidents and New Car Replacement coverage.
The Hartford's claims handling focuses on providing extra support that older drivers often need after accidents. The company offers 24/7 claims reporting and assigns dedicated claim representatives who stay with your case throughout the process. RecoverCare benefits help with expenses that standard policies don't cover, like transportation to medical appointments and household assistance during recovery.
The Hartford ranks well for financial strength from all industry rating agencies, but in J.D. Power studies, the company has mixed results. Here are The Hartford's scores from industry agencies.
AM Best Financial Strength | A+ (Superior) | A++ to D- | Superior ability to meet financial obligations and pay claims |
AM Best Long-Term Credit Standing | aa- | aaa to d | High credit quality with positive outlook |
S&P Global Financial Strength | N/A | AAA to D | Not Rated |
Moody's Financial Strength | N/A | Aaa to C | Not Rated |
J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction | 701/1,000 | 1,000-point scale | Slightly above average (industry average: 697) |
J.D. Power Digital Service Experience | 688/1,000 | 1,000-point scale | Below average (9th place) |
J.D. Power Auto Insurance Shopping Study | 654/1,000 (13th of 18) | Out of 1,000 | 13th out of 18 companies with a better than average experience |
J.D. Power Overal Customer Satisfaction | 645/1,000 | Out of 1,000 | Mixed results, above average in some regions and below in others |
NAIC Auto Complaints | 0.40 | 1.00 is average | Much fewer complaints than expected |
The Hartford provides standard auto insurance coverage like other major insurers, including liability, comprehensive and collision protection. Additional coverage options from the insurer include:
Accident Forgiveness | First accident won't increase your rates if you maintain clean driving record for five consecutive years with The Hartford | Earned, not purchased; requires a 5-year clean record; not available in California |
Disappearing Deductible | Reduces collision deductible over time for maintaining clean driving record; rewards safe drivers | Perfect for experienced drivers; gradual reduction; not available in California |
New Car Replacement | Replaces totaled new car with same make, model, and equipment within 15 months or 15,000 miles | No depreciation deduction; standard with most policies; covers new vehicles only |
RecoverCare | Pays for house cleaning, transportation, cooking, and daily life services if injured in covered accident | Up to $2,500 coverage; ideal for 50+ drivers; varies by state availability |
Roadside Assistance (RESCUE 1-800) | 24/7 towing, jump-start, flat tire service, lockout assistance, fuel delivery nationwide | About $8 per year; up to 100 miles towing; 40,000+ service providers |
Covers rental car costs while your vehicle is being repaired after covered collision or comprehensive loss | Less than $10 monthly; up to $50 daily, $1,500 per claim; requires comprehensive/collision | |
Lifetime Car Repair Assurance | Guarantees workmanship on repairs for life of vehicle when using Hartford's 1,600 authorized repair shops | Lifetime guarantee; 1,600 authorized shops; quality assurance on repairs |
TrueLane Telematics | Smartphone app tracks driving habits to reward safe driving with premium discounts | Up to 15% participation discount; up to 40% renewal savings; monitors speed, braking, phone use |
AARP Membership Discount | Automatic discount for AARP members on auto insurance premiums | Up to 10% AARP discount; exclusive to members 50+; requires $20 annual AARP membership |
Bundle Discount | Savings when combining auto with home, condo, or renters insurance policies | Save over $800 annually; up to 5% auto, 20% home discount; simplified policy management |
You can bundle these insurance types with your auto policy or buy them separately:
Who Offers It? | Insurance Products |
|---|---|
The Hartford (Directly Offered) | Auto insurance (aarp program), home insurance (aarp program), condo insurance, renters insurance, business owner's policy (bop), general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, workers' compensation, commercial property insurance, commercial auto insurance, cyber insurance, employment practices liability insurance, commercial umbrella insurance, group life insurance, group disability insurance, voluntary benefits, commercial flood insurance |
Third-Party Partner | Pet insurance, surety & fidelity bonds, management liability Insurance, inland marine insurance |
The Hartford is a reliable and reasonably affordable insurance provider with extensive add-on coverage options. Compare quotes from multiple insurers, research your coverage needs and choose the right coverage level before purchasing.
Here are MoneyGeek’s expert answers to frequently asked questions about The Hartford car insurance:
Yes, The Hartford is a legitimate car insurance company that ranks 10th place in our comprehensive car insurance provider study. The company excels in coverage and affordability categories.
The Hartford is not a top company in any states according to our study, but can be a strong option overall.
The Hartford charges adults an average of $720 annually for state minimum coverage and $1,334 for full coverage. Annual premiums range from $596 to $7,905 for minimum coverage and from $1,081 to $13,643 for full coverage.
Customer feedback indicates that The Hartford faces criticism for claim denials. Policyholders report issues including delayed payments, disputed coverage interpretations and challenges with property damage assessments. Some customers describe frustrating experiences with claims representatives and lengthy resolution processes. These reports represent limited perspectives, and comprehensive industry data on their claims practices remains unavailable for complete evaluation.
Note: This represents limited information based primarily on forum reviews.
The Hartford offers competitive rates for drivers with a DUI, ranking fifth for full coverage, making it an excellent choice for this high-risk category.
Yes, The Hartford raises car insurance rates over time due to inflation impacting repair and medical expenses, higher claim frequencies from distracted driving and severe weather, plus increasing vehicle technology costs. Rate adjustments also reflect updated regional risk evaluations, regulatory changes and personal factors like credit modifications or age-related risk category shifts.
Yes, The Hartford does increase car insurance rates over time. The Hartford isn't suitable for young drivers, ranking 13th for affordability with costly premiums.
MoneyGeek pulled auto insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services and compared prices from 79 insurers in every U.S. ZIP code.
Standard Driver Profile Used for Analysis
We used a baseline driver profile to ensure consistent rate comparisons. Our standard driver has these characteristics:
We then modified specific variables, including age, driving record, credit score and military status, to determine which insurers offer the best rates for different driver categories. Our minimum coverage rates represent policies meeting state-required minimums. Full coverage includes 100/300/100 liability limits plus comprehensive and collision coverage with $1,000 deductibles.
Company Rating System
Our evaluation process weighted three key factors:
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
