- The Hartford's Legacy and Strength: Founded in 1810, The Hartford is a financially strong, Fortune 500 company, known for its long history and exclusive partnership with AARP, offering tailored insurance for older homeowners.
- Unique Senior-Focused Features: The Hartford offers specialized features like Replacement Plus for accessibility upgrades and a Disappearing Deductible that rewards claim-free years, catering specifically to aging-in-place homeowners.
- Price and Policy Customization: With an average premium of about $2,075, The Hartford provides competitive pricing for AARP members, plus extensive endorsement options and coverage up to 150% of the home value for total losses.
- Claims and Digital Experience Challenges: While The Hartford has high claims satisfaction scores in the past, recent volatility and last place in digital experience studies highlight potential issues in claim processing and online management, especially for tech-savvy homeowners.
- Limitations and Ideal Customer Profile: The Hartford is best suited for AARP members aged 50+, especially those valuing senior-specific features, with notable limitations including exclusivity to older adults, limited discounts, and non-availability in Florida and California.
The Hartford Homeowners Insurance Overview
The Hartford was founded in 1810 when a group of merchants gathered in a Hartford, Connecticut, inn and pooled $15,000 to create the Hartford Fire Insurance Company. Over two centuries later, it operates as a Fortune 500 company (#162 in 2024), trades on the NYSE under the ticker HIG, employs approximately 19,100 people, and ranks as the 13th-largest property and casualty insurer in the United States. The company reported $28.4 billion in revenue for 2025 and holds an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best, affirmed in July 2025 alongside upgraded long-term credit ratings.
What makes The Hartford different from every other carrier in our review set is its exclusive partnership with AARP. The Hartford has been the AARP homeowners insurance provider since the 1980s, and its personal lines policies are available only to AARP members aged 50 or older. This is not a marketing gimmick. The coverage features are genuinely designed for older homeowners: Replacement Plus upgrades your home for accessibility (wider doorways, walk-in showers, adjusted countertops) after a covered claim, the Disappearing Deductible shrinks by $50 each year you go claim-free, and ProtectorPLUS waives your deductible entirely for major losses over $32,900.
The Hartford’s claims story is a roller coaster. The company ranked #1 in J.D. Power’s 2022 property claims study with an 886, dropped below the industry average in 2024 (864 vs. 869), and bounced back to #3 in the redesigned 2025 study (725). The NAIC complaint data is more consistent (0.53 in 2023, below the 1.0 baseline), but consumer reviews on Trustpilot and the BBB are negative. The digital experience is the weakest in our review set: The Hartford finished last in J.D. Power’s 2024 digital experience study. For homeowners who value app-based management, this is a dealbreaker. For AARP members who prefer phone and agent support, it matters less.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Senior-focused coverage that no one else offers: Replacement Plus upgrades your home for accessibility after a claim (wider doorways, walk-in showers, lower countertops). The Disappearing Deductible rewards claim-free years. ProtectorPLUS waives your deductible for major losses. These features are designed for homeowners aging in place.
- Below-average pricing: At ~$2,075 per year for $300K dwelling coverage, The Hartford is priced below the $2,304 national average. AARP bundling saves an average of $963 on a combined home and auto policy.
- Strong and improving financial strength: AM Best affirmed The Hartford’s A+ (Superior) financial strength rating in July 2025 and upgraded its long-term credit ratings, reflecting improving balance sheet strength. The Hartford is getting stronger financially, not weaker.
- 14 optional endorsements: Equipment breakdown, green rebuilding (up to 10% extra for eco-friendly materials), identity fraud coverage, lock replacement ($500 if keys are lost/stolen), water backup, and more. The customization options are extensive.
- Full replacement cost up to 125-150%: If your home is a total loss, The Hartford pays up to 125% of your coverage limit (up to 150% in some states). This provides a meaningful buffer against construction cost increases.
- #3 in J.D. Power 2025 property claims (725): Behind only Chubb (773) and Amica (745), The Hartford bounced back strongly from a below-average 2024 showing.
Cons
- AARP members only (age 50+): You must be an AARP member aged 50 or older to purchase a policy directly from The Hartford. Younger homeowners and non-AARP members are excluded from direct purchase, though independent agents may offer some Hartford products.
- Last place in J.D. Power 2024 digital experience: The Hartford finished dead last among carriers reviewed for digital tools. The app exists and allows claims filing, payments, and policy viewing, but the overall digital experience is dated.
- Volatile claims satisfaction: #1 in 2022 (886), below average in 2024 (864 vs. 869), #3 in 2025 (725). The inconsistency makes it hard to predict what your claims experience will be.
- Not available in FL or CA for new policies: The Hartford stopped writing new homeowners’ business in Florida and California. Existing policyholders can renew, but new customers in these states cannot get a policy.
- Negative consumer reviews: Trustpilot reviewers report slow claims adjusters, coverage denials, and significant rate increases. BBB complaints are high-volume. These are anecdotal but consistent themes.
- Limited discount menu: Only 4-5 discount categories (bundle, fire protection, security, paid-in-full, retiree). Competitors like American Family and Nationwide offer nearly twice as many ways to save.
Coverage Options
Standard Coverage
The Hartford’s standard homeowners policy is an HO-3 form with the standard coverages:
Coverage Type | What It Covers | Notable Details |
Dwelling (A) | Your home’s structure, roof, walls, and systems | Full replacement cost up to 125% of coverage limit (150% in some states) |
Other Structures (B) | Detached garages, sheds, fences | Typically, 10% of dwelling coverage |
Personal Property (C) | Furniture, electronics, clothing, belongings | “New for Old” replacement cost available |
Loss of Use (D) | Additional living expenses if the home is uninhabitable | Hotel, meals, temporary housing |
Personal Liability (E) | Lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage | Standard limits; umbrella available |
Medical Payments (F) | Medical bills for guests injured on your property | No-fault coverage |
Senior-Focused Features (Unique to The Hartford)
- Replacement Plus / Easy Living Upgrade: After a covered claim, The Hartford will pay to modify your home for better accessibility. This includes widening doorways, installing walk-in showers, lowering countertops, adding grab bars, and other modifications that help you age in place. No other major carrier includes this.
- ProtectorPLUS Zero Deductible: If your home suffers a qualifying loss of $32,900 or more, your deductible (up to $5,000) is waived entirely. For a major event like a fire or severe storm damage, this means no out-of-pocket deductible cost.
- Disappearing Property Deductible: After three consecutive claim-free years, your deductible decreases by $50 per year. Over time, your deductible can shrink significantly, rewarding long-term policyholders who avoid claims.
Optional Endorsements (14 Available)
- Green Rebuilding: Up to 10% additional funds to use eco-friendly or energy-efficient materials when rebuilding after a significant loss.
- Equipment Breakdown: Covers mechanical or electrical failure of major home appliances and systems (HVAC, water heaters, kitchen appliances).
- Identity Fraud Coverage: Reimburses out-of-pocket expenses for lost income, legal fees, and other costs associated with identity theft recovery.
- Lock Replacement: Up to $500 (minus $100 deductible) to replace locks if your keys are lost or stolen.
- Water Backup: Covers damage from sewer backup or sump pump failure.
- “New for Old” Protection: Replacement cost coverage for personal property. Your destroyed belongings are replaced with new items of the same quality, not depreciated value.
- Landlord Insurance: Coverage for homeowners who rent part of their property.
What’s Not Covered
Standard exclusions apply: flood (separate NFIP policy required), earthquake (not offered as an endorsement), normal wear and tear, pest damage, and intentional damage. The Hartford does not offer flood or earthquake coverage as add-ons to its homeowners policy, which is a gap compared to carriers like Chubb (flood up to $15M) and Erie (earthquake available).
Pricing and Cost
The Hartford’s pricing is competitive for AARP members:
Metric | The Hartford | National Average |
Avg. Annual Premium ($300K dwelling) | ~$2,075 | ~$2,304 |
Avg. Bundle Savings (home + auto) | ~$963 | Varies by carrier |
Home Insurance Bundle Discount | Up to 20% | 15-25% typical |
At ~$2,075 per year, The Hartford is about $229 below the national average for $300K in dwelling coverage. The AARP bundling discount (up to 20% on home, 12% on auto) is the primary way to reduce costs further. Combined home and auto savings average $963 for AARP members.
One caveat: multiple consumer reviews report significant rate increases after the first year (20-28% cited in some Trustpilot reviews). The initial quote may be competitive, but renewal pricing can be higher. This is an industry-wide trend, but it is worth asking your agent about The Hartford’s rate increase history in your state before committing.
Discounts and Savings
The Hartford’s discount menu is narrower than most competitors:
Discount | Estimated Savings | Details |
Multi-policy bundle | Up to 20% on home, 12% on auto | Bundle AARP home and auto; saves avg. $963 combined |
Fire protection | Varies | Sprinkler systems or monitored fire alarms |
Home security | Varies | Burglar alarm systems |
Paid-in-full | Varies | Pay the annual premium in one lump sum |
Retiree credit | Varies by state | Retired or working less than 24 hours per week |
Five discount categories are among the fewest in our review set. Nationwide offers 12+, American Family offers 9, and even Erie offers 5, with higher potential savings. The Hartford’s retiree credit is unique and aligns with its AARP customer base, but overall, the discount options are limited. If maximizing discounts is a priority, consider Nationwide, American Family, or Liberty Mutual.
Claims Experience
A Roller Coaster
The Hartford’s claims data has been unusually volatile:
- J.D. Power 2022 Property Claims: #1 overall with a score of 886 out of 1,000. This was The Hartford’s peak.
- J.D. Power 2024 Property Claims: Below the industry average at 864 (vs. 869 average). A significant drop from #1.
- J.D. Power 2025 Property Claims: #3 overall with a score of 725, behind Chubb (773) and Amica (745). A strong recovery. Note: the 2025 study was redesigned, so scores are not directly comparable to prior years.
- NAIC Complaint Index (2023 homeowners): 0.53, meaning The Hartford received roughly half the complaints expected for a company its size. This is below the 1.0 industry baseline and indicates solid complaint management.
The inconsistency is concerning. Going from #1 to below average to #3 in three years suggests that the claims experience may depend heavily on the type of loss, your state, and the specific adjuster assigned. The NAIC data provides a more stable picture (consistently below baseline), but consumer reviews on ConsumerAffairs and Trustpilot describe claims denials, low payouts, and slow processing. Your experience may vary.
How to File a Claim
- Online through The Hartford’s website (log in to your account)
- Through The Hartford’s mobile app
- Call 877-805-9918 (AARP members) or 800-243-5860 (non-AARP), available 24/7
- Contact your local Hartford agent.
Tip: Document damage immediately with photos and video before beginning any repairs. Meet with The Hartford’s adjuster for an inspection. Review the settlement offer carefully before beginning repairs, and ask your agent to explain any coverage limits or exclusions that apply to your claim.
Customer Service and Digital Experience
AARP-Centric Support
The Hartford’s customer service is structured around its AARP partnership:
Contact Options
- AARP policyholders: 800-423-0567, Monday through Saturday
- Non-AARP policyholders: 800-624-5578, Monday through Saturday
- New quotes: 877-422-2345
- Claims: 877-805-9918 (AARP) or 800-243-5860, available 24/7
Digital Experience
This is The Hartford’s weakest area. The company finished last in J.D. Power’s 2024 Insurance Digital Experience Study:
- Mobile app: Available on iOS and Android. Can file claims, make payments, view policy documents, and print ID cards. But the app experience is basic and lags behind competitors.
- Website: Functional for policy management and claims, but the interface is dated.
- No online quoting for non-AARP members: You must go through an agent.
- AARP members can quote online through thehartford.com/aarp.
For The Hartford’s core audience (AARP members 50+), the digital gap may matter less than it would for younger, tech-forward homeowners. But in an industry where Nationwide, American Family, and USAA all offer strong digital tools, finishing last in J.D. Power is a significant weakness.
Consumer Platform Reviews
- ConsumerAffairs: Mixed reviews. Some praise quick claims payments; others report denials and low payouts.
- Trustpilot: Largely negative (~354 reviews). Complaints about claims delays, rate increases, and customer service responsiveness.
- BBB: High complaint volume; not accredited.
Financial Strength
The Hartford’s financial position is strong and improving:
- AM Best: A+ (Superior), affirmed July 2025 with upgraded long-term credit ratings. Stable outlook.
- Revenue: $28.4 billion (2025, full year).
- Personal Insurance core earnings: $457 million in 2025, up 111% year-over-year.
- Market capitalization: ~$37.7 billion.
- Fortune 500: #162 (2024 list).
- 13th-largest property and casualty insurer in the United States.
- Balance sheet strength: Assessed as “strongest” by AM Best.
What this means for you: The Hartford is getting stronger, not weaker. The July 2025 AM Best affirmation at A+ (Superior) with upgraded credit ratings is a vote of confidence in the company’s financial trajectory. The 111% increase in Personal Insurance earnings shows that the homeowners and auto lines are profitable and growing. For policyholders, this means The Hartford can pay its claims and is investing in its personal lines business.
Who Is The Hartford Good For?
Best For
- AARP members aging in place: The Replacement Plus feature (accessibility upgrades after claims) is specifically designed for homeowners who plan to stay in their homes as they age. No other major carrier offers this.
- Long-term, claim-averse policyholders: The Disappearing Deductible rewards years without claims. If you rarely file claims, your deductible will shrink over time.
- AARP members who want below-average pricing: At ~$2,075, The Hartford is competitive. The bundle discount (avg. $963 savings) and retiree credit add value.
- Homeowners who want extensive endorsement options: 14 optional coverages give you a lot of flexibility to customize your policy for your specific needs.
Not Ideal For
- Anyone under 50 or non-AARP members: Direct purchase requires AARP membership and age 50+. This eliminates The Hartford for the majority of homeowners.
- Digital-first customers: Last place in J.D. Power digital experience. If app quality matters to you, look elsewhere.
- Homeowners in Florida or California: New policies are not being written in these states.
- Discount maximizers: Five discount categories are among the fewest in our review set.
- Homeowners who need flood or earthquake coverage: Neither is available as an endorsement.
How to Get a Quote
AARP members can get a quote in three ways:
- Online at thehartford.com/aarp (AARP members only)
- Call 877-422-2345 to speak with a representative
- Find a local independent agent at thehartford.com
Note: You will need your AARP membership number to get a quote directly from The Hartford. If you are not yet an AARP member, you can join at aarp.org. AARP membership is available to anyone 50 or older. Annual membership is $16.
How The Hartford Compares
The Hartford | State Farm | Nationwide | |
Overall Rating | 3.5 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
Avg. Annual Premium | ~$2,075 | ~$1,820-$2,300 | ~$2,223-$2,610 |
AM Best Rating | A+ (Superior) | A+ (Superior) | A+ (Superior) |
J.D. Power Claims (2025) | #3 (725) | Not in the top 5 | Not in the top 5 |
NAIC Complaint Index | 0.53 | 0.72 | 0.84 |
Unique Feature | AARP accessibility upgrades | Largest U.S. agent network | Free Ting fire sensor |
States Available | 45 (not FL/CA new) | 48 + D.C. | 44 + D.C. |
Best For | AARP members 50+ | Bundling/availability | Coverage depth |
The Hartford vs. State Farm
State Farm is available to everyone in 48 states and has the largest agent network in the country. The Hartford is limited to AARP members in 45 states. On pricing, both are competitive (State Farm ~$1,820-$2,300 vs. The Hartford ~$2,075). The Hartford has better claims data (J.D. Power #3 vs. not ranked, NAIC 0.53 vs. 0.72) and more endorsement options (14 vs. fewer). State Farm wins on availability, digital experience, discount variety, and accessibility for all ages. For AARP members, The Hartford’s senior-focused features and lower NAIC complaint rate make it a worthwhile comparison. For everyone else, State Farm is the more practical choice.
The Hartford vs. Nationwide
Nationwide is the coverage depth champion in our review set, with more coverage options than any carrier. The Hartford counters with senior-specific features (Replacement Plus, Disappearing Deductible) that Nationwide does not offer and a lower NAIC complaint rate (0.53 vs. 0.84). Nationwide has significantly better digital tools (#1 in J.D. Power digital), more discounts, and a free Ting fire sensor for all policyholders. For AARP members who want senior-focused features and competitive pricing, The Hartford is the better fit. For broader coverage options and a digital experience, Nationwide wins.
Final Verdict
The Hartford earns a 3.5 out of 5 in our review. It is a solid insurer with a 215-year track record, strong and improving financials (AM Best A+ as of July 2025), below-average pricing, and senior-focused features that no competitor matches. Replacement Plus, the Disappearing Deductible, and ProtectorPLUS are genuinely useful for homeowners aging in place, and the 14 optional endorsements provide meaningful customization.
What holds The Hartford back is the AARP-only requirement (eliminating most homeowners under 50), volatile claims satisfaction data, a last-place digital experience, limited discounts, and no availability in Florida or California for new business. Consumer reviews on Trustpilot and the BBB are among the more negative in our review set, though the NAIC complaint data tells a better story (0.53, below baseline).
If you are an AARP member aged 50 or older, The Hartford deserves a spot on your quote list, especially if you value accessibility features and plan to stay in your home long-term. Compare it against State Farm, Nationwide, and Erie (if available in your state) for the best fit. If you are under 50 or want a strong digital experience, look elsewhere.
Our Methodology
This review uses a weighted scoring system: coverage options (25%), pricing and value (20%), claims experience (20%), customer service (15%), discounts and savings (10%), and digital experience (10%).
More The Hartford Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your questions about The Hartford home insurance.
For AARP members aged 50+, The Hartford is a solid choice with competitive pricing, 14 optional endorsements, and senior-specific features that no other carrier offers. The J.D. Power claims data has been volatile (#1 in 2022, below average in 2024, #3 in 2025), but the NAIC complaint data is consistently below the industry baseline (0.53). The digital experience is the weakest in our review set, so it is not ideal for customers who want to manage everything through an app.
The Hartford was founded in 1810, making it one of the oldest insurance companies in the United States. It is a Fortune 500 company (#162), trades on the NYSE under the ticker HIG, employs approximately 19,100 people, and reported $28.4 billion in revenue in 2025. The company holds an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best, affirmed in July 2025, and has been the exclusive AARP homeowners insurance provider for more than 40 years.
The average annual premium is approximately $2,075 for $300,000 in dwelling coverage, which is below the $2,304 national average. Bundling home and auto through AARP saves an average of $963. Your actual rate depends on your state, home value, coverage level, claims history, and applicable discounts. Rates are not available in Florida or California for new policyholders.
For direct purchase, yes. The Hartford’s personal lines homeowners insurance is available only to AARP members aged 50 or older. AARP membership costs $16 per year and is open to anyone 50 or older. Some Hartford products may be available through independent agents to non-AARP members, but the AARP-specific features and discounts would not apply.
Replacement Plus (also called Easy Living Upgrade) pays to modify your home for better accessibility after a covered claim. This can include widening doorways, installing walk-in showers, lowering countertops, adding grab bars, and other modifications that make your home easier to navigate as you age. This feature is unique to The Hartford and is especially valuable for homeowners who plan to age in place.
After three consecutive years without filing a claim, The Hartford reduces your deductible by $50 per year. Over time, your deductible can shrink significantly. This rewards long-term, claim-free policyholders and is a nice incentive for homeowners who rarely file claims. The reduction continues each year as long as you remain claim-free.
