Headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, The Hartford insurance company’s products have helped protect consumers and businesses since its founding in 1810. The company operated as a fire insurance provider through the 1800s before further expanding into home and property insurance in the 20th century.
The Hartford offers various types of home, auto, and business insurance. If you’re shopping for a new insurer, learn more about its coverage options in this The Hartford review. All rates and fees are accurate as of April 17, 2024.
The Hartford
| Homeowner: | Around $2,500 per year for a $300,000 home |
| Small business insurance: | $85 per month on average |
| Vehicle insurance: | $157 per month on average |
Pros
- Long-standing company
- Highly rated for financial stability
- Offers several property, vehicle, and small business insurance options
Cons
- Life insurance only available as an employee benefit
- Rates may be higher than some competitors
- Primarily for AARP members, which is fairly limiting
The Hartford has a partnership with the AARP, and it primarily offers home and auto policies to individuals over age 50. This insurer provides a 10% discount to all AARP members and several other discounts.
Beyond this, The Hartford could be a good choice if you’re interested in bundling your home and auto coverage, as it offers both products. Small business owners can also find the insurance coverage they need through this company.
While The Hartford offers various types of home, auto, and business coverage, you can’t get life insurance on your own through this company. Those seeking a non-employer life insurance option will need to look elsewhere. Its home and vehicle insurance products are primarily available to AARP members, though you may be able to get coverage through a local agent if you aren’t affiliated with the AARP.
Third-party insurance comparison sites also indicate that The Hartford doesn’t offer the cheapest coverage available, so it’s likely not the best choice if you’re looking for the most affordable option.
The Hartford rates and products
You can get home, auto, or business insurance coverage through The Hartford. While your insurance rates will vary depending on your situation, the following numbers offer insight into potential costs:
The Hartford vehicle insurance
You can insure several types of vehicles through The Hartford, from cars to boats. But there’s an important caveat to be aware of: You’ll need to be an AARP member to get a vehicle policy online through this company. If you have an active AARP membership, here are some of the coverages it offers:
You can also insure other types of vehicles with The Hartford, including golf carts, snowmobiles, and ATVs.
The Hartford property insurance
AARP members can also get property coverage online through The Hartford. Several coverage options are available for both renters and owners.
The Hartford business insurance
You won’t need to be an AARP member to get business insurance coverage online from The Hartford. This insurer offers coverage options for small and large businesses alike, including business owner’s policies, liability coverage, workers’ compensation insurance, business property insurance, commercial auto coverage, and business income insurance.
Here are The Hartford’s average monthly rates for popular business insurance coverages:
Other services The Hartford offers
Besides the insurance options above, The Hartford also offers the following coverage types.
- Pet insurance: Coverage for eligible veterinary expenses for your pet.
- Flood insurance: Coverage that can help protect your home against flood damage.
- Umbrella insurance: Additional coverage beyond your vehicle or homeowners insurance policy provides.
- Employer benefits: Companies can also get insurance coverage for their employees through The Hartford
The Hartford platform and customer support
If you need to file a claim with The Hartford, you can do so online or through this insurer’s mobile app. You can also contact The Hartford with questions by phone if you have questions about your coverage.
What is The Hartford’s reputation for paying claims?
The Hartford is an established insurance company, and multiple insurance credit rating agencies give it high ratings for financial soundness. This insurer has an A+ (superior) rating AM Best rating, signaling that it’s financially stable and can pay out claims if they arise.
Besides its high AM Best rating, The Hartford is also well-rated by Moody’s and S&P Global Rating, formerly Standard & Poors. Both rating services are well-known in the insurance industry and have been in business for over a century.
The Hartford user reviews
Like many competitors, The Hartford’s online user reviews are mostly negative. It receives a 1.09-star rating across over 225 reviews on the Better Business Bureau and a 1.2-star rating across over 130 Trustpilot reviews. Dissatisfied customers complain about issues with unexpected rate increases and complex claims processes.
Is The Hartford right for you?
If you’re an AARP member who wants a policy from an established insurance company, it’s worth getting a quote from The Hartford. While The Hartford is well-rated by insurance credit agencies, its customers share a lot of negative feedback online. Its rates also tend to be fairly high, so it likely makes sense to compare quotes from other insurers before deciding if this company is right for you.
Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.