Smart Auto Insurance Blog

Not everyone realizes that AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons) has an auto and home insurance program through The Hartford.  They offer great coverage at competitive rates geared towards their members.

AARP Auto Insurance offers a unique blend of benefits for their retired members.  Availability of features and benefits varies from state to state but by getting a quote you can see what is offered.  They offer first accident forgiveness which is a great benefit for otherwise very safe drivers.  Lifetime renewability is available where you do not have to worry about losing your auto insurance protection.

Known as a disappearing deductible, AARP reduces your collision deductible by $150 if a clean driving record is maintained.  They even continue to drop your deductible by $50 for each additional year you keep a safe driving record until it reaches $0.  The auto insurance feature called RecoverCare helps pay for the cost of services in the home such as cleaning, shopping and transportation if you are hurt in a car accident.  It’s these types of unique benefits that makes AARP auto insurance a great buy.  They truly look out for their members and that is worth your time and money.

The Hartford Financial Services Group has some helpful tips on how to save money on auto insurance found on courant.com in the article “Tips for Saving $$ On Your Auto Insurance” by Korky Vann. 

Many auto insurance companies will offer discounts to long time customers so it’s worth checking with your current provider to see what you may qualify for.  Also, some providers offer group plans from employers.  These are usually available from business, professional or alumni groups.  Discounts may be available through these associations when more than one car is insured on a policy or other products such as home owners insurance is used through the company.

Auto insurance quotes can also be lowered by paying your bills on time.  Your credit score is an important factor in determining auto insurance rates.  You can also raise your deductible for a lower monthly payment if you are looking to save money month to month.  The most common advice is to shop around to see what competitive offers may be out there.

In an effort to fight global warming, the Washington State legislature is considering a bill that would allow auto insurers to use electronic monitoring devices to charge different rates based on a person’s actual driving habits, reports the Seattle Times‘ Chantal Anderson. Individuals who have reduced their car usage (by using bikes or public transportation to commute to work, for example) could save up to 15% on their Washington auto insurance premiums.

Auto insurance companies that are offering or planning to offer pay-as-you-drive programs in other states include Progressive Insurance (through its Progressive MyRate program), Allstate auto insurance, Hartford insurance, and Unigard. Progressive wants to keep its proprietary rating information confidential, and the senate bill will be rewritten to reflect those concerns.

Chantal reports that the bill looks likely to pass the state Senate, but could face opposition in the House. Privacy advocates are worried about the “Big Brother” potential of the tracking devices, although the data allowed to be collected and the ways in which it can be used must be approved by the insurance commissioner.