Penny is an expert on insurance procedures, rates, policies and claims. She has extensive knowledge of all major insurance lines -- auto, homeowners, life and health insurance. She has been answering consumers’ questions as an analyst for more than 15 years and has been featured in numerous major media outlets, including the Washington Post and Kiplinger’s. Read full bio >>
Michelle, the former editorial director, insurance, at QuinStreet, is a writer, editor and expert on car insurance and personal finance. Prior to joining QuinStreet, she reported and edited articles on technology, lifestyle, education and government for magazines, websites and major newspapers, including the New York Daily News. Read full bio >>
A.M. Best's Financial Strength Rating is an independent opinion of an insurer's financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations.
Why you can trust Insure.com
Quality Verified
The Hartford Financial Services Group, commonly known as The Hartford, began as a fire insurance company back in 1810, and in 1913, began to provide a number of insurance coverage options, including accident, automobile liability and property damage. The Hartford logo is a stag and serves as reminder what the company, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2010, stands for – strength and stability.
In 2016, the Fortune 100 company released its own smartphone app, joining the ranks of the largest auto insurance carriers and staying current when identifying and processing consumer needs and trends.
The Hartford is the contracted insurer for members of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), which means that members not only have access to discounted rates, but also a few key features that add to the value of membership. Policyholding members enjoy the following benefits:
12-month rate guarantee: Rates are guaranteed not to change for 12 months, which can be a benefit if you’re used to a company might raises rates every six months.
RecoverCare – This is designed to help AARP members who need some assistance when recovering from an accident. It provides a $2,500 benefit to pay for necessary aid up to six months after an accident.
Lifetime policy renewal – AARP advertises that a member’s auto policy will never be canceled, and while that’s a valid perk for most members, there are exceptions to every rule. Consistently paying late, losing a license, convicted of driving under the influence, deemed not able to drive by a doctor or living in a state requiring elderly drivers to re-test for licenses will not make you eligible for policy revocation.
Penny is an expert on insurance procedures, rates, policies and claims. She has extensive knowledge of all major insurance lines -- auto, homeowners, life and health insurance. She has been answering consumers’ questions as an analyst for more than 15 years and has been featured in numerous major media outlets, including the Washington Post and Kiplinger’s.