Hartford Home Insurance Ratings

Best Home Insurance Companies 2020: How Hartford Home Insurance Measures Up

In the 2020 Best Home Insurance Companies survey, Hartford scored 13th place overall with a score of 82.40. Its best showing was in the individual category of customer service where it received 8th place and a score of 85.60. Hartford’s worst showing was 15th place for value for price, but a decent score still of 76.60. In other individual ratings Hartford was 12th place for claim service and ease of use of website and apps. Most surveyed policyholders, 88%, said they would renew their policy and 71% said they have already or would in the future recommend the company to family and friends.

Gauging an insurance company

Before buying with a company it is wise to check on a company's financial strength and complaint record. The A.M. Best rating listed above gives you an idea of The Hartford's financial strength to pay claims. A complaint ratio can be found on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) site. The median complaint ratio from the NAIC is always 1.00. This means half of the insurers have a complaint ratio of under 1.00 and half have a ratio above. Basically, numbers lower than 1.00 are better with fewer complaints than the median and a number higher than 1.00 has more complaints than the median. For home insurance, The Hartford (NAIC# 30104) had a complaint ratio of 1.23 for 2018. 2019 complaint numbers will be available in 2020.

Company Background

Historic beginnings

Being around as long as they have, the Hartford has some incredible historical bragging rights. In 1825, they were the first insurance company to cover an institution of higher learning – Yale University. In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln bought a fire insurance policy from the Hartford to keep his home and property in Illinois safe. Interestingly enough, Robert E. Lee, who would lead the Confederate Army during the Civil War, also bought a home insurance policy from The Hartford for his property in Virginia.

In the 20th Century, some notables who bought insurance from The Hartford: Babe Ruth and President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Today, it's a company that has been named as one of the world's most ethical companies eight times since 2008, by the Ethisphere Institute, a nonprofit that specializes in advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

Consider The Hartford if you are an AARP member

The Hartford is a perfectly good insurer for young people, too, but for decades now, AARP and The Hartford have been partnering together.  You'll get additional discounts on your insurance if you're also a member of AARP. Exactly how much you'll save is hard to say; it depends partly on your state of residence. But it may be worth obtaining a quote to see how much you could save if you make the switch.

The Hartford homeowners programs

• Full Replacement Cost, Maybe More – This will pay the full cost to rebuild your home if it's a total loss, up to 125 percent of your coverage limits. Depending where you live, you may be able to get up to 150 percent coverage.
• ProtectorPLUS Zero Deductible Benefit -- You may get up to $5,000 of your homeowner's insurance deductible waived if your home is extremely damaged (i.e., by lightning, and you have over $25,000 in damages).

Contact information

Corporate Headquarters
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
One Hartford Plaza
Hartford, CT 06155
Telephone: (860) 547-5000

Home insurance: (800) 624-5578