Harford Insurance: Auto Coverage Options In Michigan

The Hartford Insurance offers auto coverage in Michigan through its AARP Auto Insurance Program. This program provides a range of benefits and discounts exclusively to AARP members who are 50 or older. The Hartford has been offering auto insurance to AARP members in Michigan since 1984 and has earned a reputation for integrity and trust, with high customer ratings for its claims services.

The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford offers various coverage options, including personal injury protection, property protection, and residual liability insurance. The specific coverage provided depends on the customer's needs and can include comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist property damage insurance, and transportation expense coverage.

In addition to its auto coverage, The Hartford also provides homeowners, renters, RV, and business insurance.

The Hartford's auto insurance discounts

The Hartford offers a range of auto insurance discounts to its customers. The company provides exclusive benefits and savings to AARP members, including a 10% discount on insurance policies.

Discounts for Multiple Policies

The Hartford offers a 5% discount if you combine multiple policies. You can save up to 5% on your auto insurance and up to 20% on your home, condo, or renters insurance by bundling your policies with The Hartford.

Paid-in-Full Discount

The Hartford offers extra discounts if you pay your bill in full instead of making monthly payments.

Defensive Driver Course Discount

If you've completed an approved defensive driving course, you can get a discount on your car insurance for the next three years. The Hartford also offers a safe driver discount for those who qualify.

TrueLane Program

The TrueLane Program offers a discount of up to 12% for signing up within 60 days of your first policy. Depending on your safe driving habits, you may also earn a renewal discount of up to 25%.

Safety Features Discount

The Hartford offers discounts for vehicles with safety features such as anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, multiple airbags, and adaptive headlights.

Vehicle Type Discount

The Hartford provides discounts for hybrid or electric vehicles, as well as farm and utility vehicles.

Good Student Discount

The Hartford offers a good student discount for students who demonstrate good academic performance, typically with a certain grade point average (GPA).

Age-Related Discounts

The Hartford offers discounts for recent retirees and senior drivers.

Paperless Discount

You can get a discount by choosing paperless documents and auto billing.

On-Time Payment Discount

The Hartford offers a discount for customers who make timely installment payments.

Claim Free and Continuous Coverage Discount

The Hartford rewards customers who don't file claims and maintain continuous coverage without lapses.

Garage Discount

If you keep your vehicle in a garage, especially if it's attached to your home, you may be eligible for a stable residence discount.

Low Mileage Discount

The Hartford encourages lower annual mileage by offering discounts for driving a car infrequently.

Performance and Handling Discounts

The Hartford provides discounts for vehicles with additional safety features such as daytime running lights and forward collision warning systems.

It is important to note that The Hartford's discounts may vary by state, and customers are encouraged to review the availability of discounts regularly.

Michigan's auto insurance rules

Minimum Insurance Requirements in Michigan

Michigan has minimum requirements for bodily injury and property damage liability. These coverage options help financially protect the other car and its passengers if you are in an accident, as well as property that does not belong to you. The minimum coverage is abbreviated as 50/100/10, which means:

• $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person per accident
• $100,000 total bodily injury liability per accident
• $10,000 in property damage liability per accident

The default coverage limits are 250/500/10, which offer more robust coverage at a higher cost.

No-Fault Insurance Coverage Requirements in Michigan

As a no-fault state, Michigan requires additional types of coverage, including personal injury protection (PIP) and property protection insurance (PPI).

PIP coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages. In Michigan, there are six options for PIP coverage that the policyholder can choose from, including a default option with no maximum limit.

PPI coverage pays for property damage to other people's property, including fences, parked cars, or homes. This coverage will pay up to $1 million for these damages.

The last type of insurance that is part of a no-fault policy in Michigan is residual bodily injury and property damage liability. The minimum coverage levels for this are 20/40/10. This coverage helps pay for defence costs and damages if you are found liable for an accident in which someone was seriously hurt or killed.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Michigan

Driving without insurance in Michigan can lead to several penalties. It is illegal, and if caught, you may have your license suspended until you can provide proof of insurance. You may also face fines of up to $500, a reinstatement fee of at least $125, and restrictions on registering your car. Additionally, you may be required to obtain an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility to reinstate your license.

Additional Auto Insurance Coverage Options in Michigan

While the above-mentioned coverages are required, many drivers in Michigan opt for additional coverages to increase their protection. Some of the most common add-on coverages include:

• Collision insurance: This covers repairs to your vehicle after a covered accident with another vehicle or a stationary object. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.
• Comprehensive insurance: This covers repairs to your vehicle after non-accident incidents, like floods, falling objects, vandalism, fire, and cracked windshields.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance: This protects you if you're in an accident with a driver who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance to cover the losses.
• Residual bodily injury liability: This offers additional protection for medical expenses resulting from an accident that causes serious injury to someone else and has lasting impacts.

Car culture in Michigan

Michigan's automotive industry has had a profound impact on labour and society, and the state boasts a rich car culture. The state's automotive museums and learning centres offer visitors a glimpse into the history of the automobile and the people behind its innovation.

The MotorCities National Heritage Area, spanning several communities in southeastern and central Michigan, is a great place to start exploring Michigan's car culture. With over 100 attractions, including museums, historic homes, drive-in theatres, and motor sports, visitors can delve into the automotive ingenuity that put Michigan on the map.

The Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners is a must-see, showcasing nearly 400 cars, including the horseless carriage. The 1941 Blue Moon Diner, served by waiters in bow ties, offers a unique dining experience. For those interested in General Motors, the Alfred P. Sloan Museum in Flint provides a detailed look at the company's history. Across the street, the Buick Automotive Gallery and Research Center display 20 classic and concept cars, along with an extensive archive of documents and service manuals.

Dearborn is home to The Henry Ford, a museum celebrating American innovation. Visitors can also experience history at Greenfield Village, where they can ride in a Model T car and explore a 19th-century farm. The Ford Rouge Factory Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the assembly line, with the opportunity to witness the production of the new F-150 truck and a multisensory film at the Manufacturing Innovation Theater.

Michigan's car culture extends beyond museums and historic sites. The state is known for its high auto insurance rates, which are the third-highest in the nation due to a combination of state laws, accident statistics, and other factors. Despite the costs, Michigan residents value their cars and the freedom they provide, with many taking pride in their vehicles and the state's automotive heritage.

The state of driving in Michigan

Michigan has unique insurance specifications, and its auto insurance rates are the third-highest in the nation. This is due to a combination of state laws, accident statistics, and other factors. Michigan is a no-fault state, which means that drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. In the event of an accident, each driver files a claim with their own insurance company, regardless of who is at fault.

Obtaining a Michigan Driver's License

For those moving to Michigan, it is necessary to transfer your current driver's license as soon as possible, as there is no grace period for driving with an out-of-state or foreign license. International students and scholars staying in Michigan for more than four months are considered residents and must apply for a Michigan driver's license if they intend to drive.

The process of obtaining a Michigan driver's license involves several steps:

• Gathering the required documents, including proof of Social Security Number or ineligibility, residency, and legal presence.
• Scheduling an appointment with the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) office and taking the written test and vision exam.
• Obtaining a Temporary Instruction Permit and practicing driving for at least 30 days with a licensed driver above the age of 18.
• Taking the Driving Skills Test through an approved third-party organization.
• Finalizing your license application at the SOS Branch Office by submitting proof of legal presence, Temporary Instruction Permit, and Skills Test Certificate.

Driving Laws in Michigan

Michigan has implemented several safe driving laws to protect its residents and visitors. These include:

• Seat Belt Laws: It is mandatory to wear a seat belt while driving or sitting in the front seat. Passengers aged 8-15 must wear a seat belt regardless of their seating position.
• Distracted Driving Laws: Texting while driving is banned in Michigan, with fines starting at $100 for the first offense and increasing to $200 for subsequent offenses.
• Teen Driver Laws: Graduated licensing laws have been put in place to ensure that teenage drivers gain the necessary experience and maturity. These laws include restrictions on nighttime driving, limiting teen passengers, and ensuring adequate supervised driving practice.

Auto Insurance in Michigan

When it comes to auto insurance, Michigan has specific requirements that drivers must meet. The state mandates bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance. Additionally, due to its no-fault status, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is also necessary. The minimum coverage limits are as follows:

• $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $50,000 for bodily injury per person per accident
• $10,000 for property damage per accident

While not mandatory, Michigan drivers also have the option to purchase additional coverage, such as comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist property damage insurance, and uninsured motorist bodily injury insurance.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

Driving without car insurance in Michigan can result in significant penalties, including fines ranging from $200 to $500, up to one year in jail, and a 30-day license suspension.

Insurance Companies in Michigan

Several insurance companies offer auto insurance in Michigan, with State Farm, AAA, USAA, and Allstate being notable providers. These companies provide various coverage options, discounts, and benefits tailored to meet the diverse needs of Michigan drivers.

The Hartford's auto insurance pros and cons

The Hartford offers auto insurance to customers over 50 through its partnership with AARP. While the company has received high ratings for customer satisfaction and financial stability, its policies are generally more expensive than the national average.

Pros

• The Hartford has high customer satisfaction scores, ranking above average in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
• The company offers a range of additional coverage options, including new car replacement, RecoverCare, lifetime car repair assurance, accident forgiveness, and no deductible on windshield repairs.
• The Hartford provides various discounts for AARP members, including savings for driving hybrid or electric vehicles, completing a defensive driver course, and paying for a policy upfront.
• The company has strong financial stability ratings and is ranked as the 13th largest property and casualty insurance company in the U.S. by the NAIC.
• The Hartford has a good variety of insurance coverage options, add-on products, and discounts for AARP members.
• It offers unique auto insurance policies for snowmobiles, RVs, golf carts, ATVs, and classic cars.
• The company has a user-friendly mobile app that allows customers to pay bills, track claims, view policies, and access their electronic auto ID cards.
• The Hartford has a reputation for integrity and trust, with a record of high customer ratings for its claims services.

Cons

• The Hartford's auto insurance policies are generally more expensive than the national average, especially for young drivers.
• The company has received mixed customer reviews, with some policyholders reporting issues with billing, miscommunication, and higher prices compared to other providers.
• Accident forgiveness is not available for purchase and can only be earned after five years of a clean driving record. Additionally, it is not available in California.
• The Hartford's auto insurance is not available to everyone and is restricted to AARP members or those affiliated with an AARP member.
• The company has a higher-than-average number of complaints about its auto insurance policies, according to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
• The Hartford's TrueLane app, which rewards safe driving habits, may not offer significant discounts, and the potential savings are dependent on driving behavior.
• The company's digital shopping experience has been rated below average in the J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study.

Overall, The Hartford's auto insurance may be a good option for AARP members who value customer service and are willing to pay slightly higher premiums for comprehensive coverage and additional benefits. However, it is important to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best coverage and rates that meet individual needs and budgets.

Frequently asked questions