Auto Insurance Companies Offering Exclusive Discounts For Aarp Members

AARP car insurance offers many benefits for those aged 50 and above, including exclusive discounts that can lower the cost of car insurance. These include discounts based on safety features in your car, completing a safety course, or paying your full policy amount. AARP offers insurance through The Hartford, which includes coverage options to protect you, your passengers, and your property in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. The average rate for AARP members is roughly $1392 for a 12-month premium. Additionally, many states offer price breaks to drivers who complete the AARP Smart Driver™ course, with some states mandating these discounts.

Discounts for safety features

Many auto insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles with safety features. These features reduce the risk of accidents or bodily harm, and insurance companies reward you with lower premiums. The availability and amount of these discounts vary by company, state, and vehicle.

Anti-Lock Brakes

Anti-lock brakes help prevent skidding and reduce the distance required to stop the car, making it less likely to rear-end another vehicle. Many insurance companies offer discounts for this feature, with amounts varying from 5% to 10%.

Airbags

Airbags have been standard in all new passenger vehicles since the 1999 model year, and they significantly reduce injuries in crashes. Insurance companies often provide discounts for vehicles with driver-side and passenger-side airbags, with the amount increasing with the number of airbags. For example, Geico offers up to a 25% discount for driver-side airbags and up to 40% for full front-seat airbags.

Daytime Running Lights

Daytime running lights are headlights that turn on automatically when the car is started, increasing visibility during daylight hours. Some insurance companies offer small discounts for this feature, such as a 1% discount offered by Geico on certain coverage.

Electronic Stability Control

Electronic stability control helps prevent vehicles from skidding and rolling over by monitoring the vehicle's response to steering and automatically applying brakes when needed. This feature has been required on all cars, SUVs, pickups, and minivans since the 2012 model year, and insurers typically apply the discount to collision coverage.

Automatic Seat Belts

While not as common today, automatic seat belts were once a popular safety feature. Many insurers still offer the same discount for automatic seat belts as they do for airbags.

Adaptive Headlights

Adaptive headlights use sensors to adjust their angle and brightness, improving visibility at night and around turns. Some insurance companies offer discounts for this feature, and it may be included as part of a broader safety package.

Blind Spot Detection and Lane-Departure Warning Systems

These systems work together to reduce the risk of accidents when changing lanes. Blind-spot detection alerts the driver to objects in the vehicle's blind spot, while lane-departure warning systems sense the speed and distance of approaching vehicles.

Rearview Cameras

Rearview cameras, often factory-installed, provide a better view of the vehicle's surroundings, reducing the risk of accidents while backing up or parking.

Anti-Theft Devices

Anti-theft devices, such as alarm systems, are favoured by insurance companies as they reduce the risk of vehicle theft. Stolen Vehicle Recovery Systems, such as LoJack, also fall into this category, as they increase the likelihood of recovering a stolen vehicle.

Tire-Pressure Monitoring Systems

Tire-pressure monitoring systems help with fuel efficiency and safer driving. Most vehicles from 2008 onwards are equipped with this feature.

Emergency Response Systems

These systems vary but often include features such as automatically turning off the fuel and unlocking doors when airbags deploy or alerting a response centre in the event of an accident.

Advanced Safety Features

While less common, some insurance companies like Liberty Mutual offer discounts for newer safety innovations such as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning systems, and collision-avoidance systems.

It's important to note that not all insurance companies offer discounts for all safety features, and the availability and amount of the discount can vary. When shopping for insurance, it's essential to ask about specific discounts and compare rates to find the best value.

Discounts for completing a safety course

AARP offers a range of benefits to its members, including discounts on auto insurance. Members can take the AARP Smart Driver™ Course at a discounted rate. This course is designed to help members improve their driving skills, anticipate situations that may cause accidents, and drive more safely.

In addition to AARP, there are other ways to obtain discounts on auto insurance by completing a safety course. Many insurance companies offer discounts for customers who take approved defensive driving or driver safety courses. These courses can be completed online or in person, and the amount of the discount may vary depending on the insurer, age, state, and other factors.

For example, State Farm offers a Driver Training Discount where customers can qualify for a discount if all operators of their vehicle under the age of 21 complete an approved driver education course. Similarly, Progressive offers a defensive driver discount, and the amount of the discount will depend on the specific state and insurer.

It is important to note that the availability and eligibility of these discounts may vary by state and insurer, so it is recommended to check with your insurance provider to find out the specific details of any safety course discounts they may offer.

Discounts for paying your full policy amount

Many insurance providers offer discounts for paying your full policy amount in advance. This discount is usually between 5% and 20% but can vary depending on the company and state. For example, Progressive offers an 11% discount, while Farmers Insurance offers a 6% discount. This discount is not available in California or New York due to state laws.

Paying your full policy amount upfront can save you a significant amount of money, but it's important to note that it may not be an option for everyone, especially if you don't have a lot of cash on hand. However, if you can afford it, taking advantage of this discount can be a great way to reduce your insurance costs.

In addition to the savings, paying your full policy amount upfront can also give you peace of mind, as you won't have to worry about missing payments or having lapses in coverage. It's also a way to avoid NSF fees, which can occur if you don't have enough funds in your account to cover a monthly payment.

Some insurance companies that offer discounts for paying your full policy amount include:

• Progressive
• Liberty Mutual
• Travelers
• Allstate
• Farmers Insurance
• Erie
• Dairyland
• Mercury
• New Jersey Manufacturers (NJM)
• Amica
• Kemper
• The Hanover
• Shelter

It's always a good idea to consult with your insurance agent to understand the specific discounts and savings available to you, as well as the payment schedule that works best for your financial situation.

Discounts for multiple policies

Bundling your auto insurance with other types of insurance, such as home, condo, renters, motorcycle, boat, or life insurance, can result in substantial savings. Even if you're not a homeowner, you can still take advantage of bundling discounts by combining your car insurance with other applicable policies.

In addition to the financial savings, having multiple policies with the same insurer also offers added convenience. You'll only need to manage a single bill and deal with one customer service number for all your insurance needs. Additionally, all your vehicles will have a common renewal date, making it easier to keep track of your policies.

It's important to note that the discount amount advertised by insurance companies usually applies to the policy as a whole and not to each individual policy. The amount of savings can also depend on the number of policies bundled together. For instance, bundling your auto and home insurance may result in a higher discount compared to bundling auto insurance with renters insurance.

When considering discounts for multiple policies, it's essential to compare quotes from different insurers. While a larger discount may seem appealing, it doesn't always guarantee the lowest rate. By shopping around and comparing rates, you can ensure that you're getting the best value for your money.

Discounts for vehicle fuel type

AARP offers a range of benefits to its members, including discounts on vehicle fuel types. While the exact discounts are not specified, members can save on fuel with Exxon Mobil Rewards+™. Additionally, AARP provides a range of insurance programs for different vehicles, including motorcycles, boats, and recreational vehicles.

Use a Fuel Card with Rewards

A fleet fuel card can offer rewards and discounts on fuel purchases. Look for a card with simple and straightforward rewards, such as discounted per-gallon fuel costs or additional discounts when shopping with preferred partners. Open-loop fuel cards are more flexible as they can be used anywhere, whereas closed-loop cards are restricted to specific locations.

Join a Fuel-Stop Rewards Program

Consider joining a rewards program offered by fuel stations in your area or along your regular routes. Research the rules and benefits of each program, as some may require you to travel out of your way, negating any potential savings.

Plan Shorter Routes

Using modern GPS and map programs can help you plan the shortest routes for your vehicles. This not only saves fuel but also reduces the overall mileage and wear and tear on your vehicles.

Maintain Correct Tire Pressure

Ensuring your vehicle's tires are properly inflated can improve fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to use more fuel. Regularly checking tire pressure and maintaining the recommended levels can lead to significant fuel savings over time.

Lighten Your Vehicle's Load

The weight your vehicle carries has a direct impact on fuel consumption. Even an extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel efficiency. Audit the items in your vehicle and remove any unnecessary equipment or tools to lighten the load and improve fuel economy.

By combining these strategies and taking advantage of the benefits offered by organizations like AARP, you can maximize your fuel discounts and minimize fuel expenses for your vehicles.

Frequently asked questions