AARP Company Review

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is not an insurance company. It is a non-profit membership organization for retired persons. So why provide a review for AARP? Retirees have unique insurance needs. Often, they are coming from a work environment where healthcare benefits were provided by employers. These retirees are now faced with the task of finding affordable insurance options. Even though they do not write insurance policies, what AARP does is offer retirees a one-stop shopping option for all their insurance needs.

Company Overview

Seniors who need insurance will find that the AARP offers a wide selection of insurance products to members at discounted prices—all placed with top-rated carriers who are financially stable. For anyone over the age of 50 looking for affordable insurance options for retirees, AARP is worth checking out.

The AARP has been helping to improve the quality of life for people over the age of 50 since its beginnings. The organization was founded in 1958 by a retired high school principal, Ethel Percy Andrus, in response to the need for affordable health insurance options for retired teachers.

AARP has founded coalitions worldwide to promote well-being and quality of life for senior citizens. The organization is one of the largest and most powerful lobbying groups for senior citizens’ interests in the United States. One of its most important services is providing discounts to seniors on consumer goods, prescription drugs, and insurance services. The recent AARP Annual Report states the organization has nearly 38 million members throughout the United States.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• U.S. citizens over the age of 50 can purchase multiple lines of insurance through a one-stop shopping experience​ with discounts are available for multiple policy lines.​
• Members of AARP can access other benefits such as discounts on travel, entertainment, shopping, finance products, and the AARP Mastercard Rewards Card, which allows members to earn reward points, even towards travel perks.
• Membership fees are low at only $12 per year with auto-renewal and includes a free membership for a spouse or partner.

Cons

• Some members may not want to receive the numerous marketing fliers sent to members by mail and email.​
• Members may not agree with the organization's political position on issues such as Medicare or health-care reform.​
• If you are in good health, AARP may not offer the least expensive health and life insurance options. It is likely you can find a comparably-priced—or even cheaper—health insurance for seniors or life insurance for retirees outside of the organization.

Insurance Products

• Auto Insurance - The Hartford provides auto insurance to AARP members. Some pluses to its auto policy include accident forgiveness, policy terms of a full year with locked in rates, and new car replacement value. Good driving discounts are available as well as a lifetime renewability option.​
• Homeowners' Insurance - Home Insurance is also through the Hartford. Customers can customize coverage according to their needs and have the option for 100% replacement value for home and contents. There is also deductible forgiveness for qualifying losses.​
• Health Insurance - United Healthcare provides the Medicare health insurance to AARP members. There are many options available with the health insurance plan. Members can choose long-term care plans, dental and vision insurance, hospital indemnity plans, and a care-giving benefit option for in-home care-giving services including a home-health nurse.​
• Life Insurance -The AARP life insurance program features products offered by New York Life Insurance Company. Some of the best options available through this program are guaranteed acceptance life insurance, extra protection term life insurance, and permanent life insurance. No physical exam is required for life insurance coverage.​
• Other Insurance Products - Members also have the option to purchase long-term care insurance and insurance for motorcycles, boats, and other recreational vehicles.

Applying for Coverage

To apply for coverage for AARP's insurance products, you have to become a member. You can complete the AARP membership application online. To contact AARP for more information, you can call toll-free at 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277) or visit the help center.