Let's get something straight. I'm not a homer for them. I have repeatedly said that I "USE" them for my own purposes. Quite a few years ago, when my then current insurer pulled a "Farm Bureau" on me, I investigated many carriers and found that AARP/Hartford was not only the best I could find coverage-wise, but, at that time, the least expensive. I saved literally nearly $2,000 that first year. Since then, it has vacillated up and down but never has it failed to save me money over the competition on the homeowners/auto combination. I get several quotes every three years. USAA is the only one that has come close during that time, pricewise.
Coverage-wise, Hartford has some of the most broad-ranging perks available in the market-place. If people would take the time to read their policies and ask questions of their agents (many of whom can't answer them), they'd be surprised what they don't have. I worked for The Hartford for 33 years, so I know a little bit about the subject.
You can dump on AARP all you want, but AARP was designed for one purpose and that was to give Seniors some clout. It has done that well. Like all entities of it's type, it has grown bloated and control has been centralized in it's board of directors. They, just like Congress, are subject to lobbying and ultimately looking after their own interests. It is up to us as members to make our concerns known the best way we can, not dissimilar to the way we do with government. We can lay low and assume our vote doesn't count or we can work to make sure it does. The one thing that is guaranteed not to work is to keep quiet. That's why I express myself to AARP when I am in disagreement and that's why I vote.
AARP is beginning to face competition from other groups. Whether they are able to seriously challenge them in the near future is questionable, but possible.
Coverage-wise, Hartford has some of the most broad-ranging perks available in the market-place. If people would take the time to read their policies and ask questions of their agents (many of whom can't answer them), they'd be surprised what they don't have. I worked for The Hartford for 33 years, so I know a little bit about the subject.
You can dump on AARP all you want, but AARP was designed for one purpose and that was to give Seniors some clout. It has done that well. Like all entities of it's type, it has grown bloated and control has been centralized in it's board of directors. They, just like Congress, are subject to lobbying and ultimately looking after their own interests. It is up to us as members to make our concerns known the best way we can, not dissimilar to the way we do with government. We can lay low and assume our vote doesn't count or we can work to make sure it does. The one thing that is guaranteed not to work is to keep quiet. That's why I express myself to AARP when I am in disagreement and that's why I vote.
AARP is beginning to face competition from other groups. Whether they are able to seriously challenge them in the near future is questionable, but possible.