AARP vs AAA: Which is Better for You?
- The Zebra's pick: AAA
- AAA is more affordable and has better discounts and coverage options.
- Your experience with AAA and AARP will vary based on individual rating factors.
Why you can trust The Zebra
Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as a licensed insurance professional and content strategis…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- 5 years of experience in the insurance industry
Tara joined The Zebra in 2025, bringing 18 years of marketing and public relations experience with fintech and insurance brands. She specializes in c…
Credentials
- 18+ years of experience in the fintech & insurance industries
Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- Associate in Insurance (AINS)
- Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
- Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
What's the difference between AAA and AARP?
Although AAA and AARP are often compared in likeness, key differences may make or break your decision. AARP, underwriting policies through The Hartford, is cheaper but falters in claims and customer service. AAA (Auto Club or CSAA) receives stronger scores in these categories but costs slightly more on average.
In our opinion, AAA pulls ahead with lower average rates, a stronger lineup of discounts, and more coverage options.
Compare personalized quotes from these companies and more to find the best rate.
How The Zebra evaluates insurance companies
| Rating | Explanation | Star rating equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Subpar | Lowest ranking, suggesting instability or high risk | 0-1.9 |
| Fair | Somewhat stable but not consistently reliable | 2-2.9 |
| Good | Generally dependable with moderate stability | 3-3.9 |
| Solid | Strong, reliable and dependable with minor risks | 4-4.4 |
| Exceptional | Highest rating, indicating outstanding stability and reliability | 4.5-5 |
Methodology — how The Zebra reviews insurance companies
The team of insurance experts at The Zebra evaluates companies by focusing on customer experience first, with an emphasis on service quality, reliability, and ease of interaction. Unlike previous models, pricing is not scored but is instead presented separately as context for comparison.
Each category has been scored using a combination of our internal customer satisfaction survey results and published scores from reputable organizations such as AM Best and J.D. Power.
- Service Accessibility & Support Quality (25%): This category measures how easy it is to get help when needed, evaluating factors such as support channel availability (phone, chat, in-person, app), response times, agent knowledge, service hours, and language accessibility.
- Claims Experience (25%): This category assesses how smoothly the claims process works, considering ease of filing (online, app, or phone), transparency and communication, processing times, and fairness in dispute resolution.
- Digital Experience & Policy Management (25%): This category evaluates the convenience of managing your policy: this includes mobile app usability, website experience, account management, digital document access, self-service options, and platform integrations
- Trust & Reliability (25%): This category looks at a company’s overall reliability, measuring financial strength, market stability, regulatory history, communication transparency, and consistency in policy terms.
Price context: Pricing varies significantly based on individual circumstances and risk factors. Customers can evaluate cost-effectiveness based on their specific situation and the service quality scores provided.
AARP: Reliable longevity, with lackluster customer service
✅ What customers like:
- Self-Service Options: Complete tasks independently without waiting for an agent.
- Market Stability and Longevity: Established history suggests reliable long-term coverage.
🚫 What customers don't like:
- Response Times Across Channels: Long wait times delay urgent issues and create frustration.
- Agent Knowledge and Helpfulness: Staff may be unable to provide answers and require multiple contacts.
AAA: Digital masters, but needs customer service help
✅ What customers like:
- Mobile functionality: Manage claims, payments, and documents from your phone.
- Integrated platform: Connects with payment apps and devices for added convenience.
🚫 What customers don't like:
- Wait times: Long wait times delay urgent issues and create frustration.
- Lack of knowledge: Poorly trained staff provide conflicting answers and require multiple contacts.
How much is car insurance with AAA and AARP?
AAA charges $1,134 for a full coverage, 6-month auto policy; AARP's average rate for the same policy is $1,249.[1]
💡 The national average for a 6-month full coverage car insurance policy is $1,084. For liability-only, it's $368.
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| Company | Full Coverage | Liability | Difference from National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| AARP | $1,249 | $389 | 15.2% ▲ |
| AAA | $1,216 | $418 | 12.2% ▲ |
Source: The Zebra
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Location makes a huge difference in auto insurance costs, down to your ZIP code. Select your state from the drop-down list below to see average rates from AAA and AARP.
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| Coverage | AARP | AAA |
|---|---|---|
| 50/100/50 BI/PD with $500 Deductible | $1,328 | $2,037 |
| State Minimum Liability Only | $462 | $670 |
In most states, car insurance companies use your credit score to determine risk. Those with a lower credit score are often saddled with higher premiums, while improved credit tiers are rewarded with lower rates.
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Source: The Zebra
California, Hawaii, Michigan, and Massachusetts do not use credit scores in insurance ratings.
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| Age Group | AAA | AARP |
|---|---|---|
| 16-19 | $1,758 | $3,178 |
| 20s | $1,749 | $2,056 |
| 30s | $1,200 | $1,243 |
| 40s | $1,276 | $1,665 |
| 50s | $1,094 | $1,549 |
| 60+ | $1,304 | $1,714 |
Source: The Zebra
Above all, insurance companies care about your driving history. This means accidents, tickets, lapses in coverage, and other violations. Drivers with many accidents pose a greater risk, and pay the price for it.
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Source: The Zebra
Does AAA or AARP offer better discounts?
🏆 Winner: AAA
AAA earns the top spot thanks to its wide range of member perks and discounts, most of which don’t come with extra eligibility hoops.
64% of Zebra customers say their insurer fails to proactively identify discounts for which they may be eligible.[2] Since those savings can significantly lower your premium, it’s worth factoring in when choosing a provider.
Take a look at the discount options from both AAA and AARP below.
Featured discounts at AAA:
🚙 Longevity
🚙 Advanced purchase
🚙 Original owner
Featured discounts at AARP:
🚗 Defensive driver course
🚗 5 Years Clean
🚗 Anti-theft
| Discount comparison | AAA | AARP |
|---|---|---|
| Good student | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple policies | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple vehicles | ✓ | ✓ |
| Good driver | ✓ | ✓ |
| Defensive driver | ✓ | ✓ |
| Student away at school | ✓ | |
| Driver training | ✓ | |
| Green vehicles | ||
| Affinity membership alum | ||
| Pay in full | ✓ | ✓ |
| Homeowner | ✓ | ✓ |
| Telematics | ||
| Military | ||
| Continuous coverage | ✓ |
*Availability of discounts can sometimes vary by state. Contact your agent to verify availability and eligibility.
AAA vs. AARP additional coverage options
🏆 Winner: AAA
With a wider range of add-on coverage, AAA edges out AARP for drivers who need something more customized.
Most insurance providers offer the same standard set of auto insurance coverages— liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments can be expected from AAA and AARP. These companies also offer additional, optional coverages to their customers:
| Coverage | Does AAA offer it? | Does AARP offer it? |
|---|---|---|
| Roadside assistance |
|
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| Rideshare insurance |
|
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| Gap insurance |
|
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| Custom parts and equipment |
|
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| Rental car reimbursement |
|
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| Accident forgiveness | ||
| New car replacement |
|
Considering AAA or AARP?
How do I dispute a driving record with AAA?
Can I get AAA roadside assistance if I don't have insurance with them?
Is the AARP connection valuable or just a gimmick?
Should I get my own insurance or stay on my parents' AAA policy?
The bottom line: Which company is better for you?
There is no ideal company that suits every driver. Each shopper has unique needs and preferences that may be weighted differently.
- For budget-conscious drivers: AAA
- For drivers with extra coverage needs: AAA
- For drivers with a history of accidents: AAA
- For drivers with poor credit history: AARP
Dive deeper into each company
The experts at The Zebra have thoroughly reviewed major car insurance companies to assist you in choosing a provider. Learn even more about each company from their full reviews.
AAA Insurance Review
Reviews and ratings for AAA rate it a good company with a 3.9/5 score in 2026. Read AAA's reviews, complaints and prices before you buy.
The Hartford Insurance Review
Reviews and ratings for The Hartford rate it a good company with a 3.7/5 score in 2026. Read The Hartford's reviews, complaints and prices before you buy.
Frequently asked questions: AAA vs AARP
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Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool
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Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.
