GEICO vs. The Hartford: Which Insurer Is Better for You?

GEICO and The Hartford are well-known nationwide insurers that offer auto insurance and other types of protection. That said, only AARP members can buy a policy from The Hartford, so its availability is limited. On the other hand, GEICO is more widely available, offers more types of coverage, and has significantly lower average premiums, so it might be the better choice for many drivers.

Price-conscious drivers will likely prefer GEICO for its low cost, while AARP members looking for better customer satisfaction ratings or more options for in-person support from agents may prefer The Hartford. This review can help you decide which insurance company is best for you.

Key Takeaways:

• GEICO offers lower average premiums than The Hartford for most drivers.
• GEICO’s wider range of insurance products provides more opportunities to bundle coverage.
• The Hartford is only available with an existing AARP membership.

How The Hartford and GEICO Stack Up

You’re probably focused on price when you shop for car insurance, and rightfully so. But if your goal is to find the best fit for your unique needs, you should do more than simply look for the company offering the best deal. Other factors also affect how well your insurance company meets your needs, including the level of customer service it provides and the kinds of coverage you can buy.

With that in mind, we’ve researched dozens of top insurance companies and analyzed how each insurer fares in several important categories, including price, customer satisfaction, ease of use, availability, and industry reputation.

The table below shows how both insurers compare among these key metrics.

GEICO is the clear winner in most of these categories, with the sole exception being customer service. Still, since both preferences and rates can change dramatically from one driver to the next, these high scores don’t necessarily mean GEICO will be the best fit for everyone.

We’ll break down each of the metrics further in the sections below.

GEICO vs. The Hartford: Breaking Down Average Rates

Insurers look at several factors when calculating your premiums, including your driving history, vehicle type, and location. Because each insurer weighs these factors differently, premiums differ — sometimes drastically — from one company to the next.

The table below shows how much GEICO and The Hartford charge for several common driver profiles, according to Compare.com data.

GEICO is the clear winner in every category, according to our analysis. But keep in mind that the average rates you see here are just that — broad averages. Because premiums can differ substantially from one driver to the next, they aren’t necessarily the best indicator of what you’ll actually pay.

When buying a new policy, you should always shop around with multiple insurers and get personalized quotes to find the best rates.

GEICO vs. The Hartford: Average Rates by Age

Your age has a substantial effect on your insurance bill. When you’re young and don’t have much driving experience, you’ll typically pay higher premiums because younger drivers tend to cause more accidents and file more claims. On the other hand, if you’re older and have many years of experience on the road, insurers don’t typically charge you as much for coverage, all else being equal.

The table below shows how premium prices differ based on age from both GEICO and The Hartford, according to Compare.com data.

Cheaper for teens: GEICO

Teen drivers are more likely than other drivers to get into an accident, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Inexperience, peer pressure, and unsafe habits like not wearing a seat belt all increase the risks young drivers face. Because of this, insurers typically charge teens more for auto insurance than older drivers.

GEICO charges an average of $121 per month for teen drivers, while The Hartford’s premiums average $325, according to our data.

Cheaper for seniors: GEICO

Older drivers tend to have many years of experience behind the wheel and are often more risk-averse than younger people. As a result, insurers tend to charge them lower premiums since they have a smaller chance of filing a car insurance claim.

Our research found that GEICO charges an average of $67 per month for drivers in their 60s, while The Hartford charges $93.

The Hartford vs. GEICO: Average Rates by Driving Record

Driving records are one of the strongest predictors of future accidents and insurance claims. People who speed or drive drunk are more likely to get in an accident than drivers with clean records — and insurers charge them more because of that higher risk.

The table below shows how GEICO and The Hartford’s average prices compare for drivers with varying records, according to Compare.com data.

Cheaper for good drivers: GEICO

If you have a clean driving record, insurers assume your chances of crashing are lower than drivers with a past history of problems. That means they’ll charge you less because they think you’re less likely to make a costly claim.

GEICO charges drivers with clean records an average of $88 monthly while The Hartford’s average monthly premium for this group is $153, according to our data.

Cheaper after a ticket: GEICO

Even a single speeding ticket can lead to higher premiums because speeding increases the chance of an accident. On average, drivers with a speeding ticket see premium costs increase by 27% nationwide, according to Compare.com data. But some insurers hand out bigger premium penalties than others.

We found that GEICO’s average rate for drivers with speeding tickets is $101 per month, compared with The Hartford’s average premium of $153.

Cheaper after an accident: GEICO

Insurers view a recent car accident as a major red flag, so if you recently caused a crash, you can expect higher premiums the next time your policy renews. In fact, drivers with an at-fault accident on their record pay an average of 34% more for coverage nationwide than people with a clean record, according to Compare.com data.

While both GEICO and The Hartford charge higher rates for drivers with an accident history, GEICO’s average rate for these drivers is $108 per month, while The Hartford’s is $259.

Cheaper after a DUI: GEICO

Drunk driving significantly increases the risk of a crash, so insurers charge much more to cover people with a previous DUI conviction. Premiums for drivers with a DUI are 50% higher nationwide compared to the average rates for someone with a clean record, according to our data.

Our research found that GEICO charges an average of $136 monthly for drivers with a DUI, while The Hartford charges $223.

Comparing The Hartford and GEICO Car Insurance Coverages

When shopping for an auto insurance policy, it’s important to understand there’s no one-size-fits-all policy that’s right for everyone.

All insurers offer liability insurance, which most states require and which protects you if you cause an accident. While most companies also offer plenty of other coverages, not all insurers offer every option. Before buying your policy, it’s worth looking into different coverage choices to make sure you’re getting the protection you need.

The table below shows the different kinds of coverage GEICO and The Hartford offer.

Both GEICO and The Hartford provide the standard coverage your state says you have to buy, as well as many popular add-on options, like rental reimbursement and accident forgiveness.

Unfortunately, neither provides coverage for pets, and GEICO doesn’t offer gap insurance that pays the difference between your car’s worth and the balance on your loan if you total your car.

The Hartford also offers a unique type of coverage most insurers don’t: RecoverCare, which reimburses you for housecleaning and other home services you may not be able to do yourself if you get injured in an accident.

Comparing The Hartford and GEICO Car Insurance Discounts

Most insurers — including GEICO and The Hartford — offer several discount opportunities to help you save on coverage. When getting car insurance quotes, always let your insurer know if you’re eligible for a discount for things like membership in a specific group, and double-check with your agent to make sure you’re getting all the discounts you’re eligible for.

The table below shows the various discounts GEICO and The Hartford offer. But keep in mind that discount opportunities can sometimes vary by state.

Both GEICO and The Hartford offer standard insurance industry discounts, including savings for safe drivers and students with good grades. The Hartford also offers savings of up to 10% on coverage for AARP members, while GEICO provides special savings to members of more than 500 groups and organizations.

Comparing GEICO and The Hartford Customer Satisfaction

The Hartford receives fewer consumer complaints from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) compared to GEICO, and customers generally rate The Hartford above GEICO in terms of customer service and support.

The table below shows where both insurers stand among several popular review sites.

Many customers — like the two featured in the pair of five-star reviews below — generally compliment GEICO for its claims-handling process, affordable prices, and top-notch customer service.

That said, other reviewers complain about premium increases. For example, the reviewer in the screenshot below claims their rates increased “incredibly” after an accident they didn’t cause.

The Hartford, on the other hand, receives praise from customers — like the one below — for its knowledgeable support staff.

But, like GEICO, The Hartford has several complaints about premium increases. For example, the customer in the review below experienced a 28% rate increase after their first renewal.

More About The Hartford and GEICO

Price and customer service help determine how happy you are with your insurance company. But there’s more to consider if you truly want to find the best insurer for your needs. This can include things like effective claims handling, unique coverage opportunities, or special savings that qualify you for cheaper rates.

We’ll cover each in the sections below.

Company perks

GEICO offers discounts to members of more than 500 organizations, offering ample opportunities to save. The Hartford, on the other hand, offers special savings on auto premiums for AARP members and unique coverage options, including RecoverCare, which pays for housecleaning and home services if you need help after an accident.

Claims processing

GEICO and The Hartford offer the option to file auto insurance claims through their mobile apps, over the phone, or online. That said, The Hartford received higher marks on the most recent J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, and it also has fewer complaints about claims handling across popular online review platforms.

Mobile apps

Like most insurance companies, GEICO and The Hartford both have mobile apps for easy account management on the go. But GEICO’s app has higher ratings and offers a more modern interface that makes it easier to navigate.

GEICO vs. The Hartford FAQs

Here are a few answers to common questions about GEICO and The Hartford so you can pick the best car insurance company for you.

Who’s GEICO’s biggest competitor?

Progressive and State Farm are among the largest national car insurance companies and are major competitors to GEICO. Both are household names with larger market shares than GEICO, according to the NAIC.

Is GEICO the most expensive car insurance?

No. GEICO isn’t the most expensive car insurance, according to our research. It generally offers very competitive rates for most drivers, and its average monthly premium is $88 per month — much less than the national average.

How does The Hartford rank compared to other insurers?

The Hartford ranks above average in most markets in overall customer satisfaction, according to the 2024 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction survey. But J.D. Power scores it just below average in claims processing.

What car insurance company is cheaper than The Hartford?

It depends on your unique insurance profile. Several car insurance companies, including GEICO, have lower average premiums than The Hartford. That said, since prices vary based on individual factors, you’ll need to get personalized quotes to find your cheapest coverage options.

Data Methodology:

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Rating Methodology:

Compare.com’s mission is to help our readers make more informed decisions about their personal finances. Our editorial staff has crafted a proprietary, objective rating formula — the Compare.com Rating — to make it easier for our readers to analyze and compare many of the industry’s most well-known insurers.

The score you see referenced in this article is based on several factors, including:

• Cost: How the insurer’s average rates compare to its direct competitors and the industry as a whole. This includes available savings opportunities, such as discounts and other factors.
• Customer satisfaction: How satisfied existing customers are with the service they receive. This includes the insurer’s scores among various third-party studies, such as the J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping and Claims Satisfaction studies, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index, among others.
• Ease of use: How easy it is for policyholders to utilize their policies. This includes mobile app availability, customer service availability, payment flexibility, and other related factors.
• Availability: The overall scope of the company’s insurance offerings. This includes available coverage types, national footprint, and other related factors.
• Industry reputation: A measure of the insurer’s overall standing within the industry. This includes its AM Best financial strength rating, BBB accreditation, and other related factors.

Sources:

1. J.D. Power, “2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” last accessed August 5, 2024.
2. Insurance Information Institute, “Facts + Statistics: Auto insurance,” last accessed August 5, 2024.
3. National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “2019/2020 Auto Insurance Database Report,” last accessed August 5, 2024.
4. National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “GEICO Cas Co. National Complaint Index Report,” last accessed August 5, 2024.
5. National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “Hartford Cas Ins Co. National Complaint Index Report,” last accessed August 5, 2024.
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Risk Factors for Teen Drivers,” last accessed August 5, 2024.
7. J.D. Power, “U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study,” last accessed August 5, 2024.