How to Cancel Your Hartford Car Insurance Policy in 5 Easy Steps

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Janet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-JohnsonPersonal Finance Writer

Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA, is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's been writing for Compare.com since 2023 and has also appeared on various business and finance sites, including LendingTree, Chime, Insurify, Forbes, and WSJ. She’s passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers.

Lequita Westbrooks
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor

Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.

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If you’ve decided to cancel your auto insurance with The Hartford because you found cheaper car coverage elsewhere, canceling your policy is easy. The insurance company offers options for canceling by phone, in writing, or in person.

But before you do, it’s a good idea to consider the steps you need to take before canceling. We provide all the details, including alternatives to consider.

5 Steps to Cancel Your Hartford Car Insurance Policy

A woman with glasses using a laptop

The Hartford has multiple methods for canceling car insurance. But depending on your timing and the policy terms, the insurance company might require advanced notice. You also might not get a full refund of your unused premiums.

Following the right steps helps you avoid coverage gaps and unexpected charges. We’ll break down the steps you need to take, starting with reviewing your insurance policy details.

1. Review your current auto insurance policy

Before canceling your car insurance policy, review your current coverage. Check your policy documents for details on policy expiration dates and potential refunds. Review your insurance coverage, including your coverage limits, deductibles, and vehicle information, to ensure everything is accurate.

Knowing your renewal date is especially important for avoiding automatic renewal charges and transitioning to a new auto insurance company if that’s your plan.

While reviewing your auto insurance policy, note your policy number. You’ll want to have it handy when you contact The Hartford to make the cancellation process easier.

2. Understand what you need from your next policy

Before canceling your existing auto insurance policy, consider why you want to cancel. Maybe you want better coverage options, more responsive customer service, or more affordable car insurance.

Understanding your reasons for canceling will help you identify what you’re looking for in your next policy. Writing down your main concerns and priorities will help guide your search so you can make sure your next insurance company meets your needs.

It’s essential that your new auto insurance policy meets state-minimum coverage requirements and your lender’s requirements. Lenders typically require you to have comprehensive insurance and collision coverage if you have a car loan or a lease, in addition to liability insurance.

On the other hand, if you own an older vehicle, you may only need liability-only coverage, which can help you save on your insurance policy.

3. Compare quotes and purchase your new policy

Compare quotes and purchase your new auto insurance policy before canceling your current policy with The Hartford. This step is important because having an active policy in place first helps you avoid a lapse in coverage.

A coverage gap can leave you financially vulnerable if you get into a car accident. Plus, insurance companies will also consider you a higher risk to insure, leading to higher rates in the future.

Shopping around can help you find the best coverage and insurance company for your needs. Using a car insurance comparison site to gather quotes from multiple companies in one place can help you quickly find the right coverage at the most affordable price.

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4. Contact The Hartford customer service

Once you’re ready to cancel your auto insurance policy, contact The Hartford’s customer service line at 1 (877) 896-9320. You can also call your independent auto insurance agent. Let them know you need to cancel your coverage. Remember, you may need to call a special customer service line if you’re an AARP member.

When you call customer service, be ready to provide your name, policy number, and desired cancellation date. Ask about potential refunds and whether you need to sign a formal cancellation letter. The representative may ask you to fax, email, or mail in a written cancellation request.

Get Started With This Sample Car Insurance Cancellation Letter

Get Started With This Sample Car Insurance Cancellation Letter

5. Confirm your cancellation and get your refund

During your cancellation call, request confirmation of your cancellation date, refund amount, and expected refund date. The Hartford should mail you a cancellation confirmation within three to five days. Any refund due to you may come in the form of a check or a refund to your bank account or credit card.

If you set up automatic payments, cancel them and monitor your bank account or credit card to ensure no additional payments go through. You may also need to contact your bank or credit card company to cancel recurring charges.

Ways to Cancel Your Hartford Auto Insurance Policy

A phone call is usually the quickest and easiest way to cancel your auto insurance policy, but The Hartford offers several methods for canceling your coverage. We explain each option in more detail below.

By phone

The best way to cancel auto insurance coverage from The Hartford is by phone. Customer service representatives can process your cancellation immediately and answer any questions you may have. But the number to call depends on how you purchased your auto insurance policy:

If you purchased your policy directly from The Hartford, call its auto insurance customer service line at 1 (877) 896-9320.

If you’re an AARP member and purchased your policy through The Hartford’s AARP program, call its dedicated customer service line at 1 (800) 423-6789.

Finally, if you purchased your policy through an independent agent, call the agent’s office to initiate the cancellation.

By mail

If you’re an AARP member and purchased your auto insurance through The Hartford’s AARP program, you can mail a written cancellation request to:

AARP Insurance Program

The Hartford

P.O. Box 14219

Lexington, KY 40512

Include your name, policy number, ZIP code, and cancellation date in your letter.

In person

If you purchased your auto insurance through a local independent agent, you can cancel it in person at their office.

It’s a good idea to call ahead and make an appointment. If you don’t have your agent’s contact information, check your policy documents or use The Hartford’s car insurance local agent directory.

When to Cancel Your Car Insurance Policy

Cars driving on a busy highway

You may have been happy with The Hartford auto insurance but now find you need to switch insurers. Switching makes sense if you’re moving to another state where the company doesn’t operate or if you find another company that offers better rates or discounts.

Other common reasons for changing insurance companies include:

  • Poor customer service and claims process

  • Expensive premiums

  • Limited coverage options

Most insurance companies let you cancel your auto insurance policy at any time. Some companies may charge a fee, but many don’t. For example, State Farm doesn’t charge a cancellation fee, but Mercury does.

It doesn’t appear that The Hartford charges a cancellation fee. But it may charge you a cancellation fee for canceling your policy in the middle of your policy term. Check with The Hartford customer service to see whether you’ll have to pay a cancellation fee.

What to Consider Before Canceling Your Hartford Auto Insurance Policy

A woman getting into her car while talking on the phone

Before canceling your car insurance with The Hartford, consider the following:

  • Shopping for a new policy. Buy your new car insurance policy before canceling your current policy to avoid driving without insurance or facing penalties.

  • Switching insurers and avoiding a lapse in coverage. Even a short gap in coverage can mean higher premiums when you apply for new insurance. The start date of your new policy should be the same as or earlier than the end date of the policy you’re canceling.

  • Paying a cancellation fee. Review your policy or call to ask a customer service representative whether you’ll pay a fee for early cancellation.

  • Canceling in the middle of a policy. Canceling in the middle of your policy term may result in prorated refunds or potential penalties.

  • Losing a bundling discount. If you have multiple policies with The Hartford, canceling your auto policy might mean losing valuable discounts on other policies, such as your homeowner insurance.

The Hartford Car Insurance Premiums vs. the Competition

Comparing auto insurance quotes helps you find the lowest rates with the right level of protection. The table below shows the average monthly premiums for The Hartford and some of its closest competitors, according to Compare.com data.

Company
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Average Monthly Premium
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Compared to The Hartford
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The Hartford$129
GEICO$86-33%
Progressive$124-4%
State Farm$86-33%
Industry average$134+4%
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Although The Hartford’s rates are lower than the industry average, it’s not the cheapest option around. GEICO’s and State Farm’s average rates are significantly cheaper than The Hartford’s; both companies have an average monthly premium of just $86.

Keep in mind that your rates will vary depending on your ZIP code, age, driving record, and other personal factors. That’s why shopping around to find the cheapest rates is worth it.

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Canceling The Hartford Insurance FAQs

If you’re considering canceling your auto insurance policy with The Hartford, you may have more questions about the process. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions about canceling your coverage.

  • How do you cancel a policy with The Hartford?

    You can cancel your auto insurance policy with The Hartford by calling its customer service line at 1 (877) 896-9320 (for AARP members) or 1 (877) 896-9320, by mail, or in person.

  • Can you cancel The Hartford auto insurance anytime?

    Yes, you can cancel your policy at any time. But be sure to check your policy terms, as canceling midterm may result in fees, depending on your state’s regulations.

  • Does The Hartford charge a cancellation fee?

    It’s possible. The Hartford may charge a cancellation fee depending on your policy terms and state regulations. Contact The Hartford customer service at 1 (877) 896-9320 to find out if you have to pay a cancellation fee.

  • Can you cancel The Hartford online?

    No, The Hartford doesn’t allow customers to cancel auto insurance policies online. You should call the customer service line or your independent agent. You may also need to submit a written cancellation request.

Sources

  1. North Carolina Department of Insurance, “Losing Your Insurance” accessed January 23, 2025.

  2. Insurance Information Institute, “What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?” accessed January 27, 2025.

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Janet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-JohnsonPersonal Finance Writer

Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA, is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's been writing for Compare.com since 2023 and has also appeared on various business and finance sites, including LendingTree, Chime, Insurify, Forbes, and WSJ. She’s passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers.

Lequita Westbrooks
Edited byLequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Lequita Westbrooks
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor

Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.

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