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6 years experience in personal finance writing
Featured on Credit Karma and Insider
Jamie is a meticulous researcher who has published 2,000+ personal finance articles. Her expertise is trusted by major brands like Bankrate and Rocket Mortgage.
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Over 3 years of experience producing content on insurance and personal finance.
Key architect of Insurify's quality score.
Courtney's deep knowledge of personal finance goes beyond insurance and includes credit cards, consumer loans, and banking. She loves creating practical content.
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Updated
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
The Hartford and Foremost are both midsize insurance companies with nationwide availability. The companies offer similar types of auto insurance coverage, but Foremost advertises fewer car insurance discounts.
But The Hartford is available only to AARP members, so it’s not an option for everyone. It’s important to compare the customer reviews, customer service, discounts, and coverage options before choosing the best car insurance company for you. And comparing quotes from multiple insurers will help you find the best deal.
The average cost of liability coverage is $161 per month with The Hartford and $118 per month with Foremost.
The Hartford is available only to AARP members and offers various coverage options and discounts.
The Hartford is a cheaper option for auto insurance than Foremost for most drivers.
Foremost vs. The Hartford: The verdict
Foremost and The Hartford target different types of drivers. The Hartford is the best choice for AARP members, while Foremost focuses on standard car insurance policies and partners with other companies to expand its offerings.
Both companies offer various coverage and add-on options, but The Hartford offers more discounts. Overall, The Hartford is your best choice if you can qualify for coverage with your AARP membership, but Foremost may be a solid second option if you aren’t an AARP member.
Factor | Foremost | The Hartford |
|---|---|---|
| IQ Score | 7.4 | 8.3 |
| Customer satisfaction score | 3.25 | 3.5 |
| Average quote: liability only | $118 | $161 |
| Number of discounts | 3 | 8 |
| Number of states where it operates | 50 | 50 |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Foremost
Foremost Insurance, also known as Foremost Signature Insurance Company, is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Farmers Insurance acquired the company in 2000, and it offers auto and homeowners insurance, as well as RV and mobile home insurance through its partnership with the AARP auto insurance program.
The company is a solid choice for auto insurance but has limited offerings compared to larger companies. And Foremost doesn’t offer online quotes, so you’ll have to work with an insurance agent to buy coverage.
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | NR |
Drivers appreciate the professional interactions but dislike the unexpected rate increases and inadequate coverage. Issues with customer service and claim handling are also common.
Drivers appreciate the professional interactions but dislike the unexpected rate increases and inadequate coverage. Issues with customer service and claim handling are also common.
Foremost is a member of Farmers Insurance Group and operates in all 50 states. Foremost offers car insurance through its partnership with Bristol West and also sells home insurance, classic car coverage, motorcycle insurance, RV insurance, and more. Foremost also offers add-ons like vanishing deductible and new vehicle replacement coverage. Thanks to Foremost’s range of insurance products, policyholders can bundle multiple policies for a discount. Drivers can also get discounts for insuring multiple cars, choosing paperless billing, and more.
Covers a wide variety of vehicles
Coverage available for high-risk drivers
Offers rideshare coverage
Must contact an agent to get a quote or buy a policy
Average rates tend to exceed national rates
More complaints than expected with the NAIC
The Hartford
The Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company currently offers property, personal auto, commercial auto, and business insurance.
The Hartford auto insurance comes with various coverage options, policy add-ons, and discounts. But to be eligible for insurance, you must be at least 50 years old and have an AARP membership.
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $161/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $243/mo |
Drivers appreciate the prompt customer service and reliable coverage but are frustrated by the significant annual price increases and limited policy options.
Drivers appreciate the prompt customer service and reliable coverage but are frustrated by the significant annual price increases and limited policy options.
The Hartford is known less for its home and auto coverage and more for its other products, including workers’ compensation, professional liability, and other business insurance, and its employee benefits offerings. The company sells auto insurance policies only to AARP members, offering member incentives like a 10% insurance discount. The Hartford provides several additional discounts for safe driving, taking a defensive driver course, certain vehicle safety features, paying in full, getting a quote online, and bundling auto with homeowners or another type of insurance.
Savings for AARP members
Above-average customer satisfaction
Available in all states and D.C.
Available only for AARP members
No accident forgiveness coverage
Higher-than-average number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
The Hartford TrueLane telematics program
The Hartford’s TrueLane mobile app rewards drivers for demonstrating safe driving behaviors. You’ll receive an immediate discount of 12% just for signing up for the telematics program. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll download the app and begin using it while you drive.
As the app analyzes your driving, you’ll receive driving tips and information about how to improve your score. When you renew your policy, The Hartford will give you a discount based on your driving score. The average savings amounts depends on your driving score, but you could receive a discount of up to 25%.
You’re free to stop using the app at any time, but that means you won’t qualify for a discount. Foremost doesn’t offer a telematics program, so this is a benefit The Hartford has over its competitor.
Foremost vs. The Hartford: Which is the cheapest?
Various factors influence your auto insurance rates, like your age, claims history, location, and vehicle type.[1] So the cheapest insurance company can vary from one driver to another.
But it’s helpful to know the average monthly rates of both insurers and what they offer to different drivers. Here’s how Foremost’s and The Hartford’s average rates compare.
The Hartford: Cheapest for drivers with a clean driving record
People with a clean driving record always receive the cheapest auto insurance rates. A clean driving record means less risk of filing a claim, so insurance companies can charge cheaper rates. The Hartford is the cheaper overall option for drivers with a clean driving record.
Driver Type | Foremost | The Hartford |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $118 | $161 |
The Hartford: Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket
Speeding contributed to 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021 and is risky driving behavior, so drivers with a history of speeding tickets pay higher rates for auto insurance.[2] The Hartford has cheaper average rates than Foremost for drivers with a speeding ticket on their record.
Driver Type | Foremost | The Hartford |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | $163 | $240 |
The Hartford: Cheapest for teen drivers
Your age is another factor that influences your car insurance rates. Young and teen drivers always pay the highest rates for auto insurance due to their lack of experience behind the wheel. If you’re an AARP member who’s insuring a teen driver, The Hartford could be the slightly cheaper option, based on average rates.
Driver Type | Foremost | The Hartford |
|---|---|---|
| 18-year-old | $224 | $437 |
The Hartford: Cheapest for senior drivers
Senior drivers tend to pay lower rates on auto insurance since they usually drive less and display safer driving habits. The Hartford specializes in working with drivers older than 50 years, and the company offers cheaper rates to drivers in their 60s and 70s than Foremost.
Driver Type | Foremost | The Hartford |
|---|---|---|
| Senior drivers | $92 | $93 |
The Hartford: Cheapest for drivers with bad credit
Based on where you live, insurance companies may consider your credit-based insurance score when underwriting and pricing your policy. Insurers believe that drivers with bad credit are more likely to file a claim, so they charge more expensive premiums to offset the risk.[3]
If you have bad credit, check out The Hartford — it has cheaper average premiums for drivers with poor credit than Foremost.
Driver Type | Foremost | The Hartford |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers with bad credit | $142 | $216 |
Compare coverages: Foremost vs. The Hartford
Foremost and The Hartford offer similar auto coverage options to pay for damages and injuries in the event of a covered loss. Both provide standard coverages, like liability, collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage.
And both insurers offer add-on coverage options, like a diminishing deductible, accident forgiveness, new vehicle replacement coverage, and gap insurance. But Foremost offers rideshare insurance, which is something The Hartford doesn’t offer.
The Hartford offers personal umbrella insurance and complete auto glass coverage, which aren’t available through Foremost. Here’s an overview of both companies’ coverages.
Coverage | Foremost | The Hartford |
|---|---|---|
| Rideshare insurance | Yes | No |
| Diminishing deductible | Yes | Yes |
| New vehicle replacement | Yes | Yes |
| Gap insurance | Yes | Yes |
| Personal umbrella insurance | No | Yes |
| Auto glass insurance | No | Yes |
| Accident forgiveness | Yes | Yes |
Compare discounts: Foremost vs. The Hartford
The Hartford is the cheapest insurer overall and also offers more car insurance discounts. Foremost offers discounts for safe driving, bundling policies, paying your annual premiums in full, and being a homeowner. But it doesn’t offer basic discounts most insurers advertise, like a good student discount, a discount for using safety features, or a discount for insuring a new car.
Discount | Foremost | The Hartford |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | Yes | No |
| Defensive driving course | No | Yes |
| Multi-policy | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-car | Yes | Yes |
| Low mileage | No | No |
| Telematics (safe driving app) | No | Yes |
| Anti-theft device | No | Yes |
| New car | No | Yes |
| Military/affiliation | No | No |
| Good student | No | Yes |
| Loyalty | No | Yes |
| Auto pay | No | No |
| Student away at school | No | No |
| Homeowner | Yes | No |
| Alternative fuel | No | Yes |
Foremost vs. The Hartford FAQs
If you’re looking for auto insurance, Foremost and The Hartford are both great insurance options and offer a variety of policies that may meet your needs. Here’s some additional information about purchasing an auto insurance policy from Foremost versus The Hartford.
Is Foremost Insurance good?
It depends. Foremost doesn’t offer as many discounts as other companies and has higher average rates than its competitors, but it may be a good option if you can’t find coverage elsewhere.
Is The Hartford good at paying claims?
Yes. Despite earning a below-average J.D. Power rating for overall claims satisfaction, The Hartford did receive an A+ (Superior) AM Best rating, meaning it’s able to meet financial obligations when customers file claims.
Is The Hartford a good car insurance company?
Yes. If you’re older than 50 and an AARP member, The Hartford may be a good option for auto insurance because it can help you save on coverage with its AARP partnership.
Does Foremost or The Hartford offer cheaper insurance?
The Hartford has the cheaper average insurance rates for most driver profiles and offers more discounts than Foremost.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
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Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer whose work has been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance. For the past six years, she's dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.
Jamie has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
)
)
Over 3 years of experience producing content on insurance and personal finance.
Key architect of Insurify's quality score.
Courtney's deep knowledge of personal finance goes beyond insurance and includes credit cards, consumer loans, and banking. She loves creating practical content.
Featured in
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
)
)