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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Foremost vs. The Hartford FAQs