[jbrown132]

Originally Posted by rapscallion st croix

i have always considered aarp to be an insurance company disguised as an advocacy for seniors.

bingo!!!

[GATORBILL66]

Originally Posted by Arctic Fox

You may recall that, several months ago, I sought advice here on whether or not joining the AARP was worthwhile.

Opinion was split but many saw it as just a way to market other products.

Well, I benefitted from discounted car rental rates but on returning to TV after several months I found that over half of my mail was from AARP - car insurance, life insurance etc.

I have no problem throwing it in the trash, but they are certainly keeping the USPS in business.

As a conservative, I subscribe to AMAC, much better than AARP!

[Bob.Betty]

i also have used the discount many times over, more than paid for the subscription

[Geodyssey]

Originally Posted by Arctic Fox

You may recall that, several months ago, I sought advice here on whether or not joining the AARP was worthwhile.

Opinion was split but many saw it as just a way to market other products.

Well, I benefitted from discounted car rental rates but on returning to TV after several months I found that over half of my mail was from AARP - car insurance, life insurance etc.

I have no problem throwing it in the trash, but they are certainly keeping the USPS in business.

AARP is THE most American of American companies. It's like the statue of liberty, but for seniors.

[collie1228]

Originally Posted by eweissenbach

Wrong - they simply market insurance from other carriers and get compensated from those carriers. New York Life, United Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha etc.

Technically wrong, for sure, as they are not an "insurance company". But the poster's point is correct if you replace "company" with "broker". That's what they are - an insurance broker.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

I occasionally wonder if there is any truth to the urban legend that some people have affixed that envelope to a brick and mailed it back, expecting the recipient to pay postage.

How about adding sawdust to the envelope for the return?

[lindaelane]

Those advocating AAA: That is good, but it is more expensive than AARP.

AARP is only about 12 dollars a year.
Benefits are listed here: AARP(R) Member Benefits: Browse All Discounts & Programs

I do not qualify for military, gov't employee, etc. discounts at hotels, so the membership has saved me at hotels, though AMAC would have also saved me at most of the same hotels.

I was able to check a bag for free, value of $65, on British Airways (ticket was $65 cheaper than best price found elsewhere.

I find Ancestry too expensive despite my love for genealogy. AARP got me 3 months for 1 dollar per month, not the $25 by-the-month (or about $17 per month on a six month plan, only a little less on a one year plan).

Finally, I admit that I feel torn because AARP can be political at times, and when they are, their actions may not be in keeping with what I believe.

Crowded mailboxes due presumably to AARP sharing were mentioned. They can be contacted and asked not to share information, a request they will honor. Whenever I join something I try to make that request.

Also - For crowded mailboxes: Google "stop junk snail mail". I get very little junk mail these days after following steps here. And yes, I still get the "free dinner" invitations despite doing the things recommended to stop junk snail mail. It is a little effort to stop junk snail mail, so some but not all will consider it worth the time to do so.

[rsmurano]

I'm also thinking of switching to their competitor which better supports my views. I use Hartford insurance for our vehicles in Florida with no issues, they were also the cheapest insurance company compared to USAA, AAA, and a few others

[PugMom]

Originally Posted by MartinSE

I haven't followed them in years, but once upon a time, they're claimed to back seniors, but supported politicians that didn't. So, I cancelled my membership and never looked back. I never found any financial justification for being a member, there are many other ways to save as much or more.

that's the very reason i didn't join, & probably never will

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by lindaelane

Those advocating AAA: That is good, but it is more expensive than AARP.

AARP is only about 12 dollars a year.

Yeah, but does AARP provide 24 hr roadside assistance for that $12?

[PugMom]

Originally Posted by RoadToad

That's strange, we have our Honda and our Golf cart insured by Hartford.
We are registered Florida residents and live in the Villages too.
They won't insure a vehicle that has an "S" (salvage) marked Title however.
In other words restored vehicles that were once marked "Totaled".

is the policy from Travelers? this was a bait & switch carried out in Ct. for some time. you pay "The Hartford" ins. co., but policy would quickly switch to Travelers, which is God-awful

[PugMom]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Yeah, but does AARP provide 24 hr roadside assistance for that $12?

i wouldn't be without it

[Indydealmaker]

I canceled my membership when they endorsed Obamacare before it was made public. The also made $$$ marketing that crappy bait and switch program.

[tonycirocco@me.com]

Originally Posted by airstreamingypsy

Nope, thanks for the info. I will be joining AARP.

Me too

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Yeah, but does AARP provide 24 hr roadside assistance for that $12?

They do not but wish AAA roadside assistance came sooner than 90 minutes or so.