2021 Toyota Sienna Overview: Trim Levels, Tech & Safety Features, Pricing & More

The word “swagger” isn’t one that leaps to mind when you hear the term minivan, but Toyota hopes its just-announced 2021 Sienna changes that. Perhaps Toyota coined the term “swagger wagon” to wipe away reminders that minivan sales are in the dumpster, and many reviewers contend Sienna rates way behind the Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica, and Kia Sedona.

Sure, Toyota has top sales with many models, including Camry, RAV4,  and Prius. Still, the Sienna minivan is consistently bested by the Honda Odyssey in several reviews and surveys, including a recent MotorTrend review. They note the Odyssey has better legroom, better crash test performance, better cargo space, better acceleration, better fuel economy – the list of “betters” goes on. That’s not to say the Sienna had no pluses. It has a base model that comes with an array of standard safety features, a rarity for the budget-conscious minivan shopper, noted MotorTrend.

That’s something. But not enough. Toyota is usually the one leading the pack, not an also-ran. This fourth-generation Sienna, which is just now rolling into showrooms, is designed to change that. This is the model’s first full overhaul in a decade, and Toyota went all out, especially with its hybrid-only powertrain.

2021 Toyota Sienna. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Are Minivans Going Away?

Minivan sales dropped 37 percent in the first three quarters of 2020, according to an analysis at CarSalesBase.com. In fact, minivans are now only 1.9 percent of the overall car market. Compare that to the 47.4 percent of SUV sales in 2019, said Tom Libby, automotive analyst at IHS Markit, as quoted in the New York Times. Libby also predicted SUVs, vans, and pickups, which make up seven percent of the current market, will total 78.5 percent in 2025.

And, who’s going to buy a minivan? Sure, it appeals to many segments, but the Gen X and Millennial crowds (i.e., parents of young kids) are the likely buyers. Yet those demographics often bypass minivans for sedans while members of Generation Z might be more likely to go for a small SUV. Still, Millennials plan to keep their new vehicles for just about five years (think, “once the kids are older”). Once that time is up, some of their most significant concerns are with a given vehicle’s environmental impact, features, and tech.

And this is where Toyota is likely trying to go with the 2021 Sienna.

In what we imagine is a “no vehicle in our lineup gets left behind” mindset, Toyota has reworked the Sienna, so it has a shot at the blue ribbon. “This is an all-new vehicle from the ground up, including a new chassis platform as well as a new electrical platform,” said Sienna Chief Engineer Monte Kaehr. “The development of the fourth generation Sienna was a huge undertaking but we always worked towards one single mission – to make the best van yet.”

Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Sienna: What’s New for 2021

The 2021 Toyota Sienna is all about personalization and having lots of features at your disposal. Consider this brief rundown of standard features for each trim level, which we grabbed from this more detailed PDF document. The MSRP figures below include the additional $1,175 for destination and handling.

Sienna LE

Powertrain & Starting MSRP

• FWD 8-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($35,635)
• AWD 8-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($37,635)

Outside: LED headlights and daytime running lights with auto on/off feature, LED taillights, black grille, color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with blind-spot warning indicators, dual power sliding side doors, power lift-gate with jam protection, and 17-inch alloy wheels with P235/65R17 tires.

Inside: Three-zone automatic climate control with separate rear digital control panel, backup camera, an eight-way adjustable power driver’s seat, second-row bench for eight-passenger seating with stowable center seat, and a stowable third row.

Sienna XLE

Powertrain & Starting MSRP

• FWD 8-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($40,925)
• FWD 7-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($40,925)
• AWD 7-Passenger Hybrid CVT (49,925)

Outside: LED headlights and daytime running lights with auto on/off feature, LED foglights, LED taillights, black grille, color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with blind-spot warning indicators, hands-free dual power sliding side doors, liftgate with jam protection, and 17-inch alloy wheels with P235/65R17 tires.

Inside: Four-zone automatic climate control with separate rear digital control panel, backup camera, Softex heated front seats, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power
lumbar support, four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, Softex second-row bench to accommodate eight passengers with a stowable center seat, and a stowable third row.

2021 Toyota Sienna XLE. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Sienna XSE

Powertrain & MSRP

• FWD 7-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($43,175)
• AWD 7-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($43,935)

Outside: LED headlights and LED strip daytime running lights with auto on/off feature, LED foglights, LED taillights, black side rocker panels, sporty black mesh front grille, black heated power outside mirrors with blind-spot warning indicators, hands-free dual power sliding side doors, liftgate with jam protection, 18-inch wheels (AWD) or 20-inch wheels (FWD).

Inside: Four-zone automatic climate control with separate rear digital control panel, backup camera, Driver Easy Speak system, SofTex sport-trimmed heated front seats with seatback pockets, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar, four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, SofTex sport-trimmed second-row captain’s chairs with super-long-slide feature (that extends to the dashboard), and a stowable third row.

2021 Toyota Sienna XSE in Ruby Red Flare Pearl. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Sienna Limited

Powertrain & MSRP

• FWD 7-passenger Hybrid CVT ($48,875)
• AWD 7-passenger Hybrid CVT ($49,675)

Outside: LED headlights and LED strip daytime running lights with auto on/off feature, LED foglights, LED taillights, black side rocker panels, chrome roof rails, and color-keyed heated power auto-dimming outside mirrors with blind-spot warning indicators. The outside mirrors have puddle lights, a power-fold feature, and tilt downward when the Sienna is put into reverse. The Limited also comes with 18-inch wheels with P235/60R18 tires.

Inside: Four-zone automatic climate control with separate rear digital control panel, backup camera, Driver Easy Speak system, wireless charging, leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats with seatback pockets, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar and driver memory function, four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, second-row captains’ chairs with super long slide feature (that extends to the dashboard) and ottomans, stowable third row, and second- and third-row sunshades.

2021 Toyota Sienna Limited. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Sienna Platinum

Powertrain & MSRP

• FWD 7-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($51,075)
• AWD 7-Passenger Hybrid CVT ($51,635)

Outside: Signature bi-LED projector headlights and LED strip daytime running lights with auto on/off feature, LED foglights, LED taillights, black side rocker panels, dark gray metallic grille, chrome roof rails, hands-free dual power sliding side doors, liftgate with jam protection, bird’s eye view camera features, and 20-inch wheels for front-wheel drive models.

Inside: Four-zone automatic climate control with separate rear digital control panel, backup camera, Driver Easy Speak system, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats with seatback pockets, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar and driver memory functions, four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated leather-trimmed second-row-seat captain’s chairs with long-slide feature (to the dashboard), and a stowable third row.

2021 Toyota Sienna Platinum. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Essential Foundations

The iconic Shinkansen Japanese Bullet Train was the inspiration for the 2021 Toyota Sienna and its body, especially at the front. There you’ll find a lower grille with high-tech LED fog lights in the corners. The shoulder-themed design, muscular wheels arches, and a sculpted body erase the boxy minivan look.

Underneath, however, this new Sienna shares the automaker’s TNGA-K platform, which also underpins its Highlander and RAV4 SUVs. That gives the Sienna a 1.2 inch longer wheelbase and allowed for a new multi-link rear suspension. According to Toyota, the TNGA-K platform makes the Sienna “library quiet,” thanks to additional sound insulation, body sealant, and other measures to reduce vibrations in the vehicle’s floor.

2021 Toyota Sienna: Engine & Powertrain

The big news, though, is how the 2021 Toyota Sienna is only available as a hybrid. The high efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine delivers 245 horsepower. The 1.9-kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery is under the front seats, so you don’t have anything hindering cargo space at the back of the Sienna. Most importantly, as Toyota notes, the hybrid battery pack does not need to be recharged. Thus, there is no need to invest in a charger for your home. The Toyota Hybrid System II charges the battery automatically as you drive.

Toyota says the gas engine’s 41 percent greater thermal efficiency, one of the highest of any internal combustion automobile engines on the market (minus other Toyota hybrids), will interest gearheads who are looking at the Sienna for a family vehicle. The gas engine has Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. A variable cooling system (electric water pump and electric thermostat) and a fully variable oil pump further improve efficiency.

Drivers can monitor the hybrid system via the seven-inch multi-information display. The display shows system output and regeneration status. It also targets optimal acceleration amounts for eco-driving.

Is The 2021 Toyota Sienna All-Wheel Drive?

While front-wheel drive is available, Toyota continues its long tradition of offering the Sienna with all-wheel drive. The “Electric On-Demand” system eliminates the heavy transfer case and driveshaft and uses a separate electric motor to power the rear wheels. Toyota’s hybrid all-wheel drive system can send up to 80 percent of the available power to the rear wheels to prevent front-wheel slip, enhance cornering, and reduce understeer.

The percentage of torque distribution varies with conditions, which is indicated on the multi-information display.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna is available with all-wheel drive. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Can I Tow With The 2021 Toyota Sienna?

Yes, but only up to 3,500 lbs. when properly equipped.

What Is The Gas Mileage?

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the front-wheel drive Sienna comes in at 36 across the board (city, highway, combined). All-wheel drive models vary slightly at 35/36 city/highway and 35 combined.

What Are The Tech & Connectivity Features?

The 2021 Toyota Sienna is loaded with all kinds of tech and connectivity features. Here is a detailed list.

• Toyota Audio (standard on LE grade): includes a nine-inch touchscreen, six speakers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, seven USB ports, hands-free phone and music streaming via Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Safety Connect with one-year trial, and Wi-Fi Connect with up to two GB within the three-month trial.
• Toyota Audio Plus (standard for XLE, optional for LE): adds to the above: AM/FM/HD radio, eight speakers, Siri Eyes Free, Safety Connect with a three-year trial, and Wi-Fi Connect powered by AT&T (up to two GB within the six-month trial).
• Toyota Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation (standard on XSE): adds navigation to the Toyota Audio Plus system.
• Toyota Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and JBL Premium Audio (standard on Limited and Platinum, optional for XLE and XSE): adds 12 speakers including subwoofer and 1,200-watt amplification, plus Clari-Fi digital restoration technology to Toyota Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation.

Also available is a Driver Easy Speak system that lets parents communicate with their kids, no matter how far away they are sitting.

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What Are The Safety Features?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2021 Sienna five stars overall but only four stars for side-impact and rollover. It was beaten by every other minivan except the Dodge Caravan. That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of advanced safety features on the Sienna. The minivan is standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0), a comprehensive packages that includes:

• Road Sign Assist.
• Lane Tracing Assist.
• Lane departure alert with steering assist.
• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
• A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
• Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking.
• The optional heads-up display will show TSS 2.0 functions.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna is also standard with 10 airbags throughout the interior. They are placed as follows:

• Driver’s knee airbag.
• Front-seat side airbags.

• Passenger seat cushion airbag.
• Rear outboard seat side airbags.

• Driver and front passenger airbags.
• Side curtain airbags for all three rows.

Drivers also have the option for a Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan that provides a 360-degree view so a driver can see around the immediate area. This is helpful when you are trying to maneuver through busy parking lots or live in a neighborhood with families and kids.

Beneath the center console “bridge” is an open area for a purse or small gym bag. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

2021 Toyota Sienna Interior Configurations

Like they did with the exterior styling, Toyota says they wanted to get away from the bus-like feel associated with minivans. As such, the design team went to work on the interior, making sure to include helpful things like cupholders (up to 16 of them!), wireless charging, and plenty of extra storage. A power moonroof is available for the LE but standard on every other trim level.

The Sienna LE and some XLE models come in eight-seat configurations with a stowable middle seat. Some XLE models, as well as the XSE, Limited, and Platinum are seven-seaters, featuring the Super Long Slide second-row captain’s chairs (with the Limited and Platinum FWD models equipped with ottomans). As for Super Long Slide, that means the second-row captain’s chairs move a total of 25 inches to provide extra legroom for high school kids who are growing taller by the minute.

Keep in mind, however, the captain’s chairs are not removable nor do they stow which will limit what you can carry in terms of cargo.

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2021 Toyota Sienna Warranty

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation.

Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for eight years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferrable to a new owner.

If you have more questions, or to determine if you need additional coverage, see our free and helpful guide to Toyota’s factory warranty.

Nancy Dunham is a life-long journalist whose work appears in many national automotive and general interest magazines and accompanying websites. Her dad was an executive with Western Auto Supply Co. (sold to Sears), so the smell of tires still brings back a flood of childhood memories. Favorite professional assignment: driving on the Texas Motor Speedway. She lives in Austin, Texas with her cat Prudence.

Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Original article: 2021 Toyota Sienna Overview: Trim Levels, Tech & Safety Features, Pricing & More

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Ram Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition Pays Homage to American Service Personnel

If you have seen the window sticker for a newer Ram truck, you will probably notice the tag line “Built to Serve.” The Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition is a further extension of that mentality, inspired by the men and women of the U.S. Military. Earlier in 2020, Ram released their lastest Built to Serve Edition truck and follows it now with the Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition. The first-generation Power Wagons were civilian versions of Dodge’s W/C series trucks (often called “Beeps”) that assisted on the Allied front during World War II.

To celebrate Veterans Day this month (November 11th), Ram is rolling out the new Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition. This big rig pays tribute to a uniquely American linage of service while also tossing in some cool color combinations and fun off-road goodies.

Exterior Styling & Color Options

Exterior features include a “75 Years of Service” badge, Gunmetal R-A-M grille lettering, Diamond Black door and tailgate graphics, and Diamond Black sidesteps that also double as rock rails. A total of 11 exterior colors are available, all but one of which is two-tone (Diamond Black is monotone).

Two-tone exterior colors: Maximum Steel Metallic, Granite Crystal Metallic, Billet Silver Metallic, Patriot Blue, Delmonico Red, Flame Red, Bright White, Olive Green, Molten Orange, and Anvil Gray.

2021 Ram Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Hydro Blue Option

There is one color I didn’t mention yet: Hydro Blue. At the San Antonio Auto and Truck Show in 2017, Ram pulled the cover off the 1500 Hydro Blue Sport. It eventually debuted as a 2018 model, but with a super limited production run of just 2,000 units. Of all the special editions Ram has done, the 1500 Hydro Blue Sport is still one of my favorites. 

I was thrilled to see that Hydro Blue Sport is one of the available two-tone colors for the Ram Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition. I will have to keep my eyes open now in hopes I will see one traversing around here in Michigan.

2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport. Hydro Blue is an available color for the Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition.

Off-Road Goodies

Very few things are likely to stand in the way of the Ram Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition. It’s loaded with tons of fun toys like a factory lift kit, electronic transfer case, locking front and rear differentials, electronic disconnecting front sway bar, and a 12,000-lbs. WARN Zeon-12 winch with a synthetic line. The rugged 33-inch tires are married to 17-inch aluminum beadlock-capable wheels.

Big Engine & Big Power

Under the hood of every Ram Power wagon is a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 (sometimes referred to as “the 392” because of its cubic inch displacement). The heavy-duty engine features a deep-skirt cast-iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps, pushrod-operated overhead valves, and the patented hemispherical combustion chambers. The 6.4-Hemi creates 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft. of torque.

Interior Treatments

Mountain Brown leather, gloss black finishes, dark brushed aluminum accents, and special “Power Wagon 75” logos and door inserts adorn the interior. The 12-inch configurable screen houses the Uconnect 4C NAV system with SiriusXM 360L. A 750-watt, 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is standard.

Drivers can scroll through the off-road pages to see their accessory gauges and view valuable data like ride height, transfer case position, and pitch and roll. A 360-degree camera, which includes forward-view gridlines, will help with off-road maneuvers or when trying to park.

2021 Ram Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition interior layout.

Pricing & Availability

The Ram Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition has a starting MSRP of $65,250, plus $1,695 destination. Expect the rig to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2020. In addition to the Power Wagon, Ram has been on a roll when it comes to capable, off-road trucks. The new TRX 1500 is now an option, and the Rebel is always a good choice if you want a fun truck to cruise around in.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, is a past president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition Gallery

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Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

Original article: Ram Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition Pays Homage to American Service Personnel

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Last Chance to Claim Your Free ZUS Smart Vehicle Health Monitor

What Is The Zus Smart Vehicle Health Monitor?

The Nonda Zus Smart Vehicle Health Monitor helps you keep tabs on your car. The device plugs into your OBD II port and communicates with an app on your smartphone. According to Nonda, users can save upwards of $5,600 between repair bills, visits to the pump, and even by taking advantage of tax deductions.

Currently, Nonda is giving away the Zus vehicle health monitor for only the cost of shipping, which will likely be around $4.00 or $5.00.

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

What Does It Do?

The Nonda Zus Smart Vehicle Health Monitor allows you to read and clear check engine lights and receive free error code diagnostics. There are built-in mileage logs and self-repair tutorial videos as well. The device is compatible with 95 percent of cars on the road today and is designed for low power consumption.

Are There Any Fees Within The Device?

Nope. None. All of the functions are free to use.

Will It Work With My Phone?

The Zus Smart Vehicle Health Monitor will work with almost any modern smartphone. The device supports iOS & Android via Bluetooth 4.2.

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Wait, What About My Data?

From the Nonda website: “The ZUS app only collects data needed by the app features you are using. For example, if you want to use the Mileage Log feature for the tax deduction, the ZUS app will record your trip locations to meet the IRS requirement. Another example is the Auto Car Finder feature, which needs to record your parking location so that you can find your car back once you lose your vehicle.“

How To Claim Your Free Device

You can grab your free Zus Smart Vehicle Health Monitor, normally $59.99, through the Nonda website. You just have to pay for shipping which should be around $4.00 or $5.00. After you receive the device, be sure to pair it with the ZUS Smart Driving Assistant App, available through Google Play or the Apple App Store.

If you end up enjoying the device, be sure to write a review. Nonda says that is why they are in the mood to give away free stuff. Right now, based on customer ratings in the App Store, the ZUS Smart Vehicle Health Monitor is the best app of its kind in the world.

Original article: Last Chance to Claim Your Free ZUS Smart Vehicle Health Monitor

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The Hartford Auto Insurance Review (2020)

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

The Hartford Review

In Our Opinion:

The Hartford offers low auto insurance rates and unique perks to AARP members. While still available to drivers without AARP memberships, it is older drivers who will find the most benefit with The Hartford.

Industry Standing:

90

Availability:

100

Coverage:

95

Affordability:

90

Customer Service:

85

Online Experience:

85

Pros:

Wide range of auto insurance products

Can bundle home and auto insurance policies

Special rates and benefits for AARP members

Cons:

Average customer service reputation

Not many discount options for non-AARP members

91

Drivers over 50 looking for insurance coverage may be familiar with The Hartford auto insurance. The Hartford is the only car insurance provider to partner with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to provide exclusive benefits to the organization’s members. 

While AARP members may find especially low auto insurance rates with The Hartford, does the provider offer the best coverage? This review takes a look at coverage options, benefits, customer service, and more to help you decide if The Hartford is right for your vehicle.

We have reviewed the best car insurance companies in the industry, and The Hartford came in seventh on our list. You can read on to learn more about this provider, or enter your ZIP code into the tool below to start comparing free quotes from top-rated insurance companies.

The Hartford Highlights

Founded in 1810, The Hartford has a rich history. In fact, it even insured the home of Abraham Lincoln more than two centuries ago. Today, The Hartford offers auto, home, renters, and umbrella insurance policies, largely through a network of independent brokers.

As its name implies, the company is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. But The Hartford auto insurance is available to customers in every state. Though anyone can purchase a policy with The Hartford, certain benefits and discounts are only available to AARP members. The insurer is the only provider endorsed by the AARP.

The Hartford Auto Insurance Coverage

The Hartford offers the standard types of auto insurance that you can find with most leading providers.

The Hartford Auto Insurance	What It Covers	Required By Law?
Bodily Injury Liability	Covers other drivers’ medical bills and injury-related expenses after an accident in which you are at fault	Yes, in most states
Property Damage Liability	Pays for other drivers’ property damage after an accident that is your fault	Yes, in most states
Medical Payments (MedPay)	Pays for your medical bills after an accident, regardless of fault	Only required in Maine and New Hampshire
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	Pays for your medical bills and other losses related to injuries after an accident, regardless of fault	Yes, in all no-fault states and a few other states
Collision Coverage	Helps repair damages to your vehicle after an accident that is your fault	Not required by law, but may be required by a vehicle lessor
Comprehensive Coverage	Covers damage caused by animals, natural disasters, vandalism, and more	Not required by law, but may be required by a vehicle lessor
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage	Helps pay for injury costs if you are hit by a driver without car insurance or with too little insurance	Yes, in many no-fault states and some other states
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage	Helps pay for vehicle repairs if your car is damaged in a hit-and-run or if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance	Yes, in many no-fault states and some other states

In addition to these policies, customers can purchase the following coverage with a Hartford auto insurance policy:

• Car towing coverage: Pays for towing
• Full glass coverage: Pays for all glass damage and has a $0 deductible
• Rental car expense coverage: Provides reimbursement for rental car costs when your car is in the shop for repairs after an accident
• Personal umbrella insurance: Provides financial help if someone sues you for damages in excess of what is paid by your liability policy
• Gap insurance: Pays the difference between your car’s actual cash value and the amount you owe on your car loan if your car is stolen or totaled

Towing coverage and gap insurance are offered by most providers, but personal umbrella insurance and full glass coverage are not and may be attractive coverage for some customers.  AARP members automatically get towing included and also have access to the following exclusive benefits through The Hartford:

• 12-month rate protection: Guarantees rates will not change for at least one year
• New car replacement coverage: Pays for a new car if your new car is totaled within 15 months or 15,000 miles of purchase
• RecoverCare: Helps if you are injured in an accident by paying for things like grocery delivery, house cleaning, lawn maintenance, snow removal, transportation services, food preparation, and dog walking

The Hartford Cost, Discounts, & Benefits

The Hartford auto insurance can be very affordable for AARP members. That being said, car insurance rates vary between drivers because providers set prices based on factors like:

• Age
• Location
• Credit score
• Marital status
• Driving history

While The Hartford doesn’t offer as many discount opportunities as some of the biggest car insurance companies in the industry, it does provide customers with a number of convenient benefits, many of which can help reduce overall costs. All Hartford auto insurance customers can receive the following special benefits, though these may vary by state:

• Lifetime car repair assurance: Gives you assistance in finding a repair shop
• No-fault deductible: Removes your deductible after a no-fault accident
• $100 deductible reduction: Reduces your deductible by $100 for using specified repair shops
• One deductible: Only one deductible applies If you have two insured cars involved in the same accident
• Disappearing deductible: Reduces your collision insurance deductible each year you go without an accident (down to $0)
• Accident forgiveness: Accident forgiveness for your first accident automatically included if all drivers on your policy maintain a clean driving record for five years

The Hartford Reviews

The Hartford has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but it is not accredited. The car insurance company currently has a 1.0- out of 5.0-star BBB customer review score, but this is based on a relatively low number of reviews. Keep in mind that customers are much more likely to visit the BBB website to complain than to leave a positive comment.

The Hartford fares better on Trustpilot, where it has a 4.8- out of 5.0-star rating. However, as with the BBB, there are only a small number of customer reviews, which means these scores may not accurately reflect the sentiment of the majority of The Hartford car insurance customers.

Positive Reviews of The Hartford 

Several reviews praise quality customer service, especially when switching to The Hartford from another provider. Customers report satisfaction with lower car insurance rates and professional agents.

“I really thought I was getting the lowest available rate on my car insurance, but to my surprise, [I] wasn’t. [The Hartford] helped me get better coverage at a lower premium. For that, I am happy.” – Steven P., via Trustpilot

“I just bought a new vehicle and the insurance company that I’ve been with for the past two years raised my rates [even though] I have an excellent driving history. [I] spoke with an agent from The Hartford who was awesome, and he saved me $412.” – Hiram C., via Trustpilot

Negative Reviews of The Hartford 

Some customers express frustration with slow claims servicing, denied claims, and difficulty canceling contracts. However, many of the negative reviews focus on the company’s home insurance products, not The Hartford auto insurance.

“This is the worst financial group ever. They take weeks to respond to your questions – if they even respond at all – and when they respond, they don’t answer your questions. [The Hartford] miscalculated my insurance in July. It’s almost January, and still no resolution.” – Ben F., via BBB

“[My claim has] been approved, but [I have yet to] receive a payment going on 10 weeks… They never give you any correct information… I’m still waiting for a call back.” – B. M., via BBB

Final Thoughts: The Hartford Auto Insurance

While The Hartford doesn’t have the same high-quality customer service reputation as other top-rated providers, it does offer low rates, especially to AARP members.

The Hartford auto insurance coverage offerings are comprehensive, and older drivers are likely to find a policy that suits their needs. The company also has an AM Best financial strength rating of A, which indicates it is in a good position to meet claims obligations. While some drivers have complained about the provider’s claims service, the number of negative reviews is low relative to the size of The Hartford’s customer base.

Younger drivers are likely to find better, lower-cost auto insurance elsewhere, but AARP members should certainly consider reaching out for a quote from The Hartford.

Top Recommendations for Car Insurance

Even if The Hartford sounds like a good fit for your needs, it’s always best to get insurance quotes from multiple providers. The Hartford may offer good policy options, but you don’t know that there isn’t better coverage or cheaper insurance out there until you compare providers.

Two insurers we recommend are GEICO and USAA. Both have excellent customer service reputations and are known to offer low-cost auto insurance policies. You can compare free quotes from these and other top-rated providers by entering your ZIP code into the tool below.

GEICO: Best Overall 

GEICO offers a high number of discounts to its customers, some of which can reduce auto insurance premiums by up to 26 percent. Geico is rated A++ for financial strength by AM Best and has an A+ rating from the BBB.

We named Geico the best overall provider because it scores highly for all of our review criteria: industry standing, availability, coverage, affordability, customer service, and online experience. Learn more by reading our full Geico auto insurance review.

USAA: Best for Military Families

USAA offers low rates, flexible payment plans, and excellent claims service to its members. It is among our top-rated providers because of its generous discount opportunities and knowledgeable customer service representatives.

Like GEICO, USAA scored extremely high in each of our review categories. However, while it is available in every state, it is not available to all drivers. To be eligible for a USAA auto insurance policy, drivers must be military members or must have a spouse or parent with a USAA membership. For those who are eligible, we highly recommend looking into a USAA policy. Learn more by checking out our USAA car insurance review.

Original article: The Hartford Auto Insurance Review (2020)

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