Is The Hartford a Good Insurance Company?
At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we help clients evaluate insurance carriers for financial strength, claims history, and suitability for retirement-focused goals like guaranteed income and principal protection. If you’re asking, “Is The Hartford a good insurance company?” the answer is yes—The Hartford is one of the most respected names in insurance. But whether it’s the best fit for your retirement or annuity goals depends on your priorities. Let’s take a closer look at where The Hartford excels, where to be cautious, and when it makes sense to compare other carriers.
Compare The Hartford vs. Other Carriers
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Company Overview
Founded in 1810, The Hartford Financial Services Group is among the oldest and most financially stable insurers in the United States. It’s widely recognized for its commitment to policyholder protection, consistent underwriting practices, and corporate integrity. The Hartford offers a broad range of products, including property & casualty, group benefits, and investment solutions. For retirees, its legacy in annuities and income products remains a cornerstone of its reputation.
Financial Strength
The Hartford consistently earns high financial ratings, reflecting its ability to meet long-term obligations to policyholders. Its major insurance subsidiaries typically hold:
- A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best
- A+ from Fitch and A+ from S&P Global
These strong scores demonstrate the company’s reliability in honoring claims and maintaining adequate reserves for annuity and insurance payouts—critical for retirees seeking security in their contracts.
Where The Hartford Excels
- Longstanding stability: Over two centuries of consistent operations and conservative risk management.
- Comprehensive product range: From annuities to life insurance and group benefits, The Hartford’s diversified offerings make it a one-stop solution for many clients.
- Customer service reputation: Historically high satisfaction scores, particularly in claims handling and group benefits administration.
- Focus on retirees and employers: Many of its annuity and benefits programs are built to serve the retirement income and employee benefits markets.
Potential Drawbacks
- Less emphasis on new annuity innovation: While strong, The Hartford’s annuity lineup is more traditional than the advanced income riders offered by newer or niche carriers.
- Limited direct-to-consumer options: Some annuity products may be available only through specific employer plans or registered representatives.
- Moderate interest crediting: If maximizing growth potential is your goal, certain fixed or indexed products from other carriers may offer more aggressive caps or participation rates.
When The Hartford Is a Good Fit
- You value financial stability and a long track record of claim reliability.
- You want traditional fixed annuities with simple, predictable guarantees.
- You have access to The Hartford’s retirement products through an employer-sponsored plan or financial advisor relationship.
- You prioritize reputation and strength over chasing the highest interest rate.
When to Compare Alternatives
- If your goal is maximum guaranteed income, review leading income annuity options on our Current Annuity Rates page.
- For greater liquidity or higher crediting rates, explore our comparison of Fixed vs. Fixed Indexed Annuities.
- If you’re seeking coverage that supports long-term care planning, see our guide on Long-Term Care Insurance with Shared Benefits.
- When planning withdrawals or income timing, review How Does a Fixed Indexed Annuity Work?
Independent Advice Matters
While The Hartford is undeniably reputable, choosing the right annuity or insurance contract should be based on your individual income needs, tax status, and retirement horizon. Independent advisors at Diversified Insurance Brokers help you compare multiple carriers side-by-side—including The Hartford, North American, and Athene—so you can find the balance of income, flexibility, and safety that fits your long-term plan.
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FAQs: Is The Hartford a Good Insurance Company?
Is The Hartford financially stable?
Yes. The Hartford has maintained strong A+ ratings for decades, reflecting exceptional claims-paying ability and conservative investment management.
Does The Hartford offer annuities for individuals?
Yes. While it has scaled back direct retail offerings in recent years, The Hartford continues to support existing policyholders and some group annuity contracts.
Is The Hartford good for retirement planning?
Yes—its financial strength and longevity make it reliable for retirement income protection. However, independent comparison ensures you find the best contract terms.
What are alternatives to The Hartford?
Carriers like Athene, North American, and F&G offer competitive fixed indexed annuities with enhanced income and growth features worth comparing.
How can I get a quote for The Hartford and other carriers?
Use our Personalized Quote Request Form or visit our Current Annuity Rates page to compare options instantly.
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
