The only reason to belong to AARP is for the magazine. They are basically a big insurance company and lobby for the insurance industry. By your being a member, they claim to represent you in Washington. I guess you can tell I'm not a member. I can get the same discounts with my AAA membership which I wouldn't be without.

Ditto, what Fran said. Dottie

AARP is NOT an insurance company, but they have licensed certain insurance companies to use their logo, etc.

We do use their discounts. Also, I get a lot of useful information from their magazine. Some articles are informative, whereas some are casual (but interesting!) interviews with celebs that are AARP age (i.e., Dusin Hoffman).

Having said that... we joined because so many of DHs friends said how much money they had saved on home and car insurance. I keep intending to check on rates but it keeps falling further down on my "to do" list.

I do know that my folks got their Medicare RX plan through AARP. After weeks of checking around, the rate beat all others they found.

My husband belongs to AARP. I read the magazine.

I have a membership in AARP (and have for several years). I love the magazine and there are many interesting and helpful web links for all kinds of questions you may have about new tax laws etc. The short stories are all tailored toward the senior perspective and address the things that we are all going through but how they effect the older generation. I have never used the discounts they offer so I can't comment on those, but I have learned valuable information such as long term care insurance and other relevant things that are going on today.

All in all I think it is a very useful membership. And I don't think they sell your information to any other parties. As for their prespective on politics I could care less. I research my own questions and I have never been effected by other people's (newspapers, TV, radio, magazines etc.) opinions or ideas. But I do enjoy reading all sides of the issues, and AARP usually shows both sides, (in my opinion).

Susan

I've been a member for years, and while I admit their involvement with insurance plans might be considered a conflict of interest, they are also clearly involved with advocating for seniors. I'm signed up for their email bulletins, and they're always advising me of pending legislation and how to contact my representatives.

The magazine articles have a lot of relevance for those 50 and over. I recommend it.

PS: I just read Okwriter's post above. I, too, found that the AARP Rx plan had the best price. I switched over to them after my Blue Cross plan nearly doubled its rates.

Another member here. The magazine alone is worth the price. I like to support AARP because they are advocates for seniors. And, your spouse can be a member on your account at no extra cost.

I joined recently.

Received $50 off upcoming Scotland/Ireland trip
Bought my airline tickets thru Travelocity with AARP, and tickets were same flights round trip and $40 cheaper.

Did check their automobile insurance and was more expensive than my usual insurance company.

Another fan of their magazine.

We belong and have for several years. We use their Motor Club, travel and hotel discounts and the Magazine is great. When the time comes we will look into their Medicare Supplemental Ins./prescrip coverage.

sj

I belong too. I also have Hartford Insurance, ( home and car) which I got through them. It's cheaper than what I had before.
I've got to re-new this month too.
Leslie

AARP did my income tax filing, this past Thursday, for free!
They have been doing that for a couple years at my nearby senior center.

I have been a member for several years and love their magazine. We have used their discounts when traveling and if they sell our name to others, how would I know....everyone else is doing the same thing!!

I would if I was traveling and used to when I was on the road more often

I used to belong to AARP for the discounts, like hotel, car rental, etc....then found out that AAA discounts are usually the same or even better - and AAA will change a flat tire !
No contest.

We belong to AARP. I love their magazine, and our
membership has saved us money, on hotels

uncle was very active in the political end and it wasn't involving insurance...often we've used both cards for discounts a hotels...

Good discounts and I enjoy reading their magazine. But they're basically an insurance company that "allegedly" advocates for seniors. Do you see all those ads on TV for AARP insurance over Medicare? They're not as altruistic as they appear.

I'll say it slowly this time:

AARP...is...NOT...an...insurance...company.

:-)

My wife and I have been members for several years and continue to do after we both retired. Our main perk is the motel discounts that we can get as AARP seniors. It averages about 10%.

Someone in a post above said that AARP was an insurance comapany. I don't think so. They may have gotten that impression because United Health Care carries the AARP logo on the member's card. I had United Health Care as my retirement insurance several years before this logo appeared. United Health Care informed their members a couple of months before this logo appeared that they had gotten an endorsement from AARP, and that their new membership cards would carry the AARP logo. As far I know, this is a mutual benefit agremment: AARP advertises United Health Care and United Health Care proudly states that they have the endorsement of AARP and encourages membership in AARP. As far as I know, United Health Care is a company independent of AARP.

The AARP magazine inform members of pending legislation that impacts their lives, and of course, is not above expressing an opinion. The publication also provides friendly reminders of things that retirees should be aware of.

Ditto all positive comments, especially the travel and hotel accommodation discounts. We too, found the car insurance more expensive, but enjoy reading the mag...

hmmmmmmmm, wonder when my magazine will arrive!

I also belong. We joined so we could get their insurance for road problems. It was cheaper than most places. I also enjoy the magazine.