The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. announced today that it is making its award-winning AARP-branded auto insurance program available through authorized independent agents in Albert Lea.

Strong Agency Inc. was chosen after satisfying a number of eligibility requirements, which included: demonstrating a commitment to community service; meeting a high-level of business and ethics standards; and completing a training program designed to highlight the needs of the 50-plus population.

“For 25 years, the industry-leading AARP-branded auto insurance program from The Hartford has been extremely popular,” said Michael Concannon, executive vice president of The Hartford. “Much of the success of this program is due to innovative product features and a commitment to truly understand and support our customers. We are thrilled to now be able to offer these benefits with our independent agent partners.”

According to new research from The Hartford, the majority of AARP members prefer the advice and counsel of a local agent when making decisions about their insurance. Based on this research and strong customer demand. The Hartford is offering the AARP-branded auto insurance program through select, authorized independent agents. These products were previously only available from The Hartford by phone, the Internet and by mail.

The AARP-branded auto insurance program is designed in consultation with The Hartford Advance 50 Team, which helps to tailor our products and services specifically to the interests and needs of Baby Boomers and older adults. Other unique hallmarks of the program include:

Lifetime continuation agreement — assures that the customer’s insurance policy will not be dropped as long as a few simple requirements are met.

RecoverCare — helps customers pay for assistance with daily errands and responsibilities, like cooking, cleaning, shopping, dog walking, transportation and yard work if they are injured in an auto accident.

Standard 12-month rate protection versus the traditional six month policies offered by most companies.

Strong Agency has been in business for 97 years.