Midlothian, Va.-based Auto Insurers of Virginia is now offering an AARP-branded auto insurance program from The Harford Financial Services Group.

The Hartford, headquartered in Harford, Conn., announced that the independent agency, led by David Archibald, was selected after satisfying a number of eligibility requirements, including demonstrating a commitment to community service and meeting a high level of business and ethics standards.

Michael Concannon, an executive vice president with The Hartford, said the AARP auto product “has been extremely popular” and that much of that success “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,” he added.

The program was designed in consultation with The Hartford Advance 50 Team, which helps tailor the insurer’s products and services to baby boomers and older adults.

Features of the auto program include a lifetime continuation agreement; “RecoverCare,” which aids customers in paying for assistance with daily errands if injured in an accident; and standard 12-month rate protection as opposed to the traditional six-month policies offered by most companies.

The Hartford added that its own research indicated that the majority of AARP members prefer the advice and counsel of a local agent with deciding on coverage, so the insurer is offering its AARP-branded insurance through select, authorized independent agents. These products were previously only available from The Hartford by phone, the Internet and by mail, according to the company.

Auto Insurers of Virginia, established in 1991, represents 20 insurers and programs serving the state and the metropolitan Richmond area through its seven licensed agents on staff, according to the agency’s website.