Have you or a family member just had a major milestone birthday? After the celebration is over, you might notice your auto insurance rates have changed.
If you just turned 50, you might notice some discounts. If that’s the case, you’re wondering why…and how to get more. In this post, you’ll find out:
- What’s different about car insurance for older adults?
- What insurance discounts do older adult drivers receive?
But if you (or your family member) just turned 70, you might notice some increases. Now you’re on the hunt for ways to lower your premium again.
You’ll learn how to decrease your senior auto insurance rates, as well as:
- Why did your auto insurance rates increase?
- Licensing requirements for seniors
- What factors affect senior car insurance rates?
- How much does senior car insurance cost?
- How can seniors save on auto insurance?
- When should a senior stop driving?
AUTO INSURANCE FOR OLDER ADULTS (50+)
So many of us consider all the downfalls of getting older, but never stop to consider the benefits. If you’re a safe driver and just turned 50, you’ll certainly see the benefits!
What’s different about car insurance for older adults?
For many insurance companies, the “senior” discount age begins at 50. You’re in the sweet spot of driving: you have plenty of years of experience on the road, but you’re not quite at the age where driving becomes statistically more dangerous.
If you have a clean driving record, you can start expecting discounts from your carrier.
What insurance discounts do older adult drivers receive?
Auto insurance carriers award 50+ drivers a number of discount opportunities. While some may be automatic, others may need to come from a conversation with your carrier or agent.
Depending on your policy, here are a few older driver discounts and perks you might qualify for:
- AARP membership
- Accident-free discount
- Clean driving record discount
- Driving less frequently discount
- Fewer drivers (including teenagers or young adult children)
- Household assistance
- Insurance bundling discount
- Loyalty discount
- Rideshare credits
- Roadside assistance
- Safe driving course discount
AUTO INSURANCE FOR SENIORS (70+)
You’ll enjoy those auto insurance discounts from ages 50 until around 65 or 70 years old. However, as you (or your parents) age, you’ll start seeing rates increase.
Why did your auto insurance rates increase?
According to the Federal Highways Safety Administration, there were more than 45 million drivers 65 and older as of 2018. The Journal of Safety Research also notes: “drivers aged 70+ have higher crash death rates per mile driven than middle-aged drivers (aged 35-54).” I
n short: it’s more likely that a senior adult will be in an accident than middle-aged drivers. As you well know, driving simply becomes a more dangerous activity as we get older. For that reason, there is more liability for auto insurance carriers to cover senior drivers.
Licensing requirements for seniors
All hope is not lost. For safe senior drivers, there’s no need to give up driving. After all, driving is an important way to maintain independence well into late adulthood.
That said, many states require additional testing during license renewal after a certain age — safety for you or your aging parents is always the first priority. These tests might include: road test, vision test, and in-person license renewal.
What factors affect senior car insurance rates?
While age plays a huge factor for senior auto insurance premiums, there are some other important factors to note:
- Annual mileage
- Bundling discounts
- Claim history
- Deductible amount
- Driving experience
- Driving record
- Gender
- Location
- Type of coverage
- Vehicle make/model
How much does senior car insurance cost?
While drivers in their 50s and 60s often receive the best rates, senior drivers close to age 70 (and older), will pay more due to a statistically higher potential for accidents.
Your unique premium depends on the factors above, but in general, senior drivers can expect to pay an average of $300 - $500 more per year.
How can seniors save on auto insurance?
As you can imagine, seniors have plenty of experience and those with great driving records will still maintain better rates. Additionally, senior drivers can save on auto insurance premiums by:
- Bundle insurance: most carriers offer discounts to those who carry multiple policies with them, such as auto and home insurance.
- Check rates: consider shopping around and checking multiple trusted carriers for the best auto insurance rates possible.
- Driving courses: some carriers will offer discounts to senior drivers who go above and beyond to take safe driving or defensive driving courses
- Increase deductible: increasing the deductible (or amount you pay out of pocket for a covered claim) will decrease your premium
- Infrequent driving: the less you’re on the road, the less chance for an accident; many carriers offer discounts for seniors who drive less frequently
- Safe driving: continuing to keep a clean driving record will keep your premium low; that includes: no accidents, no claims, and no driving citations
- Safe vehicle: driving a vehicle with plenty of safety features will help decrease your rates
When should a senior stop driving?
Again, if you or someone you love is getting older, it doesn’t mean it’s time to hang up the car keys. That said, there are warning signs when the time to drive has come to an end:
- Increase in accidents (or near-accidents)
- Increase in damage to vehicle (such as scratches or dents)
- Increased confusion or getting lost
- Trouble seeing road signs, lights, and markers
- Slow reflexes
Older adults and seniors don’t need to be concerned about aging and auto insurance — in fact, there are many instances where you’ll benefit! Be sure to check with your carrier as you get older and see changes in your premium.
If you need help finding the best car insurance coverage for the best price, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get an auto insurance quote online now.
