Auto Insurance for Seniors (2024)
We all want to save money, but you need to be careful when it comes to cheap auto insurance. Make sure your coverage meets state minimums and offers adequate protection for you, your vehicle, and your passengers, even if it costs a little more.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 18, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 18, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- States have different age requirements for a driver to be considered a senior driver
- Usually, senior drivers are considered to be different driver types and are high-risk customers by insurance companies
- Ways to lower insurance rates for seniors include asking for discounts and comparing providers
However, because many seniors have a fixed income, finding the best auto insurance for seniors is more important than ever.
If you live in one of the best states for cheap retiree auto insurance, you may find it easier to find cheap insurance. Accordingly, here are five buying auto insurance tips for seniors: review your current policy, ask for a discount, improve your driving resume, assess your vehicle, and compare auto insurance providers before you purchase anything.
While you consider your auto insurance options, remember that no one can be denied coverage based solely on their age.
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1. Review Your Policy
Review the policy you’re currently paying to determine if your circumstances have changed.
The amount and type of coverage you need may be different now from when you took out the policy originally.
In other words, your current car insurance may no longer suit your driving habits.
Some of the things to consider when you review your current policy include:
- Are you driving your car as often?
- When are you typically driving the car?
- Do you drive in high traffic areas more or less these days?
- Are you driving less often at night or traveling shorter distances?
- Have there been any changes in terms of who is driving your car?
The answers to these questions could determine the kind of insurance policy you need as a senior driver.
Due to the fact many seniors are reliant upon a fixed or diminished income, you will want to ensure you are protected from any costly damages that may result from a car accident.
While most states require you to have liability insurance to drive a car, you may want to explore additional coverage if you haven’t carried any for your vehicle in the past.
Make sure you review your current car insurance and any new policy you’re considering carefully to make sure it provides coverage at a price you can afford.
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2. Ask For a Discount
Providers understand that many seniors are experienced drivers, who, depending on when they earned their driver’s license, may have been operating vehicles for decades.
Most senior drivers have extensive experience driving in a variety of settings and weather conditions, and as a result, are typically considered competent drivers.
As a result, insurance companies may offer discounts to attract business from drivers that are deemed safe and reliable.
Some companies may also offer discounts to loyal customers who are looking to renew their policy and have been with them for an extended period of time.
Another way for retirees to get a discount on their auto insurance is to join an organization like the American Association of Retired Persons, who have membership programs offering car insurance discounts.
For seniors who no longer drive very often, there are low mileage programs and discounts. Many insurance providers offer discount rates based on how many miles you typically drive in a month or a certain period of time.
In addition, some auto insurance companies also offer discounts to retired military veterans and personnel, as a sign of appreciation for their service and commitment.
3. Improve Your Driving Resume
Although many insurance providers view seniors as reliable and safe drivers, the premiums elderly people pay to drive often increase as they grow older, particularly after the age of 65.
As people age their reflexes and overall health generally deteriorate, making them a more likely risk to be involved in a car accident.
Any documented health issues, particularly those that affect driving like poor eyesight, could also have an impact on the kind of insurance rates offered.
In order to demonstrate to insurance providers that you continue to be a safe and competent driver, you may want to consider enrolling in driving lessons to improve your chances of receiving affordable car insurance.
Organizations like Safety Center Incorporated offer driving lessons that are specifically oriented towards drivers over the age of 55.
Courses like this help educate seniors about new safety issues and laws that some elderly people might not be familiar with, and typically offer insights on how aging and various kinds of medication might affect someone’s driving.
Seniors who have completed these lessons are more likely to receive lower car insurance rates as a result.
4. Assess Your Vehicle
Retirees and elderly drivers may also want to assess the vehicle they are utilizing.
An older car that is not equipped with modern safety devices and is more likely to be involved in a costly accident that will also raise your premiums.
Whether you can afford to upgrade your current car to make it safer or buy a new vehicle altogether, insurance companies are more likely to offer lower rates if your car is equipped with modern safety features.
Some of these include air bags, crumple zones, safety cages, anti-lock braking systems, and parking sensors, among others.
Research online or talk to an automotive dealer or insurance provider to see which vehicles are best suited for senior drivers, and will result in lower insurance rates for you.
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5. Compare Insurance Providers
Before you cancel or renew your current car insurance policy, make sure you do some research and find out what other insurance providers are offering senior drivers.
Even if you’ve been with the same company for some time, and are happy with the service they have provided, it doesn’t hurt to look around and see if more affordable and suitable policies are available.
Some insurance providers will match or beat what another competitor is offering, so having that information could be extremely useful if you decide to renew or change your policy.
If you’re living on a fixed income, researching what each insurance provider is offering could save you some serious money and will be well worth your time.
Buying New Insurance
Many providers will automatically renew your current policy to ensure you’re not without coverage.
Although in most states providers are required by law to inform you that your renewal date is pending, you should make sure you’re aware of their cancellation policies, if you’ve elected to change companies.
Make sure that you’ve done the necessary research so that your new car insurance is ready to go when it’s required.
Research affordable car insurance options for seniors by entering your ZIP code into the FREE search tool!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should seniors research insurance options before buying new coverage?
Yes, it is essential to research insurance options before buying new coverage. Be aware of cancellation policies if you decide to switch providers and ensure that your new car insurance is in place when needed.
Why is it important to compare insurance providers?
Comparing insurance providers allows seniors to find the most affordable and suitable policies for their needs. Even if you are satisfied with your current provider, exploring other options can potentially save you money.
Can seniors save money by bundling their auto insurance with other policies?
Yes, bundling auto insurance with other policies, such as homeowner’s insurance or life insurance, can often result in discounts from insurance providers. It’s worth exploring bundle options to potentially save money.
Do seniors need additional coverage for medical expenses after an accident?
Seniors may consider adding medical payments coverage or personal injury protection to their auto insurance policy. These coverages can help pay for medical expenses resulting from an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Are there insurance options for seniors who only use rideshare services?
Yes, some insurance companies offer coverage specifically tailored for seniors who rely on rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. These policies can provide the necessary coverage while seniors use these transportation options.
Can seniors be covered for damages caused by natural disasters or theft?
Yes, seniors can add comprehensive coverage to their auto insurance policy to protect against damages caused by natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and other non-collision incidents. This coverage can provide financial protection in such situations.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.