Best Auto Insurance for Seniors in 2023
Geico is the cheapest car insurance for seniors, but your driving habits could earn additional discounts with other companies. Read our expert review to discover the best auto insurance for seniors.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
UPDATED: Dec 4, 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: Dec 4, 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
- Insurance companies may charge senior drivers more due to age-related risks, such as fading vision and decreased reaction time
- Geico has some of the cheapest average rates for senior drivers
- Senior drivers can find savings on auto insurance by shopping around and qualifying for discounts
Car insurance needs and driving habits often change as drivers grow older. For example, transitioning to retirement means fewer miles driven, especially if you used to commute in heavy traffic daily.
These common changes affect coverage needs, and senior drivers should adjust their insurance accordingly to maintain cheap auto insurance rates. Since older drivers may see slight increases in their rates, shopping around for discount car insurance for seniors is important.
Make sure you get the most out of your auto insurance policy and receive the best auto insurance rates possible for seniors. Read on to learn more about the best auto insurance for seniors.
Best Auto Insurance Companies for Seniors
Senior drivers often face increased rates due to their higher risk of being in a crash. Declining vision, decreased reaction time, medication side effects, and more can all impact a senior driver’s risk of crashing and filing a claim. To offset that risk, most car insurance companies will increase insurance rates for drivers as they age.
However, picking one of the best auto insurance companies with cheaper rates for senior drivers can help keep your car insurance rates low. Scroll down to see how average auto insurance rates for senior drivers vary among insurance companies.
Insurance Company | Monthly Rates for Seniors |
---|---|
Geico | $78 |
State Farm | $82 |
Travelers | $101 |
Progressive | $101 |
American Family | $108 |
Liberty Mutual | $112 |
Nationwide | $112 |
Farmers | $139 |
Allstate | $164 |
Average | $116 |
What is the cheapest car insurance for seniors? Geico auto insurance is one of the top choices for car insurance for seniors over 60, with the cheapest average rates for senior drivers. State Farm, Travelers, and Progressive also offer reasonable average rates for seniors.
We recommend getting quotes from a few different insurance companies on this list, as rates can vary based on your personalized driving profile and coverage needs. However, these companies are a good starting point when searching for cheap senior car insurance.
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How to Save on Senior Auto Insurance Rates
While companies may increase rates as drivers age, you can continue saving on car insurance for senior citizens by following our tips below. We’ve outlined the best auto insurance discounts and other ways to save on car insurance for senior drivers.
Bundle Your Insurance Policies
One way to save money is by bundling insurance policies. Buying more than just car insurance from one company can save you money. For example, if your car insurance company offers more than one type of insurance, you can bundle your auto policy with home, renters, or condo insurance. Depending on where you shop, you may also be able to bundle auto insurance with motorcycle, RV, boat, life, or health insurance.
Just consider the cost of the other types of insurance from your auto insurance company. Your insurance company may have cheap senior citizen auto insurance but expensive home insurance, making it more cost-effective to purchase home insurance elsewhere even after the bundling discount.
Ask About All Available Discounts
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.
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.
Choose Cheaper Cars
Some cars are significantly cheaper to insure. The cheapest cars to insure will have low repair costs and affordable replacement parts. Vehicles with great safety features that prevent crashes and protect passengers in crashes also come with lower auto insurance rates.
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 airbags, 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.
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 toward 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.
Some insurance companies offer seniors a defensive driving auto insurance discount. A pre-approved defensive driving course may be offered by the insurance company or through a third party, such as AAA.
Defensive driving classes must be successfully completed with a passing grade in order to receive the discount. The courses teach valuable information on safe driving techniques and habits, such as how medications may affect a senior’s driving ability.
Consider Pay-Per-Mile Insurance
If you find yourself driving less than 13,000 miles a year, it can be worth looking into pay-per-mile or usage-based auto insurance. With usage-based insurance, you pay a daily set rate of a few dollars per day and then a few cents per mile driven. Pay-per-mile insurance could offer significant savings if you only make a few trips a week.
If you don’t want to switch to usage-based car insurance, you may still get a discount for driving less. Contact your insurance company and tell them about your new reduced mileage to see if they offer a low-mileage discount. After all, the less you are on the road, the less likely it is that you will get into a crash and file a claim.
Review Your Auto Insurance 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.
You can drop non-essential insurance coverages to reduce your insurance rates. For example, if you have rental car insurance but no longer drive much, you probably won’t need a rental car if your car needs to be repaired. You could also drop coverages like roadside assistance if your car is in good condition and you aren’t traveling long distances from home.
If your vehicle is older, you may also want to drop collision and comprehensive coverage if the annual cost is worth about 10% of your car’s total value. Otherwise, you may end up paying more for collision and comprehensive coverages than you would receive in an insurance claim payout.
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.
Install Anti-Theft Devices
One way to reduce your car insurance costs for comprehensive insurance is to install anti-theft devices. Most insurance companies offer discounts for anti-theft devices, as it helps lessen the likelihood of a car being broken into or stolen.
Some common anti-theft devices would be GPS trackers, vehicle identification number (VIN) etching, vehicle recovery devices, and more.
Keep in mind that the anti-theft device discount usually only applies to your comprehensive insurance coverage. Because comprehensive insurance covers car theft and vandalism, anti-theft devices only reduce your risk of filing a comprehensive claim. If you don’t carry comprehensive coverage, then anti-theft devices may not reduce your monthly insurance rates.
Raise Your Auto Insurance Deductible
Your car insurance deductible is the amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket for repairs on a covered claim. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), raising your insurance deductible on some or all of your insurance coverages can reduce your auto insurance rates. This is because you assume more financial responsibility after a crash by agreeing to pay the higher deductible amount.
However, you should only raise your deductible if you can afford to pay the higher out-of-pocket amount. Otherwise, you may be unable to afford to get your car fixed after a covered claim.
For example, if you raise your deductible to $2,000 and your car needs $5,000 worth of repairs, your car insurance company will only give you $3,000. Unless you have $2,000 saved up, you won’t be able to get your car repaired until you can pay your deductible.
Shop Around for Auto Insurance Quotes for Seniors
We’ve saved our best tip for last — the best way to save on car insurance for senior drivers is by shopping around for quotes from different auto insurance companies.
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.
Because your insurance rates and needs change over time, getting quotes once or twice a year will ensure you are still getting the cheapest rates based on your individual needs. You can use an insurance broker, a free online quote comparison tool, or apply for quotes directly from an insurance company’s website to get multiple insurance quotes.
The Final Word on the Best Auto Insurance For Seniors
Finding the best car insurance for senior drivers requires shopping around and comparing rates, as well as considering a senior driver’s new coverage needs and driving habits. Senior drivers can take advantage of senior car insurance discounts like defensive driving discounts, low-mileage discounts, insurance bundling, and more to save on auto insurance.
If you are a senior driver looking to reduce your insurance rates, start by comparing online quotes for auto insurance for seniors. Use our free quote comparison tool below to find the best auto insurance for seniors from companies in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does age impact auto insurance rates?
Age always has an impact on car insurance rates, as there are different age-related risks throughout a driver’s life. For example, teenage drivers are charged more as statistics show they are more likely to be involved in crashes due to their inexperience.
Who has the cheapest car insurance rates for senior drivers?
Which company is the cheapest for senior drivers depends upon their individual driving records and car insurance needs.
What are the best insurance discounts for senior drivers?
Some of the car insurance discounts that senior drivers should look into include defensive driving discounts, bundling discounts, and safe driving discounts. Senior drivers who don’t drive often should also consider usage-based insurance discounts, where an app or in-car device tracks driving habits and mileage and to generate a discount.
What is the best car insurance for senior veterans?
If you are a veteran who was honorably discharged from the military, then one of the best car insurance companies for senior auto insurance is USAA. This insurance company usually has some of the cheapest rates available and good customer service reviews. Veterans’ immediate family members, such as spouses and children, can also qualify for USAA insurance as long as the veteran has a valid USAA insurance policy.
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.
What factors should seniors consider when searching for the best auto insurance?
Seniors should consider the following factors when searching for the best auto insurance:
- Coverage options: Look for insurance companies that offer comprehensive coverage options tailored to the specific needs of seniors, including options for medical expenses and roadside assistance.
- Pricing: Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find competitive rates that fit your budget. Look for senior discounts or special rates offered by insurance companies.
- Customer service: Research the company’s reputation for customer service, including claims handling, responsiveness, and availability of support for seniors.
- Policy flexibility: Check if the insurance company offers flexible policy terms, such as options for lower mileage or usage-based insurance, which can be beneficial for seniors who drive less frequently.
- Discounts: Inquire about available discounts for seniors, such as mature driver discounts, safe driving discounts, or discounts for completing defensive driving courses.
- Financial stability: Check the financial strength ratings of insurance companies through independent rating agencies to ensure they can fulfill their obligations in case of a claim.
Are there specific insurance companies known for providing excellent coverage for seniors?
While opinions may vary, several insurance companies are known for providing excellent coverage for seniors. Some insurers that are often recommended for seniors include AARP/The Hartford, Geico, Allstate, State Farm, and USAA (for military members and their families). However, it’s essential to obtain quotes and evaluate the coverage options and terms offered by these insurers to determine the best fit for your specific needs.
Are there any age restrictions for getting auto insurance as a senior?
There are no age restrictions for getting auto insurance as a senior. However, insurance companies may have different guidelines and criteria when evaluating senior drivers. Some insurers may require additional information or assessments, such as medical exams or driving record checks. It’s important to check with the insurance companies to understand their specific requirements and any potential impact on your coverage.
Can seniors qualify for any special discounts or benefits?
Yes, seniors can often qualify for special discounts and benefits. Insurance companies may offer mature driver discounts, which provide reduced rates for drivers above a certain age. Additionally, completing defensive driving courses tailored for seniors can also lead to discounts on auto insurance premiums. It’s recommended to inquire about available discounts and benefits when obtaining quotes from insurance providers.
Can auto insurance rates increase for seniors?
Auto insurance rates can increase for seniors due to various factors. Insurance companies consider factors such as driving record, claims history, type of vehicle, and location when determining premiums. As seniors may face age-related health issues or slower reflexes, there can be a slight increase in premiums. However, seniors may still be eligible for discounts and can take advantage of other factors, such as safe driving records, to help mitigate any potential rate increases.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
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.