Auto insurance for seniors

Is car insurance higher for seniors?

Car insurance may cost more for older adults in most states due to a variety of factors. One possible factor is that older drivers have a higher risk of being involved in accidents than younger adult drivers. Older adults are also more prone to serious injuries as a result of an accident, which can lead to expensive hospital bills and greater costs for insurance companies.

However, it's important to note that insurance rates may go down first as you enter your 50s and 60s, according to Progressive data. Typically, it's not until age 75 that the cost of car insurance for seniors starts to rise. Here's a decade-by-decade look at the potential differences in car insurance rates for those 50 years and over, including auto insurance rates for seniors over 80, based on Progressive personal auto policies sold countrywide from August, 2019 through July, 2020.

50s and 60s

Drivers in their 50s and 60s may experience lower insurance rates than most other age brackets, according to Progressive data. This is possibly due to middle-aged drivers having a lot of experience behind the wheel while also being less likely to suffer from hearing or vision impairments.

70s

Car insurance rates start to rise once you get into your mid-70s, according to Progressive data. As previously stated, this may be due to older drivers having a higher risk of getting into accidents, as well as being more prone to injury as a result of a crash.

80s and above

While most drivers in their 80s are more experienced than anyone else on the road, the effects of age can impact our reflexes and reaction times. That may explain why the cost of auto insurance for seniors over 80 typically increases. These increases can become cost-prohibitive for some, which is why it's important to take advantage of mature driver discounts that may be available.

Are there government-mandated auto insurance discounts for seniors?

Many states mandate mature driver discounts for seniors who enroll in and complete state-approved driving courses. AARP, AAA, and The National Safety Council (NSC) are among the organizations that provide qualified classes.

How else can older drivers lower their insurance rate?

Besides senior auto insurance discounts, there are a variety of things you can do to help lower your cost regardless of age, including:

• Stay accident-free: Drive responsibly to avoid crashes and moving violations, and you'll be able to keep your rate low.
• Enroll in usage-based programs: Some insurance companies offer programs, including Snapshot® from Progressive, that measure driver behavior using in-vehicle devices. Typically, if the data shows you're a safe driver, you could earn a lower rate.
• Reduce your mileage: If your insurer takes mileage into account, you might be able to lower your rate by driving less, as it would also lower the odds of being in an accident.
• Consider your location: If you're planning to move once you hit retirement age, remember that your rate may be higher in ZIP codes with increased crime and accident rates.