- Best car insurance company for seniors: Travelers
- Cheapest car insurance rates for seniors
- Government-mandated auto insurance discounts for seniors
- How to get the government-mandated auto insurance discount for seniors
- Best car insurance companies for seniors by driver profile
- Car insurance rates for seniors
- Senior auto insurance rates by age group
- Car insurance discounts for seniors
- Safety tips for older drivers
- State laws specific to senior drivers
- Methodology
- Auto insurance FAQs
Best car insurance company for seniors: Travelers
Travelers came out on top of the list as the best full coverage auto insurance company for seniors. It offers low rates, has a low number of customer complaints filed with the NAIC and has the best possible AM Best rating for financial stability.
To determine the best auto insurance company for seniors, we looked at a number of factors, including annual rates for seniors, how the company performed on our annual best car insurance companies survey, the number of complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and its financial stability as assessed by credit rating agency AM Best. Each category was given a weighted score, with premiums having the highest weighting.
Here’s how each of the top eight national insurance companies fared, based on average rates for a driver aged 65-75 for a full coverage 100/300/100 insurance policy with $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles.
| Company | NAIC complaint index | AM Best rating | Survey score | Annual premiums | Insurance.com overall score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | 0.52 | A++ | 4.41 | $1,590 | 4.63 |
| Nationwide | 0.63 | A | 4.52 | $1,456 | 4.60 |
| Auto-Owners | 0.54 | A+ | 4.42 | $1,539 | 4.59 |
| Erie Insurance | 0.89 | A+ | 4.47 | $1,541 | 4.56 |
| GEICO | 0.69 | A++ | 4.43 | $1,787 | 4.46 |
| State Farm | 0.79 | A++ | 4.52 | $1,858 | 4.43 |
| Progressive | 0.71 | A+ | 4.40 | $2,000 | 4.20 |
| American Family | 0.34 | A | 3.99 | $1,813 | 4.15 |
| Amica | 0.75 | A+ | 4.68 | $2,306 | 4.06 |
| Farmers | 0.86 | A | 4.41 | $2,290 | 3.87 |
| Allstate | 1.10 | A+ | 4.36 | $2,477 | 3.75 |
| USAA | 1.18 | A++ | 4.71 | $1,400 | 4.76 |
*USAA is only available to military members, veterans and their families, and is therefore not ranked.
Travelers: Best car insurance for seniors overall
No. 1 on our list of the best car insurance companies nationwide, Travelers is also our top pick for senior car insurance. Average rates are low, and the company has a big auto and home bundle discount at 25%. It also has the best possible rating from AM Best and a low complaint ratio.
Nationwide: Best for cheap senior car insurance
Nationwide has the lowest rates on average for senior drivers, helping it to land in the No. 2 spot for senior auto insurance. Only USAA has lower rates, but it isn't available to everyone. Nationwide enjoys a low complaint ratio and solid financial footing, making it a solid choice for senior drivers. You can save even more with Nationwide's average 22% bundling discount when you buy home insurance as well.
Auto-Owners: Best regional company
Auto-Owners is our No. 3 pick for senior car insurance rates, and the top-rated regional carrierAn insurance carrier is the company that provides your car insurance policy and pays claims.. with rates lower than many competitors and below the average, an A+ AM Best rating and a low complaint ratio.
People ask
Can a 90-year-old get car insurance?
Yes, a 90-year-old can get car insurance. There are no age limits for car insurance, as long as you are able to renew your license, you can get insurance.
Cheapest car insurance rates for seniors
If price is your biggest concern, Nationwide offers the best insurance rates for seniors, with an average insurance premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. of $1,456 for a 65- to 75-year-old male or female driver. It’s followed by Auto-Owners. USAA provides cheaper rates for military members and their families.
At the opposite end of the spectrum is Allstate, which had the highest premiums for seniors in our survey at $2,477 per year.
The average insurance rate for a senior aged 65-75 among the top eight national providers is $1,855. Here’s how each compared on car insurance rates for seniors.
| Company | Annual premium rates | 6-month premium | Monthly premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | $1,456 | $728 | $121 |
| Travelers | $1,590 | $795 | $133 |
| GEICO | $1,787 | $894 | $149 |
| State Farm | $1,858 | $929 | $155 |
| Progressive | $2,000 | $1,000 | $167 |
| Farmers | $2,290 | $1,145 | $191 |
| Allstate | $2,477 | $1,238 | $206 |
| USAA | $1,400 | $700 | $117 |
*USAA only offers coverage to military members and their families.
Government-mandated auto insurance discounts for seniors
While older drivers will eventually see their car insurance rates increase, many states mandate that drivers over 50 be given discounts for good driving or for taking approved driving courses.
For example, if you have an AARP membership, you can enroll in the AARP Smart Driver Course. This online or in-person defensive driving class helps you refresh your driving skills and could help you get a discount on your car insurance. AARP's Smart Driver Course is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., but you should check with your insurance carrier to see if they will honor the discount.
In addition to AARP's program, senior drivers can also take state-approved defensive driving courses through AAA and The National Safety Council (NSC). Depending on your insurance company and the course you take, you could be eligible for a discount of 5% to 15% on your car insurance.
Currently, about 34 states and Washington, D.C. have such programs. Eligibility requirements and discounts vary from state to state.
In most cases, senior drivers will be required to take a mature driver safety course. These courses are designed to refresh driving skills, update knowledge of traffic laws, and promote safe driving practices.
How to get the government-mandated auto insurance discount for seniors
Don’t expect your insurer to simply offer up the discount – you may need to ask. Follow these simple steps:
- Ask your insurer if a government-mandated seniors discount is available in your state.
- Find out what the eligibility requirements are and find an approved course. AAA, the National Safety Council and AARP are among the organizations that provide mature driver courses.
- Check whether you will need to complete the course in person or online.
- Take the class and submit your proof of completion to your insurance company.
If your state doesn’t offer such a program, you might still qualify for other discounts offered to senior drivers, such as a low mileage discount, time of day driving discount or a good driver discount.
Best car insurance companies for seniors by driver profile
For some people, best means cheapest. The cheapest auto insurance for seniors depends on the driver, vehicle and location. However, to get an idea of what you'll pay, we provide average rates for full coverage with a $500 deductibleThe deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered loss when you file a claim.. The data is based on rates from up to six major insurers in nearly every ZIP code.
Progressive has the cheapest car insurance for a 65-year-old in California, while GEICO is the cheapest company for that same driver in Florida. Find your best option below. The table shows average rates for drivers aged 60, 65, 70 and 75 in all states for a driver with a clean record and good credit.
Below, we’ve got the best auto insurance companies for seniors, no matter what’s on your record, including:
Top car insurance companies for seniors
Select your age and state below to see the average annual and monthly rates.
| Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
Best for seniors with speeding tickets: Erie and State Farm
If you have a speeding ticket on your record, Erie is the best choice, while State Farm is the top national carrier. Erie has the best rates for drivers with speeding tickets, although USAA is lower if you qualify.
Below are the best car insurance companies for senior citizens with speeding tickets.
| Company | NAIC complaint index | AM Best rating | Survey score | Annual premiums | Insurance.com overall score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | 0.89 | A+ | 4.47 | $1,647 | 4.62 |
| State Farm | 0.79 | A++ | 4.52 | $2,091 | 4.59 |
| Auto-Owners | 0.54 | A+ | 4.42 | $1,966 | 4.55 |
| Travelers | 0.52 | A++ | 4.41 | $2,316 | 4.52 |
| Nationwide | 0.63 | A | 4.52 | $2,128 | 4.44 |
| GEICO | 0.69 | A++ | 4.43 | $2,868 | 4.32 |
| Progressive | 0.71 | A+ | 4.40 | $2,565 | 4.32 |
| American Family | 0.34 | A | 3.99 | $2,321 | 4.21 |
| Allstate | 1.10 | A+ | 4.36 | $2,929 | 4.13 |
| Farmers | 0.86 | A | 4.41 | $3,125 | 4.03 |
| Amica | 0.75 | A+ | 4.68 | $4,080 | 3.93 |
| USAA* | 1.18 | A++ | 4.71 | $1,570 | 4.76 |
*USAA only offers coverage to military members and their families.
Best for seniors with bad credit: Travelers
Seniors with bad credit will find the lowest price for full coverage at Nationwide, but Travelers edged it out for best overall with a lower NAIC complaint index and top AM Best score.
At Nationwide, you'll pay an average of $1,951 a year for coverage with bad credit, while State Farm charges significantly more at $7,689 a year.
Below are the best car insurance companies for seniors with bad credit.
| Company | NAIC complaint index | AM Best rating | Survey score | Annual premiums | Insurance.com overall score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | 0.52 | A++ | 4.41 | $2,825 | 4.62 |
| Nationwide | 0.63 | A | 4.52 | $1,951 | 4.60 |
| GEICO | 0.69 | A++ | 4.43 | $2,856 | 4.59 |
| Erie Insurance | 0.89 | A+ | 4.47 | $3,129 | 4.46 |
| Progressive | 0.71 | A+ | 4.40 | $3,116 | 4.46 |
| Auto-Owners | 0.54 | A+ | 4.42 | $3,905 | 4.38 |
| Amica | 0.75 | A+ | 4.68 | $5,056 | 4.30 |
| Allstate | 1.10 | A+ | 4.36 | $3,916 | 4.28 |
| Farmers | 0.86 | A | 4.41 | $4,474 | 4.17 |
| American Family | 0.34 | A | 3.99 | $4,200 | 4.11 |
| State Farm | 0.79 | A++ | 4.52 | $7,689 | 3.94 |
| USAA | 1.18 | A++ | 4.71 | $2,562 | 4.67 |
*USAA only offers coverage to military members and their families.
Best for senior drivers with accidents: State Farm
State Farm came out on top in our ranking for senior drivers with accidents, and is the cheapest option among national carriers at $2,166 a year. At $1,924 a year, regional insurer Erie is the cheapest company in our ranking.
Regardless of the insurer you use, ensure you get all the discounts you qualify for. Ask your agent to conduct a discount review to ensure all discounts are applied to your policy.
Here are the best car insurance companies for older drivers with an accident.
| Company | NAIC complaint index | AM Best rating | Survey score | Annual premiums | Insurance.com overall score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 0.79 | A++ | 4.52 | $2,166 | 4.64 |
| Auto-Owners | 0.54 | A+ | 4.42 | $1,982 | 4.63 |
| Erie Insurance | 0.89 | A+ | 4.47 | $1,924 | 4.62 |
| Travelers | 0.52 | A++ | 4.41 | $2,406 | 4.54 |
| Nationwide | 0.63 | A | 4.52 | $2,325 | 4.44 |
| GEICO | 0.69 | A++ | 4.43 | $3,093 | 4.25 |
| Amica | 0.75 | A+ | 4.68 | $3,299 | 4.18 |
| American Family | 0.34 | A | 3.99 | $2,575 | 4.17 |
| Progressive | 0.71 | A+ | 4.40 | $3,078 | 4.16 |
| Farmers | 0.86 | A | 4.41 | $3,683 | 3.81 |
| Allstate | 1.10 | A+ | 4.36 | $3,914 | 3.75 |
| USAA | 1.18 | A++ | 4.71 | $2,110 | 4.68 |
*USAA only offers coverage to military members and their families.
Best for senior drivers with a DUI: State Farm
State Farm is the best car insurance company for seniors with a DUI, with low rates of $2,797 a year and high third-party ratings. Progressive is a little cheaper at $2,602 a year. A DUI dramatically increases car insurance rates, but shopping around can save money.
Below are the companies with the best car insurance for seniors with a DUI.
| Company | NAIC complaint index | AM Best rating | Survey score | Annual premiums | Insurance.com overall score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 0.79 | A++ | 4.52 | $2,797 | 4.71 |
| Travelers | 0.52 | A++ | 4.41 | $2,872 | 4.70 |
| Progressive | 0.71 | A+ | 4.40 | $2,602 | 4.62 |
| Auto-Owners | 0.54 | A+ | 4.42 | $2,914 | 4.61 |
| Erie Insurance | 0.89 | A+ | 4.47 | $2,705 | 4.61 |
| Nationwide | 0.63 | A | 4.52 | $3,322 | 4.50 |
| GEICO | 0.69 | A++ | 4.43 | $4,472 | 4.47 |
| American Family | 0.34 | A | 3.99 | $2,859 | 4.39 |
| Allstate | 1.10 | A+ | 4.36 | $4,493 | 4.30 |
| Farmers | 0.86 | A | 4.41 | $4,706 | 4.24 |
| Amica | 0.75 | A+ | 4.68 | $8,700 | 3.93 |
| USAA | 1.18 | A++ | 4.71 | $2,607 | 4.76 |
*USAA only offers coverage to military members and their families.
Car insurance rates for seniors
Auto insurance rates for seniors increase over time because insurers see older drivers as riskier to insure. Statistics show that seniors are more accident-prone than younger drivers. This is caused by age-related changes in hearing or vision, slower reflexes and changes in overall health. Car insurance rates for seniors start to rise at 65 but really jump after 80.
In addition, older drivers suffer graver injuries and more fatalities in car accidents than younger people. This means larger claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing. payments and, as a result, increased car insurance rates.
How much your premiums will increase will depend on your insurance company.
While Insurance.com data shows that older drivers do pay more than middle-aged drivers as a group, they don’t pay nearly as much as teens. Explore our car insurance calculator to see what rates apply to you.
Senior auto insurance rates by age group
Drivers in their 50s will see some of the lowest premium rates offered to any driver at any age. Unfortunately, the trend begins to reverse by the time you hit 65.
At that age, experience and industry data shows that drivers are more susceptible to getting involved in accidents and as a result, insurers charge more.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for seniors’ insurance in the various age groups for a full coverage 100/300/100 policy with a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
Car insurance discounts for seniors
There are plenty of discounts available to older drivers, and you should pursue all that apply to you. Below are eight specific actions you can take to reduce your premium costs:
- Drive less. You can save with a low mileage discount.
- Consider usage-based insurance. Usage-based or pay-as-you-drive insurance programs can save you up to 40%.
- Take a defensive driving class. Mature driver courses offered by AARP and others, as discussed earlier, can reduce your premiums by 5% to 15%
- Drop a driver. If someone in your household no longer drives, you can remove them from the policy.
- Upgrade your car. The latest vehicle safety features may get you lower rates and also keep you safer on the road.
- Keep a clean record. Good driver discounts can be up to 40%.
- Join a club. Membership in organizations such as AARP can get you a discount.
- Dial back coverage. If you have an older car, you can consider dropping full coverage.
- Bundle it up. Auto and home insurance bundles can save you a lot of money.
- Stop driving. If your insurance rates are sky-high because of your driving record, it might be time to quit.
For more information, review our tips on being a safe driver. Drivers of any age can raise deductibles, bundle with home or renter's insurance or reduce coverage in order to save on premiums.
Safety tips for older drivers
Here are the most important tips from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to be safe on the road.
- Maintain your health. Have your hearing, vision and general health evaluated regularly, and keep any prescription equipment such as glasses and hearing aids up-to-date. If you don't see well after dark, avoid driving at night.
- Stay physically active. Physical activity may foster quick reaction times.
- Change your vehicle. A car with the latest safety features can keep you safer on the road.
- Review medications. Understand how your medications may affect your driving ability. Avoid driving after taking any drugs with warnings about operating machinery.
- Create a healthy buffer zone. Follow at a greater distance and avoid busy parts of town and busy times of day.
- Sharpen skills. Defensive driver classes and behind-the-wheel refresher courses can sharpen your skills and lead to lower insurance rates.
- Maintain your vehicle. Regular inspections and tune-ups reduce the chance of roadside breakdowns.
State laws specific to senior drivers
Some state motor vehicle departments treat you differently once you meet their definition of "older driver." You may no longer be allowed to renew your license by phone or online. Your renewal period may be shortened, and you may be required to pass extra screenings.
Below is information from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) about the differences by state.
| State | Senior-related license restrictions |
|---|---|
| Alabama | None |
| Alaska | No mail renewal after age 69 |
| Arizona | Five-year renewals after age 65; no mail renewal at 70 |
| Arkansas | Choice of 4- or 8-year renewal after age 70 |
| California | In-person license renewal |
| Colorado | After age 80, online renewal requires passage of a vision exam within the prior 6 months |
| Connecticut | Choice of 2-year or 6-year renewal at 65; mail renewal only if a hardship |
| Delaware | None |
| District of Columbia | No electronic renewal at 70; medical certification required |
| Florida | 6-year renewal with vision test at 80; must have a physician's letter if renewing by mail or online |
| Georgia | 5-year renewal at 60 and vision test required for renewal at 64 |
| Hawaii | 2-year renewal at 72 |
| Idaho | 4-year renewal at 63 |
| Illinois | 2-year renewal between 81 and 86; every year at 87; and road test at 75 |
| Indiana | 3-year renewal between 75 and 84; 2 years at 85; no electronic or mail renewal at 70 |
| Iowa | 2-year renewal after age 78 |
| Kansas | 4-year renewal at 65 |
| Kentucky | None |
| Louisiana | No mail renewal at 70 |
| Maine | 4-year renewal at 65; vision test at every renewal at 62; vision test at every other renewal between ages 40-61 |
| Maryland | Vision test at 40 |
| Massachusetts | Renewal in person only at 75 |
| Michigan | None |
| Minnesota | None |
| Mississippi | None |
| Missouri | 3-year renewal at 70 |
| Montana | 4-year renewal at 75 |
| Nebraska | No electronic renewal at 72 |
| Nevada | Mail renewal needs a medical report at 70 |
| New Hampshire | Road test at 75 |
| New Jersey | None |
| New Mexico | Yearly renewal at 75 |
| New York | None |
| North Carolina | 5-year renewal at 66; parallel parking not required on-road test for 60 and over |
| North Dakota | 4-year renewal at 65 |
| Ohio | None |
| Oklahoma | Renewal fee reduced for drivers aged 62-64; renewal fee waived for 65 and older |
| Oregon | Vision test at 50 |
| Pennsylvania | Choice of 2-year or 4-year renewal after 65 |
| Rhode Island | 2-year renewal at 75 |
| South Carolina | 5-year renewal with vision test at 65 |
| South Dakota | Vision statement required for 65 and older |
| Tennessee | Renewal fee reduced for drivers 60 and over; no expiration date for 65 and older |
| Texas | 2-year renewal at 85; no electronic or mail renewal at 79 |
| Utah | Vision test at 65 |
| Vermont | None |
| Virginia | 5-year renewal with vision test at 75 |
| Washington | No electronic renewal after 70 |
| West Virginia | None |
| Wisconsin | None |
| Wyoming | None |
If you realize that you may not be the driver you once were, talk to your physician. You may come up with a plan to address your limitations and decide that it is time to give up driving or get a license with limits. Some states offer a restricted license. For example, some licenses prohibit driving at night if that is an area of concern for you.
It may also be time to look at alternative modes of transportation, such as community-offered senior rides, Lyft or Uber. If you sell your vehicle, you could easily offset other transportation costs from the savings you receive from no longer owning and maintaining a vehicle.
– Mel Duvall contributed to this story.
Methodology
Insurance.com collected rates from Quadrant Information Services for a 60, 70, and 75-year-old male and female driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and no violation on record for a full coverage insurance policy with limits 100/300/100 and $500 comprehensive and collision deductible. We analyzed 53,409,632 records, 34,588 ZIP codes and 170 insurance companies nationwide.
Auto insurance FAQs
Does car insurance increase with age?
A 60-year-old will pay about $1,715 per year for a full coverage policy while a 65-year-old will pay $1,740 and a 75-year-old will pay about $2,008.
How does a defensive driver course for seniors work?
Many insurance companies offer discounts to seniors who take a defensive driving course. Contact your insurer to ensure they offer a discount for seniors and get a list of approved defensive driving courses.
Once you have found an acceptable course, you sign up and take the course. Present the completion certificate to your insurance company and they should apply the discount to your policy.
Is car insurance for seniors worth the cost?
Yes, and it's required in almost every state in the country. Legally, you cannot be out on the road without basic liability coverage. Each state sets its own minimum liability limits.
While collision and comprehensive are usually not required, if you are not carrying these coverages and your vehicle is damaged or destroyed in an accident, you will be covering the cost to repair or replace your vehicle out of pocket.
Helpful auto insurance tools and calculators
