Car insurance rates for seniors start to go up at around 65 years old and increase from there, which can come as a surprise if you've been a safe driver for decades.
The average cost of car insurance for a 65-year-old is $1,565 a year. By age 75, average car insurance rates go up to $1,847 a year.
The best car insurance for seniors depends on a lot of factors, including your age, driving record and how often you drive. The good news is that a lot of companies recognize the value of experience and offer great deals to senior drivers, including discounts.
Read on to find the best car insurance companies for senior drivers even if you have a ticket, accident or DUI on your record.
- For most drivers, car insurance becomes more expensive around the age of 65 and rates start increasing significantly after age 80.
- On average, a full coverage car insurance policy for a 75-year-old driver costs $1,847 yearly; for an 85-year-old it’s $2,165.
- A ticket or accident can really increase your rates, especially since senior car insurance is already pricey, but not all companies increase rates the same way.
- What is the best car insurance company for seniors?
- Best car insurance companies for seniors
- Car insurance rates for seniors
- Senior auto insurance rates by age group
- Car insurance discounts for senior drivers & tips for saving
- Safety tips for older drivers
- State laws specific to senior drivers
- Frequently asked questions: Car insurance for seniors
What is the best car insurance company for seniors?
The best car insurance for seniors depends on a few factors, not the least of which is your driving record. Below we’ve got the best auto insurance companies for seniors no matter what’s on your record.
Of course, rates vary from place to place and by the driver, so the best car insurance company for you may differ.
Best car insurance companies for seniors
There is no single "best" car insurance for seniors. Different insurers calculate their rates with proprietary methods and each has a different rating system. 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 deductible. The data is based on rates from up to six major insurers in nearly every ZIP code of the country. The table below shows average rates for drivers aged 60, 65, 70 and 75 in all states.
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: Chubb, Erie and Allstate
If you have been ticketed for speeding recently, Chubb, Erie and Allstate are among your best bets to keep your premium affordable. When we ran the numbers, Chubb increased rates about 14% while Erie increased rates by roughly 22% after a speeding ticket.
Among the best car insurance companies for senior citizens with speeding ticket:
| Company | % increase |
|---|---|
| Chubb | 14% |
| Erie | 22% |
| Allstate | 23% |
| State Farm | 24% |
| National | 25% |
Best for seniors with bad credit: Kemper, Nationwide and Chubb
If you're a senior with less than stellar credit, Kemper, Nationwide and Chubb are excellent choices. Our data shows that these three insurers were among those with the smallest premium increase for drivers with bad credit. Rates increased from 29% to 45%.
Among the best car insurance company for seniors with bad credit:
| Company | % increase |
|---|---|
| Kemper | 29% |
| Nationwide | 36% |
| Chubb | 45% |
| The Hartford | 52% |
| Mercury | 58% |
Best for senior drivers with accidents: State Farm, American Family and Erie
State Farm was among the best when we looked at rates for seniors after an accident. An accident claim on your policy can result in a dramatic premium increase, but our analysis found that State Farm will only increase rates by about 30%. State Farm is consistently ranked as one of the best insurance companies for seniors.
Other companies that senior drivers with an accident on their record should look at are American Family and Erie.
Regardless of the insurer you use, make sure you are getting all the discounts that you are qualified to receive. Ask your agent to conduct a discount review to make sure all discounts are being applied to your policy.
Among the best car insurance companies for older drivers with an accident:
| Company | % increase |
|---|---|
| State Farm | 30% |
| American Family | 33% |
| Erie | 45% |
| Chubb | 51% |
| National | 54% |
Best for senior drivers with a DUI: Farmers, American Family and Progressive
A DUI will result in a dramatic premium increase regardless of your age, but Farmers had the lowest increase of the insurers we surveyed. The company bumped rates up 58% after a DUI. American Family increased rates 64% and Progressive hiked premiums 73%, these were still among the lowest increases.
Among the best car insurance for seniors with a DUI:
| Company | % increase |
|---|---|
| Farmers | 58% |
| American Family | 64% |
| Progressive | 73% |
| Mercury | 78% |
| National | 79% |
Car insurance rates for seniors
Auto insurance rates for seniors do go up over time, but there are reasons for the increase. Statistics show that seniors as a group are more accident-prone than younger drivers. This is caused by age-related changes in hearing or vision, slower reflexes, changes in overall health and medications. Car insurance rates for seniors start to rise at 65 but really spike after 80.
In addition, older drivers suffer graver injuries and more fatalities in car accidents than do younger people. This means larger claim payments and, as a result, increased car insurance rates.
Will your insurance premiums increase just because you're older? Will the go up even if you have a clean record? That depends on your insurance company, but the answer is that they probably will.
Insurance rates are partly determined by the entire group to which you belong, not just your own driving record. That means the accident statistics for all seniors affect what you pay.
How much is car insurance for seniors? Insurance.com 's 2022 data shows that older drivers do pay more than middle-aged drivers as a group, but not much more, and not nearly as much as teens. Explore our car insurance calculator to see what rates apply to you.
Senior auto insurance rates by age group
To see how your age may affect your insurance costs in your 50s and beyond, let's compare a full coverage policy with comprehensive insurance, collision insurance, and liability coverage limits of 100/300/100. The average car insurance rate for a 90-year-old is going to be much higher than for a 50-year-old.
Auto insurance in your 50s
Car insurance for people over 50 is usually cheaper than it is for younger and older drivers. That's because drivers in their 50s are among the safest – this group has lots of experience but still has good health, quick reflexes and reliable hearing and vision.
The average rate for full-coverage auto insurance for a 55-year-old is $1,517.
Auto insurance in your early 60s
You're likely to pay less for car insurance than you ever have between the ages of 50 and 65. At 65, however, some insurers raise premiums. Your current insurer may not be among the best insurance companies for older drivers. Turning 65 might be a signal to shop for a better deal.
The average rate for full-coverage auto insurance for a 65-year-old is $1,565.
Auto insurance in your 70s
Does car insurance go up when you turn 70? Unfortunately, yes.
Data from the National Transportation and Safety Bureau (NTSB) and National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) show that drivers 70 and up experience much higher rates of intersection-related accidents and fatalities than younger drivers. More accidents mean more claims and higher rates. However, this is just the point at which accident rates begin to increase -- it isn't until drivers reach their late 70s or early 80s that their abilities degrade significantly. Some insurers recognize this and continue to offer reasonably-priced car insurance for those over 70.
The average rate for full-coverage auto insurance for a 70-year-old is $1,676.
The average rate for full-coverage auto insurance for a 75-year-old is $1,847.
Auto insurance for seniors over 80
Driving becomes increasingly hazardous for people 80 and up. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), older drivers' fatality rates are 17 times higher than those for 25- to 64-year-olds. It's mostly not due to bad driving; it's because of the human body's fragility in its ninth decade of life.
Car insurance for older drivers gets increasingly costly with age, so it's critical to shop for car insurance quotes and grab every discount to which you're entitled.
The average rate for full-coverage auto insurance for an 85-year-old is $2,165.
This chart of average auto insurance rates by age for a senior driver for a liability-only policy with limits of 50/100/50 shows the increases over time:
| Age | Average rate |
|---|---|
| 55 | $599 |
| 60 | $600 |
| 65 | $633 |
| 70 | $689 |
| 75 | $722 |
| 85 | $958 |
Car insurance discounts for senior drivers & tips for saving
While older drivers will eventually see their car insurance rates increase, many states mandate that drivers over 50 be given discounts for good driving and/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 senior car insurance premium.
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
The National Institute of Health (NIH) advises that you can be safer on the road by addressing the effects of aging on your driving and being aware that your driving ability will almost certainly be impacted by changes to your body. Here are the most important tips:
- 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.
- Adjust your vehicle. Elevate your seat for adequate vision and switch to power steering, brakes and mirrors to control your car.
- 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.
- Plan your route. Intersections are especially dangerous for drivers over age 80, and there is no reason to make a risky left turn when three right turns will get you to the same place.
- 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 break-downs.
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.
Here 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 | Online or mail renewal after 70 (ends Dec. 31, 2022) |
| Colorado | After age 80, online renewal requires passage of 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 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, decide that it is time to give up driving or get a license with limits. Some states offer a restricted license, such as not driving at night if that is your problem area.
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.
Frequently asked questions: Car insurance for seniors
Why does car insurance increase with age?
As you age, your reflexes slow and your vision deteriorates. Senior drivers have, statistically, a higher change of an accident, and insurance companies charge more as a result.
How does a defensive driver course for seniors work?
Many insurance companies offer discounts to both teens and seniors who take a defensive driving course. Contact your insurer to make sure they offer a discount for seniors and get a list of approved defensive driving courses.
Once you have found an acceptable course, you simply 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 which can range from $15,000 to around $50,000. If you are not carrying the proper amount of insurance when driving, you will not be legal out on the road.
While collision and comprehensive are not required in any state, 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.
