Being a senior isn’t easy. Getting older comes with having slower reflexes and hearing and vision loss, which makes seniors more prone to car accidents than younger drivers. This results in higher insurance rates for drivers who are over the age of 65. Fortunately, there are a number of ways in which senior drivers can avoid paying higher costs. Take a look at the following tips on how seniors can lower their monthly insurance premiums.
Inform the Insurer That They Have Been Driving Less Frequently
In general, seniors don’t drive their car as often as they used to. Just by telling their insurer that they are driving less frequently, seniors may be able to save a significant amount on their auto insurance.
While the savings they reap will depend on the state that they live in, there are a few states that offer discounts as high as 10 percent to drivers who record less than 7,500 miles on their odometer per year.
Depending on the insurer, there are pay-as-you-go insurance policies. This way, seniors will have the opportunity to save significantly during periods when they are driving less frequently.
Take Some Driving Lessons
While most seniors received their driving licenses a number of years back, this doesn’t mean that they can’t still benefit from a few driving lessons. With numerous companies such as the AAA and the AARP offering safety courses for seniors, driving lessons are not just for teenagers. In fact, there are DMVs across the country that offer driving courses directly from their websites.
Depending on the state the senior lives in, they may become eligible for an insurance discount if they complete a driving safety course aimed at seniors. While the typical discount is around five percent of your total premium cost, some states offer discounts as high as 10 to 15 percent. Considering that most insurance companies charge over $1,000 per year for drivers over the age of 60, these discounts can result in some serious savings on insurance.
Choose the Vehicle Wisely
While the senior’s age may influence their auto insurance rate, it’s not the only factor that determines how much they will pay. Considerations such as vehicle model, make, age, history, and mileage also affect the rate. While age is something that can’t be changed, seniors can still make sure to drive a car that will result in lower insurance payments.
Typically, insurers are willing to offer cheaper rates for vehicles that are newer, considered to be safe, and are less likely to require repairs. Because certain car models are often driven by safer drivers, they have built up a reputation of being cars that will keep the driver safer in road collisions.
Hunt For the Best Possible Quote
The most straightforward method for finding cheap auto insurance has to be by browsing different insurance companies and comparing the quotes that are offered by each one. While many drivers remain loyal to one insurer for a long period of time, this doesný mean they are obligated to remain with them if there are better deals elsewhere.
Because of the highly-competitive nature of the insurance industry, insurers are constantly adjusting their rates in an effort to lure in new customers. It’s therefore advisable to shop around for insurance rates at least once every year. Another great benefit to shopping around is to get a feel for what savings and extra discounts are out there.
The Bottom Line
As you can see from the tips that are offered above, finding cheap auto insurance is not such an impossible task – even if you are over the age of 65. By remaining vigilant and constantly shopping around for better deals, it’s possible to uncover extra savings and even get insurance discounts. For this reason, it’s important to never feel obliged to stick with the current insurer, no matter how long the customer has been with them. It’s best to reach out to the current insurer to find out new ways that they can help seniors save on their premiums.
Never give up on searching for cheaper auto insurance- a better rate is out there, just waiting to be found!
