Did You Know: New to the ins and outs of auto insurance? Take a look at our guide to car insurance for seniors.
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While car insurance is generally affordable for people in their fifties, premiums tend to skyrocket as we age, especially for drivers in their eighties and older. Luckily, some providers offer comprehensive coverage for seniors that won’t break the bank.
Here you’ll find auto insurance providers with policies to suit just about any lifestyle. Many of them even have special discounts and deals for older adults.
Did You Know: New to the ins and outs of auto insurance? Take a look at our guide to car insurance for seniors.
To find the best auto insurance providers for seniors, we looked for the following:
| Provider | Premium for a 65-year-old* | Premium for a 75-year-old* | Premium for an 85-year-old* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate: Best Overall Provider | $119 per month | $126 per month | $126 per month |
| Metromile: Best for Minimal Drivers | $62 per month | $76.20 per month | $76 per month |
| USAA: Best for Veterans | $120 per month | $135 per month | $150 per month |
| State Farm: Best Customer Service | $43.16 per month | $47.07 per month | $52.30 per month |
| The Hartford: Best Senior Discounts | $90 per month | $103 per month | $133 per month |
*Premiums represent an estimate for a person living in California.
The Hartford insurance program is only available for AARP members. The Hartford offers accident forgiveness for the first accident and budget-friendly perks like lower deductibles for long-time customers. The Hartford also offers great resources on their webpage that describe complex car insurance concepts in plain language so you can really understand your policy and how it works. The Hartford’s affiliation with AARP connects policyholders with other discounts and senior-specific resources, so it’s perfect for existing AARP members.
The Hartford offers liability coverage, medical payments coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and comprehensive coverage. The Hartford also offers RecoverCare, which covers you after you are hurt in an accident for things like house cleaning, food preparation, alternative transportation, and landscaping costs. The company is also a leader in classic car insurance and RV insurance, so it is great for seniors with a variety of hobbies and lifestyles.
The Hartford offers discounts for cars with safety features and electric or hybrid vehicles. The Hartford also offers additional discounts to those who take defensive driving courses and those who bundle car insurance with home coverage.
The Hartford’s premiums can be a little higher, but you are getting comprehensive coverage for your money. The RecoverCare feature that covers house cleaning and lawn care for those hurt in an accident is a unique perk that bigger companies don’t offer.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering purchasing an AARP membership, be sure to read my guide: Is AARP Worth It?
Allstate is a nationwide insurance company that offers discounts to retired older adults over the age of 55. While Allstate may have higher rates than other companies, they have comprehensive plans, accident forgiveness, and 24/7 roadside assistance. They also reward safe drivers with premium decreases.
Allstate offers collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, coverage for medical expenses, roadside assistance, and umbrella policies. Allstate also offers rideshare coverage to provide affordable rates for those who drive for Uber or Lyft.
Older adults who are retired or working part time may qualify for a discount. Additionally, Allstate offers a 10 percent discount to adults over 55 who complete a driver safety course. More general discounts include those for people who own a newer car, have multiple policies, and meet safe driving requirements.
Allstate offers nationwide coverage with comprehensive plans and roadside assistance for all drivers. While the monthly premiums can be pricey, they offer a myriad of discounts and accident forgiveness so you know you’re covered if the worst is to happen.
Pro Tip: Paying auto insurance on an annual or bi-annual basis lowers your monthly premium.
Metromile is a unique insurance company in that it offers “pay-per-mile” plans, meaning that policyholders pay based on how much they drive. Because of this, Metromile is a highly affordable option for drivers who drive only occasionally. Users pay a nominal monthly rate and then a per-mile rate of around $0.60. Therefore, your rate changes each month depending on how many miles you drive. For example, your rate will be higher if you take a road trip and lower if you stick to your neighborhood. This is ideal for seniors who do not drive often but still need coverage.
Metromile offers the typical liability, vehicle, and medical coverages that traditional car insurance policies offer. The only difference is how the premium is calculated; it changes each month based on how many miles you drive. The mileage is tracked through a smartphone app that plugs directly into your car.
Metromile does not offer senior discounts. However, the pricing structure favors seniors. Surveys show that seniors drive less than any other age group. So while there are no senior-specific discounts, depending on your driving habits, Metromile could be less expensive than other companies that have discounts.
Metromile is great for those who don’t drive often but still need car insurance. However, it is not available in many states, and it could get pricey if you take a long trip or your driving habits change. Drivers also need to be tech-savvy to figure out how to track miles on their smartphones.
FYI: Most auto insurance policies can be managed through a smartphone. To find the best one for your needs, check out my rundowns of the best smartphones for seniors and best iPhones for seniors.
While USAA is available only to those who served in the military (and their family members), they offer affordable insurance for people at any age. USAA has quality, nationwide coverage at affordable rates. USAA also offers flexible payment plans, so it’s perfect for seniors on a budget.
USAA offers basic and comprehensive auto insurance coverage. USAA also offers liability coverage and personal injury protection for passengers. Notably, the company offers accident forgiveness so premiums will not go up for an at-fault accident. USAA also offers homeowner insurance, aviation insurance, renters insurance, and more.
While USAA doesn’t offer senior discounts, it does offer discounts for multiple policies and bundling insurance policies. Your auto rate will go down if you also purchase home or life insurance. Drivers can also get a discount for driving safely or completing a defensive driving course. Additionally, the longer you hold a USAA policy, the more discounts you receive.
Did You Know: USAA offers discounts to people with low annual mileage on their vehicles.
USAA is one of the highest-rated insurance companies in the country. Their rates are affordable, and drivers are eligible for big discounts. The only downside is that this insurance is only for those who served in the military or are related to someone who served in the military.
State Farm offers nationwide auto insurance and is known for its excellent customer service. Customers are assigned to an agent in their neighborhood and may call that specific agent to ask questions. State Farm provides the peace of mind that if disaster strikes, you will be able to speak to a human whom you know and trust as opposed to a call center agent.
State Farm offers collision and comprehensive insurance, and even offers free rentals if your car is in the shop. They also offer rideshare insurance for those who drive for Uber or Lyft. Their comprehensive coverage covers stolen vehicles or vehicles damaged by weather or fire.
While there are no senior-specific discounts, State Farm offers discounts for good driving, for remaining accident-free for three years, and for driving a safe vehicle. Additionally, rates go down if you bundle auto insurance with other products like home or renters’ insurance.
State Farm offers comprehensive coverage and excellent customer service. A dedicated local agent can help you get the most out of your auto insurance. However, that service is dependent on the agent you’re paired with. Additionally, premiums can vary greatly after the first term.
Some companies charge seniors more for car insurance because age-related infirmities may lead to more accidents. However, many companies offer competitive rates because seniors drive less. Rates are based on your personal driving history, so older adults can still have low rates if they have a clean driving record.
Most car insurance companies also offer a course for “mature” drivers that can lower rates. If you have no accidents or tickets on your record, there is no reason you should be paying high monthly premiums. If you are accident-prone, your premiums will be high, and it may be time to think about giving up driving.
FYI: If you or your loved one is struggling to drive safely, check out my guide on the best transportation services: SignsIt’s Time to Give Up Driving.
The perfect auto policy is available for you, one that offers comprehensive coverage, low premiums, and nationwide coverage. Some even offer discounts for seniors. Car insurance provides the peace of mind and security you need to drive as much, or as little, as you want. Make sure you do your research before purchasing any policy.
To learn more about insurance options for seniors, be sure to check out our helpful guides:
Allstate offers senior discounts on car insurance. While The Hartford doesn’t offer specific discounts, they do offer perks and resources specific to seniors.
Seniors over 70 often pay more for car insurance; however, this is not always the case. Each rate is personalized, so if you have a safe driving record with no accidents, you will likely receive a competitive monthly premium.
Allstate is the best car insurance for senior citizens because they offer nationwide, comprehensive coverage with senior-specific discounts for retired individuals.
AARP auto insurance costs around $90 per month for a 65-year-old man in California. This rate is subject to change based on your driving history, vehicle, and location.
USAA has a claims center that operates 24/7 and that customers can access online, via a smartphone app, or by telephone. They also help users arrange rental cars and provide excellent customer service during the entire claims process.
