Did You Know: If this is your first time purchasing a policy, then check out our comprehensive guide to car insurance for seniors.
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Auto insurance can get expensive for older adults because drivers over 75 have higher crash rates than middle-aged drivers due to declining cognitive function, vision, and hearing.
But that doesn’t have to stop you from driving. Car insurance policies can be personalized to suit your specific lifestyle, whether you drive across the country or only across the neighborhood. With a little research, it’s easy to lower your monthly premium with senior discounts and other options that allow older adults to purchase an affordable policy.
Did You Know: If this is your first time purchasing a policy, then check out our comprehensive guide to car insurance for seniors.
When choosing the best affordable car insurance for seniors, we examined many criteria.
| Provider | Annual premium for a 65-year-old* | Annual premium for a 75-year-old* | Annual premium for an 85-year-old* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metromile | $62 per month | $76.20 per month | $76 per month |
| State Farm | $43.16 per month | $47.07 per month | $52.30 per month |
| Geico | $41.44 per month | $43.39 per month | $45.99 per month |
| Travelers | $96 per month | $98 per month | $99 per month |
| Progressive | $48.73 per month | $61.56 per month | $61.56 per month |
*Premiums are estimated for a person living in California.
Metromile is a new insurance startup that offers pay-per-mile plans, which means you pay based on how much you drive. You pay a base rate plus a per-mile rate — your distance is tracked through a smartphone app — of around $0.60, so your rate may change each month depending on how much you drive. This is the perfect plan for people who drive only occasionally.
Metromile is designed to save drivers money by offering lower rates to people who drive less. They also offer discounts for:
State Farm is one of the biggest and most affordable auto insurance companies in the nation, and it’s known for great customer service. As a policyholder, you are assigned to a local agent with specialized knowledge of your area. If disaster strikes, you can call and speak with a person you trust as opposed to a call-center agent unfamiliar with your situation, coverage, and circumstances. State Farm also offers discounts for safe driving, so you can get a low monthly rate if you have a clean driving record.
One of the great things about State Farm is the number of discounts it offers qualifying drivers, especially those who drive minimally and safely. State Farm offers a program in which your smartphone tracks your driving habits, including speed and braking, and it lowers your rates accordingly.
State Farm values safety, and it offers discounts for:
Did You Know: To use some of these insurers’ tracking features, you’ll need a smartphone. To learn about our favorites, read our guides to the best iPhones for seniors, best Androids for seniors, and best smartphones for seniors.
Geico is a nationwide insurance company known for offering affordable monthly premiums. Its website and mobile app are especially easy to use, so you can get a quote, purchase a policy, and pay your bills without picking up the phone or writing a check. Geico is one of the only affordable nationwide companies that offers discounts for drivers over 50, so it’s perfect for seniors.
Geico offers discounts to qualifying individuals over 50 years old as long as they have no violations in the past three years and do not use the vehicle for business purposes. Government retirees and veterans also receive a discount, in addition to the typical discounts for bundling policies and practicing safe driving.
Geico also offers discounts if individuals belong to certain organizations or companies, including:
Travelers is a nationwide insurance company with competitive rates and a focus on making the claims process stress-free. In business for more than 165 years, Travelers offers much more than just auto insurance. If you’re looking to bundle several insurance products, then you’ll stand to save significant money.
Travelers offers discounts if you have a lot of assets to protect. You may qualify for a discount if you:
One of the nation’s largest auto insurers, Progressive offers an easy online quote calculator for more than 30 insurance products. It even offers optional insurance such as gap coverage that covers a lease or loan, accident forgiveness, and rental reimbursement. What sets Progressive apart is that it offers insurance for rideshare drivers, a part-time job for many seniors. If you drive for Uber or Lyft, Progressive offers insurance that covers ridesharing.
Progressive doesn’t offer senior discounts, but it does offer myriad other perks, including:
Before you do anything, take stock of your health and determine if it is still safe for you to drive a car. If you still feel comfortable driving, consider your lifestyle and driving habits. Premiums can be higher for seniors, but it’s possible to find an affordable rate. Before choosing a policy, ask yourself these questions:
Once you determine your insurance needs, start looking at policies. Get quotes from more than one company, since pricing varies greatly. Insurance rates also change based on your driving habits, gender, occupation, and location. Laws, rates, and coverages vary by state, so the product you want may not be available where you live.
FYI:Medication management is very important for safe driving. Make sure you’re not on medications with side effects associated with motor vehicle crashes before you get in the car.
Research discounts for each company, since you may qualify for further deals based on your lifestyle. It may be possible to bundle insurance products for a consolidated rate for lower premiums and fewer bills to pay. Finally, speak with a friend, family member, or financial adviser about your budget and needs before making a big purchase.
To learn more about insurance options for seniors, check out our helpful guides.
The cheapest car insurance for seniors is Geico. The company’s base rates are low and it offers senior discounts to qualifying drivers over 50. Metromile may also be less expensive if you do not drive your car very often.
Some car insurance companies offer discounts for seniors. Seniors typically drive less than other age groups, and most companies offer discounts for safe and minimal driving. Rates tend to become more expensive for people over 80 years old.
AARP offers auto insurance through The Hartford, and its average rates range from $90 to $130 per month.
AARP offers discounted auto insurance through The Hartford, which is available only in some regions. Membership will not save you money on insurance from any other company.
Progressive no longer offers AARP discounts, but it does offer discounts for drivers who take defensive driving courses offered by AARP.
