How to Get Low Car Insurance Rates for Elderly Drivers

Senior citizens are finding it just as hard to get low car insurance rates, as younger drivers in some areas. Elderly people have a lifetime of driving experience under their belts, but as they get older, their reflexes become slower and their eyesight is not as good as it used to be. Therefore, they pose a higher risk than when they did in their earlier years. Some steps can be taken to get cheaper car insurance but it does mean spending time looking around or having a really good unbiased agent who can look for good prices. Here’s how you can achieve a lower rate.

Items Needed:

• Computer
• Internet connection
• Clean Driving Record
• Good Credit

Step 1 – History

Elderly people have a huge amount of experience of driving over many years and large distances. If you have been driving since you were a teenager, you might be lucky enough to never have had an accident. If this is so, your driving record could be your biggest asset. If you have never had speeding tickets or traffic violations, this will also go heavily in your favor. Contact your DMV and ask them for a copy of your driving record to verify your personal driving history.

Step 2 – Mileage

If you don’t drive as often as you used to, you might be able to get a discount from your current insurance provider if you limit the amount of miles you drive. Some companies ask your average yearly mileage and the price you pay can be a factor of just how much road you cover over a year. If you can reduce your driving miles to half, you might get a good percentage taken off the cost of your policy.

Step 3 – Classes

You can also make inquiries as to whether a senior citizen driving class is available in your area and take that class. If you do well, your insurance company will look favorably on you and offer a percentage discount for having taken the classes.

Step 4 – AARP

AARP membership can offer huge benefits to retired people or people of retirement age. Becoming a member of associations such as AARP will grant you discounts on your insurance premiums, offer waivers on deductibles, accident forgiveness (usually for the first accident only) and plan flexibility. It is worth considering becoming a member as they are proponents for cheaper senior citizen car insurance (among other insurances).

Step 5 – Shop Around

Your current company may not be the cheapest or most reasonable so have a look at other companies. Many American insurance companies do not offer loyalty bonuses and discounts, so look for companies who will reward loyalty.

Step 6 – Safety

Most cars have been equipped with security and safety features as standard for a number of years. If your car is not equipped with air bags or alarms, you might consider either changing your car for a more recent model or adding such features. This will decrease your policy rate by a small percentage as well.

Step 7 – Changes

Look at the possibility of changing your car for a newer and more efficient model. A smaller engine size is always looked upon favorably and a mid-range, mid-sized car could put more money in your pocket.