Car Insurance Tips for Senior Citizens

Many auto insurance companies will offer a mature driver discount to drivers beginning at somewhere between age 50 and 55. Check with your insurance company when you are nearing that age, and consider switching if they do not offer the discount.

Senior Citizen Car Insurance Tip: Defensive Driving Course Discount

Sometimes a requirement for getting the mature driver discount, and sometimes a separate discount on its own, ask about getting a discount for taking a certified defensive driving course. These courses, offered in most states for a low fee, will give you the skills to better avoid accidents.

Senior Citizen Car Insurance Tip: Retiree Discount

If you are retired, ask about getting a discount. Many auto insurance providers will give discounts of up to 5% for those who are retired.

Senior Citizen Car Insurance Tip: Low-Mileage Discount

If you don't drive your car many miles, ask your insurance provider about low mileage discounts. These discounts range from a cut on your premiums for not driving over a certain mileage to pay-as-you-go policies.

Senior Citizen Car Insurance Tip: Drive Safely

If you manage to avoid citations and accidents, your car insurance premiums will be significantly lower than if you have blemishes on your recent driving record.

Senior Citizen Car Insurance Tip: Consider not Making Claims on Small Repairs

If you get a little dent in your bumper, consider just leaving it as it is, or paying the full repair out of pocket. If you make the claim, your insurance rates will go up, so think about the savings before making the repair.

Senior Citizen Car Insurance Tip: Use AARP Resources

Check with AARP to see if they know of any more discounts and tips for you as a senior driver, or if they can point you to specific senior-friendly car insurance companies.

Senior Citizen Car Insurance Tip: Be Careful with Medication

When getting prescriptions, ask your doctor whether the medication might have an effect on your driving. Even more importantly, pay attention to how you feel after taking the medication.

Senior Citizen Car Insurance Tip: Evaluate Insurance Needs

If your car is not very valuable, consider only purchasing liability insurance, and not getting comprehensive and collision coverage. This would leave you fully responsible for any repairs to your car, but if the vehicle isn't worth much anyway, it might be worth it.

Senior Citizen Car Insurance Tip: Get Quotes From Different Providers

Lastly, every few years, regardless of the great discounts you are getting, shop around and get quotes from different insurance providers to see if you qualify for different discounts and benefits.