Car insurance for drivers over 60

Getting older can have its downsides but there are a few benefits as well. Paying less for car insurance could be one of them.

Why? Well with age and road miles on your side insurers will see you as more experienced and responsible. Even if you don’t feel it.

So if you haven’t looked at your car insurance for a while, it might be worth checking out what other policies you might be able to snap up.

What should I be looking for in over-60s car insurance?

If you’re in your 60s you’ll have paid a fair share on car insurance over the years. However, there’s always a way to get a better deal and you may want to consider the following:

• Cover level. Just because you get greater coverage with a comprehensive policy doesn’t mean it’s more expensive. Higher-risk drivers often use third party and third party, fire and theft. So insurers often increase the prices.
• No claims discount. Find a policy that lets you take your no claims bonus with you when you go.
• Benefits and features. Some policies will include features like breakdown cover as standard, while others will make you pay extra. So don’t just look at the premium price.
• Payment options. If financially possible, paying in one lump sum is the best way, as you won’t be charged any interest on monthly instalments.

What are the benefits of car insurance for over-60s?

You might look to get a specialist over-60s insurance, if so you may well benefit from the following:

• Increased experience with dealing with and insuring mature drivers.
• No age limits for new customers.
• No hidden fees.
• Potentially cheaper premiums due to experience and age.
• Can get features like courtesy cars or emergency “any driver” cover included as standard.
• 24/7 or at the very least accessible customer service, with option to call or talk through live online chat.

Will I get cheaper car insurance for being over 60?

Quite potentially yes. You’ll have more experience and potentially more no claims, which could all work in your favour. However, there are several factors that will affect the cost of your insurance, including the following:

• Driving history. If you’ve been a responsible driver for decades then expect to pay less.
• Miles driven. If you’re no longer doing your daily commute and driving fewer miles, your premiums could drop because you’re on the road less.
• Age. Young, novice drivers automatically pay higher insurance premiums because they’re a higher claims risk, but so too will older drivers. In your 70s, for instance, premiums tend to increase.
• Location. If you live in an area with higher levels of crime, or car crime, then you could pay more.
• Claims history. If you’ve made several claims in recent years then expect your premiums will go up.
• What car type you have. Sporty and powerful car types may well have to pay more, as they’re seen as higher risk.
• How you use your car. If you purely use your car for leisure, then you may pay less, as you’re not commuting during rush hour each day.

How to save on car insurance if you’re over 60?

Choose a level of cover that suits you. Comprehensive cover is often cheaper than third party cover and third party, fire and theft, as higher-risk drivers often go for these. So compare your options.

• Increase security. If your car isn’t fitted with an alarm it might be a good idea to get one. It could lower your premiums.
• Garage or gates. If you have a garage or a secure driveway an insurer might give you a better deal.
• Reduce your mileage. If you’re working and driving less then let your insurer know. It could save you a few quid.
• Fewer drivers. Try to only have drivers on your policy that regularly drive your car, as this can reduce your premium.
• Larger excess. Agreeing to pay a higher excess, the amount you have to cough up out of your own wallet before the insurer starts paying for any damage, will lower your premium. But make sure you can pay it should anything happen.
• Lump sum. Avoid paying monthly as the interest on the payments can drive costs up, it’s best to try to pay it all off in one go.
• Telematics policy. Fitting your car with a “black box” which measures your speed, distance travelled and the time of day or night you’re driving can lower premiums. It shows you’re responsible.
• Don’t auto-renew. Car insurers may catch you out by bumping up your premiums, so watch out for price jumps each year. If you really want to lower your costs, then always shop around and compare your options.

Frequently asked questions

• Will my car insurance be affected by my health?

  If you have a medical condition that affects your driving that you have to report to the DVLA, then quite possibly.

  Failure to flag these when you’re buying a policy could invalidate your insurance.

  Unfortunately, you might have fewer and more-expensive choices too.

• Do I have to inform my insurer when I retire?

  Yes, you should let your insurer know about any life changes as it could affect the price of your premiums.

  Now you’re driving to work less, you should let your insurer know you’ll be on the road less and less of a risk.

• Is it cheaper to pay annually or monthly?

  It’s cheaper to pay in one lump sum annually. If you pay monthly you’ll be hit with interest charges, which will increase the overall costs.

Would people aged 65 and over recommend their car insurer to friends/family?

Written by

Esther Wolffowitz

Publisher

Esther Wolffowitz was a publisher at finder.com specialising in insurance. Esther holds an MSc in Media and Communication Governance from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). See full bio