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Auto Insurance Discounts – Senior Citizens Can Find Discounts at Most Auto Insurance Companies
There may be other discounts, too, for retirees, low mileage, etc., starting as young as 50
Date: July 28, 2010
Author: David Smidt, SeniorDiscounts

Drivers entering their fifties should see some decrease in their auto insurance rates. Although it may not be automatic, most insurance companies provide a mature drivers discount.

If you currently have auto insurance, your insurance agent should be reviewing your policy on a regular basis to see if there are any discounts or other benefits that may be available to you. If you have not reviewed your policy in some time, inquire with your current provider to see if they offer any mature driver discounts. Most of the auto insurance agencies we researched provided a 5%-10% discount starting at age 50.

If you are opening a new account or switching providers, the discount should be automatically provided in the quoted rate. Most companies will ask for your age when applying for a quote in person or online, but it never hurts to remind the agent that you may be eligible for a mature driver discount.

The insurance industry has been paying close attention to the driving records of older adults, especially those people over sixty. They have found that while older drivers do not receive many citations, they have been filing more accident claims. Older adults, especially those over 70, are second only to teenagers for the number of accident claims.

As drivers get older, into their sixties and seventies, they may start to see their rates go up again. This is especially true if there is a claim filed for an accident, which could “red flag” the account with the insurance carrier. This may be a good time to see if there are any driver education or other programs you may be able to take to get a lower rate.

Drivers entering their fifties should see some decrease in their auto insurance rates. Although it may not be automatic, most insurance companies provide a mature drivers discount.

These classes are available in most states and cost between $10 and $30. Many defensive driving classes are now available online, but they can also be taken through local and state facilities. These classes are typically eight hours in length and given over a two day period.

More than two-thirds of states mandate auto insurance policy discounts for such courses, and many insurance companies offer the discounts voluntarily. Insurance companies will typically provide up to a 10% discount on car insurance for a three year period upon completion of one of these courses, but it is always a good idea to check with your provider.

SeniorDiscounts has partnered with I Drive Safely, which provides an online Mature Driver Improvement Course, and has negotiated a 10% discount for all of our members. For more information, click here.

Mature driving courses are also available through local and state agencies as well as AAA and AARP. You can also check with your insurance agent to see what courses may be available to you or visit the web site of the National Safety Council at www.nsc.org.

There may be other auto insurance discounts available to older drivers.

  • If you are retired and are not employed full time, you may be eligible for a discount off your car insurance. Age requirements for this type of discount vary by state and insurance carrier.
  • Save on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Some companies will provide a discount if a minimum amount of the driving mileage is by anyone over a specified age.
  • If you are on active duty, retired from the Military, or a member of the National Guard or Reserves, you may be eligible for a discount on your total insurance premium.
  • If you are a safe driver and have had no accidents for a set time period you may qualify for a discount.
  • Some providers have a lifetime guaranteed renewal policy for drivers 50 and older, which can insure you will always have auto insurance and can help reduce rates.

Be careful on the roads out there. The best way to keep your rates down is to avoid citations and accidents.

© SeniorDiscounts

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