Just like us, our auto insurance needs evolve over time. For instance, the policy you had at age 30 probably won’t meet your driving needs in your late 60s or mid-70s. “Major life changes, such as retirement, can affect how often you drive, who uses your vehicle, and the coverage that makes sense for your household,” says Justin Yoshizawa, Senior Director, Product Management. “Reviewing your policy regularly can help ensure it continues to provide the protection you need.”
Updating your car insurance as a senior can help you and your family prepare for and adjust to this life stage. Here are a few considerations for older drivers and when to adjust coverage to reflect this period of your life as your needs evolve.
How Auto Insurance Needs Can Change for Senior Drivers
The auto insurance coverage that made sense earlier in life may no longer reflect how you drive today. School drop-offs, sports practices, and other daily activities may not be as frequent. Your household may also have fewer drivers, and although you still get out plenty, you may drive less often or travel shorter distances than you once did.
As your lifestyle and driving habits change, it’s worth reviewing your auto insurance policy once a year or after a major life event, such as retirement or becoming an empty nester.
Review Your Auto Insurance Coverage as Your Driving Habits Change
When you sit down to review your auto insurance, you’ll want to make sure your liability, collision, comprehensive, and other coverage choices continue to reflect how and how often you drive. Reviewing each of these can help ensure you’re not overpaying for protection you no longer need, or that you’re not underinsured for risks that still apply. Adjusting deductibles or coverage limits can help maintain the right balance between cost and protection.
Driving Less Could Affect Your Auto Insurance Costs
If retirement, remote work, or lifestyle changes mean you’re driving fewer miles each year, it could have a direct impact on your car insurance costs. Many insurers consider annual mileage when setting premiums, since less time on the road typically means a lower risk of accidents.
Drivers who log fewer miles may qualify for low-mileage discounts or usage-based insurance programs that track driving habits and reward reduced driving. Even small changes, like getting rid of that daily commute, can add up to savings, making it worth updating your insurer about your current driving patterns.
Look for Auto Insurance Discounts and Savings
As a retiree, you may now be on a fixed monthly income, and you want to make every dollar count. Finding senior auto insurance discounts can help keep your premiums in check. Depending on your policy, you may be able to save money by:
- Having a clean driving record
- Choosing a vehicle with better safety features
- Taking defensive driving courses
- Paying your policy premiums in full each year
- Bundling your home and auto insurance policies
Ask your insurer which discounts you may qualify for.
Consider Vehicle Safety Features When Choosing a Car
In addition to potentially qualifying for savings, many modern vehicles come packed with technology designed to keep you safer on the road. Safety features like automatic braking, lane departure warnings, blind-spot sensors, and even adaptive cruise control can help make driving safer.
Keep Safe Driving Habits a Priority
Safe driving habits become even more important as driving routines change over time. Staying attentive behind the wheel, avoiding distractions like mobile devices, and allowing extra time for trips can all help reduce the risk of accidents.
It’s hard to adjust your habits when you’re used to something. But adapting as you age can help keep you and others safer. That may mean avoiding driving at night or in low-visibility situations, or being extra cautious in bad weather and high-traffic situations. Defensive driving techniques, such as maintaining a safe following distance and anticipating other drivers’ actions, also support safer outcomes on the road.
Review Auto Insurance When Household or Family Needs Change
Changes in your household can also affect your auto insurance needs. For example, if a spouse stops driving, you downsize to one vehicle, or family members occasionally use your car, your policy should reflect those changes. Keeping your insurer informed ensures that all drivers are properly listed and covered.
In some cases, families may also need to discuss broader transportation plans, such as transitioning away from driving or relying more on shared rides. Reviewing your policy during these transitions can help avoid gaps in coverage and ensure you’re only paying for what you actually need.
Whether you’re looking for the best senior car insurance or you just want to review your current policy, Mercury is here to help keep you protected.
Contact us today for a fast, free quote!
FAQs
Does car insurance automatically get more expensive when you become a senior?
Not necessarily. While age can be a factor, insurance rates are based on a range of variables, including driving history, location, vehicle type, and mileage. If you have a record of safe, accident-free driving, you may continue to qualify for competitive rates or even lower premiums through your senior car insurance.
Can retirees qualify for lower-mileage car insurance?
Yes, retirees who drive fewer miles each year usually qualify for low-mileage discounts or usage-based insurance programs. Availability and savings vary by insurer and state, so check with your provider about your options.
Should married seniors keep both drivers on the same auto insurance policy?
In many cases, keeping both drivers on the same policy can be more convenient and may offer multi-driver or multi-vehicle discounts. However, couples should review their driving habits, number of vehicles, and coverage needs with their insurer to determine what arrangement makes the most sense.
Justin Yoshizawa is Director of Product Management for Mercury Insurance, overseeing California’s personal lines, including auto, homeowners, landlord, and umbrella. He has led major initiatives such as the rollout of the aligned umbrella product across all Mercury territories and serves as a company spokesperson on auto-related topics. Yoshizawa holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Mathematics and Applied Statistics from UC Santa Barbara.
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