Auto Insurance Best for Seniors

Car insurance is one of many items that cost you money in order to own and operate your car. Like so many other things, the cost of car insurance has become more expensive. However, senior citizens have different ways they can save money on their auto insurance, while maintaining reliable coverage.

Senior citizens can take advantage of special discounts, policy features and coverages that some car insurance companies have available. While providing certain cost savings, these insurance companies also offer special types of coverage and policy features that are geared towards seniors. Of course, it is also important that the car insurance company is reputable and reliable, with high positive ratings. The car insurance companies listed below are rated as the best choices for seniors

Allstate

This well known, nationwide company offers the most kinds of discounts and special coverages for seniors. Allstate car insurance is available in all 50 states.

Special coverages: umbrella insurance plans, 24/7 roadside help and new-car repair coverage. Allstate can provide practically any kind of car insurance policy you may need. In addition, Allstate provides some very unique products, such as rideshare coverage for drivers from Lyft and Uber.

Special benefits:

– Accident forgiveness: Allstate won’t cancel your policy because of an accident under certain conditions.
– Good driving discounts: Automatic rate reductions for safe driving.
– Guaranteed claim handling: Promise of fast and proper dealing with claims.

Special discounts: retired policyholders aged 55 or over get a senior discount, plus multi-car and multi-policy discounts and discounts for automated premium payments and paperless (online only) billing.

GEICO

GEICO is a popular provider of car insurance for all types of drivers and they provide very good prices and features for seniors. They operate almost entirely online and this helps allows them to charge lower premiums. GEICO writes policies in all 50 states and are highly ranked for good customer service.

Special coverages: Automatic renewal for qualified senior drivers; glass breakage; mechanical breakdown and rideshare coverage.

Special benefits:

– Accident forgiveness: Allstate won’t cancel your policy because of an accident under certain conditions.
– Emergency Roadside Assistance: They will send a truck to your location to change a tire, jump start your battery or tow you to a garage if necessary.

Special discounts: Safe driving and health driver discounts up to 25%; multi-car and multi-policy discounts up to 25% and modern car safety equipment discounts up to 25%.

Hartford

This very large insurance company offers an exclusive and special auto insurance policy to AARP members. In addition to the large number of benefits, Hartford has strong ratings for financial strength and good customer service. Hartford insures cars in all states except for: Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey. This special policy includes the following:

– Emergency Roadside assistance 24/7
– Claims Hotline 24/7 by phone or online
– RecoverCare, to help pay for travel, cooking, washing, and other expenses incurred because of an injury arising from an accident
– Replacement with a new vehicle if the insured new car is totaled in the first 15 months or 15,000 miles (whichever comes first).
– 12-Month Cost cover, which for one-year locks down your auto insurance premium

Special discounts: multi- policy discount of 20%, Lump sum premium payment discount and car safety equipment discount.

USAA

For seniors (or their spouse) who are armed service veterans, USAA provides auto insurance coverage with excellent rates, service and benefits. They sell auto insurance in all 50 states.

Special coverages: Rideshare coverage for Lyft and Uber drivers; ability to package auto coverage with many other types of insurance coverage, including life, renters and boat insurance.

Special benefits:

– Emergency Roadside Assistance 24/7
– Towing coverage
– Accident and injury forgiveness for qualified drivers
– New vehicle purchase discounts and financing aid

Special discounts: Multi-vehicle and muti-policy discounts; new vehicle discounts, low vehicle usage (mileage) discounts.

Reducing the Cost of Insurance

Proper Driving Status: Make sure you are listed as a leisure driver – and not as a commuter. Also, ask for a low usage (miles driven) rate if you only drive your car mainly for local trips.

Defensive Driver Courses: Taking one of these courses can result in a nice discount for your auto insurance premiums. These courses are often offered by AAA and AARP for a very modest cost. Also, in some locations you can even take the course online.

Senior Discounts: In addition to AARP, there are other senior discounts through AAA membership or membership in certain other groups such as credit unions, labor unions and professional associations.

Deductibles and coverage types: The higher your deductible, the lower your premium should be. If you had adequate income or savings, do not pay for low deductibles. Also, don’t buy special or “fluff” coverages that you really don’t need – like personal property coverage (left in your car) if your homeowners or renters insurance policy already covers this.