If you’re approaching retirement or are already there, you may be rethinking your car insurance. Seniors shop for new auto insurance for many reasons, like rising premiums, a fixed income in retirement, a different vehicle, or simply driving less. Learn about car insurance for seniors, including how rates change with age, why a non-standard insurer like The General® may be worth considering, and how to get a quote quickly.
Key takeaways
- Many seniors shop for new car insurance due to rising premiums, a fixed retirement income, changing vehicles, or driving less.
- Auto insurance rates can rise with age, but changes vary by state, driving record, and insurer. Discounts may help offset increases.
- Non-standard insurers may be a good fit for some seniors, so compare coverage, price, and transparency about how age may affect rates.
In this article
- Are auto insurance rates higher for seniors?
- Insurance for drivers in their 50s
- Insurance for drivers in their 60s
- Insurance for drivers in their 70s
- Drivers in their 80s and older
- What is non-standard car insurance—and why should seniors know about it?
- What to look for in senior car insurance
- The best car insurance for seniors
Are auto insurance rates higher for seniors?
You may have heard that teenagers and young drivers often pay the highest insurance rates due to their inexperience behind the wheel. However, seniors may also end up paying high insurance rates due to:
- Changes in vision: Some people may notice changes in vision over time, such as sensitivity to glare or difficulty seeing clearly in low light, which can make certain driving conditions (like driving at night) more challenging.
- Response time: Neurological changes as you age can make it harder to react to what’s on the road.
- Medical considerations: Older adults may be more prone to injuries in the event of an accident.
Insurance rates are based on risk and expected claim costs, and these factors can increase the likelihood or cost of a claim.
It’s important to note that car insurance rate increases for seniors aren’t universal. They can vary by:
- The state you live in
- Your driving record
- Your insurer
Here’s a closer look at how auto insurance may change with age:
Insurance for drivers in their 50s
Insurance companies tend to consider drivers in this age range among the safest on the road because of their lengthy driving experience and the fact that many people haven’t yet experienced vision or hearing loss that can impair their driving ability.
However, if you have a history of accidents or driving violations, you could see higher monthly rates than other drivers of the same age.
Insurance for drivers in their 60s
Once you enter your 60s, you might notice your insurance rates begin to increase slightly. This is because many people’s reflexes and response times begin declining in their 60s, which can increase their risk of accidents and injuries.
Insurance for drivers in their 70s
As you enter your 70s, your insurance rates may continue climbing as more people your age are affected by health issues. But don’t worry—you can still find affordable insurance options. For instance, if you’ve completed a defensive driving course or have a car with specific safety features, you might be eligible for discounts.
Drivers in their 80s and older
For drivers aged 80 or older, car insurance rates can be among the highest of any age group—even teens and new drivers.
You may be able to lessen these increases by reducing the amount you drive, completing a defensive driving course, reviewing your current policy to determine whether there are coverages you no longer need, and talking to your insurance agent about discounts available to you.
You can also take steps to help protect yourself and others while driving, such as:
- Taking regular breaks if you need to drive long distances
- Avoiding driving during peak travel hours or in bad weather
- Scheduling regular medical checkups and vision and hearing tests
What Is non-standard car insurance—and why should seniors know about it?
Non-standard car insurance (sometimes called high-risk car insurance) is coverage designed for drivers that insurers consider to be higher risk. Non-standard insurance is often more expensive than standard coverage and refers to how an insurer categorizes you as a driver—not the type of coverage you receive. It’s based on the insurer’s own risk assessment criteria, and it’s not something you opt into. Non-standard insurance often includes drivers who:
- Have limited driving experience
- Have had their license suspended or revoked
- Have a history of accidents or violations
- Have other risk factors identified by an insurer
If your current auto insurance rates are increasing or your coverage options are becoming more limited, it may be worth comparing quotes from different insurers, including non-standard auto insurance specialists like The General.
What to look for in senior car insurance
When shopping for car insurance for seniors, it’s important to focus on a few key areas:
- Coverage that matches your current driving habits
- Pricing that fits a fixed or retirement income
- A carrier that evaluates your overall driving profile, not just your age
If you own your vehicle outright, you have more flexibility to adjust your collision and comprehensive coverage levels based on your car’s current value.
It’s also worth asking about discounts for completing a state-approved defensive driving course or maintaining a clean driving record.
Above all, look for an insurer that’s transparent about how age factors into your rate. The best senior car insurance policy isn’t just the cheapest one—it’s the one that gives you protection without unnecessary limitations or unexpected rate increases at renewal.
The best car insurance for seniors
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for car insurance for seniors. While some things are out of your control—like your age—there’s plenty you can do to secure the coverage you need at a price that works for you. Start by:
- Comparing rates
- Asking about discounts and payment plans
- Completing a defensive driving course
Don’t forget to look for an auto insurance company with positive customer and third-party reviews. The General has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, as of June 9, 2026.
The General® brand products are underwritten by a member of the Sentry Insurance Group. Sentry has an AM Best Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (superior), current as of June 2025. See ambest.com/ratings/guide.pdf for rating information.
We’ve been helping drivers find the right car insurance policy for over 60 years. Give us a call at 1-833-372-3544 for a free quote, or get a quote online today.
