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Seniors' Auto Insurance

Get the cheapest car insurance for seniors and drivers over 50.

Compare car insurance quotes for seniors from top providers

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Image of Joel Kranc

Written By Joel Kranc

Contributing writer

Updated Aug. 30, 2024

Car insurance for seniors in Canada

Insurance companies consider drivers in their 50s and 60s some of the safest drivers on the road. This is often reflected in lower car insurance rates — especially once you add in available discounts, such as retiree discounts.

Like at any other age, your premiums depend primarily on your driving record and insurance history. As you enter your 70s and 80s, you may notice your premiums increasing again. Comparing car insurance quotes is one way to ensure you're still getting the best rate. Each insurance provider calculates risk differently, so senior drivers can often find savings by switching to another provider. Compare car insurance quotes to see if you could get a better deal.

Who is a senior driver?

A senior driver is someone with experience behind the wheel. However, insurers have different standards for defining who is and isn't a senior driver. Traditionally, 65 has been and is still often used as the transition from middle age to senior citizen. However, drivers as young as 50 can start inquiring about senior citizen car insurance with their insurance companies.

How are car insurance premiums for seniors determined? 

Determining car insurance for senior citizens is based on more than just age. Experienced drivers with safe driving records, no tickets, no collisions, or impaired driving charges, will generally benefit from discounted senior car insurance.

Due to their knowledge of the road and well-trained reflexes, drivers in their 50s and 60s are often considered the safest drivers. Drivers in their 70s and beyond tend to slow down in terms of ability and find that their car insurance may trend higher as they age.

Of course, your car and location will still impact your senior citizen car insurance. For example, drivers who live in high crime or congested areas and those with vehicles at an increased risk of theft will have higher premiums than drivers who don't have the same liabilities.

Most recent senior car insurance quotes

Recent Auto Insurance Quote from MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO
Male, Age 79
2011 NISSAN VERSA 1.6 S 4DR
November 19, 2024
Cheapest Quote
$ 451 / month
$5,410 / year
Average Quote
$ 535 / month
$6,421 / year
Savings
$ 84 / month
$1,011 / year
or
15.75 %
Recent Auto Insurance Quote from WASAGA BEACH, ONTARIO
Female, Age 65
2013 HYUNDAI ACCENT GL 5DR
November 19, 2024
Cheapest Quote
$ 52 / month
$628 / year
Average Quote
$ 103 / month
$1,241 / year
Savings
$ 51 / month
$613 / year
or
49.40 %
Recent Auto Insurance Quote from MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO
Male, Age 70
2011 BMW 535i 4DR
November 19, 2024
Cheapest Quote
$ 122 / month
$1,468 / year
Average Quote
$ 219 / month
$2,629 / year
Savings
$ 97 / month
$1,161 / year
or
44.16 %
Auto insurance quotes are compared from CAA, Coachman Insurance Company, Echelon Insurance, Economical Insurance, Gore Mutual, Pafco, Pembridge, SGI, Travelers, Zenith Insurance Company

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How to get a cheaper car insurance premium as a senior  

Seniors living on a reduced income can reduce their insurance bills without sacrificing coverage. Tips to get more affordable car insurance as a senior include:

  • Professional associations: Insurance companies offer discounts for affiliations, with one such example being members of the Canadian Association for Retired Persons (CARP).
  • Bundle insurance packages: Often, an insurance company will give you a discount if you bundle insurance policies, such as home and car.
  • Less commuting: Once you retire, you'll probably be driving less. Informing your insurance provider of this change may make you eligible for a discount.
  • Telematics: Usage-based insurance, otherwise called telematics, is a device you can install in your vehicle or download on your phone. This technology lets your insurance company track your driving habits. Good driving is rewarded with discounts. However, if the data gathered shows unsafe driving patterns, insurance companies can use it to justify premium increases.
  • Special senior policies: Go for an insurance company that offers discounts and has tailored policies for seniors or retirees. A prime example of this is Grey Power Insurance, a division of Intact Insurance. Grey Power caters to drivers and homeowners ages 50 and older in Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
  • Stay healthy: Take care of your health and make sure you have regular checkups for eyesight, hearing and general well-being. The healthier you are, the safer it is to be behind the wheel.
  • Keep your vehicle healthy, too: Perform regular maintenance and inspect your brakes. Driving a safer car with better features can turn into discounts.
  • Retiree discounts: Ask about specific age-based discounts, like a mature driver discount, a retiree discount (up to 15%) or a claims-free/conviction-free discount (if you have gone a long time without making a claim). These can all lead to significant savings.
  • Reduce coverage: If you're driving an older car, you may still be paying for insurance you don't need, such as collision or comprehensive insurance. Speak with an insurance professional to see if you can afford to lose these coverages.
  • Loyalty: If you have been with the same insurance company for a while, ask about loyalty discounts.

Frequently asked questions about car insurance for seniors  

Still have questions about getting car insurance as a senior? Here’s what else you should know.

How can I get the cheapest car insurance as a senior driver?

Getting the cheapest senior car insurance coverage is relatively simple. As an experienced driver, you have seen a lot and know how to navigate the rules of the road. Stay safe and claim-free, and don't drink and drive. If the weather seems inclement, stay home.

These tips will maintain the clean driving record you've acquired over the years – something your insurance provider will look favourably on.

Also, compare rates. RATESDOTCA has a variety of current rate comparisons from the country's top senior citizen car insurance providers. With a few simple clicks and pieces of information, we'll match you with the provider offering your new, lower rate in no time.

Does car insurance cost more for senior citizens?

Age is one of the most significant factors determining your auto insurance rates. Young drivers often face higher premiums that level out and decrease as they get older and build an insurance history.

Once in your 70s and 80s, insurance rates may increase again. You do not need to settle for those rates, but here's why auto insurance for seniors typically costs more. Many senior drivers experience age-related changes in their vision and hearing, have slower reflexes, experience side effects of medications, or have other health conditions that affect driving abilities.

Treatments and rehabilitation for seniors can be costly, leading to higher insurance rates.

This is why shopping around and finding an insurance provider who appreciates your driving experience is essential. Taking five minutes to compare rates can bring you peace of mind and great savings.

Do insurance rates differ for drivers in their 50s versus those in their 60s?

There will be slight differences in car insurance premiums and policies between people in their 50s and 60s, and drivers who are 70 and up.

Suppose you’re a safe driver in your 50s. You likely enjoy cheaper auto insurance rates as you are still in the bracket of being a good driver with plenty of driving experience. As you reach your 60s, your rates might change depending on your experience. If you have remained claims-free and are in good health, you may not see much difference in your rates.

Once you reach your 70s, your risk level increases, and you might see your insurance rates go up as a result. You may see further premium increases when you get to 80 and beyond.

Each time you face a premium increase is an opportunity to compare car insurance rates to see if you can find a better deal. Look for discounts you might not be cashing in on, such as retiree discounts. Many providers may offer this if you are a mature driver over 50.

Is there a maximum age cap for car insurance in Ontario?  

No, as long as you’re still a good driver and continue to meet your licence requirements, you can still get car insurance.

Once you turn 80, you will be required to go for a drivers' license renewal program in Ontario. It will test your driving abilities and ensure you can stay safe on the roads. The test includes:

  • A standard vision test
  • In-class screening assignments
  • A driving record review
  • Participation in an interactive group education session

This usually takes around 90 minutes. If you pass, you meet the requirements for license renewal. Sometimes, you must take a road test and complete a medical checkup. Ontario's senior drivers must renew their drivers' licence every two years. If you can legally drive, you can still get car insurance.

Your driving experience counts. Find your best rates today.

Perhaps the easiest way for seniors to save is to compare auto insurance rates. While age is certainly one of the factors determining auto insurance rates, it isn’t the only one. Compare 50+ quotes from Canada’s top insurance providers to find the best available car insurance rates available today.

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