Seniors Auto Insurance

Get the Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors and Drivers Over 50.

Senior car insurance

Drivers in their 50s and 60s are seen as some of the safest drivers on the road and have the experience to back it up. 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 largely on your personal driving record and insurance history. As you enter your 70s and 80s, you may notice your premiums increasing again. One way to ensure you’re still getting the best rate is to compare car insurance quotes. 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 be getting a better deal.

Tips for seniors to lower car insurance premiums

Here are some ways to help keep your insurance premiums low and save you some money.

Professional associations: insurance companies offer discounts for affiliations, with one such example being members of the Canadian Association for Retired Persons (CARP)

Raise your deductible: if you find yourself driving less, it might be a good idea to raise your deductible.

Bundle insurance packages: oftentimes an insurance company will give you a discount if you bundle insurance policies, such as home and car.

Less commuting: once retired your commuting frequency will be drastically reduced. 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 lets your insurance company track your driving habits. Good driving is rewarded with discounts, while not-so-great habits cannot be used to increase your premiums.

Special seniors’ policies: go for an insurance company that offers discounts and has tailored policies for seniors or retirees. Make sure to ask them all the questions!

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 vehicle 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 (these can be 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.

Loyalty: if you have been with the same insurance company for a while, ask about loyalty discounts.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about car insurance for seniors

Does car insurance cost more for senior citizens?

Your age is one of the biggest factors in 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 you’re in your 70’s and 80’s, however, insurance rates may start to increase again. This is because elderly drivers are considered to be at higher risk of accidents and claims, often related to changes in health that can affect us as we age.

Insurance is a game of risk. Unfortunately, statistics show that drivers over the age of 70 are more likely to file claims, and thus drivers in this age group often see their insurance rates increase as the years go by.

You do not need to settle for those rates, but here’s why auto insurance for seniors typically cost more. Many senior drivers experience age-related changes in their vision and/or hearing, have slower reflexes, experience side effects of medications, or have other health conditions that affect driving abilities. In the event of an unfortunate situation on the road, treatments and rehabilitation for seniors can be costly, leading to higher insurance rates. This is why it is important to shop around and find the insurance provider who understands your driving experience, thereby finding you the best rates that bring you peace of mind, and great savings.

Is there a difference between car insurance for someone that’s 50 and someone that’s 65?

There will be slight differences in car insurance premiums and policies between people in their 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80+.

If 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 sixties, your rates might start to change depending on your experience. If you have remained claims-free and are in good health, you may not see much of a 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. When you reach 80 and beyond, you may see further premium increases.

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 above the age of 50 and retired from employment.

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 the requirements of your licence, you can still get car insurance.

In Ontario, once you turn 80, you will be required to go for a drivers’ license renewal program to test your driving abilities and ensure you can stay safe on the roads. This 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 will be required to take a road test and/or complete a medical checkup. Senior drivers in Ontario are required to renew their drivers’ licence every two years. As long as you can still 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 multiple quotes from over 50 of Canada’s top insurance providers to find the best available car insurance rates available today.