You can't ignore that age will begin to present a few challenges to your everyday life. It might create new risks in driving your car. These new challenges could adversely affect your car insurance risk profile and rates. So, your best way to maintain your insurance security as you age is to know how to adapt to your changing needs. How can you do so?
As you age, you don't have to simply run out and change your car insurance. You can also make other, simpler changes in the meantime. Looking after yourself can help improve your security, and even reduce your risks. Thus, you'll have a better chance of maintaining stable rates and constant coverage over time.
Do Seniors Pay More for Auto Insurance?
Age is a factor that many insurers weigh when determining the premium for your car insurance. You might assume that your rates might rise because you present more driving risks as you get older.
After age 70, some seniors pose driving risks that are higher than the risks posed by teen drivers. Factors like infirmities, lack of coordination and poor eyesight might raise your chances of having a wreck and having to file a claim. That's a cost to the car insurer, which might equal a premium hike for the driver.
However, think twice about assuming age alone will equal higher prices. Believing that older age might drive up your car insurance costs is something of a myth. Yes, you do pose more driving risks past a certain age. Even so, you have a lot of factors going for you that can help you keep your rates stable over time.
Some of these might include:
- Many older drivers have established safety records behind them. Over years of driving, you'll learn to navigate many (potentially dangerous) conditions. Thus, you might prove less of a risk compared to someone who is a young driver. You will know what you are doing, in other words.
- If you have not had a lot of auto insurance claims in the past, you might maintain a lower risk of filing one in the future. Therefore, you might be able to keep your rates stable.
- A lot of insurers award rate discounts for seniors who maintain a clean driving record. However, you might have to remain claims-free to keep the discount.
- You might also be able to get a reduced rate by being a member of a senior organization, like AARP.
- Certain insurers allow senior drivers to take defensive driving courses and qualify for discounts in the process. The course will help you refresh your driving skills, and thus lower risks.
- Many seniors do not drive as much as they once did. Therefore, the less you hit the road, the lower your driving risks might prove. That could lower costs om your policy. Furthermore, if you drive your car under a certain number of miles per year, you could even get a discount.
Keep in mind, all auto insurers will weigh driving risks differently. Ask your agent to compare the policies that different insurers offer seniors. Your agent can likely help you select the coverage that will prove most beneficial to you.
Keeping Yourself Safe as a Senior Driver
You cannot deny that you will have to take extra precautions behind the wheel as you age. The more attention you pay to your personal needs, the lower your risks might prove.
Keep a few of the following security tips in mind, and you will likely feel a lot safer behind the wheel.
- If you receive a requirement to wear glasses or hearing aids, then use them in the car. These are two of the most important items that can improve your awareness behind the wheel. Your license might contain restrictions requiring you to wear these assistive devices.
- Talk to your doctor to see if certain medical conditions might impact your ability to drive. For example, if you are a diabetic, you should not drive with a low blood sugar.
- Drivers who take medication should know if the drug will cause reactions that might inhibit the ability to drive. For example, some medications might cause dizziness, witch is often detrimental to driving.
- Most states offer assistance to handicapped drivers. The most common example of this is the allotment of handicapped parking spaces. If you feel that you qualify for such services, talk to your doctor.
- If you are having trouble driving in certain conditions, think about changes you can make. For example, from now on, it might be better to stay home on the rainiest days. Or, you might decide not to drive after dark. If you must drive in such conditions, take your time and use extra precautions.
There's no set formula on how to take driving precautions as you get older. However, simply being aware of your own needs as they change can often keep your driving risks in check. That could save you a lot of hassles with your car insurance.
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