Senior Car Insurance: What You Need To Know

18 Aug

Senior Car Insurance: What You Need To Know

Author: admin // Category: auto insurance tips, Car Insurance

Insurance is about numbers and statistics. High risk groups are classified so because someone read the National Traffic Safety Board statistics categorizing age groups. High risk vehicles are described as those most likely to be stolen or most likely to crash in a race. Statistics regarding having heart attacks at the wheel or accidents caused by seizures show up on insurance companies’ desks regularly. So, if insurance is about the numbers, seniors have a couple aces in their sleeves regarding numbers, because not all seniors are high risk despite the categorization.

The Car

Insurance companies want to insure newer cars with many safety features. Senior drivers know the value of caution, so they will follow the speed limit and approach intersections cautiously to avoid accidents. Newer cars come with seat adjustment so the senior can comfortably see what’s in front of their car. Seniors with good driving records will get lower insurance rates on newer cars because they are careful.

The Location

Where the senior lives matters to an insurance company. Many seniors tend to live in senior communities, often in zip codes outside the city limits proper. This will help the senior avoid traffic conflicts in cities, which is another thing by which insurance companies categorize people. Some seniors live in suburbs, while others stay in the country, whose roads are less heavily traveled. This pleases insurance companies and the seniors will receive a good rate on their premiums.

Health

As the body ages, things wear out. The eyes need stronger glasses, the ears require aid and the legs don’t dance like they used to, so the reflexes are slower. Insurance companies know these things, so senior insurance rates go up. It is unfortunate that insurance companies don’t know seniors personally, for if they did, they would recognize no diminution in driving skills. On the other hand, seniors who take driving classes will get a better rate on their premiums because they are keeping those skills fresh.

Advantages

Since most seniors live on fixed incomes, scouring for excellent insurance rates is a given. Make being a senior work for you by getting discounts for your age, your marriage, military service, college education, excellent driving record and safety courses taken. Insurers will fight for your business, so make them pay you for all the good things in your favor. All you have to do is ask.

Insurance is about numbers, yes, but senior drivers have numbers of their own. Retaking the driving license test requiring an eye exam, then showing the results to the insurance companies will net good numbers. Not everyone fits into a stereotyped group, and seniors can be good drivers.

Miles Walker is a freelance writer who normally writes feature articles on car insurance quotes for CarInsuranceComparison.org. He recently wrote about West Virginia car insurance.