After decades of driving, seniors know how to avoid street hazards, spot unsafe drivers, and minimize your risks on the road. In fact, as a senior, you have more driving experience than 80 percent of people behind the wheel of a car. It makes sense that you should be rewarded for your driving knowledge and familiarity with the road. If your golden years are upon you, don’t settle for just any auto insurance coverage. We here at Patriot Insurance are breaking down our top tips to help mature drivers find the best car insurance.
1. Look for a Senior Discount
Senior citizens earn some pretty great discounts just for reaching an age of maturity. If you pay less for meals and movie tickets, why shouldn’t you get a discount on insurance, too? It makes sense. On average, seniors are safer drivers on average than younger, less experienced drivers. Despite having slightly slower reflexes, a mature driver’s experience gives her an edge when it comes to predicting driver behavior or avoiding dangerous situations. Depending on the insurer and your age, you could save 5 percent or more based on your age alone.
2. Tell Your Agent about Life Events
Life can throw you a curveball at times; some you anticipate and some you don’t. It is important to keep your agent in the loop when major events occur that could affect your car insurance. When you retire, for example, you may immediately qualify for a special discount with certain insurers who acknowledge your lower risk of collision. Since retirees do not have a daily commute, don’t be surprised if you see your premiums reduced when you’re not driving back and forth to work every day.
3. Find an Insurer that Acknowledges Your Safe Driving
Not all insurance companies consider the same factors when determining how much you pay for coverage. If you haven’t had an accident or traffic violation in two or more years, ask for a safe driving discount.
4. Look for Other Discounts
As a mature driver, you’ve probably accomplished a lot in your life. The best car insurance company for you is should acknowledge your history and reward your actions and affiliations with lower rates. For example, you may qualify for additional discounts if you are a veteran of the U.S. military, a retired federal employee, or if you are part of a particular alumni association.
5. Refresh Your Memory
Unless your driver’s license expired for some reason, it is unlikely that you have taken a driver education course since the first time you got your license. Although you have been driving for years, consider taking a refresher course that teaches driver safety tips and information. Then, look for an insurance company that will reward you for your commitment to safe driving. According to Bankrate, a driver safety course can save a senior an average of more than $100 year in Minnesota.
6. Shop Around
We know how important it is to maintain quality coverage at an affordable price as you approach retirement. That is why we encourage seniors to compare auto insurance with a number of insurance companies to find the coverage you need at a fair price. Getting multiple insurance quotes is easy at Patriot Insurance. We represent multiple insurance companies and can do the shopping for you. When insurance companies compete for your business, you win. Give us a call or request a face-to-face meeting, we’d be happy to sit down and answer your questions and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote.
