Car Insurance for Senior Citizens

Posted on Nov 16th 2009, 02:46 pm, under Find The Best Auto Insurance Quotes

Usually, a vehicular accident is one of the first signs that a senior citizen should stop driving. Now this can be a really difficult thing to do; it's always hard to give up one's independence. But it is also an indisputable fact that a person's vision, coordination, and reaction time deteriorate with age. Drivers over the age of 75 have among the highest rates of fatal daytime accidents. If you're a senior citizen who still wants to keep on driving, it's absolutely imperative that you maintain your driving skills.

Just like any other driver, you'll also be needing auto insurance if you want to get on the road. Check out our quick list of tips for lowering your insurance rates for senior citizens: 

1. Pass a defensive driving course. Eight-hour classes are offered by local and state agencies at a cost of $10 to $30 an hour. You may also ask your insurance agent about the availability of these driving courses, inquire at the nearest AAA chapter, or check the web site of the National Safety Council. The good news is that most states mandate insurance policy discounts for these classes, and several insurance firms offer them of their own accord.

2. Check for other discounts. If you are already retired and don't have a full-time job, you may be able to get a 5% discount off your auto insurance. However, the specific age requirement for benefits like this varies according to insurance companies and state laws, so ask your insurance agent for more information. You may also get discounts for air bags, anti-lock brakes, and other safety features.

3. Do some comparison shopping. Use consumer auto insurance information from your state's insurance department. To find your state's auto insurance information, you can check the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

4. Drop some insurance policy components. This is more advisable for owners of older vehicles. You can generally afford to dispense with collision and comprehensive coverage. Consider increasing your deductibles as well.

5. Don't get into accidents. Keeping a clean driving record is one of the best ways of keeping your insurance rates down, no matter what age you are.

In the end, remember that medications, health problems, and physical conditions may keep you from operating a vehicle properly and safely. Conditions that have been tied to auto accidents include the following: diabetes, joint inflammation, vision issues, neurological disorders, and foot problems. Always be realistic about your capability to keep driving. Ask your doctor for the final verdict on whether you're fit enough to drive yourself.