Does car insurance go up when you turn 70?

Asked by: Gianni Crooks II  |  Last update: April 25, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (68 votes)

Yes, car insurance rates often start to creep up as you turn 70 and continue to rise in your 70s and beyond, as insurers see older drivers as a higher risk for accidents and injuries, even with a clean record, though rates usually stabilize and are lowest in the 50s and early 60s. Factors like increased accident risk, potential health issues, and rising repair costs contribute to these increases, but seniors can save by taking defensive driving courses, asking for low-mileage discounts, comparing quotes, and increasing deductibles.

At what age is car insurance most expensive?

Teenagers, particularly 16 to 19-year-olds, pay the most for car insurance due to inexperience and higher crash rates, with male teens often paying even more than female teens, while costs generally decrease through the 20s and 30s before rising slightly for senior drivers (70+). 

What is the best car insurance for seniors over 70?

They found that Geico tends to have the best rates for seniors, though not always. The top five were Geico, USAA, Esurance, AAA, and State Farm. Generally, auto insurance rates are higher for seniors but these five are your best bet for both auto and home.

At what age do car insurance rates increase?

Experienced drivers are less likely to have accident claims, which means they cost less to insure. At Progressive, the average premium per driver tends to decrease significantly from 19-34 and then stabilize or decrease slightly from 34-75. At age 75, the average premium begins trending upward.

How much should seniors be paying for car insurance?

Seniors' car insurance costs vary, generally staying lower in the 60s (around $1,500-$2,400/year for full coverage) but increasing significantly after 70, potentially reaching $2,600-$3,000+ for ages 75+, due to perceived higher risk, though factors like driving record, location, and discounts play a huge role. Expect rates for those 65-75 to average $1,700-$2,200 annually, while drivers 80+ might pay $2,850 or more, with minimum coverage being much cheaper. 

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16 related questions found

Does your car insurance go up after 70?

Yes, car insurance rates often start to increase around age 70 because insurers see a higher risk of accidents and injuries in older drivers due to factors like slower reaction times and potential vision/hearing decline, though increases can begin earlier, around 65, and vary by insurer and state. While rates generally rise, seniors can mitigate costs by shopping around, taking defensive driving courses, asking about discounts, and maintaining a clean record, say sources from Bankrate, GEICO, and Liberty Mutual. 

At what age does car insurance increase for seniors?

Premiums often start creeping upward around age 65–70, with sharper increases seen in the 70s and beyond. Some states regulate how insurers can adjust rates for age, but most allow companies to factor in age-related risk.

How can I lower car insurance costs at any age?

Some of the most impactful ways to lower your car insurance include qualifying for multiple discounts, avoiding accidents, and changing your coverage. Comparing rates, trying usage-based insurance, and knowing how your vehicle might affect your rate can also help.

Why is my insurance going up as I get older?

Your age helps insurance companies estimate how much you'll use your health plan. As you age, health risks are more likely to increase. This means you'll have a greater chance of needing hospital care for illnesses, injuries, and other medical conditions.

What else lowers car insurance costs?

13 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Rate

  • Increase your deductible.
  • Check for discounts you qualify for.
  • Compare auto insurance quotes.
  • Maintain a good driving record.
  • Participate in a safe driving program.
  • Take a defensive driving course.
  • Explore payment options.
  • Improve your credit score.

How can seniors lower their premiums?

Adjust your daily benefit amount

For example, choosing a daily benefit that covers 70% to 80% of the average care costs in your area and supplementing the remainder with personal savings or other resources can result in lower premiums while still providing substantial protection against long-term care expenses.

At what point is full coverage not worth it?

Full coverage isn't worth it when your car's value is low (often under $4,000-$5,000), the annual cost of premiums approaches 10% of the car's value, you can easily afford to replace it or pay for repairs from savings, or you've paid off the loan and the lender no longer requires it, making liability-only a financially sound choice for older, lower-value vehicles. 

Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, with Medicare often offering lower overall costs and broader provider choice (Original Medicare) but private plans potentially covering dependents and having out-of-pocket caps, while Medicare Advantage blends aspects of both, requiring careful comparison of costs, networks, and benefits. Medicare typically has lower premiums and administrative costs but Original Medicare has no out-of-pocket maximum, while private insurance offers family coverage but higher premiums, and Advantage plans can have provider restrictions. 

How does credit score impact car insurance?

Insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to help predict the likelihood of a customer filing a claim. Studies have shown a strong correlation between credit history and risk, which is why many insurers include this factor when setting rates. It's just one of several elements used to determine your premium.

What car is cheapest to insure?

The cheapest cars to insure are typically reliable SUVs, trucks, and sedans with good safety ratings and low repair costs, with models like the Honda CR-V, Subaru Outback, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Kona/Venue frequently topping lists for low premiums. Factors like brand (Subaru, Honda, Ford, Chevy are often cheap), vehicle type (SUVs/trucks are often cheaper than sports cars), and features (safety tech, repair cost) influence rates, with luxury cars being the most expensive.
 

What is the cheapest car insurance for seniors over 70?

GEICO provides the cheapest full coverage car insurance for seniors with the lowest average rate of $184 per month, saving seniors 34% compared to the national average. The average cost of car insurance for seniors across coverage levels is $1,617 per year or $135 per month without discounts.

Why is my car insurance so high when I have nothing on my record?

Your car insurance is high with a clean record due to industry-wide factors like inflation, rising repair/medical costs, and more accidents, plus personal factors like your location (high-risk ZIP code), age, type of car, credit score, or recent claims (even non-at-fault). Insurers raise rates to cover increased payouts from severe weather, uninsured drivers, and increased litigation, affecting everyone even without personal infractions. 

Why am I paying $400 a month for car insurance?

Your car insurance is $400/month likely due to a combination of factors like your driving record (accidents/tickets), demographics (age, location), vehicle type, low credit score, and the rising costs of repairs and claims generally, especially with inflation and increased distracted driving, requiring a higher coverage level (full coverage). A $400/month premium, while high, can also stem from adding new drivers, moving to a higher-risk area, or simply not shopping around for better rates. 

What is the 80/20 rule in insurance?

The 80/20 Rule, part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), requires health insurers to spend at least 80% of premium dollars on medical care and quality improvement, with the remaining 20% for administrative costs (salaries, marketing, profit). For large group plans, the requirement is 85%. If insurers don't meet these Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) standards, they must issue rebates to consumers.
 

Is $300 a month for car insurance bad?

Yes, $300 a month for car insurance is generally considered expensive, as the national average for full coverage is much lower (around $166-$295/month), but it can be justified for certain drivers, like teens or those in high-risk areas, or with luxury/frequently stolen cars, so it depends heavily on your individual circumstances, age, location, and vehicle. 

How to actually get cheaper car insurance?

To lower car insurance, shop around for better rates, bundle policies, increase your deductible, and ask for discounts like good driver, low mileage, or anti-theft features; you can also improve your driving record, maintain good credit, and consider usage-based insurance to show you're a safe driver, as rates vary significantly between companies and based on individual factors. 

Does car insurance go up when you're 70?

Yes, car insurance rates often start to increase around age 70 because insurers see a higher risk of accidents and injuries in older drivers due to factors like slower reaction times and potential vision/hearing decline, though increases can begin earlier, around 65, and vary by insurer and state. While rates generally rise, seniors can mitigate costs by shopping around, taking defensive driving courses, asking about discounts, and maintaining a clean record, say sources from Bankrate, GEICO, and Liberty Mutual. 

What coverage options are best for seniors?

Medicare is the best health insurance option for seniors and retirees. Medicare has both the best benefits and cheapest rates for people age 65 and older or who have a qualifying disability. You can choose between two different options: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

What is the most expensive age for car insurance?

Teenagers, particularly 16 to 19-year-olds, pay the most for car insurance due to inexperience and higher crash rates, with male teens often paying even more than female teens, while costs generally decrease through the 20s and 30s before rising slightly for senior drivers (70+).