Drivers typically see an increase in car insurance rates starting at age 65, according to CarInsurance.com data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that older drivers have higher fatal crash rates than those aged 35 to 54.
Even though rates may rise, seniors can still find good car insurance deals. Our guide will help find the most affordable rates for senior drivers in California and suggest other ways to save on your auto insurance premiums.
- The average cost of car insurance for a 65-year-old driver in California is $2,284 per year for a full coverage policy.
- According to CarInsurance.com’s research, a 70-year-old driver in California pays 6% more for full coverage than more for full coverage than a 65-year-old driver.
- Finding the cheapest car insurance for seniors over 70 becomes more important as rates increases significantly. For instance, a 75-year-old driver in California pays 11% more more a full coverage policy than a 65-year-old driver.
- Reviewing and comparing car insurance quotes every six months or at renewal can help you find the most affordable rates.
Cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in California
Below are the cheapest, full-coverage car insurance rates in California for drivers at various ages:
- Overall cheapest car insurance for seniors over 60: GEICO, $161 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 65: GEICO, $153 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 70: GEICO, $160 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 75: GEICO, $171 per month.
Compare cheap car insurance quotes for senior drivers in California
Below, find the cheapest car insurance rates in California from major insurers for three coverage levels: state minimum, liability-only with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage with 100/300/100 limits.
Select your age and type of coverage below to see the average annual and monthly rates.
| Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
State minimum car insurance refers to the least amount of coverage that a driver is legally required to have in a particular state. This typically includes liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage to others if you are at fault in an accident. Each state sets its own minimum requirements for coverage limits.
Liability car insurance with limits of 50/100/50 means:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 per accident for property damage
A liability policy covers expenses for injuries and damages you cause to others in an accident, but not your own injuries or vehicle damage.
Full coverage insurance with limits of 100/300/100 includes higher liability limits:
- $100,000 per person for bodily injury
- $300,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple people
- $100,000 per accident for property damage
It also typically includes:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damages to your car from a collision.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages to your car from non-collision events (e.g., theft, fire, vandalism).
Full coverage ensures you are covered for a wide range of incidents, both for your liability to others and for your own vehicle’s damage.
Why do car insurance rates increase for senior drivers in California?
As drivers age, car insurance typically becomes more expensive. This is largely because statistics reveal that seniors, on average, are more involved in accidents than younger drivers, excluding teenagers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Although older drivers typically have many years of experience on the road, they often face age-related challenges such as hearing or vision loss, slower reflexes, medication side effects and other health issues that can complicate driving.
According to the CDC, drivers aged over 70 have higher crash death rates per 1,000 crashes compared to those aged 35-54. NHTSA data also shows that in 2020, senior drivers 65 and older were involved in 13% of fatal accidents, marking a 26% increase since 2011.
In addition, older drivers are more likely to need medical treatment even after a minor accident, and steep hospital expenses contribute to an overall increase in insurance rates.
“Unfortunately, as we move past middle age, the odds of being more severely injured or dying in a car crash increase significantly,” says Carole Walker, executive director at Rocky Mountain Insurance Association.
“Statistically, older drivers have a higher risk of causing a crash, but an even bigger factor adding to higher car insurance bills are common health problems that make them more prone to being hurt and incurring medical bills – even in low-speed or less serious crashes,” she says.
According to an analysis by CarInsurance.com, rates start to climb for most senior drivers in their mid-60s and continue to increase from then on.
In California, the average cost for a full coverage policy is $2,284 for a 65-year-old and $2,416 for a 70-year-old.
CarInsurance.com found that 70-year-old drivers pay 6% more for full coverage than 65-year-old drivers in California, and 75-year-old drivers pay 11% more for a full coverage policy.
The table below shows the annual average rate increase for senior drivers by age in California for different coverage levels:
| Age | State minimum | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | $549 | $837 | $2,284 |
| 70 | $604 | $913 | $2,416 |
| 75 | $659 | $992 | $2,571 |
Coverage types:
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comp/coll deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage only
Find out how much insurance costs for seniors
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with tickets in California
A speeding ticket or other moving violation will raise your insurance rates regardless of your age. Insurers love statistics, and data show that a driver with a ticket on their record is more likely to get in an accident that may result in a claim.
The rate hike will differ between insurance companies, but California drivers can expect a 47% increase in their premiums after receiving a speeding ticket for driving 1-29 mph over the limit.
If you are a senior with a speeding ticket or other minor moving violation on your record, expect to pay more for coverage. When we ran the numbers, these were the best insurance companies for seniors with tickets on their records.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 speeding ticket | Monthly rates with 1 speeding ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | $2,653 | $221 |
| GEICO | $2,869 | $239 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $3,104 | $259 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $3,188 | $266 |
| State Farm | $3,249 | $271 |
| Progressive | $3,314 | $276 |
| Allstate | $3,419 | $285 |
| Travelers | $3,481 | $290 |
| Farmers | $4,005 | $334 |
| Nationwide | $4,768 | $397 |
| USAA* | $2,168 | $181 |
Compare senior car insurance rates in neighboring states
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with DUIs in California
A DUI is a serious offense and your insurance rates will skyrocket once it appears on your driving record. Typically, your insurance premium will double after a DUI. According to our data, in some states, the increase can be as high as 224% after your first DUI. If you get a second DUI, the insurance rates could increase by 461%.
Finding affordable coverage (or any coverage) will become more difficult after a DUI. Still, according to our data, these are the best insurers for seniors with a DUI in California:
| Company | Annual rates with DUI first offense | Monthly rates with DUI first offense |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | $3,318 | $277 |
| GEICO | $4,628 | $386 |
| Travelers | $4,925 | $410 |
| Progressive | $5,208 | $434 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $6,827 | $569 |
| Nationwide | $7,296 | $608 |
| State Farm | $7,564 | $630 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $9,066 | $756 |
| Allstate | $9,330 | $778 |
| Farmers | $11,877 | $990 |
| USAA* | $5,528 | $461 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in California
Similar to a ticket or DUI, an accident on your record will lead to higher insurance rates. Although the exact increase depends on the insurer, data show drivers can expect a 75% hike in premiums after an at-fault accident with property damage over $2,000.
The increase will typically stay in place for three to five years, so it’s important to find the most affordable insurance company. Our data shows that the following insurers offer the cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in California.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 at-fault accident | Monthly rates with 1 at-fault accident |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | $3,288 | $274 |
| Progressive | $3,547 | $296 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $3,572 | $298 |
| State Farm | $3,622 | $302 |
| GEICO | $3,727 | $311 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $3,824 | $319 |
| Travelers | $4,022 | $335 |
| Farmers | $4,661 | $388 |
| Nationwide | $4,824 | $402 |
| Allstate | $5,563 | $464 |
| USAA* | $2,927 | $244 |
How can seniors save on car insurance in California?
Auto insurance for seniors can be expensive, but there are ways to save. The following are easy ways to reduce your premiums:
- Shop around: Shopping regularly for car insurance – every six months or yearly around renewal time – can ensure you have the best price.
- Raise your deductible: Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save you a bit of money every month – but make sure you have the necessary funds to cover the higher deductible.
- Ask about discounts: Discounts – bundling with homeowners insurance, loyalty discounts and discounts for years of being licensed – are a great way to save on your car insurance. More on discounts below.
Editor’s Tip:Take a senior driving course: With an approved defensive driving course, seniors can save up to 4% on their car insurance in California. The American Automobile Association(AAA) and AARP offer defensive driving courses for senior drivers in California.
Car insurance discounts for senior drivers in California
Seniors can take advantage of these car insurance discounts to reduce their insurance costs.
| Discount type | Potential annual savings |
|---|---|
| Defensive driver | 4% |
| Lower annual mileage | 12% |
| Loyalty – years renewal with company | 11% |
| Marital status | 10% |
| Multi policy | 9% |
| Primary use | 9% |
| Safety devices | 3% |
| Telematics | 5% |
| Years insured | 9% |
| Years licensed | 41% |
Choosing the cheapest and best car insurance for seniors in California
Senior drivers pay higher premiums than young adult drivers (excluding teens, of course). To find an affordable policy, assess your needs and determine the right amount of coverage.
When comparing insurance options, consider the cost, customer service and discounts offered. Search for the best auto insurance companies with affordable rates and user-friendly websites or apps.
FAQ: Cheap car insurance for seniors in California
Who has the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in California?
Based on our data, $386 offers the lowest state minimum auto insurance rates for seniors in California, at $386 yearly. State Farm and Progressive also provide affordable rates on state minimum coverage for seniors in California.
Which companies offer the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in California?
According to CarInsurance.com, GEICO offers the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in California at $617 per year. State Farm and Progressive also offer inexpensive rates.
Does State Farm offer a senior discount in California?
State Farm doesn’t offer a specific senior discount in California, but it provides several discounts that seniors can use to reduce their insurance rates. These include discounts for completing a defensive driving course, safe driving, being a long-term customer, bundling policies and vehicle advanced safety features.
Bottom line
GEICO is the cheapest for senior drivers in California. To find the best car insurance rates, seniors should shop around and compare quotes online from various insurers. They can also qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with other types of coverage.
Check out how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Resources & Methodology
Additional Resources
There are several resources available for older drivers who want to stay safe behind the wheel and save on their insurance premiums:
- American Automobile Association: AAA helps senior drivers to continue driving for as long and safely as possible.
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons): AARP’s smart driver program helps senior drivers to learn proven driving techniques and save money on car insurance.
- National Institute on Aging: The NIA provides tips to senior drivers about health and driving and offers free publications to aging seniors to answer health-related queries.
- Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure Online: This web-based tool helps family members identify at-risk drivers.
- Eldercare Locator: Helps senior drivers maintain their independence, and provides information about highway safety for aging drivers and services.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “Older Adult Drivers.” Accessed July 2025.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed July 2025.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed July 2025.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed July 2025.
Behind the rates: How we analyzed cheapest costs for seniors in California
CarInsurance.com gathered car insurance rates for senior drivers from Quadrant Information Services. The rates are for a full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible based on sample profiles of 65, 70 & 75 year old male and female drivers with clean driving records. We have compared 53,409,632 car insurance quotes across 34,588 ZIP codes from 170 national and regional car insurance companies.
To determine car insurance rates for senior drivers with a history of traffic violations, CarInsurance.com used a sample profile of a 65-year-old driver who owns a Honda Accord LX. We have compared 50,73,544 insurance quotes from 138 companies across 1,468 ZIP codes.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 65-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied
- One at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- One at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accidents
- DUI/DWI first offense.
- Speeding ticket (1-10 MPH over the limit,11-29 MPH over the limit & 30+ over limit)
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparison purposes.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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