For drivers, car insurance rates start to increase around age 65, according to 2022 CarInsurance.com data. That’s not surprising. Older drivers have higher crash deaths than drivers between the ages of 35 and 54, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC data also shows that 20 older adults are killed every day in car crashes.
But that doesn’t mean seniors can’t find good deals on car insurance. Our guide will help you find the cheapest rates for seniors in California and learn other ways to save on auto insurance premiums.
- The average car insurance cost for a 60-year-old driver in California is $1,991 per year for a full coverage policy.
- A 70-year-old driver in California pays 8% more than a 60-year-old driver, based on CarInsurance.com research.
- In California, a 75-year-old driver pays for a full coverage policy 14% more than a 60-year-old driver.
- Shopping around for car insurance in California – every six months or annually around renewal time can help you get the best rate.
- Cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in California
- Compare cheap car insurance quotes for senior drivers in California
- Why do car insurance rates go up for senior drivers in California?
- How can seniors save on car insurance in California?
- Choosing the cheapest and best car insurance for seniors in California
- Bottom line
- Additional Resources
Cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in California
Below are the cheapest, full-coverage car insurance rates in California for drivers at various ages:
- Cheapest for seniors, overall: USAA, $132 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 60: Progressive, $115 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 65: Progressive, $122 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 70: USAA, $133 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 75: Geico, $142 per month.
Compare cheap car insurance quotes for senior drivers in California
Below are the cheapest California rates being offered by the major car insurance companies for three different coverage levels: The state minimum, liability-only coverage with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage car insurance with liability limits of 100/300/100.
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
Why do car insurance rates go up for senior drivers in California?
Car insurance premiums go up for most senior drivers in their mid-60s, according to 2022 CarInsurance.com data analysis, and then continue to climb. The average car insurance cost for a 60-year-old driver in California is $1,991 for a full coverage policy. Drivers age 70 pay $2,155 for the same coverage.
CarInsurance.com found that 70-year-old drivers pay 8% more than 60-year-old drivers in California, and 75-year-old drivers pay 14% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | $561 | $817 | $1,991 |
| 65 | $571 | $830 | $2,014 |
| 70 | $631 | $914 | $2,155 |
| 75 | $679 | $980 | $2,270 |
Coverage Types:
- Full Coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability Only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State Minimum: State minimum coverage
You might also be interested inHow 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 help 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, senior drivers 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
Here are some car insurance discounts that can help seniors lower their insurance costs.
| Discount Type | Potential Annual Savings |
|---|---|
| Anti-Theft Device | 1% |
| Defensive Driver | 4% |
| Lower Annual Mileage | 12% |
| Loyalty – Years Renewal With Company | 13% |
| Marital Status | 10% |
| Multi Policy | 9% |
| Primary Use | 10% |
| Safety Devices | 3% |
| Telematics | 5% |
Choosing the cheapest and best car insurance for seniors in California
Senior drivers shell out higher premiums than younger adult drivers.
Carefully evaluate your needs and decide the amount of coverage to purchase. While shopping for insurance, consider the price, customer service and the discounts they offer.
Find the best auto insurance companies online to see which carrier provides affordable rates and easy-to-use websites or apps.
Cheapest Car insurance rates by state for Senior Drivers
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USAA offers the cheapest car insurance quotes for senior drivers in California for a full coverage policy, based on a 2022 CarInsurance.com analysis.
By shopping around and comparing rates online from different insurers, seniors can find the best deal on their car insurance. Additionally, senior drivers could qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with other types of insurance.
Additional Resources
There are a number of 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 related to health and driving and offers free publications to aging seniors answering 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 November 2022.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2019 Older People.” Accessed November 2022.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed November 2022.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed November 2022.
Methodology:
CarInsurance.com used rates for major car insurance companies from Quadrant Information Services for senior drivers in California.
The rates are based on sample profiles of drivers aged 60, 65, 70 and 75 with clean driving records. And the rates mentioned are for different coverage levels; state minimum coverage, liability-only and full coverage policy with a limit of 100/300/100, which represents $100,000 for bodily injury per person, $300,000 for bodily injury per accident and $100,000 in property damage.
The full coverage insurance rates also include comprehensive and collision coverage with a $500 deductible.
