Car insurance premiums start to climb for drivers at around age 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes 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 Washington, D.C., and suggest other ways to save on your auto insurance premiums.
- The average car insurance cost for a 65-year-old driver in Washington, D.C., is $2,076 per year for a full coverage policy.
- A 70-year-old driver in Washington, D.C., pays 4% more for full coverage than a 65-year-old driver, based on CarInsurance.com research.
- In Washington, D.C., a 75-year-old driver pays for a full coverage policy 14% more a 65-year-old driver.
- Shopping around for car insurance in Washington, D.C., – every six months or annually around renewal time can help you get the best rate.
Cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in Washington, D.C.
Below are the cheapest, full-coverage car insurance rates in Washington, D.C., for drivers at various ages:
- Cheapest for seniors, overall: Geico, $127 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 65: Geico, $114 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 70: Geico, $124 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 75: Geico, $142 per month.
Compare cheap car insurance quotes for senior drivers in Washington, D.C.
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
Full coverage 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.
Below, find the cheapest car insurance rates in Washington, D.C., 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
Why do car insurance rates increase for senior drivers in Washington, D.C.?
Insurance rates for older drivers tend to increase due to several factors. Statistics suggest that seniors are more likely to be involved in accidents compared to younger drivers, excluding teen drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
While older drivers usually have decades of experience under their belt, they often suffer from age-related hearing or vision loss, slower reflexes, side effects from medicines and other health issues that can make driving more difficult.
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, seniors are more likely to require medical care, even after a less severe accident, and expensive hospital bills will increase the insurance cost.
“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.
All of this leads to higher car insurance rates. Car insurance premiums go up for most senior drivers in their mid-60s, according to CarInsurance.com data analysis, and then continue to climb. The average car insurance cost for a 65-year-old driver in Washington, D.C., is $2,076 for a full coverage policy. Drivers age 70 pay $2,165 for the same coverage.
CarInsurance.com found that 70-year-old drivers pay 4% more for full coverage than 65-year-old drivers in Washington, D.C., 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 Washington, D.C., for different coverage levels:
| Age | State minimum | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | $554 | $787 | $2,076 |
| 70 | $628 | $824 | $2,165 |
| 75 | $661 | $871 | $2,424 |
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
Find out how much insurance costs for seniors
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Cheapest car insurance for seniors with tickets in Washington, D.C.
A speeding ticket or other moving violation will increase your insurance premiums regardless of age. Insurers value statistics, and the data show that drivers who have tickets are more likely to be involved in accidents that might lead to claims.
While the increase will vary by the insurance company, according to CarInsurance.com, Washington, D.C., drivers can expect their rates to go up 26% after a speeding ticket that is 1-29 mph over the limit.
Seniors with a speeding ticket or minor moving violation should expect to pay more for coverage. According to our analysis, the best insurance companies for seniors with tickets are mentioned below.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 speeding ticket | Monthly rates with 1 speeding ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $1,685 | $140 |
| Progressive | $1,914 | $160 |
| State Farm | $2,392 | $199 |
| Geico | $2,949 | $246 |
| Chubb | $3,062 | $255 |
| Allstate | $4,341 | $362 |
| USAA* | $1,441 | $120 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with DUIs in Washington, D.C.
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 60% after your first DUI. If you get a second DUI, the insurance rates could increase by 101%.
Finding affordable coverage (or any coverage) will become more difficult after a DUI. Still, according to our data, the companies below are the best insurers for seniors with a DUI in Washington, D.C.:
| Company | Annual rates with DUI first offense | Monthly rates with DUI first offense |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,734 | $145 |
| State Farm | $2,392 | $199 |
| Erie Insurance | $2,473 | $206 |
| Geico | $3,585 | $299 |
| Allstate | $4,777 | $398 |
| Chubb | $6,268 | $522 |
| USAA* | $2,093 | $174 |
Cheapest car insurance rates by state for senior drivers
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Our apologies, we cannot display the data due to availability or spelling errors. Please check the spelling and try again. For assistance, reach out us via Cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in Washington, D.C.
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 46% hike in premiums after an at-fault accident with property damage over $2,000.
The increase will generally be in effect for three to five years, so it’s essential to seek the most affordable insurance provider. Below, these insurers offer the cheapest car insurance rates for seniors after an accident in Washington, D.C.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 at-fault accident | Monthly rates with 1 at-fault accident |
|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $2,080 | $173 |
| Progressive | $2,529 | $211 |
| State Farm | $2,597 | $216 |
| Geico | $2,759 | $230 |
| Chubb | $3,819 | $318 |
| Allstate | $5,117 | $426 |
| USAA* | $1,908 | $159 |
How can seniors save on car insurance in Washington, D.C.?
Auto insurance for seniors can be costly, but there are several ways to save. Here are some simple ways to lower your premiums:
- Shop around: Regularly comparing car insurance rates – every six months or annually when it’s time to renew – can help you secure the best deal.
- Raise your deductible: Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save you money each month, but ensure you have the funds available to cover the higher deductible if needed.
- Ask about discounts Bundling with homeowners insurance, loyalty discounts and discounts for years of being licensed are great ways to save on car insurance. Find more details on discounts below.
Editor’s Tip:Take a senior driving course: With an approved defensive driving course, seniors can save up to 3% on their car insurance in Washington, D.C. The American Automobile Association(AAA) and AARP offer defensive driving courses for senior drivers in Washington, D.C.
Car insurance discounts for senior drivers in Washington, D.C.
Here are some car insurance discounts to help seniors reduce their insurance costs. See how much seniors can save, on average, in the table below.
| Discount type | Potential annual savings |
|---|---|
| Air bags | 1% |
| Anti-theft device | 1% |
| Daily commute | 10% |
| Days advanced purchase | 6% |
| Days per week driven | 8% |
| Defensive driver | 3% |
| Education | 5% |
| Electronic funds transfer | 4% |
| Electronic signature | 5% |
| Homeowner | 5% |
| Lower annual mileage | 5% |
| Loyalty – years renewal with company | 7% |
| Marital status | 3% |
| Multi policy | 8% |
| Paperless/electronic documents | 4% |
| Payment type | 12% |
| Primary use | 19% |
| Profession | 5% |
| Safety devices | 3% |
| Telematics | 10% |
| Years insured | 13% |
| Years licensed | 26% |
Choosing the cheapest and best car insurance for seniors in Washington, D.C.
Senior drivers generally pay higher premiums than younger adult drivers. If you want an affordable policy, carefully evaluate your needs and determine the coverage amount. When shopping for insurance, consider the price, customer service and available discounts.
Find the best auto insurance companies online to see which carrier provides affordable rates and easy-to-use websites or apps.
FAQ: Cheap car insurance for seniors in Washington, D.C.
Who has the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in Washington, D.C.?
According to our data, Chubb offers the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in Washington, D.C., at about $363 a year, on average. Geico and Erie Insurance also scored high when it comes to cheap state minimum insurance coverage for seniors in Washington, D.C.
Which companies offer the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in Washington, D.C.?
Chubb has the cheapest liability car insurance coverage for senior drivers in Washington, D.C., at an average annual premium of $495. Geico and Erie Insurance also offer cheap liability insurance rates to seniors in Washington, D.C., based on CarInsurance.com data analysis.
Does State Farm offer a senior discount in Washington, D.C.?
State Farm does not currently offer a senior discount in Washington, D.C., but it does offer quite a few deals that seniors can use to lower their premiums. This includes discounts for taking a defensive driving course, a safe driving discount, long-term customer, bundling and discounts for advanced safety features on your vehicle.
Bottom line
Geico offers the cheapest car insurance quotes for senior drivers in Washington, D.C., for a full coverage policy, based on a 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.
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 November 2024.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed November 2024.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed November 2024.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
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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Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Washington, D.C.