Over 50s car insurance

The number of older drivers on our roads has risen in recent years. In fact, DVLA figures cited by the BBC show licence holders aged over 90 in Britain topped 100,000 for the first time in 2017, with 4.5 million of the 39 million drivers aged 70 or over.

At Hastings Direct, we offer car insurance policies that reflect the level of experience drivers have later in life. Our flexible cover options allow drivers over 50 to pick a policy that suits their individual requirements, while our no claims discount rewards safe driving.

What are the benefits of car insurance for over 50s?

According to road safety charity Brake, drivers aged 60-69 actually have less than half the crash rate than drivers aged 20-29.

We value older drivers as they're usually more experienced and cautious on the road, and tend to avoid driving at peak times when most accidents occur. And all of this often means drivers over 50 benefit from affordable, yet complete cover.

You'll benefit from all the usual features of a third party or comprehensive insurance policy, but you could also be rewarded with cheaper premiums due to your age and driving experience. Get covered with Hastings Direct and you can pick from our Direct and Premier policies, which are Defaqto 5 Star rated.

Our Premier car insurance is our most comprehensive policy to date, designed to give you peace of mind you're well-protected behind the wheel. The benefits that come as standard on this policy include legal protection, roadside assistance and courtesy car.

While often associated with younger drivers, it's also possible to take out telematics insurance, such as our SmartMiles policy. This type of cover involves fitting a telematics device – also called a 'black box' – onto your car, which captures information on your driving style. This data is transmitted back to your insurer, who uses it to calculate your premium. If you're a safe and responsible driver, you'll pay less for insurance.

Is car insurance cheaper for older drivers?

Age is just one of many factors insurers consider when calculating your premium. So if you're an older driver with decades of driving experience and a no claims history, you could be rewarded with a reduction in the cost of cover.

However, this doesn't mean car insurance is always cheaper for older drivers, as insurers consider many other factors. For insurance, driving a powerful or expensive car, or parking on a street instead of in a garage could increase the price of insurance.

Is it more difficult to get insurance as an older driver?

Generally speaking, older drivers shouldn't find it difficult getting insured. However, some providers may refuse a driver cover on the grounds of them having a road related criminal record or existing medical condition which had been declared to the DVLA.

Ultimately, every insurer is different, so one company denying you cover doesn't always mean all companies will.

Health check

You may be as fit as a fiddle, but health issues can become a more regular occurrence as we get older. Drivers of all age have a responsibility to ensure they are safe enough to be behind the wheel, so here are some pointers you could find useful:

• There are a number of medical conditions that affect your driving and must be reported to the DVLA
• Eyesight can deteriorate quickly in old age, so getting your eyes tested at least every two years is an absolute must. The Older Drivers website has lots of information on driving and eye health.
• Having regular medical and driving assessments will help to keep you safe on the road.
• If you do have any visual or physical ailments, it might be possible to make modifications to your car but you must make your insurer aware of any modifications. If you're upgrading, choosing a model with large mirrors and windows can help with visibility.
• Drivers aged over 70 must reapply for their licence every three years. This doesn't involve a medical test but you do have to declare if your health has deteriorated, and this may prompt the DVLA to investigate further.

Car insurance with Hastings Direct

If you're looking for cheap over 50s car insurance that offers great, all-round protection, get a quote from Hastings Direct today.