Over 50s car insurance

According to the AA, the number of older drivers on UK roads has been steadily growing in recent years and this trend is likely to continue. In 2014 the population over the age of 65 was 18% and there are currently over one million licence holders over the age of 80 on our roads.

According to road safety charity Brake, drivers age between 60–69 are half as likely to crash as drivers between the age of 20–29. However, once drivers reach the age of 80, their likelihood to be involved in a collision starts to increase.

With older drivers being more cautious on the road and less likely to be involved in a crash, you'd be forgiven for thinking that over 50s car insurance will be considerably cheap. However, this isn't always the case.

Insurance risks and rewards

Insurers calculate a driver's insurance based on their "perceived risk." For instance, inexperienced drivers or those living in high crime rate areas tend to pay higher insurance costs as there's a greater chance they'll claim for an accident, theft or vandalism.

Age is just one of the many factors considered by insurers. An older driver has the benefit of more years of driving experience and theoretically, a great volume of no claims discounts. Both of these factors are important elements when calculating the insurance premium. However, there are certain factors that could push your premium up, for instance if you drive a powerful or expensive car.

Driving and health

As we age, it's possible for our health to deteriorate, and health issues can impact our ability when driving.

A survey conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (AIM) found that 80% of older drivers surveyed admitted they'd give up driving if advised by a health professional and 70% admitted they'd give up driving if they felt their health was impacting their ability to drive safely.

Drivers of all ages have a personal responsibility to ensure they are fit enough to drive. There are a number of medical conditions that by law must be reported to the DVLA. Other, less severe issues may not need reporting but could still affect your driving ability. It's important to have your eyes checked on a regular basis to make sure you meet eyesight requirements.

Driving safely is no doubt a top priority for you. The research from AIM found that older drivers, especially those aged over the age of 70, had developed their own driving routines that contributed to them being safer on the road. Some of the most common traits these drivers displayed could be helpful for drivers of any age:

• Avoid driving at peak times and with 93% of older drivers driving primarily for shopping and running errands this gives a lot more flexibility.
• Put effort into planning journeys and not taking spontaneous detours.
• Avoid driving for long periods of time. Like drivers of any age, if you have to make a long journey it's important to take regular breaks.
• Choose a car that facilitates safe and comfortable driving; for instance, models with large mirrors and windows and high seats.
• 50% of older drivers surveyed by AIM said they tend to leave larger distances between themselves and the car in front. When driving you should leave at least a two second gap between your car and the car in front, and a four second gap when driving at night or in poor weather conditions.

All driving licences expire when drivers reach the age of 70 and must be renewed every three years.

Saving money on your car insurance

If you're looking for quality coverage for an affordable price, there are some things you can do to help lower the price you pay for insurance, such as:

Raising your excess

When applying for insurance you have the option of setting a voluntary excess on top of the standard excess set by the insurer. The higher the excess, the greater the discount you'll receive. Just be sure that you can afford the total sum in the event of a claim.

Accurately calculate your mileage

Don't guess your annual mileage as overestimating could result in you paying too much for insurance. Instead, take the time to calculate how many miles you clock up each year. If there's any way you can reduce your annual mileage this could result in a reduction in your insurance cost, too.

Up your car's security

Anything you do to make your car more secure will limit the likelihood of it being stolen and therefore perceived risk will be less. Consider safety features such as approved immobilisers and steering wheel locks. Similarly, if your house has a garage or driveway, then use them.

Hastings Direct insurance

Here at Hastings Direct, we offer car insurance policies that best reflect the level of experience drivers aged over 50 have. All of our policies are 5 Star Defaqto rated, recognising our high standard of cover at a great price.

Our flexible car insurance options enable drivers aged over 50 to select a policy that best suits your individual requirements, while our no claims discount makes sure you're rewarded for your safe driving.

Hastings Premier car insurance offers a range of benefits as standard, such as roadside breakdown assistance, legal protection and a guaranteed courtesy car while your car is being repaired. Under this policy, you won't lose your no claims discount if your car's vandalised or hit by an uninsured driver.

Hastings Premier insurance is our most comprehensive policy to date and still offers great savings you've come to expect as an over 50 driver.

All information is correct at time of publication. Hastings Direct cannot be held responsible for any misinformation displayed.