Senior Discounts: Auto Insurance Savings

While there are few insurance companies that offer discounts specifically for people over 63, there are still ways to save money on insurance. Many companies offer a variety of discounts for mature drivers, such as multi-policy, military, safe driving, accident-free, multi-car, and safety feature discounts. Some companies also offer discounts for retired government employees or members of certain organisations. Additionally, some states mandate mature driver discounts for seniors who complete state-approved driving courses.

Defensive driving courses

AARP's Smart Driver Course is available in all 50 states and Washington D.C., and it offers additional training in focus areas where older drivers may need extra help, such as stop sign use, roundabouts, turn signals, and pavement markings. The course is reader-friendly, with easily readable print, and offers state-specific information.

The National Safety Council (NSC) also offers an online mature defensive driving course that teaches older adults new skills and refreshes existing ones to help them become safer, more defensive drivers. The course is 100% online, interactive, fully narrated, and can be taken at your own pace.

Other defensive driving courses for seniors include the Mature Driver Safety Course, which focuses on safe driving, risky driving behaviours, defensive driving skills, older drivers' abilities, and the use of medications while driving. There are also Seasoned Driver Training Programs, which teach basic crash prevention techniques through lectures, films, and discussions.

• How aging affects driving
• Updated laws and regulations
• Limiting distractions while driving
• The use of safety restraints, including airbags and seat belts
• How medications, alcohol, and drugs may affect driving
• Why it's important to maintain a safe vehicle
• How to avoid accidents

It is important to note that not all insurance companies offer discounts for defensive driving courses, and eligibility requirements and discounts vary from state to state. It is recommended to check with your insurance carrier to ensure you are eligible for any discounts.

Government-mandated discounts

Many US states mandate mature driver discounts for seniors who enrol in and complete state-approved defensive driving courses. These include courses offered by AARP, AAA, and The National Safety Council (NSC).

The availability of mature driver discounts and the specific requirements vary from state to state. For example, GEICO's Prime Time contract, which guarantees policy renewal, is only available in 30 states and drivers must meet certain eligibility criteria.

Senior drivers can also take advantage of other auto insurance discounts that are not specific to their age group, such as multi-policy, military, safe driving, accident-free, multi-car, and safety feature discounts.

It is important to note that car insurance rates for seniors may vary depending on factors such as age, driving record, location, and the insurance company. While some sources state that insurance rates tend to increase for seniors, especially after age 65 or 75, others mention that rates may decrease for drivers in their 50s and 60s due to their experience and lower risk of hearing or vision impairments.

Discounts for retired government employees

While there is no standard insurance discount for people over 63, retired government employees can benefit from a variety of discounts offered by different companies. These discounts can apply to various products and services, ranging from technology and retail to travel and insurance. Here are some examples of discounts available to retired government employees:

Technology and Retail Discounts:

• Apple: Offers special pricing to government workers and their immediate families.
• Microsoft: Provides discounts through the Microsoft Home Use Program for government employees.
• Samsung: Offers government discounts of up to 30% on computers, tablets, mobile phones, appliances, and more on Samsung.com.
• ID.me: Unlocks numerous discounts at major retailers for government employees.
• Retailers: Many retailers offer discounts ranging from 10% to 36% for government employees with valid identification.

Travel and Accommodation Discounts:

• Avis: Offers Avis Preferred membership to government employees, which includes perks such as skipping the line and earning reward points.
• Alamo: Provides discounted rates for federal employees and military personnel, including veterans.
• Hertz: Offers discounted rates and special upgrades on car rentals for leisure travel.
• National: Gives discounted rates on official business travel with authorized travel orders.
• Sixt: Provides up to a 5% discount for government employees.
• Thrifty: Offers a free one-car-class upgrade for official and government travel, along with no fee to join the Blue Chips Rewards Program.
• JetBlue: Provides government fares on official travel when using a government-issued credit card or travel request.
• United: Offers special fares for federal government employees on official business with government-issued Visa and MasterCard accounts.
• Amtrak: Gives discounted fares for business travel within the Northeast Corridor and on Coach fares nationwide.
• Choice Hotels: Offers government rates at thousands of participating locations.
• Hilton: Provides special government rates at participating hotels.
• Hyatt: Offers government rates at US hotels, depending on date, location, and availability.
• IHG: Has government rates available for business and leisure stays.
• Marriott: May offer government rates upon booking.
• Wyndham: Provides government rates at US hotels.

Insurance Discounts:

• GEICO: Offers discounts on automobile insurance for active or retired federal employees, GS-7 and above.
• The Hartford: Partners with AARP to offer insurance policies targeted at seniors, and AARP members aged 50 and above can add family members to their policies.
• USAA: Provides immediate discounts of up to 10% for military members, veterans, and their families who enrol in the SafePilot telematics program.

These are just a few examples of the discounts available to retired government employees. It's always worth enquiring about potential discounts when purchasing goods or services, as many companies value and appreciate the service of government employees.

Discounts for military members and veterans

While car insurance rates for seniors start to go up around the age of 65, there are still plenty of discounts available for older drivers. Many companies value seniors' extensive driving experience and offer discounts specifically for them.

USAA is one of the cheapest car insurance options for seniors. It offers some of the lowest rates on the market and is one of the best auto insurance companies for seniors. However, USAA is only available to military members, veterans, and their immediate families. USAA does not offer a mature or senior discount, but military members and veterans can benefit from the following discounts:

• Defensive driving course
• Multi-vehicle discount
• Multi-policy or bundling discount
• Car storage coverage

GEICO also offers a unique contract type for drivers aged 50 or older, known as their Prime Time contract. This special contract option guarantees policy renewal from year to year. To be eligible, drivers must meet the following criteria:

• Be 50 years old or older
• Have no drivers in the household under the age of 25
• Be accident- and violation-free for the past three years
• Have no vehicles used for business purposes

Other insurance companies that offer military discounts include:

• Direct Auto Insurance
• Liberty Mutual Insurance
• Geico
• Farmers

Accident-free discounts

If you're looking to switch insurance providers, it's worth noting that some companies, like Geico, offer unique contract types for older drivers with no accidents or violations on their record.

Frequently asked questions