Does Car Insurance Increase at Age 70?

Last Updated on December 12, 2025

For most drivers, car insurance rates drop as you age. With more experience behind the wheel, you’re generally seen as a safer (and cheaper) driver to insure.

But after a certain point, age can start working against you. Some drivers see car insurance rates creep up after about age 70 — not because insurers think you’re “bad,” but because age-related factors (like slower reaction time, vision changes, medications, or higher injury severity in a crash) can increase claim costs.

Do seniors pay more for auto insurance? Does car insurance increase after age 70? And what can you do to keep rates low in your 70s and beyond? Here’s what to know.

Key Takeaways

• Car insurance rates usually decline through adulthood, but some drivers see prices start to rise again after about age 70.
• Increases aren’t automatic — your driving record, mileage, vehicle, coverage choices, and insurer often matter more than age alone.
• Senior discounts may be available through defensive driving/mature driver courses, affiliations (like AARP), and insurer-specific programs.
• The best way to keep rates low after 70 is to review mileage/usage, confirm discounts, adjust deductibles/coverage wisely, and compare quotes regularly.

Yes, Car Insurance Rates Can Increase for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens may pay higher rates for car insurance after a certain age. Some insurers start to adjust rates in the early-to-mid 70s, while others don’t make noticeable changes until later. And in some cases, an older driver with a clean record may not see much of an increase at all.

It’s not personal. Insurers price policies using risk and cost trends, then use those trends to calculate premiums. Even if you’ve been a safe driver for decades, insurers may still factor in age-related claim patterns for your broader age group.

Also, “higher risk” doesn’t always mean more crashes. It can also mean more expensive claims (for example, higher medical costs or longer recovery times after an accident).

Good news: age is only one pricing factor. Your driving record, mileage, vehicle, coverage choices, location, and discounts usually matter more.

Insurance Rates Drop With Age (Until Your 70s)

As a teenage driver, you are risky to insure. Drivers under the age of 25 typically pay the highest rates because younger drivers are more likely to cause accidents and file claims.

Over the age of 25, drivers generally have more experience. Statistically, they’re less likely to cause an accident than teen drivers, so insurers often charge lower premiums. Drivers over 25 also tend to build experience in different driving conditions over time.

As you reach your 30s and 40s, rates often continue trending down — especially if you keep a clean driving record and avoid claims. The difference isn’t always dramatic year-to-year, but it can still add up.

When drivers reach their 50s and 60s, many are priced among the safest (and cheapest) age groups to insure. Decades of experience and fewer risky behaviors can translate into fewer claims.

In the 70s and beyond, experience still helps — but physical factors can start to matter more for insurers than they did earlier in life.

Car Insurance Rates Often Rise After 70 and Can Jump More in Your 80s

Most insurers charge higher rates to drivers under 25, then offer relatively stable pricing through much of adulthood (assuming a good driving record).

Beyond age 65, however, premiums can vary more by company. Some insurers start raising rates earlier, while others don’t make major changes until later. It’s also common to see gradual increases into the 70s, especially if you start driving less, driving more locally, or if your policy includes coverages that are sensitive to medical costs (like MedPay or PIP in certain states).

Rates may increase more noticeably in the 80s for some drivers. But it’s not universal — your personal driving history still matters a lot, and shopping around can make a big difference.

If you want additional safety context, the CDC has practical guidance for older drivers and families here: CDC: Older Adult Drivers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also summarizes crash and claim trends here: IIHS: Older Drivers.

Average Car Insurance Rates for Senior Citizens

The table below compares estimated costs for different coverage levels at ages 65, 70, and 75. Your actual premium can be higher or lower depending on your state, ZIP code, driving record, vehicle, annual mileage, and insurer.

The table includes state minimum coverage, 50/100/50 coverage, and 100/300/100 coverage.

Please note that when you see coverage amounts listed in a three-number format, i.e., 50/100/50, know that the first number is the amount, in thousands, of bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage per person in an accident. The second number is the amount of BIL coverage for all people in an accident. The third number is the amount of property damage liability (PDL) coverage per accident. Therefore, a 50/100/50 policy offers $50,000/$100,000 in BIL coverage and $50,000 in PDL coverage.

Tip: if you’ve retired and drive fewer miles, ask your insurer to update your annual mileage and usage (commute vs. pleasure). That one change can lower premiums for many seniors.

Senior Discounts: Courses, Affiliations, and State Rules

Many drivers are surprised to discover new discounts become available as they age. Depending on your state and insurer, you might qualify for savings based on age, membership groups, or completing an approved driving course.

A common option is a mature-driver or defensive driving course. If you complete a qualifying course and submit the certificate, you may be eligible for a significant senior discount — and in some cases, the discount can help offset part of the age-related increase.

One widely recognized option is the AARP Smart Driver course (availability and discount rules vary by state and insurer): AARP Driver Safety (Smart Driver).

Other Ways to Save on Car Insurance in Your 50s, 60s, 70s, and Beyond

You may be an older driver, but that doesn’t automatically mean higher car insurance premiums. The biggest savings usually come from combining the right discounts with the right coverage choices.

Driver Improvement Course: By taking a driver improvement course, you can refresh key skills and potentially qualify for a discount. If your insurer offers the discount, make sure you ask how long it lasts and whether it applies to all coverages or only certain parts of the policy.

Bundling Discounts: If you have multiple policies, bundling can reduce costs across the board. Bundling is most common when you combine auto with homeowner’s insurance, renters insurance, or life insurance.

Compare Quotes: This is often the fastest way to save. Compare quotes online to find cheaper insurance premiums for older drivers. Some insurers price seniors very competitively, while others don’t.

Ask about low-mileage or usage-based options: If you drive less than you used to, you may qualify for a low-mileage discount or a program that prices you based on driving habits. (These programs aren’t for everyone, but they can be worth checking.)

Re-check your deductibles and coverages: If you can comfortably afford a higher deductible, raising it can lower premiums. Also review whether optional coverages still make sense for your car’s value and your financial situation.

FAQs on Car Insurance After Age 70

Final Word – Does Car Insurance Go Up at 70?

You may be an older driver — but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying high rates. Some drivers over age 70 do see premiums rise, and increases may become more noticeable in the 80s for certain policies and insurers.

Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to save on car insurance at any age — including senior discounts, lower mileage re-rating, bundling, and shopping around.

Compare car insurance quotes today to see who offers the best rate for your driving profile in your 70s (or any age).