Did you know that there are ways for seniors to lower their car insurance? In fact, some companies even offering senior car insurance discounts. In this guide, you will discover everything you need to know about auto insurance for seniors.

Car Insurance For Seniors

Car insurance companies offer a wide range of policies for drivers across the country. If you are looking for car insurance, you may feel at somewhat of a loss regarding what auto insurance actually is and what you should be looking for.

Firstly, you need to figure out what type of insurance you need. Senior citizen insurance typically starts from the age of 65 years old. However, there are some companies that may reserve their senior insurance policies for those who are 70 years old or older.

While there tends to be a concern that seniors are at higher risk and, therefore, their insurance is higher, this is not always the case. People can benefit from age-specific discounts once they reach the age of 50-years-old if they have a long and positive driving record.

There can also be some other perks that are added when it comes to auto insurance, for example, household assistance should an injury happen because of an auto accident, rideshare credits, roadside assistance, and AARP membership.

So, what does senior car insurance cover?

It all depends on the type of policy you have. But, generally, car insurance companies will cover damage to your vehicle, as well as any damage you may cause to other motorists and their vehicles. However, if you go for a more comprehensive policy, you can get cover for the likes of breakdown assistance, medical expenses, and personal belongings. 

Tips on choosing the best senior auto insurance for you

There are lots of things that need to be considered when it comes to picking the best insurance policy for you and your vehicle. It is pivotal that the time and effort is taken to source out the best policies on offer. After all, nowadays there are tons and tons of different types of vehicle insurance available to individuals. They all offer lots of different qualities and benefits. Therefore, it is up to the individual in question to narrow down their search carefully in order to find an insurance policy that best suits their needs. 

The first thing which contributes to higher insurance payments is age. In general, individuals over the age of 70 tend to pay more than those between 25 and 70.

In addition to age, driver history is another contributing factor. Obviously, if an individual has any points on their licence or has been involved in any incidents then they are likely to face higher insurance costs. You can get a convicted driver insurance quote online, so it is worth looking into these if necessary. Moreover, the car you own and the area you drive in play a big role as well. The insurance company will utilise data to see how safe the car is.

When looking for a good car insurance policy it is highly recommended that you use the internet to your advantage. Spend the time looking around online to see the different deals that are out there and compare them to one and other. In fact, you can even use the service of a price comparison website as they will gather a selection of vehicle insurance policies and place them all on one page for you to easily compare.

Moreover, when it comes to seeking out a good insurance policy it is also important to think about what you truly need from the policy. In general; the more possibilities that are covered, the higher the insurance payments will be. Therefore it is advisable to sit down and think about what you truly need in order to make some savings.

A final point worth considering is that it is a good idea to search the insurance company you are considering online in order to decipher whether they have a good reputation or not. You need to be safe in the knowledge that your insurance is in the hands of a business with experience, insight, knowledge and credibility. You can discover this by simply doing a quick search on Google and proceeding to the relevant forums in order to learn what people have said.

Top 10 things seniors can do to lower their insurance costs

If you are buying your first vehicle, you may be horrified to see some of the insurance premiums you have been quoted. Car insurance is notoriously expensive. However, there are a number of different factors that influence the cost of it, which does mean you are able to lower the amount you pay. With that in mind, read on to discover the different ways you can get cheaper car insurance.

1. Be a better driver and sign up for a black box – Officially called telematics, a black box will check whether you are on the roads at dangerous times, how cautiously you drive, how aggressive you brake and accelerate, and your speed. If you choose an insurance policy that comes with a black box, you will be able to lock in significantly lower premiums. Once you have agreed to your insurance plan, someone from the company will come and install the box so they can monitor the factors mentioned above. You will often find that you get an upfront discount for going for this option. Not only this, but you can check your driving score online. If you show that you are a good driver, your premiums can be cut substantially, which will make a massive difference.
2. Don’t pay for what you don’t need - While it is important to choose an insurance plan that offers enough cover, don’t pay for what you don’t need. Some brokers and insurers may attempt to sell you add-ons, for example, legal expenses cover. You may not need such add-ons, or you may be able to find them cheaper elsewhere.
3. Don’t buy an insurance trap car – If you have decided to change your vehicle, it is important to check with the insurance company to make sure the new model you are considering will not have a significant effect on your premiums. Unfortunately, sports cars can often result in high premiums. You will find that certain models with smaller engines can make a big difference in your favor, and you will probably save some money on fuel costs too.
4. Increase your voluntary excess – You can bring down the cost of your premiums if you agree to pay a greater amount of money towards the cost of any accident repairs. Car accident lawyers will ensure that the excess is recovered if you are not at fault for the accident. Nonetheless, do be mindful regarding how much you increase the voluntary excess too, as you do need to make sure you are going to be able to afford it. It is all about getting the balance right.
5. Add breakdown cover separately - It may also be a good idea to buy breakdown cover separately. If breakdown cover is included in the auto insurance plan you are considering, check the level of the cover and the price. It may be cheaper to take out a breakdown plan elsewhere.
6. Ditch monthly payments – If you can afford to cut monthly payments, you should. Most insurance companies will offer you a cheaper rate if you pay on a yearly business. This could save you hundreds of dollars per year.
7. Don’t claim for a prang – It is often cheaper to cover the work yourself if you have had a minor accident. After all, your excess and premiums will shoot up the moment you have identified yourself as risky, even if the incident was not your fault.
8. Put someone else on your insurance – In some cases, you can reduce your insurance premiums by sticking someone else on your policy. Thanks to comparison websites and insurance calculators, you can play around with different costs to find out what is going to be cheaper.
9. Don’t assume third party cover is cheaper – A lot of people assume that third party insurance is cheaper. After all, it is the legal minimum, and it only covers you for any damage you have caused to other people’s property, as well as the cost of any compensation injuries. Nonetheless, this is not always the cheaper option, as some insurers will see it as you simply do not care about your vehicle and, therefore, it’s more probable that you will have an accident. Not only this, but it will be a lot more expensive for you if you do have an accident and you need to pay for your car to be repaired.
10. Keep your car in the garage (if you have one) – Last but not least, stop parking your car on the road for convenience. If you have a garage, you should use it. In fact, keeping your car on a drive or in a garage, rather than out on the road, could take up to 10 percent off your insurance premiums.

As you can see, there are many different ways that you can lower the cost of your car insurance premiums. From ditching monthly payments to increasing your voluntary excess, if you try a number of the tricks mentioned above you are bound to lower your insurance expenses.

5 reasons your insurance costs are high

We all know that car insurance can be incredibly expensive. However, with so many different car insurance providers available today, and so many policies to choose from, there are ways that you can lower this expense. On the flip side, there are also things that you can do that will cause your insurance premiums to become more expensive. The last thing you want to do is make such an error, so let’s take a look at the different things that can spike your car insurance.

• Having a brush with the law - There is only one place to begin, and this is with having a brush with the law. You probably already know that this can cause your premiums to go up, but as it is such an important point, it needs to be mentioned. Any tickets or car accidents can cause your insurance provider to view you as a greater risk and increase the price of your policy.
• Poor car security - Your insurance premiums are not only dictated by how likely you are to be involved in a car crash. If you do not park your car in a secure area or you do not have any security features on your vehicle, this could cause your premiums to increase. In fact, the place in which you live can even impact how much you need to pay.
• Switching to a pay monthly plan - Most people do pay for their car insurance on a monthly basis. Nevertheless, if you currently pay per year, switching to a monthly plan will increase your premiums, so you do need to keep this in mind.
• Getting your car insurance at the last minute - Getting your car insurance at the last moment can cause you to have to accept an offer that is not suitable or pay for emergency coverage while you switch policies. Could getting your car insurance in advance save you money? Definitely. It gives you more time to search for a policy and it means you can avoid the fees that are associated with leaving your existing plan.
• Buying a new car - Last but not least, if you buy a new car, this can also cause your premiums to increase. If your car is worth more than your older model, this will almost certainly mean that you need to pay more to your insurance company. If you are yet to purchase your new vehicle, you can look into the cars that have the lowest insurance fees for more information.

 So there you have it: some of the different things that can cause your insurance premiums on your car to spike. If you can avoid these errors, you can give yourself a great shot at keeping your insurance premiums low and, indeed, reducing them on a year-by-year basis.

3 common auto insurance mistakes made by seniors

We all know that car insurance is expensive, especially here in the US, and particularly if you are a senior driver, a new driver or you have been involved in any sort of crash before, even if it was not your fault. Therefore, the last thing you want to do is make some sort of error that is going to make your car insurance more expensive, or even worse, invalid. With that in mind, read on to discover some of the most common car insurance mistakes people make so that you can avoid making them.

• Failing to do enough research - There is only one place to begin, and this is by failing to do your research. A lot of people purchase car insurance without fully understanding the options that are available to them. This can lead to people believing they have full coverage when, in fact, they do not. A good place to start is with this guide on what are the most common questions asked about car insurance? This will give you a starting point and help you to understand auto insurance in general so that you make better decisions when choosing the right policy for you.
• Not prioritising security - Your car insurance rates are not only based on how good of a driver you are and how likely you are to end up in a crash. They are also based on your vehicle and how likely it is to be the target of criminal activity. This is why you need to make an effort to ensure your car is stored securely. This will reflect well on your insurance rates, enabling you to lower your premiums.
• Buying based on price - This is another big error that a lot of people make when it comes to car insurance. Yes, you want to make sure that the monthly premiums are as cheap as possible. However, your car insurance policy could end up costing you a fortune in the end if it does not give you the coverage you need. This is why you need to look at the coverage first and the price second. Plus, if you are yet to purchase a vehicle, you can use this to your advantage by choosing one that is low priced in terms of insurance premiums. Some of the cheapest cars to insure include the Vauxhall Corse, Skoda Fabia, Hyundai i10, and Kia Picanto.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding when it comes to the three critical errors that a lot of people make concerning car insurance. There is no denying that auto insurance is pricey in the US, but there are certain things that you can do to reduce the financial burden that is placed on your shoulders. Use the advice that has been presented above as a starting point and make sure that you compare all of your options carefully.

Do you often take your grandchildren on outings?

Buying a car can be a fun experience. However, unfortunately, when you have a family, it is also a practical one. Yes, you may want a luxurious sports car, but you are going to have to save this purchase until your children have flown the nest. Safety, space and practicality are of paramount importance when buying a car for the family. So, with that being said, let’s take a look at some tips on choosing a vehicle that is suitable for the entire family. 

Doors that open wide - This is one factor that a lot of people tend to overlook when they are seeking a car for the entire family, but it is a pivotal one. Of course, going for a five-door car is the first place to start. A three-door car can be a real pain for any family. Aside from this, you need to make sure that the doors open wide enough so that you can get the child car seat in and out with ease.

How economical the vehicle is - You will want to factor this in, especially if you are planning on taking a lot of road trips. Finding out the insurance cost is a good place to start before choosing a vehicle. You should then look at how economical the vehicle is in terms of fuel usage.

Take your pushchair with you when shopping - Another tip is to take your pushchair with you when you are shopping for the car. This is important because you need to make sure that it is going to easily fit into the boot. A lot of boots are deceiving. They look spacious, but they can be awkward.

Check the NCAP safety ratings - As mentioned in the introduction, safety is of huge importance when choosing any type of vehicle. Luckily, this is something you can easily discover about a potential car by checking the NCAP ratings. You should also assess the safety features of the vehicle, some of which may come as an added extra.

Read reviews - Last but not least, read reviews, especially those that have been left by other parents. These comments can be insightful and help you immensely with your purchase, as these buyers will be viewing the car from the same perspective as you are. 

All in all, there are a number of key considerations that you need to factor in when you are looking for a car that is suitable for the entire family. However, if you follow the advice that has been presented in this blog post, you should have no trouble finding the perfect family car. Yes, there is a lot to take into account, but it will all be worth it when you have a car that is spacious and caters to all of your needs.

Myths about senior car insurance

If there is one thing that all drivers can agree on, it is that insurance in the UK is expensive, to say the least. Most drivers will be on the lookout for different ways that they can reduce their premiums without reducing their coverage. However, in their quest to do this, they may come across misinformation. This is because there are lots of myths about car insurance, which is why we are going to debunk them. So, let’s take a look… 

Adding another driver will lower my premiums - This used to be an effective move in terms of lowering premiums. However, it is not as successful anymore because insurers cottoned onto the idea. It is known as fronting. 

If I don’t claim, my premium should either go down or stay the same - A lot of people believe this, and then they are perplexed as to why their quote changes so often, and sometimes not for the better. So, why do insurance quotes change so often? This is because there are many different factors that can impact your insurance premiums, from the make and model of your vehicle to your driving and the security of your vehicle. Something that may seem minor, for example, moving home, can have an impact on your premiums because the insurer may think that your car is now in a more dangerous or exposed location.

Paying monthly is a cheap way to spread the cover - Paying monthly can be better because it is more manageable. However, if you have the money available to pay per year, it is better to do this because you will pay less overall. 

Black box policies have a curfew - Many drivers do not want to choose black box policies, despite their cheaper price, because they do not want to have a curfew. This is something you do not need to worry about. In the early days, black box policies did have curfews, but this is no longer the case. Insurance providers have moved on and they now base their premiums on driving behaviour, rather than what time of day or night you drive.

You can drive any car with comprehensive cover - This is a myth that could leave you on the wrong side of the law. While some comprehensive policies do offer this, it is not the case for all of them, so make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully.

So there you have it: some of the most common myths about car insurance today. Hopefully, you now feel more prepared in terms of finding the best car insurance deal for you. After all, the last thing you want to do is believe one of the myths that are floating around at the moment and then inadvertently drive up your insurance costs as a result.

Buying a car as a senior

There is a lot to consider when buying a car. However, one of the most vital elements for anyone is the financial side of things. You want to ensure that you get a good deal and that the car you select is affordable to run too. With that in mind, read on to discover how to save money when buying a vehicle…

Consider insurance when choosing a vehicle – You need to consider car insurance when choosing a vehicle. After all, if there is one thing that all drivers grumble about, it is the price of their car insurance! Some vehicles are more expensive to insure than others. Try out a few insurance quotes when comparing different cars so that you can factor this element in.

Think about buying a car abroad – If you are really serious about saving money, you should look into the option of buying a car abroad. Of course, this is going to come with extra hassle, so you need to balance the hassle with the cost savings to determine whether it is worth it. Nevertheless, this is an approach that a lot of people are embracing nowadays as a good way to save money.

Negotiate – A lot of people do not bother negotiating on the price, which is a big mistake! There is always room for a bit of haggling, especially when it comes to cars. However, if you are going to be able to negotiate effectively, you need to be educated. You need to do your research beforehand regarding the car and the typical market price so you can come armed with all of the information you need about why you think a lower price is justified.

Get the right loan – If you need to take out a car loan, make sure you choose one with care. A lot of people simply go for the first loan they are accepted for, which is a big mistake!

Time your purchase – You can save money by timing your purchase. If you want to get a discount, August through to October tend to be good months to go car shopping.

Avoid the fancy extras – Last but not least, if you are buying a new car, the manufacturer will often try to tempt you with lots of fancy extras, which can end up costing you a small fortune! Avoid the lure of these!

As you can see, there are many different ways you can save money when buying a car. If you follow the suggestions that have been presented above, you should be able to get a good deal.