Best Car Insurance for Seniors [2025]: Affordable Coverage in Your 60s and 70s

As you enter your golden years, your car insurance needs may change. You may drive less frequently, have a modified vehicle to assist with a disability, or prefer more personalized service. You'll also need to look for more affordable premiums because your current insurance rates might increase when you turn 70.

Many insurance companies offer special discounts that can benefit senior drivers, such as usage-based programs or discounts for completing a defensive driving course. Based on my research, The Hartford, State Farm, and USAA are some of the providers offering the best auto insurance for seniors in their 60s and 70s. But it pays to explore at least a few options and compare their premiums, coverage options, customer service, and special features.

How we evaluate products

When reviewing the best car insurance for seniors, we looked primarily at insurers that offered defensive driver course discounts, which are usually for drivers aged over 50 to 60 years old. We also examined other features that may be appealing to seniors, such as usage-based coverage, in-person service, accident forgiveness, and low rates.

Best car insurance for seniors

Company name	Best for	Average monthly full coverage cost	Average monthly liability-only cost
The Hartford	AARP members	$135 (60s) $131 (70s)	$107 (60s) $103 (70s)
State Farm	In-person service	$82 (60s) $74 (70s)	$39 (60s) $35 (70s)
Progressive	Accident forgiveness	$85 (60s) $85 (70s)	$58 (60s) $59 (70s)
Auto-Owners	Modified vehicle insurance	$53 (60s) $47 (70s)	$28 (60s) $25 (70s)
Nationwide	Low-mileage drivers	$119 (60s) $114 (70s)	$59 (60s) $57 (70s)
USAA	Former military members	$75 (60s) $76 (70s)	$38 (60s) $38 (70s)
Data provided by Insurify

The Hartford

You may have received invitations to join AARP, which is mainly for those 50 and older. While it may trigger the depressing realization that you're entering your senior years, there are many benefits to joining, including discounts on car insurance and other products. The Hartford is AARP's exclusive insurance provider, and membership is required to receive its coverage.

AARP members can save up to 10% on their car insurance premiums with The Hartford, and they can save even more by taking advantage of the insurer's discounts for policy bundling, defensive driving course completion, and the TrueLane usage-based program. However, even with the discounts, you may find that The Hartford is still pricier than several other insurers.

Learn more in our The Hartford review.

State Farm

Drive into a small- to mid-size town and you'll likely find a local State Farm office. The insurer is probably one of the best car insurance companies to still provide in-person service at brick-and-mortar locations nationwide. This is a plus for seniors who struggle with mobile app technology or just prefer to meet face to face with an agent.

Seniors will like the numerous discounts State Farm offers, including a defensive driving course discount with different age requirements by state. Safe drivers can also participate in the Drive Safe & Save telematics program for extra savings.

While it may be concerning that State Farm has a low rating with the Better Business Bureau, its high marks for claims satisfaction and low number of customer complaints make it a solid option for car insurance.

Learn more in our State Farm review.

Progressive

While Progressive doesn't offer a defensive driving course discount, it does have other discounts that can help seniors save money on car insurance. For example, with Progressive's Snapshot usage-based program, you can potentially save $322 a year on average, just for letting the insurer track your safe driving habits. If you're not very tech savvy, you can use Snapshot's plugin device instead of having to navigate the mobile app.

Progressive gives you more control over what you pay for car insurance with its Name Your Price Tool. The insurer also provides accident forgiveness protection. Most of their policies come with free small accident forgiveness, which won't raise your rates for claims under $500. If you've been with Progressive for at least five years and never filed a claim, you get free large accident forgiveness for claims over $500.

Learn more in our Progressive review.

Auto-Owners

If you're a disabled senior with a vehicle that has been modified for your needs (like adding a wheelchair lift), Auto-Owners may be a good option for you because it offers insurance coverage specifically for modified or converted cars.

Auto-Owners doesn't advertise a discount for completing a defensive driving course, but its auto insurance rates are already relatively low regardless. It does offer discounts for bundling, safety features, multi-car policies, advance quotes, and more.

Auto-Owners is available in only 26 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Learn more in our Auto-Owners review.

Nationwide

Seniors who don't drive a lot may benefit from Nationwide's SmartMiles pay-per-mile insurance. With this usage-based coverage, you pay a flat base rate plus a variable rate based on the number of miles you drive. This can save you money if you aren't on the road very often. Plus, J.D. Power rated Nationwide's usage-based insurance highly for customer satisfaction.

Drivers over 55 can also earn a discount on their car insurance by completing a state-approved defensive driver course. Plus, you may qualify for a 10% discount if you don't have any major traffic violations or accidents within five years.

Learn more in our Nationwide review.

USAA

USAA's auto insurance coverage is available only to military members, veterans, certain federal agency employees, and their immediate family members. If you fit this criteria, USAA is worth considering because it typically has lower premium rates than many other insurers.

You can save even more by earning a discount for taking a defensive driver course. Also, if you don't drive often, you may want to take advantage of USAA's SafePilot Miles pay-per-mile insurance, which could save you as much as 20% off your premium.

Learn more in our USAA review.

What affects car insurance rates for seniors?

Drivers in their 60s tend to see their car insurance rates decline, primarily because their risk level decreases. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), drivers aged 65-69 have some of the lowest accident and property damage claims per year.

But rates usually start to increase again when you turn 70. Drivers at that age have a higher risk level and statistically are involved in more fatal crashes per mile driven compared to middle-aged drivers.

But age isn't the only factor that impacts how much you pay for car insurance. Other things that can affect your premiums include:

• Gender (in most states): Men are more likely to be risky drivers, so they may have to pay more for insurance.
• Marital status: Married drivers usually have lower premiums because insurers see them as less risky drivers.
• Location: If you live somewhere with high traffic and theft rates, you'll probably pay more for insurance.
• Vehicle characteristics and usage: You'll pay higher premiums for luxury vehicles and sports cars than you will for a sedan. However, your car's safety features, such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, may earn you a discount.
• Driving record and claims history: You'll see increased rates if you have speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUIs on your driving record.
• Credit score (in most states): Insurers might factor your credit score into your premium calculation. The lower your score, the more you might pay.
• Coverage type, limits, and deductibles: The more coverage you have, the higher your premiums will be. The cheapest option is to carry the minimum liability car insurance required in your state rather than full coverage, but this puts you at risk for potential out-of-pocket expenses if you get into an accident.

How to save on insurance as a senior driver

Seniors looking for ways to lower their car insurance rates have several options.

1. Take a defensive driving course

Many insurers will give you a discount on your rates if you complete a defensive driving course. This discount is usually reserved for drivers who are at least 50 years old, though rules can vary depending on the insurer and state.

2. Bundle coverage types

If you have homeowners, condo, or renter's insurance, you can get a discount by bundling your car insurance through the same company. Most insurance companies provide this discount.

3. Consider usage-based or per-mile policies

For seniors who don't drive often, a pay-per-mile or usage-based insurance policy is a good way to reduce your costs. Insurers like Nationwide and USAA offer these programs. However, some usage-based programs can lead to premium increases if you don't drive safely.

4. Buy a safer vehicle or add safety features that lead to savings

Having a car equipped with safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, and anti-theft systems can qualify you for car insurance discounts.

5. Reassess your coverage needs

If you have an older vehicle that is paid off, you typically won't need as much car insurance coverage as you would for a newer car. Review your policy to see if you can make adjustments, such as dropping collision and comprehensive coverage, but also consider the financial risk.

6. Have an emergency fund that allows for a higher deductible

Lower deductibles mean higher premium rates. Consider raising your deductible and establishing an emergency fund to help cover it if needed.

7. Shop around and compare rates

It's a good idea to shop around to other insurers every one or two years. Car insurance companies tend to gradually increase your rates every time you renew, so it's possible to find the same level of coverage for less if you compare rates.

FAQs

Bottom line

Senior drivers have many suitable options for car insurance, including the companies discussed above. While many insurers don't specifically offer senior discounts, some do provide discounts to seniors who complete a defensive driving course. Others already have low rates, special discounts, or in-person services that may appeal to seniors.

When shopping for the best car insurance for seniors, be sure to compare prices to find the best rates, check for available discounts, and review your coverage needs. A little research can go a long way in helping you save money and get the coverage you need.