As you enter your 60s, you may be looking ahead to your retirement (or already enjoying your time on the golf course). But just because you've reached a possibly more relaxed point in your life doesn't mean you're willing to pay more for car insurance.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 18 million drivers in the U.S. are in their 60s. Luckily, these drivers tend to pay less for coverage than other age groups. On average, drivers in their 60s pay $150 per month for full coverage policies — about 29% less than the national average for all drivers.
The cheapest car insurance for drivers in their 60s comes from companies like Auto-Owners, Mile Auto, and Erie. However, it's worth shopping around and getting quotes from several companies to find the best rates in your area.
How we evaluate products
FinanceBuzz researches a number of factors in each auto insurance provider to create our reviews. These factors include cost and discounts, complaints and customer satisfaction, coverage, and ease of use. We also gather information from sources such as Insurify, J.D. Power, AM Best, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and the Better Business Bureau to ensure we provide the most useful information to our readers.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers in their 60s
Company name | Best/Excellent for | Average monthly full coverage cost | Average monthly liability-only cost |
Auto-Owners | Low-cost coverage | $51 | $24 |
Mile Auto | Pay-per-mile coverage | $59 | $36 |
Erie | Regional coverage | $66 | $36 |
USAA | Military service members and veterans | $74 | $35 |
State Farm | Customer satisfaction | $83 | $38 |
Data provided by Insurify |
Auto-Owners
- AM Best: A+ (Superior)
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 692/1,000 (study average 697)
- BBB: A+
- NAIC complaints: 0.46 (Private Passenger)
Although Auto-Owners issues car insurance policies in only about half the country, it's one of the largest writers of private passenger coverage. Check to see if you're eligible for coverage, because you may find that the company offers significantly lower auto insurance rates than you'd get elsewhere.
On average, drivers in their 60s who purchase full coverage insurance through Auto-Owners pay $51 per month. That's about one-third the industry average premium for drivers in that age group.
Plus, the insurer offers coverage for classic vehicles, as well as policies for vehicles that you've had modified or converted to accommodate wheelchairs or address other accessibility needs. Such coverage options make the company a great choice for older drivers and their families.
- Lowest average rates for drivers in their 60s
- Large network of independent agents
- Coverage for classic and modified/converted vehicles
- Not available in all states
- Doesn't offer online quotes
Learn more in our Auto-Owners review.
Mile Auto
- AM Best: Not rated
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: Not ranked
- BBB: Not rated
- NAIC complaints: Not available
In your 60s, you may be retired (or near retirement) and no longer commuting to work every day. If that's the case, Mile Auto may be a good option for you. It's a pay-per-mile insurance company, meaning you only pay for how much you actually drive. Mile Auto tends to have significantly lower-than-average rates, so it can be a good option for saving money.
Unlike usage-based insurance (UBI) policies, Mile Auto only asks for a snapshot of your odometer each month. It doesn't use tracking devices or mobile apps, which could collect data that actually makes your rates go up due to higher-risk behaviors like speeding or braking hard.
However, Mile Auto is available in only 7 states. While the company plans to expand, you can currently only get a policy in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas.
- Substantially cheaper rates than competitors
- No plug-in devices or mobile apps required
- Offers add-on coverages, including rental reimbursement and roadside assistance
- Available in only seven states
- Mixed customer reviews
- Limited details online
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Erie
- AM Best: A+ (Superior)
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 733/1,000 (study average 697)
- BBB: A+
- NAIC complaints: 0.82 (Private Passenger)
If you live in an area where Erie operates, which includes 12 states and the District of Columbia, this insurer could be a good choice due to its coverage options, positive customer service ratings, and cheaper-than-average car insurance premiums.
Through Erie, you can purchase car insurance with additional benefits and perks that can be particularly useful in your 60s. For example, Erie AutoPlus offers you a diminishing deductible, a $10,000 death benefit, extra days of transportation expense coverage, a waived deductible in certain situations, and increased limits for some kinds of coverage.
Erie also has a telematics program, but instead of lowering your premiums for safe driving habits, the program issues rewards you can use toward gift cards or charitable donations.
- Cheaper-than-average rates
- Positive customer service ratings
- Extra coverage for pets, personal items, and more
- Not available in all states
- No online claims option
- No premium discounts through the telematics program
Learn more in our Erie review.
USAA
- AM Best: A++ (Superior)
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 726 (study average 697)
- BBB: A+
- NAIC complaints: 0.96 (Private Passenger)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately half of all U.S. veterans were 65 or older in 2023. If you're one of the millions of military service members or veterans in this country, you can qualify for USAA's affordable coverage.
Its rates for drivers in their 60s tend to be less than half the average rate of all carriers, so you could save money by switching to them. Plus, although it wasn't ranked against other companies in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, USAA scored highly for claims satisfaction.
However, not everyone is eligible for USAA coverage. It's limited to military service members, veterans, and their family members.
- Cheaper-than-average rates
- Strong customer satisfaction ratings
- Offers car replacement assistance, which pays 20% above your car's actual cash value
- Limited eligibility
- Fewer discount programs than some competitors
Learn more in our USAA review.
Average rate:
State Farm
- AM Best: A++ (Superior)
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 710/1,000 (study average 697)
- BBB: F
- NAIC complaints: 0.84 (Private Passenger)
Customer service and personalized assistance are likely important to drivers in their 60s.. If you're looking for a company that can deliver in-person help rather than an entirely digital experience, State Farm may be a good choice. It's widely available and has a large network of agents nationwide.
State Farm has a very strong reputation for customer service and customer satisfaction; J.D. Power ranked it sixth out of 21 insurers for claims satisfaction. And, if you're a safe driver who might not have a daily commute anymore, State Farm's telematics program, Drive Safe & Save, could help you save money.
- Relatively low rates for drivers in their 60s
- Large agent network
- Telematics program for potential premium savings
- Not available in Rhode Island or Massachusetts
- Higher rates than several competitors for drivers with tickets, accidents, or DUIs
Learn more in our State Farm review.
What car insurance changes should you make in your 60s?
Insurance is one of those things that many people set and forget. But if it's been a while since you reviewed your coverage, you risk having the wrong insurance (or overpaying). As you enter your 60s, consider completing the tasks below.
Adjust your liability coverage limits
In nearly every state, drivers of any age must have car insurance policies that, at a minimum, meet the state's liability coverage requirements. However, when you're in your 60s, you've likely built up assets, such as your retirement account balance or your home, so you'll likely need more coverage to protect yourself.
In general, experts recommend coverage with at least 100/300/100 liability limits. You can calculate your net worth, which is your assets minus debts, and choose limits somewhat above that amount for sufficient protection.
Add coverage types
Drivers in their 60s and older are making up a larger percentage of the new car market than ever before. If you have a newer vehicle, you may not be able to get by with only your state's minimum liability coverage. Instead, you'll likely need a full coverage policy with liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
Think about UBI policies
According to the Federal Highway Administration, drivers in their 60s tend to cover fewer miles per year than drivers in other age groups. Since you'll likely use your car less, you may benefit from UBI policies that base your premiums on vehicle use and driving habits.
These policies require tracking your driving with mobile apps or devices. By participating in a UBI program, you might slash your premiums by 30% or more.
What affects car insurance costs in your 60s?
Several factors affect your car insurance rates, including your location, gender, driving record, and the make and model of your car. Your age plays a big role, too. Drivers in their 60s tend to pay lower rates than other drivers for these reasons:
- Experience: If you got your license as a teenager, you'll have over 40 years of driving experience once you reach your 60s. As a driver, you've seen it all, so you know how to drive safely, recognize risks, and handle emergencies to prevent an accident.
- Typical vehicle use: When setting your premiums, insurance companies consider how often you get behind the wheel and how many miles you cover. In general, drivers in their 60s cover fewer miles than drivers in other age groups, with the exception of teenagers, so there's less of a risk of getting into an accident.
- Available discounts: In your 60s, you're more established. You're more likely to be a homeowner and have other forms of coverage, so you may qualify for extra discounts like homeownership or multi-policy discounts.
How to find the cheapest coverage for senior drivers
If you're a driver in your 60s, consider these ways to lower your car insurance premiums:
- Shop around: Get quotes from multiple companies and make sure to compare the policies apples to apples. Also, note the car insurance discount programs that might further lower your premiums through various companies.
- Take a course: In some states, you can qualify for a discount if you complete a safe driving or defensive driving course. For example, Florida residents who are 55 and older and complete an eligible course are entitled to a discount on their premiums for at least 3 years.
- Ask about homeowner discounts: Fannie Mae reported that people in their 60s make up 44% of all homeowners. If you own a house, you may be eligible for a discount on your coverage; some companies give discounts to homeowners, regardless of whether the homeowner purchases home insurance from the same company.
- Bundle your coverage: If you need multiple forms of insurance — for example, you need coverage for your car, home, and boat or RV — ask your auto insurer about multi-policy discounts. Many companies give bundle discounts for those who buy two or more forms of coverage.
- Change your deductible: People in their 60s tend to be on more solid financial footing than other age groups, with larger savings account balances and safety nets. If you've built up a financial cushion, you can save money on car insurance with a higher deductible.
FAQs
What is the cheapest car insurance for drivers over 60?
I found that Auto-Owners and Mile Auto are the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers 60 and older. Both companies offer coverage with significantly lower-than-average rates.
Does your car insurance go down when you turn 60?
Drivers in their 60s tend to pay less for coverage than younger drivers. On average, they pay $150 per month for full coverage insurance, which is $43 less than the national average rate for all age groups.
What car insurance coverage do seniors need?
What coverage you need depends on your assets, your car's make and model, and your driving history. In general, drivers in their 60s will likely need a policy that combines liability insurance with collision and comprehensive coverages for thorough financial protection.
Bottom line
When it comes to car insurance, entering your 60s is the sweet spot. Drivers in this age group usually have the lowest average rates, so you can enjoy lower premiums.
If you're shopping for coverage, policies through Auto-Owners, Mile Auto, and Erie Insurance tend to have the lowest cost. But it's wise to shop around and get quotes from several companies to find the best car insurance in your area.
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