Car Insurance for Over 70s

As we age, we’re more likely to develop health issues that impact our driving abilities. Insurance companies view this as a higher risk, which can drive up the cost of car insurance for older drivers. 

You need to tell the DVLA and your insurer if you have a medical condition that might affect your driving. These conditions include, but are not limited to: 

• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Parkinsons
• Heart conditions 
• Visual impairments 
• Strokes 
• Sleep apnoea 

It’s important to keep your insurer up to date with any of these conditions as they develop. Otherwise, you could risk invalidating your insurance cover completely. 

To learn more, check out GOV.UK’s page on driving and medical conditions. 

You’ll need to renew your driving licence when you hit 70. After that, it has to be renewed every 3 years (although don’t worry you don’t have to retake your driving test again).  

It doesn’t cost anything to renew your licence, and the DVLA should send you an application about 90 days before your 70th birthday. If you feel like you need to boost your confidence behind the wheel, you might want to think about taking an advanced driving course. 

The cost of pensioner car insurance can vary widely. On average, premiums get cheaper as you build up a no-claims discount and a good driving record. However, this trend shifts slightly after age 75, with insurance policies for those over 80 often becoming more expensive.  

Things like maintaining a clean driving licence record and considering options like low-mileage policies will often help to keep the price of your policy down. Some insurers may offer loyalty discounts if you’ve been with them for several years. However, don’t let loyalty prevent you from comparing quotes, as you might still find a better deal elsewhere. 

Opting for a higher voluntary excess (the amount you pay upfront in a claim) can lower your premium. Just make sure you can afford the excess amount in the event of a claim.  

If you’re driving less because of retirement, reduced work hours, or other reasons, your lower annual mileage could help reduce your car insurance costs. However, it’s important to be honest about the actual number of miles you drive to ensure your coverage remains valid. 

Advanced driving courses can not only help improve your confidence on the road they can also demonstrate to your insurer that you’re at a lower risk of having an accident, resulting in a cheaper premium.  

A telematics (or black box) policy is often used to help new and younger drivers save money on their car insurance. But it could also be a good option for older drivers too. Black box insurance monitors the way you drive by fitting a small device into your car. The device then communicates directly with your insurer providing information on your driving habits. If you’re a safe driver, then you may well find yourself being rewarded with cheaper car insurance premiums.  

If you can afford it, paying your car insurance annually will often save you money. Many insurers charge interest on monthly payments, making the overall cost higher. By paying in one lump sum, you avoid these extra charges. 

Taking measures to make your car less at risk of being vandalised or stolen could reduce the cost of your car insurance. This could be as simple as parking your car off the road, so it is less likely to be damaged by passing traffic and pedestrians.  

Don’t settle for your renewal quote. Compare options from different insurers in one place with Quotezone. We make it quick and easy to make informed insurance decisions with our straightforward quote form.