Does the age of a car matter for insurance?

Asked by: Jazmyn Funk  |  Last update: March 19, 2025
Score: 5/5 (33 votes)

First, there's the amount of coverage you choose. Your age, driving record, and location also play a huge factor into how much your car insurance premium will be. One of the largest factors in your premium is also your vehicle itself—particularly the age of the car.

Does the age of your car affect insurance?

Even the age of your car is relevant: Since newer cars are usually worth more, they usually cost more to insure. Electric cars can be more expensive to insure, as well, since repair costs tend to be higher.

Will my insurance go down if I get an older car?

The price of car insurance generally does go down as a car gets older. This is because older cars are typically worth less than new cars, so the cost to repair or replace them in the event of an accident is lower.

Does the year of your car affect insurance?

Yes, the year of a car model matters for insurance because manufacturers change car models from year to year. Newer model years may have more safety features, but they're also more expensive, so it can be hard to predict exactly how model year might affect your insurance rate.

Does age matter when it comes to insurance?

Age is one of the most important factors in determining your car insurance rate. This may seem unfair because there are good drivers in every age group, but younger drivers are generally more likely to have accidents or take risks on the road.

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22 related questions found

What age is most expensive for car insurance?

Key takeaways. 18-year-old drivers on their own policy pay the highest car insurance premiums out of the age groups Bankrate analyzed. The most significant difference in premiums by gender occurs at age 18. On average, 18-year-old males cost 9 percent less to insure than their female counterparts.

Will my car insurance go down when I turn 25?

Does car insurance go down at 25? The good news is, yes, you can save money on your insurance when you turn 25, as insurance companies consider you a safer driver with your added experience. However, you'll typically want to compare quotes around this time to find the best rates.

Why is my insurance so high for an old car?

Although they may have a lower value, older cars may also have expensive parts that could make repairs expensive. The older a car gets, the harder it may be to source these parts for repair, which can also drive up the cost of car insurance for older cars.

Does it matter what year a car is?

While it's a good idea to consider the age of a vehicle and the number on its odometer, it's more important to look at how well the owner maintained the car. A 10-year-old car with 100,000 miles may have received more TLC than a 5-year-old model with 50,000 miles.

Is an older car cheaper to insure?

In general, auto insurance for older cars may be cheaper than insuring newer vehicles of the same make and model if the used car is cheaper to repair or replace. A car depreciates in value over time, which lowers the maximum amount an insurance company would have to pay in the event of an accident.

Can you get full coverage on a 20 year old car?

Yes. Full coverage is available for older cars. However, if your older car has a low market value, you won't get much from the insurance company if it's totaled or stolen. This is the main reason to drop full coverage for an older car with a low resale value.

When should you stop full coverage on a vehicle?

Your vehicle holds a low value: As with collision, consider dropping comprehensive coverage if your vehicle's market value is lower than a few thousand dollars. Figure in your deductible as well and the potential insurance payout may not be worth the price of the coverage.

At what age is car insurance the cheapest?

Car insurance typically drops as you grow older, when you drive safely for three to five years following an accident or citation, and when you switch to a cheaper company. Both men and women see the steepest drop in car insurance costs between ages 18 and 19.

Why is my car insurance going up when my car is getting older?

In some cases, an older car might even cost more to repair. If parts for your vehicle are harder to find or need to be specially ordered, repair costs can increase. Insurance companies factor this into their pricing.

Does credit score affect car insurance?

How credit-based insurance scores work. Most U.S. insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores along with your driving history, claims history and many other factors to establish eligibility for payment plans and to help determine insurance rates. Again, except in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

How do you lower your car insurance bill?

7 ways to lower your car insurance premium
  1. Qualify for insurance discounts. Getting more discounts that lower your car insurance premium might be easier than you think. ...
  2. Increase your deductible. ...
  3. Reduce your coverage. ...
  4. Compare rates. ...
  5. Try usage-based insurance. ...
  6. Take a defensive driving course. ...
  7. Get a car that's cheaper to insure.

What matters more, car age or mileage?

Ultimately, the decision to prioritize age or mileage depends on a variety of factors, including the car's intended use, budget and personal preferences. If reliability and safety are paramount, a newer car with moderate mileage might be the ideal choice.

Is 50,000 miles a lot for a 3 year old car?

How many miles are too many? Really, it depends on a lot of factors but, if in doubt, shoot for the 12,000-mile/year average. Even so, don't be afraid of cars that are outside of this range, provided the used car in question has been well maintained and there are records to show that.

Does car insurance go down with age of car?

One of the largest factors in your premium is also your vehicle itself—particularly the age of the car. While it might not seem logical since the value of your car is not increasing as it gets older, your insurance premium can continue to go up.

What is the best insurance company for older cars?

Best classic car insurance
  • Best for availability: American Collectors.
  • Best for restored vehicles: Hagerty.
  • Best for regular use: Safeco.
  • Best for immediate coverage: Grundy.
  • Best for high-value vehicles: Chubb.

Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?

Geico, Nationwide and Travelers are among the least expensive for car insurance. Americans are paying a lot for car insurance these days: Average annual rates for a full coverage policy are up to $2,638 per year, while minimum coverage averages $767 per year.

Does getting married lower car insurance?

Your personal relationship status does have an impact on what you pay for car insurance. Because married drivers are seen as more financially stable and safer drivers, they typically pay less for car insurance.

Why is my car insurance so high Progressive?

If your car insurance goes up for seemingly no reason when you renew your policy, it's likely due to an increase in risk that's outside of your control. This could include reasons like increased claims in your area (due to more extreme weather damage, more accidents, etc.) and higher car repair and replacement costs.

How much does car insurance go down after 1 year no claims?

In many cases, your insurance will go down by 5-20% in the first year of no claim, depending on your insurer. After the first year, this discount increases each year, usually by 5%, if you don't make a claim. But it only increases up to a maximum discount, usually 50-60%, and a number of years — usually 5-6 years.