Is insurance higher on older cars?

Asked by: Dr. Celine Bernhard  |  Last update: June 7, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (63 votes)

Whether or not car insurance is cheaper for older cars depends on several factors. While new cars may be more expensive to insure due to their higher value, older cars can also be costly. A vehicle that holds its value over time may be more expensive to insure than one that depreciates quickly.

Is it more expensive to insure an older car?

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.

Why is my car insurance so high on an old car?

That's one major reason your insurance company might charge a higher premium anticipating higher repair costs in the event of an accident. Older cars also have fewer anti-theft features making them more likely to be stolen.

Does car insurance get higher as you get older?

Car insurance can be more expensive for older individuals — even those with a stellar driving record — for several reasons. Insurance companies usually offer lower rates for drivers between 45 to 55 years old, but once a driver turns 75, they should expect to pay more, according to Progressive.

What age is car insurance most expensive?

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.

Best Car Insurance for Older Cars (2023)

36 related questions found

At what age is car insurance cheapest?

Experienced drivers are less likely to have accident claims, which means they cost less to insure. At Progressive, the average premium per driver tends to decrease significantly from 19-34 and then stabilize or decrease slightly from 34-75. At age 75, the average premium begins trending upward.

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.

At what age do car insurance rates drop?

The biggest drop is typically from 18 to 19, when the average rate drops by around $1,595. 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.

What is the cheapest car insurance for seniors over 60?

Nationwide — the most affordable company for seniors

At $77 a month, Nationwide is the cheapest car insurance company for drivers in their 60s and can cover all of your bases when it comes to coverage.

Why are older cars harder to insure?

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. Additionally, older cars may not have as many safety features as newer cars, which might increase the cost of auto insurance and reduce available discounts.

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.

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.

Why is my Progressive bill so high?

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.

When should you drop full coverage on your car?

For example, you might want to drop comprehensive coverage if: You park your car in the garage and protect it from animals, falling objects, and severe weather. You plan to replace your car next time it needs big repairs. Your car is worth less than the deductible on your comprehensive coverage.

Is insurance cheaper on a new or used car?

Insurance is usually cheaper for used vehicles because it doesn't cost as much to repair and replace them as new cars. However, factors other than your vehicle's age, such as your car's make, model and safety technology, can impact your premium, so used car rates aren't always less expensive.

Can a car be too old to insure?

Drivers in most states are required to carry liability coverage, regardless of the age of the car. Each state sets minimum coverage limits that you must purchase to insure your vehicle.

Does your car insurance go up when you turn 65?

So overall, barring no other changes, your car insurance rate may continue decreasing throughout your 50s and 60s, and it may increase starting around age 75.

What is the best car insurance for senior citizens?

The Best Auto and Home Insurance Companies for Seniors
  • State Farm - Most affordable.
  • Allstate - Best bundling.
  • USAA - Best for military personnel and veterans.
  • AARP from The Hartford - Best membership benefits.
  • Travelers - Best customizable packages.

Is car insurance cheaper with AARP?

This includes new car replacement,§§ a 24/7 car insurance claims hotline and additional coverages to help protect you and your car while you're on the road. Affordability: AARP members can qualify to save on car insurance up to 10% just for being an AARP member.

How to get car insurance to go down?

If you're wondering how to get a lower car insurance rate, use these methods for lowering your premium:
  1. Qualify for insurance discounts. ...
  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 age has the highest car insurance?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that teen drivers are four times more likely to get into a car crash than drivers 20 and older. As a result, car insurance companies view young drivers as the most risky to insure. Drivers ages 16 to 24 tend to face the highest premiums compared to other age groups.

Which gender pays more for car insurance?

On average, young men pay much more for car insurance than young women. This is because car insurance providers find men to be riskier drivers than women, especially when they are younger. When they are older, women start to pay slightly higher rates.

What is a good credit score?

For a score with a range of 300 to 850, a credit score of 670 to 739 is considered good. Credit scores of 740 and above are very good while 800 and higher are excellent.

Does State Farm check credit for car insurance?

Most major car insurance companies like GEICO, Progressive and State Farm factor in your credit score when giving you a quote. Some smaller, regional insurers skip credit checks, though their coverage options (and available online information) can be limited.

What affects car insurance rates?

Auto insurance premiums reach their low point in a driver's mid-50s before rising for older drivers aged 70-plus.
  • Driving and claims history. This rating factor is straightforward. ...
  • Credit score. ...
  • Location. ...
  • Other personal demographics. ...
  • Coverage levels and deductibles. ...
  • Vehicle type. ...
  • Annual mileage. ...
  • Ownership status.