Is it harder to insure older cars?

Asked by: Mrs. Elena Koch  |  Last update: April 10, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (5 votes)

While the saying "the older the car, the lower the insurance" is generally true, it depends more on your coverages, location, and the car's make and model than its age.

Can a car be too old to insure?

In general, you will need to meet your state's minimum insurance requirements. Optionally, both collision and comprehensive coverage can offer benefits, even for older cars.

Is it more expensive to insure an older car?

Depreciation & Insurance Costs By Company

Full coverage car insurance costs for new cars tend to be more expensive compared to used cars due to their higher value. Used cars depreciate at a lower rate than new cars, which means that their value remains more stable over time.

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.

Does older age affect car insurance?

But did you know that auto insurance rates tend to increase again later on in life? Aside from a handful of states, age is a significant rating factor that impacts drivers under the age of 25 and over the age of 70 the most. These higher rates reflect the increased risk of accidents among these age groups.

Is an Older Car Cheaper to Insure Than a New One?

35 related questions found

What age is most expensive for car insurance?

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.

What is the best car insurance for seniors over 60?

Best Car Insurance for Seniors
  • GEICO Auto Insurance: Best Discounts for Seniors.
  • Nationwide Auto Insurance: Best Affordable Car Insurance.
  • The Hartford Auto Insurance: Best Coverage Options and Benefits.
  • Amica Auto Insurance: Best for Customer Satisfaction.
  • State Farm Auto Insurance: Best National Car Insurance.

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.

Is comprehensive worth it on an older car?

While the rule for older cars was to drop comprehensive coverage after six years or 100,000 miles, modern cars last longer and cost more to repair. Most experts now recommend keeping comprehensive insurance on your car if 10 percent of the car's market value minus the deductible exceeds the premium cost.

What is the age cut off for car insurance?

But how long can you stay on your parent's policy? Unlike health insurance, which can have an age limit of 26, you can stay on your parent's car insurance policy indefinitely if you live in the same house. Now, if you move out, you'll probably need your own.

At what point is full coverage not worth it?

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 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.

Why is classic car insurance so cheap?

Yes, older cars are cheaper to insure than newer cars in most cases because older cars are less valuable, so an insurer won't have to pay out as much in the event of a total loss. Plus, once an old car falls below a certain value, you may not have to pay for comprehensive and collision insurance anymore.

Is it better to have collision or comprehensive?

If your car is damaged in a road collision with another car or object and you're at fault, only your collision coverage can help pay to repair it. Only comprehensive coverage covers losses caused by contact with animals, civil disturbances, fires, natural disasters, theft, and vandalism.

What age are you kicked off car insurance?

How long can I stay on my parents' car insurance? There is no age limit that prevents you from staying on your parents' car insurance policy as a listed driver, as long as you live at home or if you're a full-time college student. That means you're still covered when you drive your parents' vehicles.

What is considered an old car for insurance?

If you are a California driver, then being at least 25 years old is one of the major requirements for the car to be considered “historic” by the state.

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

Your rates for comprehensive coverage or collision coverage on an older vehicle may be lower than what you'd pay for those same coverages on a newer car that's worth more. That's because you'd have less coverage (lower "coverage limits") on an older car.

Should I carry full coverage on a 10 year old car?

If your vehicle is older and is not worth as much, you may be able to reduce your insurance premium by avoiding comprehensive and collision coverage. However, if you have a loan on the vehicle or drive a leased vehicle, you may be required to have comprehensive coverage.

Why is my insurance so high for an old car?

For one, if you're in an accident, repair costs for an older car tend to be higher because the parts are more scarce. That's one major reason your insurance company might charge a higher premium anticipating higher repair costs in the event of an accident.

Will my insurance go down if I get 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.

What age is car insurance most expensive?

Average car insurance rates by age group range from $671 per year for 45-year-old drivers to $3,192 per year for drivers who are 16 years old. Car insurance rates are highest for teens and seniors, on average, because they are considered high-risk due to an increased likelihood of accidents and expensive claims.

Who has the cheapest car insurance for senior citizens?

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. The company offers some coverage add-ons that can provide more protection beyond a basic policy: Roadside assistance.

At what age does car insurance go up for seniors?

That said, based on Progressive's data on how age impact insurance rates, car insurance for seniors typically only starts increasing at age 75+. Even then, the average 75+ premium is still lower than premiums for the 45–49 range.

What age is considered senior citizen?

Legal Definition of a Senior in California

In this legal document it states ” “Qualifying resident” or “senior citizen” means a person 62 years of age or older, or 55 years of age or older in a senior citizen housing development.”

Is AARP car insurance only for seniors?

AARP offers a number of auto insurance discounts to members. Members must be at least 50 to be eligible.