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

Asked by: Dr. Colt Stracke DDS  |  Last update: September 16, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (70 votes)

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.

Do older cars get cheaper insurance?

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.

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.

At what point will car insurance drop you?

Insurers may not drop a customer after their first one or two incidents. The first step is often to increase your car insurance rate. From there, if a customer has another accident or files more claims, the insurer may send a notice that they won't be renewing the policy at the end of its term.

Which old cars are cheapest to insure?

Anything low powered, small, and rwd. Old toyotas, datsuns, mazdas. Lowered mini trucks like s10's or muscle trucks like chevy c10's. Really depends on what you consider fun. I would say older american cars, but the big engine displacement is likely to raise insurance fees...

Don't Overspend - Full Coverage on an Older Car

41 related questions found

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.

What car is cheapest to insure for new drivers?

Cheapest cars to insure 2025: the shortlist
  • Hyundai i10.
  • Volkswagen Polo.
  • Skoda Fabia.
  • Kia Picanto.
  • Toyota Aygo X.
  • VW Caddy.
  • Fiat 500.
  • Dacia Sandero.

At what point is car insurance not worth it?

If your vehicle is paid off, there are only a few instances that justify dropping collision coverage: Your vehicle's value is less than a few thousand dollars: If your car holds minimal value, collision coverage may not be worth carrying. This is especially true when a large car insurance deductible is involved.

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.

How long do accidents stay on your record?

In the state of California, most vehicle accidents will stay on your record for around 3 years. However, more serious traffic violations will follow you for longer. For example, a DUI conviction will stay on your record for 10 years.

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.

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.

At what point is full coverage not worth it?

If Your Car Has Retained Much of Its Value

If the cost of car repairs exceeds the value of your car, insurance companies will consider it totaled. Instead of paying for repairs, you'll just receive a check. If your car is only worth a few thousand dollars, a full coverage premium might not be worth it.

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.

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.

Does insurance go up or down with 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.

Who typically 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.

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.

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.

Is it cheaper to insure an older car?

As a result, insurance premiums are generally lower for older cars. One of the largest periods of depreciation is the first year of a car's life. Insurance rates drop around 10% once a car is a year old. Given that new cars are worth more and usually have more advanced features, they are more expensive to insure.

Does it matter what car you drive for insurance?

The make and model of your car can affect your car insurance rate based on how often that make is involved in insurance claims, how much it generally costs to repair or replace the vehicle, and the safety features it has.

What are the cheapest old cars to insure?

Cars that are cheap to insure
  • Škoda Citigo.
  • Fiat 500.
  • SEAT Ibiza.
  • Volkswagen Polo.
  • Toyota Auris.
  • Renault Captur.
  • Volkswagen e-up!
  • Ford Fiesta.

What is the cheapest reliable car to insure?

The Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Jeep Wrangler and Subaru Outback are the cheapest cars to insure. All three have full coverage rates under $250 per month, on average.