In this guide
Obtaining car insurance after the age of 80 can be challenging. Insurers often view older drivers as higher risk, leading to increased premiums and fewer policy options. Understanding your choices is key to securing suitable cover at a fair price.
Why Do Premiums Increase After 80?
Premiums are based on risk. Statistically, drivers over 80 are more likely to make a claim, often due to slower reaction times or health issues. As a result, insurers may increase prices, impose restrictions, or refuse cover. Comparing policies tailored for older drivers is crucial.
Types of Cover Available
Drivers over 80 can access the same types of car insurance as other motorists:
- Comprehensive: Covers your vehicle and others in an accident, as well as theft and fire.
- Third Party, Fire and Theft: Covers damage to others, plus your car if it is stolen or damaged by fire.
- Third Party Only: The legal minimum, covering only damage to others.
Comprehensive cover generally provides the most protection and value, including for older drivers.
How to Find the Best Deal
Shop Around
Do not accept your renewal quote without comparing alternatives. Some insurers specialise in policies for older drivers, offering specific benefits and competitive pricing. Use a car insurance comparison service to review your options.
Consider Your Mileage
If you drive fewer miles, notify your insurer. Lower mileage can reduce your premium by lowering your assessed risk.
Review Your Excess
Increasing your voluntary excess can lower your premium. Only select an excess you can afford to pay if you need to make a claim.
Look for Specialist Providers
Some insurers offer policies specifically for older drivers, with features such as no upper age limit, enhanced medical cover, and courtesy cars. These can be found through specialist brokers or a car insurance comparison tool.
Medical Declarations and Licence Renewal
After age 70, you must renew your driving licence every three years. You are required to declare any medical conditions that could affect your driving. Failure to do so may invalidate your insurance. Always inform your insurer of any changes to your health or licence status.
Tips for Lowering Costs
- Install security devices such as alarms or immobilisers
- Park off-road or in a garage
- Build your no claims discount
- Only add regular drivers as named drivers
Summary
Car insurance for over 80s is available, but requires careful comparison and consideration of specialist providers. Always declare medical conditions, renew your licence on time, and take steps to reduce your premium. With the right approach, you can stay insured and independent well into your 80s and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get car insurance over 80?
Yes, but it can be harder. Insurers often see drivers over 80 as higher risk, which can mean higher premiums, restrictions or refusals, so careful comparison and specialist providers matter.
Why does car insurance go up after 80?
Premiums reflect risk, and drivers over 80 are statistically more likely to claim, often because of slower reaction times or health issues.
What types of car insurance can over 80s get?
The same as other motorists: comprehensive, third party fire and theft, or third party only. Comprehensive generally offers the most protection and value, including for older drivers.
How often do you have to renew your driving licence after 70?
Every three years. You must also declare any medical conditions that could affect your driving, and failing to do so may invalidate your insurance.
How can over 80s lower their car insurance costs?
Shop around rather than accepting the renewal, tell your insurer if you drive fewer miles, consider a higher voluntary excess you can afford, fit security devices, park off-road or in a garage, build your no claims discount and only add regular drivers as named drivers.
Are there specialist car insurers for older drivers?
Yes. Some insurers offer policies designed for older drivers with features such as no upper age limit, enhanced medical cover and courtesy cars, available through specialist brokers or comparison tools.
Michael Foote, Insurance & Finance Expert
Michael Foote is the founder of Quote Goat and has over 20 years experience working in finance & insurance. Since launching Quote Goat he has appeared on TV as well as many of the largest online publications including Forbes, The Telegraph and The Metro. Prior to Quote Goat, he worked in finance in the city.
