Compare Over 80s Car Insurance

Over 80s Car Insurance: Compare Quotes & Save

The chances are, that by the time you reach your 80th birthday, those who drive will have plenty of miles- and driving experience- under their belt. Yet although older drivers have acquired a great set of skills and confidence on the road, past the age of 80 the unfortunate fact is that your driving insurance premiums will probably start to rise.

Although the youngest of drivers (those aged between 17 and 24) are considered the highest risk by insurance companies due to inexperience, and those drivers above this age group typically enjoy far lower premiums, once you reach your eighth decade this trend begins to reverse.

That's because many common health conditions (such as poorer eyesight) as well as an inevitable slowing of vital reaction times, leads to an increase in road accidents involving people in this older age bracket. Indeed, studies show that the likelihood of being involved in a collision increases significantly once drivers reach 80 years of age, and then rises sharply again for drivers older than 86.

Factors Affecting Over 80s Car Insurance Premiums

Beyond age, several other factors will impact the cost of your car insurance:

1. Make, model, and value of your vehicle
2. Annual mileage and usage
3. Parking and overnight storage
4. Driving history and claims bonus
5. Level of cover (comprehensive, third-party fire & theft, or third-party only)
6. Voluntary excess amount
7. Additional drivers on the policy
8. Your postcode and residential area

Choosing the Right Level of Cover

When comparing quotes, it's essential to choose a level of cover that suits your needs and budget. The three main types are:

Comprehensive cover: The most extensive protection for your own vehicle as well as third parties. Often includes extras like courtesy car and legal cover.

1. Third-party fire & theft: Covers damage to third parties, as well as fire and theft damage to your own vehicle.
2. Third-party only: The legal minimum, covering damage to third parties only.

As an over 80 driver, comprehensive cover may offer the peace of mind you're looking for. However, third-party options can be more cost-effective for lower-value vehicles.

Tips for Reducing Over 80s Car Insurance Costs

While getting cheap car insurance for over 80s can be tricky, there are ways to keep costs down:

1. Pay annually instead of monthly
2. Increase your voluntary excess
3. Reduce your annual mileage
4. Invest in security features like alarms and immobilisers
5. Consider a limited mileage policy
6. Park your car in a secure location overnight
7. Maintain a clean driving licence and build up your claims bonus
8. Limit the number of additional drivers, especially younger ones

Remember, the key is to find the right balance of cost and cover for your needs.

Medical Conditions and Driving Licences for Over 80s

As a driver over 80, it's essential to keep the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency informed of any medical conditions that may affect your driving. You'll need to renew your driving licence every three years, which can be done for free online. The DVLA may ask for additional information or an eye test when you renew. Keeping your licence up to date and being honest about your health is vital for ensuring your car insurance remains valid.

Did you know?

• The DVLA requires drivers over 80 to renew their licence every 3 years, compared to every 10 years for younger drivers.
• According to the DVLA, the most common medical conditions reported by drivers over 80 are vision problems, arthritis, and hearing loss.

References

• [1] www.abi.org.uk
• [2] www.ageuk.org.uk
• [3] www.fca.org.uk