Car Insurance For Seniors

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Car insurance for senior citizens is very important because senior citizens are known to be high risk group. Seniors involved in accidents are more likely not to be paying attention -- such as proceeding into an intersection after the light has changed. Sometimes an accident is the first sign that an elderly person should consider giving up driving. They understandably don't want to give up their independence.

Discounts on Car Insurance for Seniors

Drivers over age 75 have a very high rate of fatal accidents and they should talk about their senior auto insurance with their agent. Many seniors should assess their driving skills. In many states, a senior auto insurance discount is available if the mature person takes a driver safety course. The rules for the senior car insurance discounts may vary so they need to be checked with the insurance company.

55 ALIVE

55 ALIVE is a course for mature drivers offered through local AARP chapters. Many insurance companies offer discounts with proof of completion of 55 ALIVE or another safe driving course.

The driving course will explain safety factors seniors should be aware of. The design of the car is one of the factors. Design considerations for seniors include: freedom of movement, ability to see the road, and any unique physical limits. Attention to the following can assure better driving for senior citizens and help prevent accidents:

• Visibility of the display panel
• Seats need to be fully adjustable
• Seat belts need to be easy to use
• Doors should be lightweight and easy to open and close
• The view of road should be unobstructed

Other Considerations When Shopping for Car Insurance for Seniors

Seniors should be aware of the possible reactions to medicine that might make driving difficult. Several health conditions have been associated with accidents including vision problems, arthritis, neurological disorders, diabetes, foot problems and balance problems. Insurance companies want to be sure that these factors are completely understood before they offer the senior car insurance discount.

Many seniors need to find ways to save money because many are on fixed incomes such as social security. Saving on auto insurance for senior citizens starts with getting a quote from a licensed insurance agent. Seniors may be able to get a discount by going through the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Other things to consider before buying a senior auto insurance policy are:

• Information on auto insurance for senior citizens can be obtained from your state's insurance department. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has auto insurance information according to state.
• Consider higher deductibles. This could save some money.
• Check the Highway Loss Data Institute to find out which cars are stolen least often and which have the lowest repair costs.
• Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage if you have an older car.
• Ask about discounts for antilock brakes, air bags and other safety features.
• Check your credit history and have any inaccuracies corrected.
• Take advantage of low-mileage discounts.
• Check on group insurance and corporate discounts. For example American Automobile Association (AAA) members can save on auto insurance.
• Ask about other discounts when you get your auto insurance quote.

Driving represents independence, competence and control. It is a way to get to the doctor's office, to go shopping, get to a part-time or volunteer job, and visit with family and friends. During the early stages of dementia individuals are still able to manage daily activities. They start to think about a future time when they may no longer be able to drive.

Dementia is not like other changes in later life that affect driving, such as eyesight problems and slow reaction times. Older adults who don't have dementia can assess their driving without family intervention and will gradually adapt the way they drive. Most seniors continue to drive without accidents throughout their lives. Alzheimer's and dementia are different. The progression of this disease is usually gradual and affects functions that are very important to driving, such as judgment, reaction time and problem-solving. It can cause physical problems that increase the risk of driving.

A person with dementia may not be able to be objective about his or her driving ability. People with dementia sometimes use rationalizations to justify continuing to drive such as: "Just because I get lost sometimes doesn't mean I can't drive," and "I make sure I always look where I'm going, "and "I've driven many years and I have never had an accident." If a person's driving skills decline, the risk of serious injury increases. Family members need to take responsibility for monitoring the driving of a person with dementia in order to prevent a serious accident.

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