Updated: October 29, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
State Farm delivers the best auto insurance for seniors, earning the highest MoneyGeek score in our analysis of 85 out of 100. They also offer the cheapest full coverage for seniors at $114/month.
For those with budget in mind, GEICO provides the most affordable liability-only rates for seniors, at an average of $52 per month.
Although USAA ranks high for the best and cheapest car insurance for seniors, it's only available to active military members, veterans and their families.
The best car insurance for seniors is offered by State Farm, costing an average of $114 per month for a full coverage policy. The best car insurance for seniors blends affordability, customer service and financial stability. Rates typically begin to increase when you turn 65, as insurance companies consider seniors slightly riskier to insure than other adult drivers.
For the providers below, we analyzed the national averages for a full coverage policy of 100/300/100 with a $1,000 deductible for drivers aged 65. We used a weighted ranking system detailed in our methodology to determine the best car insurance providers for seniors. Below are the ratings for each top provider:
| USAA | $105 | 4.93 | 2.45 | 2.50 |
| State Farm | $114 | 3.93 | 2.10 | 2.50 |
| GEICO | $121 | 3.77 | 2.16 | 2.50 |
| Nationwide | $128 | 3.13 | 2.39 | 3.75 |
| Allstate | $154 | 3.27 | 1.95 | 3.75 |
| Progressive | $155 | 3.31 | 2.35 | 3.75 |
| Travelers | $156 | 3.58 | 2.51 | 3.75 |
| Farmers | $170 | 3.47 | 2.29 | 3.70 |
Car Insurance For Seniors Ratings
After analyzing the top national providers, State Farm, USAA, and Geico stood out as the best car insurance companies for seniors. Below, we explain why each provider stood out and share our personal experiences in the quotes, claims, and customer service process with each company. Additionally, we compare them on the following ratings:
State Farm is our top pick for seniors. In addition to offering top notch customer service, the provider has the best full coverage rates and a wide range of discounts. During the quote process, we secured a safe Safe Driver Discount (up to 30%) a Defensive Driving Course Discount (up to 15%), and a Low Mileage Discount for driving fewer miles.
Our Experience:
USAA offers the lowest rates for seniors, although coverage is limited to military members, veterans, and their families. Along with affordable rates and useful digital tools, USAA stands out for high customer satisfaction ratings that are above the industry average. With USAA, it's easy to file a claim over the phone, where agents take every aspect of claims administration seriously.
Our Experience:
With the cheapest liability-only coverage available to most drivers, Geico is our pick for most affordable car insurance for seniors. Along with affordable coverage and great customer service, Geico has several dicount offerings tailored for seniors, including a Defensive Driving Discount (10% savings), Good Driver Discount, discount for retired federal employees, and additional savings with the DriveEasy usage-based program.
Our Experience:
Below, you can compare discounts from the top 3 insurance providers for seniors. We also provide a more detailed overview of auto insurance discounts in the guide at the bottom of the page.
Discount | State Farm | USAA | Geico | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Safe Driver Discount | Up to 30% | Up to 10% | Up to 26% | |
Defensive Driving Discount | 5-15% | 3-10% | Up to 10% | |
Low Mileage Discount | *Yes | *Yes | *Yes | |
Multiple Vehicle Discount | Up to 20% | Up to 15% | Up to 25% | |
Home & Auto Bundle | Up to 17% | *Yes | Up to 25% | |
Drive Safe Telematics | Drive Safe & Save™ – tracks driving habits | SafePilot™ – tracks driving habits | DriveEasy – tracks driving habits | |
Accident-Free Discount | *Yes | *Yes | Up to 26% | |
Anti-Theft Device Discount | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Vehicle Safety Discount | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
New Car Discount | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*Varies by state or location
On average, the cheapest car insurance for most senior drivers costs $621 per year or $51 per month for a minimum liability coverage policy from Geico. In the sections below, we ranked the best car insurance rates for seniors by different driver profiles, listing the average monthly and annual premiums for each provider. If you’re looking to save money, reducing your coverage or raising your deductible could result in lower car insurance premiums.
While Geico offers the cheapest car insurance for most seniors, the cheapest car insurance option for you depends on your situation and needs, including your vehicle type, income, savings and more. In the table below, you can see the cheapest car insurance rates for seniors for each major driver profile:
| Cheapest Overall | GEICO | $622 | $52 |
| Full Coverage | State Farm | $1,369 | $114 |
| With A Speeding Ticket | State Farm | $450 | $37 |
| With An Accident | State Farm | $491 | $41 |
| With A DUI | State Farm | $572 | $48 |
| Veteran | USAA | $543 | $45 |
Along with Geico, State Farm and Nationwide have the cheapest car insurance rates for most drivers. Use the table below to find the most affordable car insurance rates for you:
| USAA | $45 | $543 |
| GEICO | $52 | $622 |
| State Farm | $52 | $626 |
| Nationwide | $59 | $702 |
| Progressive | $68 | $810 |
| Travelers | $69 | $825 |
| Allstate | $77 | $918 |
| Farmers | $77 | $929 |
**The table above highlights the cheapest minimum liability policies available to most seniors. Keep in mind that USAA is only available for veterans, active servicemembers, and their families. *
Car insurance costs vary by state, and the cheapest option for seniors in your state may differ from the national level. Use the table below to find the most affordable provider in your state.
| Michigan | Travelers | $94 | $8 |
| Iowa | State Farm | $136 | $11 |
| Idaho | State Farm | $145 | $12 |
| Montana | State Farm | $154 | $13 |
| Nebraska | American National P&C | $157 | $13 |
| North Dakota | Nodak Mutual | $158 | $13 |
| Massachusetts | State Farm | $167 | $14 |
| Ohio | Erie | $170 | $14 |
| Alabama | Cincinnati Insurance | $175 | $15 |
| Wyoming | State Farm | $182 | $15 |
| Vermont | State Farm | $188 | $16 |
| Arkansas | Hanover | $191 | $16 |
| Tennessee | State Farm | $197 | $16 |
| Oklahoma | State Farm | $200 | $17 |
| South Dakota | State Farm | $204 | $17 |
| Hawaii | GEICO | $217 | $18 |
| Kansas | Nationwide | $218 | $18 |
| Maine | Countryway Insurance | $221 | $18 |
| Indiana | State Farm | $222 | $18 |
| Mississippi | Progressive | $227 | $19 |
| Kentucky | Cincinnati Insurance | $228 | $19 |
| North Carolina | Nationwide | $230 | $19 |
| Wisconsin | State Farm | $232 | $19 |
| New Hampshire | State Farm | $233 | $19 |
| Illinois | Mercury | $235 | $20 |
| New Mexico | State Farm | $239 | $20 |
| Pennsylvania | Erie | $242 | $20 |
| Colorado | American National P&C | $248 | $21 |
| Virginia | Mercury | $251 | $21 |
| South Carolina | American National P&C | $283 | $24 |
| Washington | PEMCO | $284 | $24 |
| Georgia | Country Financial | $285 | $24 |
| Texas | Texas Farm Bureau | $295 | $25 |
| West Virginia | Erie | $300 | $25 |
| Alaska | State Farm | $300 | $25 |
| Minnesota | State Farm | $305 | $25 |
| Arizona | Mercury | $321 | $27 |
| Connecticut | GEICO | $326 | $27 |
| District of Columbia | Chubb | $345 | $29 |
| Rhode Island | State Farm | $356 | $30 |
| Oregon | State Farm | $360 | $30 |
| Utah | Farmers Union Insurance | $369 | $31 |
| Missouri | State Farm | $381 | $32 |
| Nevada | CSAA | $402 | $33 |
| California | GEICO | $411 | $34 |
| New Jersey | GEICO | $420 | $35 |
| Delaware | Travelers | $444 | $37 |
| Florida | GEICO | $446 | $37 |
| New York | Kemper | $468 | $39 |
| Maryland | Progressive | $538 | $45 |
| Louisiana | State Farm | $541 | $45 |
Car insurance rates for seniors typically change as they age, with lower premiums often available in their mid-50s. However, rates usually start increasing after age 70 due to higher perceived risks. Understanding how age impacts your premium can help you budget and find the best possible rates.
| 55 | State Farm | $100 |
| 60 | Travelers | $137 |
| 65 | State Farm | $95 |
| 70 | State Farm | $99 |
| 75 | State Farm | $107 |
| 80 | State Farm | $118 |
| 85 | State Farm | $128 |
| 90 | GEICO | $131 |
Having a recent traffic citation on your record, — or several tickets over the years —whether it be from a DUI, speeding ticket, or accident, can increase your car insurance costs. Check the tables below to see how different violations impact rates of senior drivers.
Our analysis found that State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for seniors with a speeding ticket, costing an average of $77 per month or $925 per year. The table below shows the cost of car insurance for senior drivers with a speeding ticket.
| USAA | $787 | $66 |
| State Farm | $925 | $77 |
| Nationwide | $1,082 | $90 |
| GEICO | $1,236 | $103 |
| Allstate | $1,347 | $112 |
| Travelers | $1,450 | $121 |
| Farmers | $1,503 | $125 |
| Progressive | $1,511 | $126 |
For seniors with an accident on record, State Farm is the least expensive car insurance provider. On average, a policy costs $84 per month or $1,004 per year. The table below provides the rates for different providers for senior drivers with an at-fault accident.
| State Farm | $1,004 | $84 |
| USAA | $1,005 | $84 |
| Nationwide | $1,310 | $109 |
| Travelers | $1,548 | $129 |
| GEICO | $1,593 | $133 |
| Allstate | $1,631 | $136 |
| Farmers | $1,892 | $158 |
| Progressive | $1,910 | $159 |
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, drivers aged 70 and above have higher accident frequency per mile than middle-aged adults.
For seniors with a DUI on their driving record, State Farm offers the lowest car insurance rates for most drivers costing $45 per month or $544 per year. Below is the complete list of cheapest providers.
| USAA | $544 | $45 |
| State Farm | $572 | $48 |
| Progressive | $695 | $58 |
| Farmers | $858 | $71 |
| Travelers | $874 | $73 |
| Nationwide | $936 | $78 |
| Allstate | $944 | $79 |
| GEICO | $1,190 | $99 |
Finding the right car insurance as a senior can help you save money while ensuring adequate coverage. As you age, your needs and risks may change, affecting the type of policy you require. This guide will help you understand key factors to consider, such as coverage options, discounts for senior drivers, and how lifestyle changes like reduced driving or health conditions can impact your premiums.
For the most part, drivers in the middle-age brackets typically have the lowest car insurance rates, but there are ways to lower your premium after turning 55. While it may be time-consuming to implement some of these steps, the savings could be worth it when you find cheap car insurance for senior citizens.
Companies continually change how they evaluate drivers; therefore, when you’re ready to renew your policy, always shop around with at least three companies to get personalized quotes. Switching car insurance companies could help you save.
If you haven’t updated your policy in a while, double-check the “listed drivers.” Removing people who no longer drive your vehicle from your policy could reduce your rates.
Many car insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who complete a certified defensive driver class. Check with your car insurance company for recommended courses
Car insurance companies evaluate risk based on the type of vehicle you have, so choosing a less risky car — say, a four-door sedan rather than a sports car — could result in significant premium savings.
If you have the financial means to pay a higher car insurance deductible if you file a claim, you could reduce the amount of your premium.
Most car insurance companies offer multi-car and multi-policy discounts if you insure more than two vehicles or purchase both your car and homeowners insurance from the same company.
Many car insurance companies offer discounts if your car contains safety features like a car alarm or airbags.
Most car insurance companies offer various discounts, ranging from safe driver discounts for good driving history to discounts for automatic premium payments. Many companies also now offer discounts based on your driving habits, monitored using technology installed on your car and your smartphone.
While monthly payments have a lower upfront cost, many insurance providers offer discounts that range from 5-10% for paying for a policy in full.
If you drive less, a usage-based policy that tracks your driving habits via a device or app could offer significant savings.
Seniors can take advantage of several car insurance discounts to lower their premiums. Options like pay-per-mile programs, low-mileage discounts, and defensive driving courses offer savings tailored to seniors' driving habits. Additionally, bundling policies and maintaining a clean driving record can lead to significant reductions. Explore these discounts to get the best rates as your insurance needs evolve.
Pay-Per-Mile Programs
These programs are ideal for seniors who don’t drive as much as they used to. Your premium is based on the number of miles driven, so the less you drive, the less you pay. This is especially useful for retirees who no longer commute regularly.
Low-Mileage Discount
Many insurance companies offer discounts for seniors who drive fewer miles each year. If you stay below a certain mileage threshold, you can qualify for lower rates, which is perfect for those who mainly use their car for errands or occasional trips.
Defensive Driving Discount
Completing a certified defensive driving course can earn seniors a discount on their car insurance. These courses refresh your driving skills and help reduce risk, making insurers more likely to offer savings.
Multi Policy
Bundling your auto insurance with other policies, such as home or renters insurance, can lead to significant savings. Many insurers offer discounts for combining coverage, allowing seniors to lower their overall insurance costs.
Accident Free Discount
If you’ve maintained a clean driving record without any accidents, you may qualify for an accident-free discount. Insurers reward safe drivers with lower premiums, making it a valuable perk for seniors who have a long history of responsible driving.
Read More: Car Insurance Discounts For Senior Citizens
Across all coverage levels, the average cost of car insurance for seniors 55 and up is $1188 per year or $99 per month. Average car insurance rates for seniors vary based on factors like age, location, driving history, and coverage needs. While seniors in their mid-50s often enjoy some of the lowest rates, premiums typically rise after age 70 due to increased risk factors.
Senior car insurance coverage ranges from basic liability car insurance, which is required by most states, to full coverage, which covers both your expenses and those of the other driver if you're at fault. Full coverage also protects against non-accident-related damage and theft. The amount of coverage you need depends on your financial situation, but higher coverage limits can help protect your assets.
The table below shows the average rates for senior drivers by different coverage types.
Coverage | Policy Type and Deductible | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
State Minimum | Liability-Only | $477 | $40 |
State Minimum | Full Coverage $1500 Deductible | $828 | $69 |
State Minimum | Full Coverage $1000 Deductible | $870 | $73 |
State Minimum | Full Coverage $500 Deductible | $978 | $81 |
100/300/100 | Liability-Only | $591 | $49 |
100/300/100 | Full Coverage $1500 Deductible | $942 | $79 |
100/300/100 | Full Coverage $1000 Deductible | $985 | $82 |
100/300/100 | Full Coverage $500 Deductible | $1,092 | $91 |
300/500/300 | Full Coverage $1500 Deductible | $1,026 | $86 |
300/500/300 | Full Coverage $1000 Deductible | $1,069 | $89 |
300/500/300 | Full Coverage $500 Deductible | $926 | $77 |
Finding the best car insurance rates for seniors is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each car insurance company evaluates drivers based on their personalized factors — your age, location, vehicle type, driving history and credit-based insurance score. Therefore, getting customized quotes from several companies is important for finding the cheapest car insurance available.
Older adults have unique needs when it comes to auto insurance. Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about car insurance to help you find the best deal to meet your needs.
The best auto insurance for seniors is State Farm due to its affordable rates and excellent customer service reputation.
The cheapest car insurance for senior drivers is GEICO, with a monthly premium of $52.
Car insurance companies begin raising rates for seniors after the age of 65, as older adult drivers have higher crash death rates. Additionally, some age-related changes in visual and physical function as well as some medications, may affect an older adult's driving ability.
To determine the best car insurance providers for seniors, we collected data from independent sources and created a weighted scoring system.
Study Overview to Determine Cheapest Providers for Seniors
To determine car insurance rates and comparisons, we collected data from State insurance departments and Quadrant information systems. We analyzed 706,104 quotes from 67 companies across 897 zip codes to determine national and state-specific rate averages.
Sample Driver Profile
To collect rate cost data, we used a sample driver profile and modified it to collect data on personalized factors such as age, geographic location, or driving history. The sample driver profiles are as follows:
Using our sample driver profiles, we collected rate costs for full coverage as well as liability-only coverage. We also collected data on coverage amounts.100/300/100 is shorthand for:
300/500/300 is shorthand for:
Coverage requirements are determined at the state level. We collected data on state-specific rates using the state’s coverage requirements to determine state and national averages for state minimum coverage requirements. In the event of an incident or accident, a deductible is the amount you will pay before your insurance kicks in. We applied the following deductibles to all of the coverages and policies listed above:
No deductible (Liability-only policies)
Learn more about MoneyGeeks car insurance methodology.
About Karon Warren
Karon Warren is a finance journalist at MoneyGeek and a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. She has over two decades of experience covering personal finance, health insurance, home insurance, car insurance, mortgages and banking.
Warren earned her journalism degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. She creates in-depth, well-researched finance content that educates people and helps them make informed financial decisions.
