As drivers age, some insurance companies increase rates due to risks associated with age-related health changes, such as slower reaction times, vision changes, and the increased likelihood of injuries in an accident. However, these rate increases aren’t universal, and many insurers provide discounts specifically for seniors.

If you’re a senior in the DMV area, where busy highways like the Capital Beltway and high-density intersections can pose risks, it’s important to balance affordability with needed car insurance coverage. Here are some tips to help you find the best deal.

1. Shop Around for the Best Rates and Discounts. Different insurers offer different rates based on their risk assessments and many offer discounts specifically for senior citizens. Shopping around is the first step to finding affordable coverage, as rates can vary significantly between providers. Request quotes from at least three companies to get a better idea of what’s available.

Senior Discounts to Ask About:

• Safe Driving Discounts: Many providers offer safe driving discounts for seniors with a clean driving record. Some even offer extra savings to those who complete defensive driving courses designed for mature drivers.
• Low-Mileage Discounts: If you’re driving less frequently, you may be eligible for a low-mileage discount, which can significantly reduce premiums. This is for seniors who are retired and don’t commute daily.
• Bundling Policies: If you have homeowners or life insurance with the same provider, bundling these policies together with your car insurance can reduce costs.

2. Consider Usage-Based Insurance Plans. As of 2020, at least thirty-one insurance companies in Maryland offer a use-based insurance program (UBI) for their private passenger insureds, and at least forty-three offer these programs to their commercial insureds. *** This voluntary program is a great fit for seniors who don’t drive often or only take short trips. These plans track your mileage and driving habits using a mobile app or a small device in your car. The less you drive, the less you pay, which can be particularly helpful for seniors in the DMV area who primarily drive for errands or occasional outings. Usage-based insurance not only lowers costs for low-mileage drivers but can also reward safe driving habits, which can further reduce your premium.

3. Review and Adjust Your Coverage Levels. Evaluating the types of coverage you need is another way to keep costs down without sacrificing necessary protection. 

Here are some coverage options to consider:

• Liability Coverage: Liability coverage is required in the DMV area, but seniors with a strong safety record may not need to carry the maximum limits. Choosing state minimums or a level that fits your needs can help reduce costs.
• Collision and Comprehensive Coverage: If you’re driving an older vehicle, it may make sense to forgo collision and comprehensive coverage, especially if the car’s value doesn’t justify these expenses. Seniors with newer vehicles, however, should maintain these coverages to protect against the risk of an accident, which can happen more frequently in high-traffic areas.
• Medical Payment Coverage: Given the complexity of healthcare in the event of an accident, medical payment coverage can help with medical expenses regardless of fault. It can be particularly valuable for seniors and is often affordable to add to a policy.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Driving in a high-traffic area like the DMV increases the risk of encountering an uninsured driver. This coverage protects you if another driver who lacks insurance is at fault in an accident, which can save you significant out-of-pocket costs.

4. Complete a Mature Driver Course. One effective way to reduce car insurance premiums as a senior is to complete a defensive driving or mature driver course. Many insurance providers offer a discount to drivers who complete an approved course, as it demonstrates an ongoing commitment to safe driving. These courses, often offered online or through local organizations, review defensive driving strategies, DMV-specific regulations, and handling high-traffic areas like the Beltway.

5. Evaluate Your Deductibles. Adjusting your deductibles is another effective way to manage insurance costs. Raising your deductible can lower your premium; however, make sure the amount is something you can reasonably afford if you do need to file a claim. For seniors who drive less frequently, a higher deductible may make sense as the likelihood of filing a claim may be reduced.

In the DMV, staying aware of high traffic times and driving at less congested times can reduce accident risk. Using navigation tools that offer real-time traffic updates can help you avoid traffic hotspots. Additionally, parking is a common challenge in DC and surrounding areas, so having parking or “hit-and-run” coverage can be beneficial, especially for seniors who frequently park in busy urban areas.

Finding affordable car insurance as a senior citizen in the DMV area doesn’t have to be difficult. By exploring discounts, adjusting coverage levels, and considering usage-based plans, you can create a policy that fits your needs and budget. Car insurance doesn’t just protect your vehicle—it provides peace of mind in a high-traffic, busy area where risks can be higher than average.

At Lindquist Insurance, we’re dedicated to helping senior drivers in the DMV find affordable, reliable car insurance coverage. Contact us today for a personalized consultation to explore insurance options tailored to your lifestyle and get a quote that helps you drive with confidence.

We serve the Annapolis, MD, Bethesda, Frederick, MD, and Washington, DC area.

*** For more on Usage-Based Insurance Plans, visit the NAIC website.