In this article you’ll learn some tips that pensioners can use to find the right car insurance policy for their needs.
Insurers calculate premiums based on risk1. Similar to young drivers, insurers consider older drivers to be ‘higher risk’, and may begin to increase your premiums accordingly. This means that you could start paying more, even with a safe driving history several decades long.
A driver’s risk changes depending on their age, for example:
Despite this, seniors have a lifetime driving history that could be used to their advantage. They also receive senior discounts in many areas, and it may be possible to find an insurer that also offers these3.
Senior drivers are considered high-risk for very different reasons to young drivers. Whereas young drivers often display unsafe driving behavior1, senior drivers are often more cautious and try to avoid risky situations by regulating their own driving behaviour.
Instead, the risk comes from physical and mental changes that occur as we age, for example1:
You may be able to delay premium increases if you have a safe driving record and maintain good health. However, once you turn 60, it’s a good idea to review your car insurance to make sure your premiums aren’t unnecessarily high. You may not be receiving all the benefits you could be, or you may find that another insurer offers a better deal.
As a senior driver, you’ll likely face licensing restrictions depending on which state you live in. Here is a breakdown of restrictions by state:
QLD has a strict requirement that every driver 75 and over needs to carry a “medical certificate for motor vehicle driver” form whenever they drive4. Drivers face fines if they don’t present it when asked.
The form:
In NSW, the following regulations apply5:
In the ACT, drivers 75 and over must have an annual medical assessment. Drivers must legally report any medical condition that may affect their driving6.
While there is no requirement for senior drivers to pass regular medical assessments in Victoria, you must legally tell VicRoads about any conditions that could affect your driving as soon as possible7. You may then be required to attend regular medical assessments.
The Tasmanian government recognises the importance of maintaining a driver’s licence as you get older, so they have minimal rules in place for senior drivers8:
Seniors in South Australia are not required to pass an annual medical test, unless they have a known medical condition that needs to be regularly assessed9.
Instead, drivers 75 and over must complete a self-assessment form every year. If they answer yes to any questions, they must complete the assessment with a doctor. Senior drivers must only take a practical driving test if recommended to do so by a doctor.
In WA, senior drivers over 80 must10:
Drivers 85 years an over must take the practical driving assessment every year.
In the NT, drivers are expected to self-assess their driving ability11. However, doctors are legally required to tell the Registrar of Motor Vehicles if they have assessed someone as unfit to drive.
As with any age group, there are ways senior drivers may be able to reduce their premiums:
It’s worth checking with your insurer to see if they offer senior discounts. If they don’t, try asking other insurers before settling for your current policy.
If senior discounts aren’t an option, your safe driving history may be an advantage. Check with your insurer to make sure your premium accurately reflects your no-claim status12. If their rewards are minimal, it’s a good idea to check with a few insurers, as your driving history is usually transferrable.
If you’re driving less, you may be able to find a pay-as-you-drive policy that better meets your needs12.
If you no longer have under-25s driving your car, you may be able to add an age restriction to your policy. This can help reduce your premium by reducing risk related to young drivers12.
If you have more than one type of insurance, it can often be a good idea to have them through one insurer12. If your current insurer doesn’t offer loyalty rewards, you may find another that does.
Choosing a higher excess can help reduce your premium, but make sure it’s still affordable, as you don’t want to be out of pocket in an accident.
Insuring your car for its market value can help save you money on your premium12. Your insurer may offer to insure it for an agreed value, but this is usually higher than market value and can increase your premium.
iSelect can help you compare car insurance policies from our range of providers. Simply call us on 13 19 20 or start comparing online today.
Sources:
1. http://www.tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/safe-driving/older-drivers/
2. https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/insurance/car-insurance/young-drivers/
3. https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/enablers/benefits-pensioner-concession-card/39031
4. https://www.qld.gov.au/seniors/transport/senior-drivers/safe-driving/
5. https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/older-drivers/index.html
6.https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/1581/kw/older%20drivers#!tabs-6
7. https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/health-and-driving/medical-review-process/stage-1-reporting/
8. https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/licensing/information/older_drivers/
9. http://mylicence.sa.gov.au/road-rules/the-drivers-handbook/fitness-to-drive/
10. https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/renew-my-drivers-licence-seniors-85-plus.asp
11. https://nt.gov.au/driving/driverlicence/get-your-licence/medical-fitness-to-drive/
12. https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/insurance/car-insurance/