Over 80s car insurance
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Is car insurance more expensive for over 80s?
It can be. While car insurance premiums usually decrease as you get older, they start to increase again once you hit 80. This is because insurance providers generally consider drivers in this age group more of a risk on the road.
There is evidence that drivers aged 76 to 85 are more at risk of collisions than many younger age groups, with the risks even greater for drivers aged 86 and over.
However, drivers over 80 are the most experienced on the road, and older drivers usually drive less than younger motorists.
Being able to drive after 80 can radically improve your independence and quality of life. If your GP thinks you’re okay to drive, there’s no reason you shouldn’t keep driving after your 80th birthday.
What does over 80s car insurance cover?
An over 80s car insurance policy can cover you for the same things as any other policy. You’ll choose between third-party, third-party fire and theft, or fully comprehensive cover. You’ll also find the same policy extras are available to you.
As you get older, you may find you want a different policy with more cover and added extras.
Do over 80s need extra cover?
You won’t find tailored policy options for drivers over 80, but there may be extras you want to add. These might include lost keys cover or breakdown cover so you’re not left stranded and feeling vulnerable.
Some specialist providers offer car insurance for older drivers, which may offer policies that include all the relevant extras.
What optional extras are available with over 80s car insurance?
Here are some extras you can include in your over 80s car insurance policy:
- Breakdown cover: if you break down in an unfamiliar area, it’s reassuring to have support on hand. Added breakdown cover means you can have your car back on the road right away or taken to a garage for repairs. Some extras, such as onward travel to help you get home safely, are ideal for over 80s drivers
- Personal accident cover: you can use this to claim compensation if you’re injured in an accident. Comprehensive car insurance policies often include it as standard but you can add it separately if you need to.
- Motor legal protection: if you’re involved in a non-fault accident and need to take legal action against the other driver, motor legal protection can cover your legal expenses. It will also cover your costs if another driver makes a claim against you.
- Key cover: losing your car keys is stressful and potentially expensive. Key cover means you don’t have to worry about the cost of replacing and reprogramming them. Some policies include key cover as standard, but you can add it as an extra if you need to.
- No-claims discount protection: your years of driving experience may add up to a valuable no-claims discount. You can protect this with no-claims discount cover, so you get to keep your savings even if you have an accident.
- Windscreen cover: even small chips and cracks in your windscreen can be expensive to repair - having cover can give you extra peace of mind.
Do over 80s need any extra documents to arrange car insurance?
No. You won’t need additional documents to arrange your car insurance, but you’ll need to renew your licence every three years once you hit 70.
You can renew your driving licence online. It’s completely free of charge and you don’t have to take another driving test.
Can I insure an older car?
Yes. If your car is over 15 years old and worth at least £15,000 (and more than the list price) it could be considered a classic by HM Revenue and Customs. Plenty of insurance providers will be keen to provide cover, especially as owners of classic cars tend to maintain them very well.
Find out more about classic car insurance and how to find a cheaper quote.
How can I reduce the cost of my car insurance as an over 80?
Here are some ways to reduce the cost of your premiums if you’re over 80:
- Keep your mileage low: by keeping your annual mileage as low as possible, you’ll spend less time on the road. For an insurance provider, this means there’s less risk of an accident, and less risk of a claim.
- Keep your vehicle secure: if your vehicle has an industry-approved alarm or immobiliser, you’re less likely to make a claim due to theft or vandalism. Keeping your vehicle securely parked overnight can also deter thieves and help lower your premium. Speak to your insurance provider to request an alarm discount, as this isn’t automatically applied.
- Choose the right car: classic cars might look wonderful, but they may not attract cheaper premiums. All cars are allocated an insurance group between 1 and 50 (with 1 being the cheapest to insure), so if buying a new car look for one in a lower insurance group.
- Pay your car insurance annually: paying your car insurance monthly lets you spread the cost over the year, but it’s usually more expensive as you’ll be charged interest on the instalments.
- Increase your voluntary excess: if you pay a higher excess when you claim, your insurance premiums will likely be cheaper. Just make sure you can afford the excess if you need to claim, and consider any compulsory excess charges, so you don’t get caught out.
- Consider a specialist provider: some car insurance providers specialise in cover for over 80s. While there’s no guarantee you’ll get a cheaper quote, these insurance providers may offer a service that’s more tailored to you.
- Compare car insurance quotes: one of the easiest ways to get cheaper car insurance is to compare quotes with Compare the Market. We compare cover from dozens of providers, so you can filter by the cheapest quote.
Will my medical conditions affect my car insurance?
If you’re diagnosed with a medical condition, you need to declare it to the DVLA and your insurance provider. This could mean your insurance premiums rise, or you need to find a specialist insurance provider.
Not sure which medical conditions and disabilities you need to declare? Check the government’s website. If you fail to disclose a medical condition that could affect your driving, you could be fined up to £1,000. You could also be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.
You may need to take a course to assess your driving ability. You can do this at a Driving Mobility Centre.
Even if you don’t have a medical condition, it can be reassuring to know that your driving skills are still up to scratch.
Compare cheap car insurance quotes from 150 provider products[1] including:
[1] Correct as of December, 2022
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get a competitive quote?
Quite possibly, yes. It’s more difficult to get a competitive quote for older drivers, but it’s not impossible. If your insurance provider increases the price of renewing your policy, it’s worth shopping around and comparing other providers.
How can I compare over 80s car insurance?
Comparing car insurance quotes for older drivers is easy and only takes a few minutes. We make it easy to find the right level of cover at a cost that suits you.
Lots of car insurance providers offer cover for over 80s. Our comparison service will help you find the right policy for your age and circumstances.
Is there a maximum age for car insurance?
No, although some providers impose their own limits. However, as long as you’re medically fit to drive, you’ll be able to find car insurance with no upper age limit.
Will my insurance policy auto-renew?
It depends on your policy. Many insurance providers offer auto-renewal, but opting out of this gives you greater control over your cover. Avoiding auto-renewal allows you to switch more easily, which is one of the best ways to save money on your car insurance.
Top tipLook for quotes around 21 days before your renewal date, as prices can rise the closer you get. |
How should I decide whether to keep driving?
If your reactions are slower than they were, or you find traffic conditions increasingly stressful, it might be time to call it a day.
It’s never an easy decision to stop driving, but it’s important to recognise if your driving ability isn’t what it used to be.
You can arrange for an assessment of your driving skills at a local mobility centre, or by taking an RoSPA Experienced Driver Assessment course.
Should I tell the DVLA if I decide to stop driving?
If medical conditions affect your ability to drive, or you no longer feel confident about driving, you should send your licence to the DVLA with a declaration of voluntary surrender.
How do I get my driving ability reassessed?
You have two options;
- A Driving Mobility Centre assessment (if medical conditions have affected your driving)
- A simple driving assessment through organisations such as RoSPA or IAM RoadSmart
What does a mobility centre assessment involve?
When you book in for an assessment at a driving mobility centre, they will assess your:
- Ability to operate car controls
- Thinking skills and cognitive health
- Eyesight
Trained professionals will make an on-road assessment of your driving ability in a dual-controlled car. They’ll also see if you could benefit from car adaptations. You’ll also have to do some paper-based tests that measure your mental, memory or attention skills.
Could I lose my driving licence by taking an assessment?
It’s possible the DVLA might tell you to stop driving if your assessment finds it’s unsafe for you to drive.
You’ll be given a medical reason why you need to stop driving and will be told if and when you can reapply for your licence. You can write to the DVLA if you disagree with its decision.
Can I save if I only drive my car occasionally?
Some insurance providers offer cheaper low-mileage car insurance. If, like many older drivers, you don’t use your car much, it’s worth shopping around to see if you can benefit. What’s considered to be low mileage with vary among providers.
What do I need to find a quote?
When looking for a car insurance quote, it helps to have the following information to hand:
- Your car’s registration or its make and model and age
- Your driving history including accidents, claims and convictions.
- How you use your car including your expected annual mileage.
- Any additional drivers if you’re looking to split driving responsibilities with someone else, you’ll need to share their details too.
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What our expert says...
"The number of older drivers in the UK is rising, and provided you’re medically fit to do so, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy getting behind the wheel. Finding the right car insurance to suit your needs will help give you peace of mind while you’re on the road."
- Julie Daniels, Motor insurance expert
