Compare over 50s home insurance deals

Why are over 50s considered less of a risk?

There are a few reasons why you may find home insurance for over 50s or pensioners can be cheaper:

• People in their 50s, 60s and beyond have often been homeowners for years. This means they tend to know more about home maintenance and how to prevent mishaps like burst pipes, which can lead to expensive claims.
• Over 50s may take a more proactive approach to home security, such as installing burglar alarms and joining Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.
• Older homeowners are usually more experienced at buying home insurance. This means they’re likely to check what their policy covers and more accurately calculate the value of their possessions.
• Over 50s are less likely to have very young children living with them, so there’s less chance of breakages and spills.
• Older people tend to be at home more, perhaps because they’ve retired or work from home. As a result, they’re less likely to be burgled during the day.
• Older homeowners may be more financially secure. They might choose to cover minor repairs out of their own pocket rather than claiming on their insurance.

What are the benefits of over 50s home insurance?

If you’re over 50, you could benefit from more than just lower insurance premiums. Depending on your policy, you could also enjoy:

• Access to products and discounts from specialist over 50 home insurance providers
• Higher levels of contents insurance cover
• A higher maximum limit for buildings insurance cover
• Discounts on home security systems
• Extended cover if your house is empty – some insurance providers will cover an unoccupied home for 60 days for over 50s policyholders
• Cover for mobility aids, such as a scooter, electric wheelchair or stairlift
• Cover for the loan of medical equipment
• Cover for loss or damage to plants and garden contents
• Personal possessions cover for carers
• Fixed premiums for up to three years – some providers may offer this if your circumstances don’t change.

Always check any policy carefully before buying, as each insurance provider offers different benefits.

What about home insurance for over 60s?

Cheap house insurance for over 60s and over 70s is a possibility too. Again, insurance providers may see you as less of a risk, and you may also qualify for policies from specialist providers including Saga.

The oldest age groups are more likely to downsize. Some 37% of over 75s who had moved in the past five years did so to live in a smaller property, as compared with 17% aged 50-64, according to a 2023 Housing LIN report. A smaller home, such as a flat or bungalow, could be cheaper to insure than a house.

That said, how much you pay for your policy will depend on many factors, not least where you live and your claims history. To give you a better idea on cost, you could compare house and contents insurance for over 60s.

How to get cheaper home and contents insurance for seniors

There are several ways to help cut the cost of your home insurance if you are over 50. These include:

• Improving your home’s security
• Increasing your voluntary excess – this is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim
• Paying annually instead of monthly
• Estimating the value of your contents accurately, so you don’t pay more than you need to
• Buying your buildings and contents insurance from the same provider – some offer a discount if you get both.

For more tips, read our guide on how to save money on your home insurance.

Bear in mind, however, that the best over 50s home insurance for you may not necessarily be the cheapest option. It’s important to make sure the policy you choose has all the features and cover you need to suit your circumstances.