Aging Parents and Auto Insurance: How to Get the Best Rates

A reduced auto insurance rate is one of the privileges of aging -- until around age 65, when they start to slowly climb again. Insurance companies consider senior citizens a risk as they age, which means you need to do a bit of research to get the best rates for your parents. Let's explore aging parents and auto insurance and look at a few ways to save.

Fortunately, seniors have a few advantages that are not available to younger drivers. Here are a few of the best tips to help your parents get the best rates.

Driving Education

Depending on the state that you live in, your parents may be able to take a driving class in return for reduced insurance rates. AARP and AAA offer online classes for more convenience, or you can have your folks take a traditional class in person.

Make sure you check with the insurance department of the state to ensure accreditation for the program that you choose. The classes are usually quite cheap and will pay for themselves with the first discount you receive on your parents' insurance.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

The insurance rates that everyone pays depends on the car being driven. If your parents are in the market for a new vehicle, make the insurance quotes on those cars an integral part of your vetting process. In general, cars with low insurance rates do not have high repair and replacement costs. They also tend to have a history of protecting drivers in accidents.

You may also receive discounts on your auto insurance based on the features of the car that you choose. Look for things like airbags, antilock brakes and other safety features. Once you have this information, give us a call for an optimized rate.

Protecting Your Investment

The more responsibility that you take for protecting your parents' vehicle, the better you fare with the insurance companies. Anti-theft devices may score you a substantial discount depending on the insurance company in question. You may also look into services such as LoJack and OnStar.

You do not necessarily need cutting edge tech to get discounts, although they help. Check with your insurance company to see if there is a discount for etching the VIN number into the vehicle's windshield - this may save you money as well.

Credit for Less Driving

If your parents drive less than they did in their working years, then the insurance should reflect that through a lower price. Many insurance programs are based on use in part or in whole. You may also save money if your parents drive at safer hours (not rush hour or between midnight - 4 am) as well as for low mileage.

The best practices above should help you maximize all of the good things about your parents' driving record for a lower insurance payment. Call us for great rates and to ensure the maximum amount of protection for your aging parents and auto insurance!