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Older drivers may be in for an unpleasant surprise when their auto insurance renewal comes up. While average car insurance rates steadily decline over a person's life, premiums begin to increase around age 65.
According to data from CarInsurance.com, an average 60-year-old person could pay $471 a year for the state's minimum coverage. That increases to $488 at age 65. At age 75, drivers pay an average of $589 for state minimum coverage, about the same as a 25-year-old.
A driving course for seniors may be a way to curb rising rates. These classes may have many names, such as driver's education for seniors, defensive driving, or mature driver safety, but the goal is the same.
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“They're typically marketed to anyone 55 or older,” says Ezra Peterson, senior director of insurance at Way.com, an auto ownership website. “They're designed to improve defensive driving in someone who doesn't drive as much anymore.”
Several states require insurers to offer older drivers a discount on their premiums if they complete a driver safety course. The amount of savings varies by insurer, but a 15% discount for three years is typical.
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“It's always great to hone your skills,” says Colleen Parsons, a client advisor at World Insurance Associates in Rochester, New York. “There is technology in newer cars that can be great but also very confusing.”
Not sure if you would benefit from taking a mature driver safety class? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers a free service online self-assessment with tips for assessing your fitness and general driving acumen and links to various safety course providers.
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Where can I find a defensive driving course?
Driving courses for seniors are available online from several organizations and companies for a modest fee, typically $30 or less. Contact your insurer, who can refer you to an accredited driver safety course that meets your state's guidelines. You can also contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
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Some common online options include AARP SmartDriver, AAA RoadWise Driver, American Safety Institute, and Safe2Drive. Some providers also offer in-person courses. Although the topic and presentation may vary, you can expect to improve your knowledge of:
- How aging can affect your driving skills, including the effect medications can have
- Master high-tech features like collision avoidance systems, in-dash navigation, and autonomous driving
- Safely navigate intersections, roundabouts, left turns, and how to share the road with pedestrians and cyclists.
- Minimize driving distractions, such as cell phones.
- How to maintain your vehicle correctly
- New and existing traffic laws in your city and state
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Benefits of taking a driving course for seniors
Saving money on your car insurance premium isn't the only benefit that taking a defensive driving course can provide. You can also benefit from:
- Improved security. Brushing up on your driving skills can reduce your risk of getting into an accident, which can affect your auto insurance premium. According to Carinsurance.com, the average cost of insurance with an at-fault accident on your record is $2,398, or 53% more than what a driver with a clean record will pay.
- Up-to-date knowledge of driving laws. Traffic laws are constantly evolving. For example, in 2024, California licensed the cities of Glendale, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose. install radars as part of a five-year pilot program. A senior driving course can educate you about new laws like this and help you avoid costly citations.
- Greater confidence. Retirees who take a safe driving course may feel safer behind the wheel. While it's difficult to quantify that into dollar savings, drivers who feel like they have more control of their vehicle may have fewer accidents and tickets.
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