Government-Mandated Senior Car Insurance Discounts: How to Save
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Written byMandy Sleight
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Mandy SleightInsurance Writer
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Edited byLequita Westbrooks
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Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
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Reviewed byMark Friedlander
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Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations | Insurance Information Institute
Senior Director, Media Relations, with Triple-I
30+ years of industry experience
Leadership positions at several trade organizations
Updated
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Seniors who complete a state-approved defensive driving course can often get a senior discount on their car insurance. The discount ranges from 3% to 20%, depending on your state, and most auto insurance companies — including American Family, GEICO, and Amica — offer it.
In this article, we explain how to qualify for a senior driver discount, which companies offer it, and other ways you can save on your car insurance.
Understanding Government-Mandated Car Insurance Discounts
Although driving in your senior years provides freedom, it also has risks. Some older drivers may face cognitive, visual, and physical declines that make car accidents more likely, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Data also suggests that seniors’ increased physical fragility makes them more susceptible to accident-caused injuries compared to younger adults.
Still, senior citizens between the ages of 56 and 69 have some of the lowest average car insurance rates of any age group, according to Compare.com data. Completing an approved mature driver improvement course could save you even more while sharpening your driving skills and making you a better defensive driver.
After completing the course, you can save up to 20% on your policy with state government-mandated auto insurance discounts, depending on your state and car insurance company. Here’s how.
How to Qualify for a Mandated Senior Discount
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If you complete a state-approved mature driver safety course, your insurance company should add the senior driving discount to your policy — if you live in a state that mandates it (more on that later). But keep in mind that eligibility requirements can vary by state.
For example, you must be 55 or older and have a good driving record — meaning no traffic violations or citations from an accident for at least the past three years — to qualify for a senior discount in Florida, where it ranges from 3% to 10% and lasts three years.
On the other hand, in California, you need to be 55 or older, but the course must have a minimum of 400 minutes of course instruction, according to the California DMV.
Check with your state‘s insurance department or your insurance agent for details on how to qualify. And once you receive your course completion certificate, contact your insurance agent or company to add the discount to your car insurance policy.
States With Mandatory Senior Discounts
Most states and the District of Columbia mandate senior discounts, making it relatively common compared to some other savings programs. Even if you don’t live in one of these states or Washington, D.C., some insurance companies may offer a senior discount, though doing so is optional.
Here are the 34 states that mandate senior auto insurance discounts:
How to Get a Senior Discount
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Take these steps to get a senior driving discount, but keep in mind that specific requirements may vary by state or insurer:
Check your state laws on age eligibility and other requirements. For example, many require a clean driving record.
Determine if your insurer offers the discount and how much you can save.
Compare course costs and time requirements. Online courses typically range from $15 to $40, while classroom courses cost about $100, according to our research. Some states, like California, mandate the maximum cost, which is no more than $30 plus $1 for the DMV certificate for your insurer.
Take an approved course online or in person. The American Safety Council, AAA, Defensive Driving by IMPROV, and the National Safety Council offer approved online courses. AARP members can save 10% on the AARP Smart Driver online course.
Receive your certificate of completion and provide it to your insurance agent or carrier to receive the defensive driving discount.
How to Maximize Your Senior Discount Savings
Getting a senior discount can help lower your car insurance costs, but it’s not the only way to get low rates. Here are a few more things you can do to maximize your savings:
Only buy the coverage you need: Though liability insurance is a requirement in most states and Washington, D.C., comprehensive and collision coverages are optional if you don’t have a loan or lease. Discuss your situation with your insurance agent so you’re only paying for the coverage you need.
Bundle your policies together: Whether you own or rent your home, you can usually save a decent amount by insuring your car and home insurance with the same company.
Consider usage-based or low-mileage insurance: If you’re a cautious driver, you may get more savings with your insurer’s telematics program, which tracks your driving habits. Low-mileage insurance might be a better choice if you don’t drive your car much.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Seniors
Although seniors typically get cheaper rates compared to other age groups, car insurance costs can still vary widely from company to company. If you’re 60 or older and looking to get the best deal on your auto policy, consider the following cheapest auto insurance companies for seniors, according to Compare.com data.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Country Financial | $32 |
| Auto-Owners | $34 |
| State Farm | $38 |
| USAA | $39 |
| Erie | $47 |
| Mile Auto | $54 |
| Allstate | $56 |
| GEICO | $59 |
| American Family | $60 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $62 |
| National General | $62 |
| Nationwide | $63 |
| Mercury | $68 |
| Direct Auto | $71 |
| The General | $72 |
| Travelers | $72 |
| Safeco | $74 |
| Shelter | $75 |
| Chubb | $77 |
| Farmers | $77 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $78 |
| The Hartford | $80 |
| Dairyland | $81 |
| Elephant | $81 |
| GAINSCO | $83 |
| Bristol West | $85 |
| Anchor | $85 |
| 21st Century | $94 |
| Plymouth Rock | $97 |
| State Auto | $99 |
| CSAA | $103 |
| Liberty Mutual | $103 |
| Root | $107 |
| Clearcover | $109 |
| Amica | $174 |
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Country Financial has the cheapest rates for seniors, averaging $32 per month. But keep in mind that these are broad averages, and they don’t account for other factors that can affect your premium, like your age, gender, credit history, ZIP code, driving record, and coverage levels.
That said, it’s a good idea to compare car insurance quotes from several companies to find the best auto insurance company for you.
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Other Car Insurance Discounts for Seniors
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The mature driver discount isn’t the only discount seniors can use to get cheaper car insurance rates. Check to see if you qualify for the following discounts to get a better deal on your auto insurance premiums:
Low mileage: You may qualify for a low-mileage discount if you don’t drive much.
Good driver: Avoiding tickets and accidents can make you eligible for a safe driving discount. You might also qualify for accident forgiveness, an optional coverage which can prevent a premium increase if you cause an accident in the future.
New car: If you’re in the market for a newer vehicle, you might be eligible for a new car discount.
Safety features: When shopping for a newer car, check to see if you’re eligible for a safety features discount for things like anti-lock brakes, an anti-theft device, and airbags.
Senior Discount FAQs
Senior driving discounts may help you get the cheapest car insurance if you’re 55 or older. We answered the most common questions about senior discounts to help you decide.
Which insurance companies give discounts to senior citizens?
Seniors who complete a state-approved defensive driving course can qualify for a senior citizen discount at national and regional car insurance companies like USAA, Nationwide, GEICO, American Family, and Amica. Specific requirements and availability vary by state.
What insurance company has the best rates for seniors?
Our research found that Country Financial offers the best rates for seniors, at $32 per month. Auto-Owners and USAA are also affordable options.
Is AARP auto insurance cheaper than Progressive?
No. AARP isn’t cheaper than Progressive, according to our data. The AARP auto insurance program from The Hartford costs an average of $93 per month for seniors, while Progressive’s average monthly price is $74. Compare insurance premiums from both to find out which has the best deal and lower rate for your age and driving history.
Does USAA offer an AARP discount?
No. USAA offers discounts to good drivers, students with good grades, and people with clean driving records. The company will also give you a discount if you buy more than one insurance policy, have a newer car and anti-theft devices, and insure at least two vehicles. Military members can also get discounts for storing a vehicle or driving fewer miles.
Sources
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Older drivers,” accessed November 16, 2024.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, “Mature Driver Discount Insurance Courses,” accessed November 16, 2024.
California DMV, “Mature Driver Improvement Program,” accessed November 16, 2024.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Mandy SleightInsurance Writer
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations | Insurance Information Institute
Senior Director, Media Relations, with Triple-I
30+ years of industry experience
Leadership positions at several trade organizations