If you are over 80 and looking for cheap car insurance it's essential to compare quotes to get the best deal available. Here at Money Expert, we work with hundreds of different insurance providers so you can be sure you're getting the right cover at the lowest price possible.
What type of car insurance cover is available for drivers aged over 80?
Drivers over 80 are eligible for the same three types of car insurance as other drivers in the UK:
Third-party only: This is the minimum level of insurance cover you need in order to legally drive in the UK. A third-party policy will cover you for damage to another person's vehicle or property and will pay compensation if you're liable for another driver's injuries.
Third-party, fire and theft: This level of cover has all the same benefits as a third-party policy but also protects you if your car is stolen or damaged by a fire or attempted theft.
Fully comprehensive: This is the highest level of cover available and will mean you’re insured against damage to both your own vehicle and other vehicles, fire and theft as well as providing compensation for injuries sustained by others in the event of an accident. Depending on your policy, it may also include personal accident cover.
What factors should I consider when comparing car insurance for over 80s?
There is no 'one size fits all' insurance policy for people over 80, but as an older driver there are some things you should consider when choosing a provider
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Have you made a recent claim? This could make a difference to what you pay. For example, careful drivers who have built up a no-claims discount will more often than not enjoy lower premiums.
- Do you have any declarable medical conditions? If so, you might get a better deal from a specialist insurer that deals with older drivers.
- What is the process for making a claim? Some insurance providers have less accessible claiming procedures than others. For example, if you aren't very tech-savvy, a company that asks you to claim via an app may not be the best option for you.
- How often do you intend to drive your car? Many people limit their mileage as they get older which can affect the cost of your insurance premiums.
What policy extras should I consider when looking at car insurance quotes?
Car insurance providers may offer you a range of optional extras to add to your policy. These add-ons include:
- A Courtesy Car: If your car is being repaired after an accident, a courtesy car will enable you to stay on the road while you await the return of your own vehicle.
- Key Cover: Some insurance companies include key cover in their policies, and some key-cover add-ons will also include your house keys.
- Breakdown Cover: Some older drivers may feel more vulnerable in the event of a breakdown so this add-on will ensure you can get help should your vehicle break down. In addition, many insurance providers also include ‘onward travel’ in their policies, so your transport home will be taken care of if your car is taken to a garage for repairs.
- Motor Legal Protection: If you need to take legal action following an accident where you were not at fault, this protection will cover your legal expenses.
- No-Claims Discount Protection: This will protect your no-claims discount even in the event of an at-fault accident.
- Personal Accident Cover: This add-on provides financial protection for you and your family in the event of you sustaining a serious injury or fatality following a car accident. This add-on will also cover you irrespective of who was at fault for the accident.
How can I get cheaper over 80s car insurance?
As car insurance for over 80s can be more expensive, it's worth looking into ways to bring down the cost of your premium. Here are a few tips to help you achieve this:
- Pay Upfront: It is normally cheaper if you pay for your premium upfront, rather than spreading the cost over monthly instalments. This might not be the most budget-friendly option in the short term but will bring the overall cost down.
- Increase Your Voluntary Excess: Increasing your voluntary excess can help reduce the overall cost of your premium but will mean you have to pay more upfront should you need to make a claim.
- Increase Your Security Level: By keeping your car as secure as possible you can reduce the likelihood of it getting stolen or damaged. There are several steps you can take to bolster your security level including parking your car in a locked garage as well as installing security features like alarms, trackers, and immobilisers.
- Limit Your Mileage: Statistically, you are less likely to be involved in an accident if you spend less time driving, so declaring a low annual mileage can also help bring down your insurance premium.
- Compare Quotes: To get the best deal available, we strongly recommend that you compare car insurance quotes from a range of providers. Since there are dozens of providers to choose from, you'll want to find the most suitable policy for you at the lowest price possible. Providers often reward and incentivise new customers, so it always makes sense to shop around for your next car insurance policy.
Why is over 80s car insurance more expensive?
Insurance providers often consider elderly drivers to be at higher risk due to factors such as age-related changes in vision, cognitive abilities, and slower reaction times. As a result, car insurance premiums for drivers in their 80s are typically higher.
Over 80s Car Insurance FAQs
Is there an upper age limit for driving?
There is no maximum age limit for getting behind the wheel. However, some medical conditions do affect your ability to drive, and the DVLA does have some rules about those, but as long as your driving ability isn't impaired you should confidently be able to find a policy no matter how old you are.
What happens if my insurer questions my age when I claim?
Insurers are entitled to take age into account when assessing a claim but - unless there is a relevant medical condition involved - your age should not affect your eligibility for a claim. Being up to date with your driving reassessments will help to make sure that insurers can't use your age against you.
Should I tell the DVLA if I stop driving?
If you decide to stop driving you must inform the DVLA. You should send your licence to the DVLA with a declaration of voluntary surrender if:
- Your doctor tells you to stop driving for three months or more
- You have a medical condition impeding your ability to meet the standard requirements for driving
- You no longer feel confident about driving
Do I have to renew my driving licence if I'm over 80?
Yes. In the UK, it is a requirement for drivers over the age of 70 to renew their licences every 3 years. This requirement continues once you turn 80, so you’ll still need to renew your licence. You can do this online or by post. You’re not required to retake your test however you will be expected to make a health declaration that confirms that you still meet the legal eyesight standards for driving. If you declare a health condition or disability you may be asked to have a driving ability assessment.
What is a driving ability assessment?
A driving ability assessment is not the same as a driving test. You do not pass or fail a driving ability assessment. It is a practical evaluation of your driving skills conducted by a qualified instructor who will provide feedback on your driving ability. This assessment aims to help drivers feel safe and confident behind the wheel and usually includes on-road driving, reading a number plate from a minimum legal distance and advice on areas for improvement.
Can I be a named driver on someone else’s car insurance policy if I am over 80?
You can be listed as a named driver on another person's car insurance, and you can add other drivers to your own car insurance policy, no matter your age. If you need to drive another car temporarily, consider getting temporary car insurance.
Can I get cheaper car insurance if I only drive occasionally?
This depends a lot on who your current insurance provider is. Some specialist insurers will lower your payments if you can prove that you drive less than average. Others won't. This is why it's important to compare car insurance providers to find the right cover for your situation.
Is car Insurance cheaper for women aged Over 80?
Until relatively recently, car insurance was cheaper for female drivers due to statistics that showed them to be less at risk of accidents than male drivers. However, legislation introduced by the European Court of Justice as part of a new gender equality directive has now outlawed the practice of basing insurance premiums on the gender of the policyholder
