Auto Insurance Considerations for Georgia’s Senior Drivers
Getting older has its perks … and lower premiums can be one of them if you know where to look. There are many auto insurance considerations retirees in Georgia should keep in mind to save money while staying safe and covered on the road.
From vision test requirements to premium-reducing discounts, a few smart tweaks can make your policy work better for this next phase of life. Here’s what every seasoned driver in the Peach State needs to know about auto insurance for senior drivers in Georgia.
How Auto Insurance Needs Change for Georgia’s Senior Drivers
As you get older, you don’t necessarily have to change anything with respect to your insurance policy in Georgia. However, the state’s Department of Driver Services does have some tips for senior drivers seeking license renewal:
- People 64 and older must pass a vision screening test.
- The acceptable vision for a regular (non-commercial) license is 20/60 in one eye (with or without correction) and a field of vision of at least 140 degrees.
- You’ll also need to pay the required fees, but you’ll be eligible for a discount.
That being said, this life change can affect your policy in other ways, including qualifying for senior driver discounts on auto insurance in Georgia.
Why Age Affects Insurance Rates in Georgia
As you age, particularly beyond 75, your premiums may often increase. This is due to insurers’ assessments of higher risk associated with age-related factors, such as slower reflexes and vision impairments. Additionally, statistics indicate that drivers aged 65 and older experience higher crash death rates per mile driven than most other age groups. That’s why it’s important to find the best car insurance for seniors in Georgia.
Coverage Gaps Seniors Should Watch Out For
The biggest item to look out for when updating coverage for senior drivers in Georgia is more of a liability buffer than you think you might need. While the state only mandates $25k per injury per person / $50k per accident / $25k property damage per accident, you may want to double or even triple those limits to ensure your personal finances stay safe in the event of an accident — even if the premiums are higher. Talk to your agent to see what makes sense for your unique circumstances.
Discounts and Savings Opportunities for Senior Drivers in Georgia
Of course, many insurers in Georgia do offer discounts and savings changes for senior drivers. Some of the more common ones include a testament to the fact that you have a lot of experience. Taking a defensive driving course can also help!
Mature Driver Course Discounts
While this discount may surprise many drivers, passing a “mature driver course” can get you insurance discounts in Georgia. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA) designs these courses for drivers at or over the age of 55. Usually, these courses are offered completely online in a self-paced fashion.
Safe Vehicle Discounts
Another way to save a few bucks on your policy when it’s time to renew is to apply with a vehicle that has the most critical safety features onboard. The basics are obvious: airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control — but other features that can reduce your risk of an accident (and a costly payout by the insurer) include lane departure warning systems, blind spot detectors, and adaptive headlights.
Bundling Home and Auto Insurance
Bundling means purchasing two or more insurance policies (like home and auto) from the same insurer. In return, the company gives you a multi-policy discount on both policies, not just one.
The key benefits here are that you’ll save money on your premiums, only pay one bill, and have an easier time processing claims if something happens that affects (for example) both your home and your vehicle! That’s a key way of lowering insurance costs for seniors in Georgia — and it’s all spelled out in the ultimate guide to bundled home and auto insurance.
Safe Driving Tips to Keep Premiums Low for Older Drivers
Senior drivers in Georgia can keep their auto insurance premiums low by practicing safe driving habits and taking advantage of available discounts. Completing a Georgia-approved defensive driving or mature driver improvement course is one of the most effective ways to reduce costs. These courses not only refresh essential driving knowledge but also make drivers eligible for insurance discounts that can last for several years. Maintaining a clean driving record, limiting nighttime driving, and reducing annual mileage are also strong factors in keeping affordable car insurance for seniors in Georgia.
Many insurers also offer telematics programs that reward cautious drivers based on real-time data. Together, these actions help demonstrate to insurance providers that you are a responsible driver, which can result in meaningful long-term savings. For more information, the City of Savannah has published a helpful guide to safe driving tips for older drivers in Georgia.
Policy Review Tips for Georgia Drivers Approaching Retirement
If you’re approaching both retirement and an upcoming auto policy renewal, it’s time to review your policy to ensure everything makes sense for your unique circumstances. Here are the steps you should take:
- See if you qualify for a low-mileage discount (you won’t be commuting as much in retirement, after all).
- Consider dropping collision or comprehensive coverage if you drive an older vehicle that’s not worth repairing after a major incident.
- Check that your premiums and deductibles make sense for this life stage.
- Check eligibility for senior-specific discounts (including the ones mentioned previously).
- Schedule a conversation with a reputable and knowledgeable agent to tweak your policy as needed. It’s also a great opportunity to see how you can get discounts on your Georgia home insurance!
Drive Smart, Save More — Explore Senior Driver Discounts with Velox Today
And that’s all there is to it! At Velox, we’re here to help drivers like you at all life stages save money while getting access to affordable and high-quality auto insurance. You now know how age affects auto insurance premiums in Georgia, so hit up our website to get a quote online, give us a call at (855) 468-3569, or visit one of our Georgia offices today to learn more!
