Easy Ways for Older Drivers to Save on Auto Insurance in Florida

Many people mistakenly believe that their insurance companies are charging them higher premiums now that they have reached the age of 50 or 55. Of course, this is not often the case. Most of the time, older drivers are paying higher premiums for auto insurance in Florida simply because they have done nothing to reduce them over time. Here are some tips for doing just that.

Shop Around

It is quite easy to stick with the same insurance company just because consumers are familiar with the way it does business. However, over time, they may find that other companies are offering better rates. Every so often, regardless of a consumer’s age, it is important to do some comparison shopping for auto insurance in Florida. Different companies may offer different discounts, and the discounts that apply to individual consumers—or even their families—can change drastically over time.

Combine Policies

Another thing that individuals often fail to do is to combine all of their insurance policies with one carrier, if possible. When consumers elect to have their health, life, auto and other forms of insurance with a single company, there are often significant discounts to be realized. If this will involve switching companies, it is important to remember that allowing insurance to lapse before purchasing a new policy can cause premiums to rise significantly. For this reason, always purchase a new policy while your old one is still effective. You may be eligible for a refund if you cancel in the middle of your term, as well.

Low Mileage and Car Safety Discounts

Something else that older drivers should consider—especially those who are retired and are no longer commuting back and forth to work every day—is a low mileage discount. This is applied to policies in which the insured only puts a certain number of miles on his or her car each year, and it can also be quite hefty. Car safety discounts are given to individuals who choose to purchase cars that feature things like airbags, specialized safety belts, high crash-test ratings, daytime running lights, anti-lock brakes and more.

AARP Safe Driver Course

In recent years, the AARP, or the Association of American Retired Persons, has begun to offer a Safe Driver course to its members. This course can be taken either online or in a classroom setting and it is available in both English and Spanish. Though there is a fee associated with the course, it will provide a multi-year discount on auto insurance in Florida through many insurance companies. Not only does it serve as an incredibly helpful ‘refresher’ when it comes to the rules of the road, but it also teaches defensive driving techniques that may have been forgotten over time. Consumers who are interested can find more information on the AARP website.

Still other things older drivers can do to save on auto insurance in Florida include choosing a vehicle that is low-profile—meaning one that is not expensive to repair and is not a common target for theft, asking about higher deductibles if they would be affordable, and even considering the cancellation of collision and comprehensive coverage if it is not financially feasible.