For drivers, car insurance rates start to increase around age 65, according to CarInsurance.com data. That’s not surprising. Older drivers have higher crash deaths than drivers between the ages of 35 and 54, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC data also shows that 20 older adults are killed every day in car crashes.
However, seniors in Washington can still find affordable car insurance. Our guide provides tips on securing the cheapest rates for seniors in Washington and helps save on auto insurance premiums.
- The average car insurance cost for a 65-year-old driver in Washington is $1,567 per year for a full coverage policy.
- A 70-year-old driver in Washington pays 6% more for full coverage than a 65-year-old driver, based on CarInsurance.com research.
- In Washington, a 75-year-old driver pays for a full coverage policy 14% more a 65-year-old driver.
- Shopping around for car insurance in Washington – every six months or annually around renewal time can help you get the best rate.
Cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in Washington
Below are the cheapest, full-coverage car insurance rates in Washington for drivers at various ages:
- Cheapest for seniors, overall: Geico, $95 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 65: Geico, $93 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 70: Geico, $95 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 75: Geico, $97 per month.
Compare cheap car insurance quotes for senior drivers in Washington
State minimum car insurance refers to the least amount of coverage that a driver is legally required to have in a particular state. This typically includes liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage to others if you are at fault in an accident. Each state sets its own minimum requirements for coverage limits.
Liability car insurance with limits of 50/100/50 means:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 per accident for property damage
A liability policy covers expenses for injuries and damages you cause to others in an accident, but not your own injuries or vehicle damage.
Full coverage insurance with limits of 100/300/100 includes higher liability limits:
- $100,000 per person for bodily injury
- $300,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple people
- $100,000 per accident for property damage
Full coverage also typically includes:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damages to your car from a collision.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages to your car from non-collision events (e.g., theft, fire, vandalism).
Full coverage ensures you are covered for a wide range of incidents, both for your liability to others and for your own vehicle’s damage.
Below, find the cheapest car insurance rates in Washington from major insurers for three coverage levels: state minimum, liability-only with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage with 100/300/100 limits.
Select your age and type of coverage below to see the average annual and monthly rates.
| Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Why do car insurance rates increase for senior drivers in Washington?
Car insurance tends to become more expensive for older drivers due to several factors. Statistics show that seniors, on average, tend to be involved in more accidents than younger drivers (excluding teens).
Despite decades of driving experience, older drivers face age-related problems like hearing or vision loss, slower reflexes, side effects from medication and other health concerns that make driving more challenging.
The CDC found that drivers older than 70 have higher crash death rates per 1,000 crashes than drivers aged 35-54 and NHTSA statistics show that senior drivers 65 and older were involved in 13% of fatal accidents in 2020, which is up 26% from 2011.
In addition, older drivers are more likely to need medical treatment even after a minor accident, and steep hospital expenses contribute to an overall increase in insurance rates.
“Unfortunately, as we move past middle age, the odds of being more severely injured or dying in a car crash increase significantly,” says Carole Walker, executive director at Rocky Mountain Insurance Association.
“Statistically, older drivers have a higher risk of causing a crash, but an even bigger factor adding to higher car insurance bills are common health problems that make them more prone to being hurt and incurring medical bills – even in low-speed or less serious crashes,” she says.
This leads to higher car insurance costs. CarInsurance.com’s data show that premiums rise for most senior drivers starting in their mid-60s and keep increasing. In Washington, a full coverage policy costs an average of $1,567 for a 65-year-old driver, while a 70-year-old driver pays $1,663.
70-year-old drivers pay 6% more for full coverage than 65-year-olds and 75-year-old drivers pays 14% more for a full coverage policy
The table below highlights the annual average rate increases for senior drivers in Washington based on age and different coverage levels:
| Age | State minimum | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | $446 | $740 | $1,567 |
| 70 | $485 | $786 | $1,663 |
| 75 | $562 | $879 | $1,849 |
Coverage types:
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Find out how much insurance costs for seniors
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Cheapest car insurance for seniors with tickets in Washington
A speeding ticket or other moving violation will raise your insurance rates regardless of your age. Insurers love statistics, and data show that a driver with a ticket on their record is more likely to get in an accident that may result in a claim.
The rate increase will vary by insurance company, but Washington drivers can expect a 45% rise in their premiums after receiving a speeding ticket for going 1-29 mph over the limit.
Seniors with a speeding ticket or minor moving violation should expect to pay more for coverage. According to our analysis, the best insurance companies for seniors with tickets are mentioned below.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 speeding ticket | Monthly rates with 1 speeding ticket |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,776 | $148 |
| Farmers | $1,873 | $156 |
| Allstate | $1,927 | $161 |
| Geico | $2,040 | $170 |
| Travelers | $2,151 | $179 |
| American Family | $2,255 | $188 |
| Nationwide | $2,573 | $214 |
| Progressive | $3,451 | $288 |
| USAA* | $986 | $82 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with DUIs in Washington
A DUI is a serious offense and your insurance rates will skyrocket once it appears on your driving record. Typically, your insurance premium will double after a DUI. According to our data, in some states, the increase can be as high as 79% after your first DUI. If you get a second DUI, the insurance rates could increase by 134%.
After a DUI, finding affordable or any coverage can be difficult, but based on our data, the companies below are the best insurers for seniors with a DUI in Washington:
| Company | Annual rates with DUI first offense | Monthly rates with DUI first offense |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,776 | $148 |
| Geico | $2,136 | $178 |
| Travelers | $2,254 | $188 |
| American Family | $2,255 | $188 |
| Allstate | $2,308 | $192 |
| Farmers | $2,958 | $247 |
| Nationwide | $3,262 | $272 |
| Progressive | $3,270 | $273 |
| USAA* | $1,740 | $145 |
Cheapest car insurance rates by state for senior drivers
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Our apologies, we cannot display the data due to availability or spelling errors. Please check the spelling and try again. For assistance, reach out us via Cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in Washington
Similar to a ticket or DUI, an accident on your record will lead to higher insurance rates. Although the exact increase depends on the insurer, data show drivers can expect a 59% hike in premiums after an at-fault accident with property damage over $2,000.
The increase will generally be in effect for three to five years, so it’s essential to seek the most affordable insurance provider. Below, these insurers offer the cheapest car insurance rates for seniors after an accident in Washington.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 at-fault accident | Monthly rates with 1 at-fault accident |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,916 | $160 |
| Travelers | $2,082 | $174 |
| Geico | $2,128 | $177 |
| Allstate | $2,502 | $209 |
| Nationwide | $2,503 | $209 |
| American Family | $2,710 | $226 |
| Farmers | $2,923 | $244 |
| Progressive | $4,843 | $404 |
| USAA* | $1,243 | $104 |
How can seniors save on car insurance in Washington?
While auto insurance for seniors can be costly, there are ways to save. Here are some simple steps to lower your premiums:
- Shop around: Comparing car insurance quotes every six months or annually around renewal time can help you find the best deal.
- Raise your deductible: By increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000, you can reduce your monthly premiums. However, make sure you have enough savings to cover the higher deductible.
- Ask about discounts: Discounts, such as bundling with homeowners insurance, loyalty discounts and years of being licensed, are excellent ways to reduce your car insurance costs. Learn more about discounts below.
Editor’s Tip:Take a senior driving course: With an approved defensive driving course, seniors can save up to 3% on their car insurance in Washington. The American Automobile Association(AAA) and AARP offer defensive driving courses for senior drivers in Washington.
Car insurance discounts for senior drivers in Washington
Here are some car insurance discounts to help seniors lower their insurance costs. See how much seniors can save, on average, in the table below.
| Discount type | Potential annual savings |
|---|---|
| Air bags | 3% |
| Daily commute | 1% |
| Days advanced purchase | 6% |
| Defensive driver | 3% |
| Education | 6% |
| Electronic funds transfer | 5% |
| Electronic signature | 10% |
| Homeowner | 4% |
| Lower annual mileage | 4% |
| Loyalty – years renewal with company | 6% |
| Marital status | 5% |
| Multi policy | 9% |
| Paperless/electronic documents | 2% |
| Payment type | 11% |
| Primary use | 8% |
| Safety devices | 3% |
| Telematics | 6% |
| Years insured | 15% |
| Years licensed | 26% |
Choosing the cheapest and best car insurance for seniors in Washington
Senior drivers, except teen drivers, shell out higher premiums than younger adult drivers. If you are looking for an affordable policy, carefully evaluate your needs and decide the amount of coverage to purchase. While shopping for insurance, consider the price, customer service and the discounts they offer.
Find the best auto insurance companies online to see which carrier provides affordable rates and easy-to-use websites or apps.
FAQ: Cheap car insurance for seniors in Washington
Who has the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in Washington?
According to our data, PEMCO offers the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in Washington at about $236 a year, on average. Geico and State Farm also scored high when it comes to cheap state minimum insurance coverage for seniors in Washington.
Which companies offer the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in Washington?
PEMCO has the cheapest liability car insurance coverage for senior drivers in Washington at an average annual premium of $458. Geico and State Farm also offer cheap liability insurance rates to seniors in Washington, based on CarInsurance.com data analysis.
Does State Farm offer a senior discount in Washington?
State Farm does not currently offer a senior discount in Washington, but it does offer quite a few deals that seniors can use to lower their premiums. This includes discounts for taking a defensive driving course, a safe driving discount, long-term customer, bundling and discounts for advanced safety features on your vehicle.
Bottom line
Geico is the cheapest for senior drivers in Washington. To find the best car insurance rates, seniors should shop around and compare quotes online from various insurers. They can also qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with other types of coverage.
Check out how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Resources & Methodology
Additional Resources
There are several resources available for older drivers who want to stay safe behind the wheel and save on their insurance premiums:
- American Automobile Association: AAA helps senior drivers to continue driving for as long and safely as possible.
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons): AARP’s smart driver program helps senior drivers to learn proven driving techniques and save money on car insurance.
- National Institute on Aging: The NIA provides tips to senior drivers about health and driving and offers free publications to aging seniors to answer health-related queries.
- Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure Online: This web-based tool helps family members identify at-risk drivers.
- Eldercare Locator: Helps senior drivers maintain their independence, and provides information about highway safety for aging drivers and services.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “Older Adult Drivers.” Accessed November 2024.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed November 2024.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed November 2024.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com gathered car insurance rates for senior drivers from Quadrant Information Services. The rates are for a full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible based on sample profiles of 65, 70 & 75 year old male and female drivers with clean driving records. We have compared 53,409,632 car insurance quotes across 34,588 ZIP codes from 170 national and regional car insurance companies.
To determine car insurance rates for senior drivers with a history of traffic violations, CarInsurance.com used a sample profile of a 65-year-old driver who owns a Honda Accord LX. We have compared 50,73,544 insurance quotes from 138 companies across 1,468 ZIP codes.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 65-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied
- One at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- One at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accidents
- DUI/DWI first offense.
- Speeding ticket (1-10 MPH over the limit,11-29 MPH over the limit & 30+ over limit)
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparison purposes.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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