New research has revealed that those aged between 65 and 79 have seen their premiums rise by 26% and those in their 80s have seen a 27% increase.
Following the warning, a team of experts have broken down everything you need to know about getting car insurance when you’re over 70, including the rules and how you can get cheaper deals.
Can I get car insurance even if I’m over 70?
Independent Car Insurance Advisor Connor Campbell explained that by law there is no maximum age limit for car insurance as long as you are still fit and healthy enough to drive.
He continued: “So in your 70s and beyond, there will be a car insurance policy that allows you to maintain your independence and stay on the road.”
However, an insurance expert warned that you may have a little less choice.
Connor acknowledges that most car insurance providers do not set an age limit for their policies, but some do.
He explained that they would normally be between 70 and 80 years old.
What are the driving restrictions for people over 70?
An insurance expert has reminded motorists that you must renew your driver’s license after turning 70.
Connor elaborated: “Regardless of when you last renewed your licence, it expires when you’re 70, so you’ll need to renew it if you want to keep driving”.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) should send you an application form 90 days before your 70th birthday.
Once you renew your license at age 70, you will have to renew it every three years instead of every 10.
You must meet minimum vision requirements, the insurance expert explained.
“While everyone who drives must meet minimum vision requirements, this can become more of a concern as you get older,” says Connor.
And he added: “You must be able to read a car number plate from a distance of 20 meters, have a visual acuity of at least 0.5 degrees on the Snellen scale (this is the classic test of letters in optics) and have a sufficient field of vision. “.
The DVLA also needs to know about any relevant medical conditions.
Connor commented: “When you renew your driving licence, you must inform the DVLA of any new or advanced medical conditions that may affect your driving.
“You will also need to update your license if you are diagnosed with a notifiable condition before renewal. A list of AZ conditions can be found at gov.uk.
“If you don’t tell the DVLA about a condition that affects your driving, you can be fined up to £1,000. Failure to tell your insurance provider can invalidate your policy in the event of a claim.”
An independent car insurance expert warns you won’t be able to drive while the DVLA carries out medical examinations.
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How to get cheap car insurance quotes for over 70s
When you turn 70, your driving habits may change.
You are probably retired and potentially driving less than ten years ago.
If this is the case, you may want to consider taking out some special policies to lower your premiums.
Here are some key tips to help you get cheap car insurance when you’re in your 70s, according to an independent car insurance adviser.
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Low mileage car insurance: If you drive fewer miles than the national average (around 7,400 miles), you may qualify for low mileage car insurance. This is cheaper than standard car insurance for the simple reason that if you’re on the road less, you’re less likely to get into an accident and cause damage.
Continuous car insurance: If you have started using your car rather sporadically, ongoing car insurance may be an option. These policies usually involve installing a device in your car that will track your mileage. Your quoted rate will be per mile and you’ll only pay for insurance when you’re driving (plus a fee to cover your car when parked). Other versions of this policy allow you to choose the number of miles for your policy from the start, such as 1,000 miles, and then top up your limit as needed.
Temporary car insurance: If you no longer want to own your own car, but would still like to drive occasionally, you can take out temporary car insurance if necessary. This would allow you to drive someone else’s vehicle for as little as one hour or up to approximately 30 days. However, it can be difficult to find temporary car insurance that allows drivers over the age of 75.