Older Drivers, Homeowners May Be Able to Lower Home/Auto Insurance Costs

Older drivers can now save some money on their car insurance premiums.

As you get older certain expenses tend to rise. Everything from health care costs to insurance can become more expensive. Luckily, when it comes to the cost of car and homeowners insurance there are ways to keep these cost hikes in check.

Car Insurance

While insurance premiums tend to go up as drivers age, there are plenty of ways for older drivers to save some money on their car insurance premiums. Here are a few tips that will help lower your car insurance costs:

• Defensive Driving: This option is not always available but many insurance companies will give you a discount if you take an approved defensive driving course. Check with AARP for local courses that are tailored for older drivers.

In most cases there will be a fee for the course but that cost will be more than offset by the savings you will qualify for on your car insurance policy.

Expect to spend six hours in the classroom. Once you pass the course you’ll be given a certificate which you can present to your insurance company. In most cases you will have to retake a defensive driving course every three years to maintain your discount.

• Maintain A Clean Driving Record: Staying ticket free is always a good idea but is even more important as you age. Insurance companies will often surcharge older drivers for a ticket or accident more than they would a younger person. In addition, if you receive a number of tickets in a short period of time there is a good chance you could be dropped.

• Drop Coverages: If you haven’t replaced your car in a while it may be time to drop collision and comprehensive coverage. If your vehicle is older and not in great condition you can get by carrying only liability insurance. This can be a big money saver. If your vehicle is over 10 years old or you would replace it instead of repairing it if you were in an accident you should seriously consider dropping collision and comprehensive.

Homeowners Insurance

In most cases homeowners insurance should not increase just because you’re getting older but here are a few ways you can save a bit of money on your homeowners premium:

• Discounts: There is at least one discount that applies to mainly older homeowners. Insurers like retired people because they spend more time at home, which helps prevent break-ins and allows the homeowner to spot fires or mechanical breakdowns that could cause damage to the home quickly.

Ask your agent to do a discount review to make sure you are receiving all discounts you are entitled to receive, especially if you recently retired.

• Bundle it Up: This tip isn’t just for older homeowners, everyone can save by bundling their coverages. Buying your home, auto and life insurance from the same insurer can result in a major discount.

• Review Your Policy: Make sure you are not over-insured by reviewing your policy. Many policies have an inflation factor built into them, which increases the value of your policy on a yearly basis. Verify the replacement cost of your home and make sure you are not over-insured.

The replacement value of your home is not the only area where you may be over-insured. If your personal property has decreased in value or you have cleared out some of your possessions over the years you may be carrying too much coverage. Do a personal property inventory and adjust your insurance coverage accordingly.

This can also be a factor with high-value items, which require a rider. If your 10-year-old fur coat is no longer worth the amount you have it insured for, reduce your extra coverage or drop coverage all together.

• Raise Your Deductible: If you have enough savings consider raising your deductible. This can result in significant savings on your homeowners policy. Make sure you can easily afford your deductible costs in the event you have to make a claim.

• Long Term Customer: If you have been with your insurance company for a number of years, ask for a long-term customer discount. Most insurance companies will offer this discount if you’ve been with them for over five years.

• Upgrade Your Home: If you been in your home for a long time and have not made many upgrades, it might be time to do a little work. Adding storm shutters, a security system or replacing your roof with wind resistant materials will all result in a significant discount on your homeowners policy.

• Shopping Your Coverage: This is a great way to save money. Insurance companies rate risk differently so there can be dramatic differences in premium quotes. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples in regards to deductibles and coverage levels.

We can easily help you shop and compare up to 12 different home insurance premiums and apply all the available discounts and credits.

Get started today, please enter your zip code to start compare multiple home insurance quotes. Shop and Save at HomeInsuranceKing.com.