Affordable Senior Car Insurance in San Diego California
Are You 60 Years Old Or Older? Get A Good Deal On Auto Insurance For Seniors From H&M Agency
Herriott & Mijailovic is a trusted insurance agency with over 50 years of experience, offering comprehensive auto insurance at inexpensive rates for senior drivers in San Diego. Drivers in California have to make sure they have a proper car insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements. For people over 60, 70, and 80 insurance rates start to increase, which is why it is crucial to work with independent agents like us who can shop around from multiple suppliers to find the most affordable coverage that will provide you with maximum protection. With our assistance, you will enjoy numerous benefits. We will help you find a good deal, save on seniors car insurance, get a multi-policy discount, customize your coverage to get maximum protection, and receive valuable insights and advice on car insurance for the elderly.
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(619) 296-0005
H&M is a family-owned agency with extensive experience in the California insurance market. What sets us apart from other insurance agencies is our responsiveness, honesty, and dedication to find you a low cost coverage that satisfies your necessities. We offer a broad range of coverage options and partner with major providers like Nationwide, Progressive, and FirstComp to offer you lots of flexibility and freedom. If you are looking for car insurance for seniors, get in touch with us.
Why Do Senior Drivers In San Diego Choose Us?
One of the most distinctive benefits of working with us is that we have the ability to offer you multiple coverages from various insurance suppliers, because we are an independent agency. What this means is that we will save you valuable time by searching for the right coverage at the right price instead of you. Our main goal is to instill a sense of confidence and security to our clients, knowing they have rock solid protection that does not cost a lot. We are dedicated to nurturing lasting relationships with our clients while prioritizing your best interests.
Here are some of the reasons why you should get your seniors car insurance from us:
- Competitive rates & variety of discount options
- Specializing in San Diego insurance market and trends
- Family owned and operated company with 100% client-oriented approach
- Offering carriers like Safeco, Travelers, Progressive, First American, The Hartford, etc.
- Responsive and easily accessible agents
- One-stop shop for various types of insurance
Car Insurance For Seniors In California
Car insurance for the elderly changes in the course of time. As you grow older, your rates and coverage limits will be revised. Even if you have a spotless driving history, your car insurance cost will increase during your golden years. In fact, the rate of auto insurance for seniors tends to start going up when they reach the age of 75. In comparison, drivers in their 50s, 60s, and early 70s pay less than any other age groups.
For this reason, it is crucial to find customized coverage for seniors, with applicable discounts and savings through various programs. This way you will be able to lower the rate and keep both yourself and your passengers protected while driving.
For example, if you are involved in an accident, your auto policy can help pay for the medical bills of injured passengers. For more information on affordable coverages for mature drivers, contact H&M today. We will compare quotes from multiple companies, so you can choose the one that fits your needs best.
Senior Auto Insurance By Age Groups
- Ages 50 to 60: This age bracket has lower rates than any other age group, as they have considerable driving experience, but aren’t likely to have issue such as hearing or vision impairment.
- Ages 70 to 80: As this age bracket is at higher risk of being involved in an accident their insurance rates go up. Individuals from this age group are also more prone to injuries with costly medical bills.
- Ages over 80: Drivers aged 80 and over are most likely to have slow reaction times and reflexes, which is why they have to pay more for the insurance.
Minimum Coverage Requirements In California
When it comes to car insurance, each state has different requirements. In San Diego, all drivers have to carry minimum liability coverages required by law. Liability car insurance for the elderly helps pay for the expenses in case you are found at fault for the accident that occurred.
California operates under a tort system. As an at-fault state, it means that drivers at fault for the accident are responsible for paying for the damages, medical bills, and pain and suffering they caused to others.
Bodily injury liability
Bodily injury coverage serves to help pay for the medical bills of the other driver and passengers in other vehicle. Furthermore, it can help cover costs for lost wages, pain and suffering, lawsuits, and funeral expenses. Bodily injury claims are subject to coverage limits.
By law, you are required to have at least the following liability coverages:
- $15,000 bodily injury liability limit for one person
- $30,000 bodily injury liability limit per accident
Property damage liability
This type of coverage helps pay for the repairs or replacement (up to coverage limits) of third party’s property, such as windshield, a fence, a mailbox, or a building. It does not cover damages to your own vehicle.
In San Diego, California, all drivers must carry a minimum of:
- $5,000 property damage liability
These are the minimum coverage requirements, but you are advised to adjust and increase the coverages as per your preferences.
Additional coverages for senior drivers
In instances where you have a car loan or lease, you may be required to obtain uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, comprehensive and collision coverage. These are not required by law, but your lender may ask you to acquire one.
- Uninsured motorist bodily Injury – $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist property damage: – $3,500 per accident
Moreover, you can also consider adding other coverages, as mentioned in Information Guide for Seniors, issued by the Insurance Commissioner of California. Some of extra coverages you may consider adding are:
- Collision insurance
- Comprehensive insurance
- Gap insurance
- Mechanical breakdown insurance
- Personal injury protection insurance
- Rental car & travel expenses
- Roadside assistance
How Much Does Senior Car Insurance Cost? – Factors That Determine Your Rate
There are a number of factors affecting seniors car insurance rates in Golden State and the final premium rate is determined based on the following circumstances:
- Age – Drivers over 75 pay higher rates due to increased risk of being involved in accident. This is due to physical changes that impact the driving abilities (hearing or vision damage or loss, health issues, slow reflexes, etc.). The rates increase gradually after the age of 75.
- Driving record & claims history – A lot of seniors benefit from having extensive driving experience, especially those with good driving record. When determining premiums, insurance companies take into consideration past accidents and claims. If you are a senior driver with a clean driving record and a driving history without accidents, you could be entitled to lower insurance rates. In fact, if you have been able to maintain clean record for 5 years, you may save up to 20% on a lot of coverages.
- Vehicle make, model, and year – Car models that are more prone to theft (high risk of crime) will have higher coverage costs. Luxury cars with new technology will have increased rates due to high costs of repairs or replacement. Seniors who drive vehicles with anti-theft devices or advanced safety features will be able to lower the cost of insurance, due to reduced risks of crime or accidents.
- Location – Geographic location is another important factor that determines the amount of your insurance premium. Details such as population, accident rates, traffic congestion, crime rates, weather patterns, vehicle storage (garage or street parking) are assessed before calculating the cost. Areas with lowers risks imply lower coverage price.
- Mileage and use – Retired individuals and senior drivers who spend less time behind the wheels are eligible for lower insurance premiums.
- Marital status – Married couples tend to have more affordable coverage costs and they often have their policies bundled together.
- Type and amount of coverage – The type of coverages and their limits impact the rate of your car insurance.
- Deductibles – The higher the deductible, the lower the insurance rate. However, make sure you can afford to pay for the amount without putting a stress on our finances.
To get an estimate of senior car insurance cost, visit California Department of Insurance and use their online automobile insurance comparison tool that takes into account the most common variables.
8 Tips On How To Save On Senior Auto Insurance In California
It is vital to take advantage of any methods that can help you save money, since car insurance rates gradually increase in your senior years.
1. Shop around & compare quotes
Rates vary among the suppliers, so make sure you get quotes from different insurers. To find the most affordable premium, you can always turn to an independent insurance company such as H&M, as we will obtain those rates for you.
2. Take a defensive driving course
Seniors who complete a defensive driving course are eligible for a discount with many insurers. These courses usually take either a half-day or a full day.
NOTE: Make sure the course you want to take is approved by your insurance company.
3. Pay your policy in full
If you pay you policy in full instead of making monthly payments, you will be able to get extra discounts and save on insurance.
4. Bundle multiple policies together
Many insurers offer discounts for bundling policies together. For instance, you can bundle your homeowners or property insurance (or renter’s insurance) policy with your auto insurance policy to enjoy lower costs. Insuring more than one car can also get you a discounted price.
5. Raise your deductibles
Another way to reduce auto insurance cost is to raise your deductible. Increasing out-of-pocket expenses automatically lowers your premium. It is important to set reasonable amounts so that you are able to afford these expenses in case an accident occurs.
6. Drop the coverage you no longer need
Assess the details of your policy and determine whether you can drop any of the coverages you no longer need, such as gap insurance, or rental car when your car is being repaired. For older cars, it can be a good idea to drop collision and comprehensive insurance, since the maximum payout equals to current value minus your deductible. If this amount is really low it may be the time to drop these coverages.
7. Maintain car safety equipment
You could qualify for further savings if you maintain and update your car’s safety features. Advanced technology safety devices and products like anti-theft systems, alarms, disabling devices, anti-collision technology, air bags, and anti-lock brakes can help you further reduce your policy.
8. Get credit for fewer miles
If you are a retired driver who drives less than before, let your insurance agent know. Logging in fewer miles means the cost will go down.
Alternatively, you can switch to pay-per-mile insurance. It works by installing a device into your car to track how many miles you drive and sends the data to your insurer.
Assess & Update Your Policy Often
As a senior, you are obligated to review and update your coverage limits regularly in order to make sure you have maximum protection. Here’s what you need to do:
- Tell your agent if you change the car or the drivers on your policy.
- Evaluate coverage type and their limits to ensure they are still a good fit for you
- Reassess whether you are eligible for any discounts
- Determine whether you need to drop collision and comprehensive coverage if your vehicle is getting old.
Common Driving Problems For Seniors & How To Correct Them
Driving skills typically change as you age, which is normal with any individual. What’s important is to be aware of these changes and adjust your driving habits according to them.
Below is a list of typical problems senior citizens have when driving:
- Not paying attention
- Getting confused in heavy traffic
- Not giving the right-of-way to other drivers
- Hesitating at new roads, signals, or traffic signs
- Drifting from lanes
Mature driver improvement program
In order to improve, it is best to enroll in one of mature driver improvement courses approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Thess courses are designed for drivers 55 and older and they can be taken in a classroom or a non-classroom setting. They offer instructions on:
- Defensive driving
- Rules of the road
- The effects of medication, alcohol, or visual and auditory limitations
- California motor vehicle laws
Commonly Asked Questions
After you turn 70, if you are in San Diego, you can no longer renew your license by mail. You have to personally go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to take a vision test. You may also need to take written and driving test. If you fail the test, you may receive a temporary driver’s license.
Driver reexamination entails a vision test and a Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation (SDPE) test. During the driving test, an examiner notes any issues with your driving and later discusses them with you. To pass this test, you must prove that you can safely change lanes, drive safely on a freeway, follow directions, remember a route, etc. If you pass this test you are allowed to keep your license.
A restricted license is issued to seniors who did not pass the Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation (SDPE) test or the vision test, but are able to drive in a limited area (such as route to grocery store or to your doctor’s office). In this case, you will have to take the Area Driving Performance Evaluation (ADPE) test. If you pass, you will be issued a restricted license. Restrictions can include things like no freeway driving, no nighttime driving, driving by specific route or specific area, driving with special side mirror.
Most states oblige insurers to provide senior citizens with government-mandated auto insurance discount. They are intended to ease the financial burden on the elderly driving population. With this discount, you can save anywhere from 5% to 20%. As per California Insurance Code 11628.3, every insurance company must provide an adequate percentage of reduction in rates for adults over 55 years of age if they produce proof of mature driver improvement course completion. The course must be re-taken every three years in order to remain eligible for the reduced premium rate.