Car Insurance Advice for Senior Citizens

Exactly how you define the term “senior citizen” depends on whom you ask, but it is a term that means different things to different people. However you define it, senior citizens still have to maintain adequate insurance coverage, especially if they drive. While auto coverage proves expensive for many retirees, there are many ways you can lower your premium costs while maintaining not just the minimum coverage to keep your car on the road, but enough coverage to protect your hard-earned assets. Auto coverage is required to drive your car, no matter what your age or financial status.

Sit down with an insurance agent, in person, and get a thorough review of your policy. Make very sure that your coverage still fits your needs. If you drive more, as in taking a long vacation to take advantage of falling gas prices, you might need more coverage. If you are driving less, it might be possible to get the coverage you need for a lower premium and save money while staying properly protected.

If you also maintain home and life insurance, consider getting all your policies from the same company. This practice is called bundling, and it is a good way to lower your premiums on all your policies. Bundling also makes paying easier, since you only have to keep track of bills from a single insurance provider. If you bundle all your policies, it is also possible to arrange a single due date, or staggered due dates, making it easier to pay premiums on a fixed income.

Ask your insurance provider if they offer senior citizen discounts. Many providers also offer discounts to members of certain groups, like AARP, or other clubs or organizations. If there is more than one driver in your household, ask if there are discounts for multiple drivers or multiple vehicles.

Never buy coverage you don’t want, don’t understand, or don?t’ need. Many agents will try to sell you riders, that is, coverage for additional events that are often not necessary and always cost you more money. Never feel pressured into buying something you don’t need. If you inform your agent that you are not interested in the rider and they insist you take it anyway, then it’s time to find a new company.

Never purchase coverage you don’t understand. Insurance is a complicated business. There is no reason to be embarrassed if you don’t understand something the first time you hear about it. If it takes several explanations for you to feel comfortable with the facts, that’s just the agent’s job. Make sure you get all promises in writing. Review every policy thoroughly and never put your signature on a document you haven’t read, don’t understand, or just don’t like.

Finally, if you are not satisfied with your insurance provider, shop around and get new insurance quotes. Make sure your needs are met and that you have the insurance coverage you need without breaking your budget. Even if you are satisfied, it never hurts to shop around to see if you can get a better deal elsewhere.

Regardless of your insurance needs, make sure you contact a qualified insurance provider. They can examine your situation and offer an insurance policy tailored to your needs, as well as answer any questions about coverage and insurance premiums that you might have.

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.