Compare car insurance quotes for the over 50s

Yes. There's no upper age limit on driving in the UK or on getting car insurance. In fact, drivers in their 50s are generally considered lower risk, meaning you could benefit from cheaper car insurance.

If your renewal price is going up with your current insurer, why not take advantage of more competitive pricing for over-50s? Compare a range of policies to find the right price before you commit.

Car insurance is partly based on your age. But it's also based on:

• Driving history - as well as being experienced, over-50s may also have built up a no-claims bonus
• Your car - each car falls into one of 50 car insurance groups, with the lowest groups being the cheapest to insure, as they tend to have less powerful engines and are cheaper to repair
• Where you live - if your home is in an area with high rates of car crime or insurance claims, you’ll generally pay more for your cover
• Where you keep your car - having off-road parking or, better still, a garage, reduces risk and could cut premiums

Car insurance is also subject to Insurance Premium Tax (IPT), with standard IPT currently 12%.

Here are a few ways you could potentially reduce the cost of car insurance:

1. Garage your car: Keeping a car on the road increases the risk of it being stolen, vandalised or accidentally damaged. Bring it on to your driveway if you have one, or better still, clear out that garage you use for storage and put your car away each night. Insurers often discount for garaged cars.
2. Change the type of car you drive: Another factor is the type of car you drive, with the car’s speed, security features and value all playing a big part.
3. Increase your voluntary excess: When you set your excess, opting for a bigger voluntary excess (in addition to the compulsory excess set by the insurer) often results in a cheaper premium. But make sure you can afford any voluntary excess if you need to claim.
4. Pay up front: Pay for your insurance in one go if you can. While paying in monthly instalments spreads the cost, you usually have to pay interest, meaning it costs you more overall.
5. Drive less: If you're able to limit your annual mileage, this makes you less of a risk, as you're less likely to be involved in a collision. While driving fewer miles will usually mean cheaper car insurance, you'll need to be realistic about your estimated mileage.
6. Install extra security: Having an alarm or immobiliser is considered a theft deterrent, which could lead some providers to reduce your car insurance.
7. Take an advanced driving course: Some insurers will offer a discount for drivers who have completed an advanced driving course. There are several recognised providers, such as the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Driving courses aren't just for new drivers - you might be surprised how much you'll learn.
8. Shop around: Be sure to compare car insurance from a range of providers before renewal - ideally about a month ahead of time. This way, you'll see if you can get cheaper cover than if you let your policy auto-renew.
9. Consider a multi-car insurance policy: If your driveway is heaving with cars, it may make more sense to try to include them on one policy. Some insurers allow you to take out a single policy for multiple vehicles, including for children at university. Check to see if you can reduce your insurance costs with a multi-car insurance policy.
10. Check out our car insurance guides for more useful tips and motoring info.

When it comes to pricing insurance, one of the most important factors for providers is their own claims data.

For example, young and inexperienced drivers tend to make more claims, so they’ll generally be charged more.

Drivers in the over-50s bracket are usually more experienced, making fewer claims. This means their premiums are generally lower.

Of course, it's not always this simple. There are several reasons why your insurance might be more expensive than hoped, even if you're over 50. These could include:

• Points on your licence, or a driving conviction
• Recent history of insurance claims
• Driving a high-value or performance car
• Putting your child on your insurance as a named driver
• Increasing the number of miles you drive.

If your car insurance is going up in price, be sure to compare prices to make sure you're getting the right deal.

Find out lots of useful info about home insurance for over 50s and life insurance for over 50s.