Information & advice

This guide provides simple steps for older drivers to get motor insurance at the best possible price and with all the protection you need. It has been written by the Association of British Insurers in partnership with Age Concern and Help the Aged.

Everyone has to have motor insurance if they drive a car. But older drivers sometimes have problems getting the right insurance policy to meet their needs. And because older drivers make more and higher claims‚ their
premiums are higher than average.

Some customers also find that there are age restrictions on their policy. But help is at hand.

Our guide provides informaiton on

• what motor insurance will cover
• handy hints to help you find cover
• how to reduce your risks‚ which may help cut your premiums

You can read the full guide below or download it from the top right corner of this screen:

What does motor insurance cover me for?

Motor insurance covers you for any accidents that you might cause or be involved in and can also cover your own vehicle for damage and theft. There are three main types of motor insurance available to buy.

• Third party – this is the cheapest form of insurance and is the minimum required by law. It covers anyone you might injure or whose property you might damage. It does not cover damage to‚ or theft of or from‚ your car‚ or injury to yourself.
• Third party‚ fire and theft – similar to third party‚ this also covers damage caused to your vehicle by fire‚ and theft of‚ or from‚ your car.
• Comprehensive – this provides the fullest cover. It includes the same level of protection as third party‚ fire and theft but in addition includes protection for your car against accidental damage.

It is against the law to drive‚ or let others drive‚ your car without motor insurance. The Road Traffic Act 1991 requires all motorists to be insured against their liability for injuries to others (including passengers) and for damage to other people’s property resulting from use of a vehicle on a road
or other public place.

What are my options for shopping around to find the best deal?

There are many ways you can buy motor insurance:

• get in touch directly with insurance companies (some offer tailored products to older customers)
• get in contact with a broker who can seek out the best deal for you
• if you have access to the internet‚ you can use online insurance supermarkets to search and compare what different insurance companies offer

When shopping around for cover‚ remember that some of the policies aimed at older drivers offer extras - such as paying by direct debit at no extra charge‚ or a free courtesy car - so you should always try to compare like with like.

How can I cut the cost of my insurance?

As well as shopping around‚ you can take a number of other measures to cut your costs.

• Don’t pay for cover you don’t need:

- if no one on your policy drives to and from work‚ make sure it does not include commuting;
- don’t buy full European cover if you will not be driving abroad;
- limit the people entitled to drive your car – for example‚ to you and your spouse‚ rather than anyone with your permission.

• Inform your insurer of your annual mileage if it is low.
• Switch to a car with a low insurance group rating.
• You can find details at the Association of British Insurers’ website: www.abi.org.uk/carinsurance. Motoring magazines and consumer magazines (like Which?) also publish this information.
• Keep your car in a garage overnight.
• Fit security devices‚ such as an insurer-approved immobiliser and alarm‚ and use a steering lock and/or gear lock.Your insurer or insurance broker can advise you on this.
• When moving from a company car scheme‚ get a letter from your employer about your driving record to ensure you benefit from a no-claims discount.
• Consider the long-term benefit of paying for no-claims discount protection.
• Check if you can pay monthly without a credit charge – if not‚ pay your premium in one go.

What information do I need to provide to my insurer?

You will need to tell your insurer a number of things so that they can decide what premium you will have to pay.

These include:

• how old you are;
• if you have had any accidents;
• if you have any unspent driving convictions;
• where you live and where you keep your car (e.g. in a garage or on the street);
• who will be driving the car;
• what kind of car you have.

You should also tell your insurer if you have a disabilityadapted or modified vehicle. This is important‚ because it may increase the value of your car and the cost of any repairs that need to be made if anything happens.

Staying safe on the road

Information is available to older drivers who want to increase their awareness of road safety issues. For example:

• The Driving Standard Agency’s Arrive Alive Classic presentation discusses a range of topics‚ including rising traffic volumes‚ licensing requirements‚ and the effects of medication;
• A number of local authorities also run low-cost assessments for older drivers‚ aimed at boosting driverconfidence‚ and giving information on how to lower the cost of running a vehicle. Contact your local authority to find out whether this type of course is available in your area.

If you want to find out more about road safety but don’t want to participate in a formal scheme‚ there are a number of organisations‚ listed at the back of this leaflet‚ which can provide handy hints and tips.Whatever you choose to do‚ it is important to keep up-to-date with the new traffic laws and road designs‚ and to remind yourself of theHighway Code.

I’d like to hire a car but the hire car company says that its insurance won’t cover me – what should I do?

While some hire companies do target middle-aged drivers‚ there are many who are willing to hire vehicles to older people‚ so it is important to shop around. The British Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association can help you find a hire company suitable for your needs.

If you already have motor insurance on your own car‚ your current insurers may allow you to extend your own policy to cover vehicles hired in the UK. Don’t forget to check first with your insurer that you are able to extend your insurance in this way‚ and that the hire car company is happy for you to do this. Your insurer may charge an additional fee for this service to reflect the additional risk that comes with driving an unfamiliar vehicle in an unfamiliar place‚ and the hire company will probably want to see written evidence that you are appropriately insured.

Where can I get more information?

For help with finding a broker:

British Insurance Brokers’ Association
Tel: 0870 950 1790

Institute of Insurance Brokers
Tel: 01933 410 003

For consumer advice on insurance and details of member insurance companies:

Association of British Insurers
Tel: 020 7216 7455

For advice and guidance on renting a vehicle:

British Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association
Tel: 01494 434747

For information on a range of issues affecting older people:

Age Concern
Tel: 0800 00 99 66

Help the Aged
Tel: 0808 800 6565

For information on the rules for getting a driving licence and other important information for drivers:

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
Tel: 0870 240 0009

For advice on road safety:

Arrive Alive Road Safety Team
Tel: 0115 901 5892

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
Tel: 0121 248 2000