Over 70s Car Insurance

Why choose Howden for your over 70s car insurance?

We know, as an insurance broker, that each car policy needs to be as individual as its owner. That’s why we provide a personalised service, focused on getting to know you and finding out exactly what you want from your comprehensive car insurance cover.

When it comes to sourcing motor insurance cover for clients over the age of 70, we pride ourselves on doing the heavy lifting. Thanks to the collaborative relationships we have with our selected panel of specialist and standard car insurers, we make the process of comparing multiple policies on your behalf simple and hassle-free. What’s not to like?

Ultimately though, just know that whether you need to make a claim, purchase a new car policy, or renew an existing one, we’re here to help.

*51% of new car insurance clients saved an average of £195 between Feb 2024 and July 2024. Insurance savings are based on a sample of 3,481 car insurance clients.

Benefits of choosing Howden:

• Benefit from a tailored service that comparison sites can’t provide.
• Speak with your local insurance broker, within your community.
• You can trust us – we’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
• We’re driven to save you time, money, and hassle.
• We’re right by your side in the event of a claim.

How does car insurance change for over-70s work?

By the time you’re 70 years old, you likely have several decades’ worth of driving experience to your name. It’s also possible that you drive more carefully, that you drive shorter distances, and that you tend to stick to familiar routes. That said, your reaction times might slow with age, or you might develop medical conditions that could affect your driving ability.

Insurers take all of these factors into account when drafting insurance policies for drivers over the age of 70 and, as a result, many offer specialised policies for this group.

Your insurer is likely to evaluate your unique circumstances in a bit more detail once you hit 70. This process is all about ensuring that you have the proper coverage in place in terms of your experience, ability, and needs. It's also worth noting that, under UK law, you are required to renew your licence every three years from 70 onwards, rather than every 10 years.

Read more: Everything you need to know about driving over the age of 70

Do over-70s pay more for car insurance?

Insurers tend to approach the fees they charge over-70s drivers on a case-by-case basis.

Some insurers may impose slightly higher premiums if they are concerned with your physical abilities. This is often influenced by the fact that, when accidents do occur, drivers in their 70s and 80s are more likely to be severely or fatally injured. Insurers factor this risk into their calculations, and certain providers choose not to cover drivers in this demographic at all.

However, some insurers offer reasonable rates to over-70s drivers who have a clean driving record, a strong no-claims history, and drive a modest, low-risk vehicle. Specialist insurers also cater specifically for older drivers, and include useful benefits, like courtesy car guarantees, unlimited cover for driving in Europe, or no upper age limit.

Shopping around is always important when it comes to car insurance, but especially so once you’re over 70.

Will my car insurance be affected by my health?

Yes, your car insurance can be affected by your health as an older driver, particularly given the DVLA's strict requirements for over-70s drivers.

When you reach 70, you must renew your driving licence every three years and legally declare any medical conditions that could affect your driving ability. This includes conditions like diabetes, heart problems, stroke, glaucoma, cataracts, or any illness that requires medication that might impair your driving.

Insurance companies take particular interest in health conditions because they may affect:

• Your reaction times on the road
• Your ability to see clearly and judge distances
• Your physical capability to control the vehicle safely
• The likelihood of having a medical emergency while driving

Failing to declare medical conditions to both the DVLA and your insurer could invalidate your insurance and may result in a £1,000 fine.

It’s also important that you inform the DVLA and your insurer if you develop a new medical condition. Being proactive about managing your health and maintaining regular check-ups can help to demonstrate to insurers that you're a responsible driver who takes safety seriously.

Remember that having a medical condition doesn't necessarily mean you won’t be able to drive or that your premiums will skyrocket. It just means that the DVLA and your insurer are properly informed about your health.

How much is car insurance for a 70 year old in the UK?

There isn’t a standard cost that drivers over 70 are likely to be charged — every case is different. But there are several criteria that your insurer will likely assess:

• Your medical history and overall health: This will be informed by the health status you’re required to declare when you renew your licence.

• Your annual mileage: Many insurers offer better rates to drivers who drive less frequently or who drive primarily during the day.

• The type of vehicle you drive: Your insurer will likely favour a car with a smaller engine, good safety features, and lower repair costs. They'll also look closely at your claims history and any recent accidents or convictions. If you’ve got a clean record and a good no-claims history to your name, you’ll likely get better premiums.

• Where you live: As with insurance policies more generally, your location will continue to be important. Rural drivers often benefit from lower premiums than those in urban areas where accidents and theft are higher. Safety and security measures, including where your car is parked and whether it’s fitted with an alarm or immobiliser, will also continue to matter.

• How you intend to use your vehicle: Whether you’re just driving for social and domestic purposes or regularly doing longer trips will affect your fees, too.

• Whether you add any named drivers to your policy: Additional named drivers can affect your premium, too. Insurers often view having a middle-aged named driver more favourably than a younger one, since they likely have more experience. 

• Whether you have telematics installed: Have a black box or telematics installed, which monitors your driving habits, can help your insurer to get a sense of how safely you drive.

Speak to your insurer or broker about ways in which you can lower your insurance costs if you find that they’re a little high. Paying annually, driving a car in a lower insurance group, and increasing your voluntary excess are some ways to lower your premiums.