This is yet another shameless way to promote Defensive Driving. This much I will admit. Not only will you learn about new traffic laws, and a good refresher course on evasive driving, but most insurance companies still offer a three year insurance discount for attending one. We are all well aware that new, inexperienced drivers pay higher auto insurance rates. Those rates typically go down at age 25, with a clean driving record. But once you hit the ripe age of 70, your insurance rates will likely go right back up. I, for one, wanted a better understanding of how age affects auto insurance rates. So I did a little research on the subject.
Since the invention of the automobile and automobile insurance, young male drivers’ insurance rates have always been higher than young women. Boys tend to drive faster and take bigger risks. I suppose that is why. I asked two young men, between 17 and 19 years of age, what they pay for their monthly premium. One said $460 and the other said $416. And, remember, that’s what they pay each month! I thought, thank God I have a daughter and not a son. If I had a son, it would be cheaper to send him to Sweden to get a sex change than it would to put him on my insurance policy.
I have also recently discovered that young men seldom wear seat belts. Why? I don’t know. Maybe it’s just not that cool. But, when asked, they tend to admit that it’s just too darned uncomfortable. My Mother says the same thing. But, I’m not surprised that her generation resists wearing a seat belt, since wearing one was only an option, and not a law until 1986. Actually, my Mother’s exact words are “It’s uncomfortable and will wrinkle her outfit.” Not like going through the windshield won’t put a wrinkle in your outfit, and your head, etc.
So, we know why young drivers pay higher rates. What about insurance rates increasing for elderly drivers? Apparently, age leads to impaired vision, poorer cognitive functioning, changes in physical functioning and typically high use of prescription medications help boost up the rates for these folks.
Of course, what kind of car you drive, where you live and how much you drive factor in to your final rate. So, moral to the story, if you’re between 25 and 70, you should be spending those years celebrating your lower insurance rates. These are your glory years!
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
How Age Affects Auto Insurance Rates – ComedyDefensiveDriving.com