Motor Insurance For Over 85S.

[Questman]

I've now reached the age where being older and wiser is not respected.
I'm 86 going on 87 and have held a driving licence since I was a lad of 20. My "no claims" record stretches back over 50 years. I have no problems physically or with my eyesight. Plus I don't do much mileage these days.
It wasn't easy getting car insurance at a reasonable price last year but I understand the situation is worse currently. Friends of mine of a similar age tell me that in some cases premiums have doubled. My current insurer has advised me that they are withdrawing from the motor insurance market.
Do any older member have a magic name of an insurer I can approach for a "reasonable" quotation when I reach renewal date?

[bhg481]

Depending on the sort of miles that you do, has the time come to abandon the car and take buses/taxis everywhere; it could be a lot cheaper in the long run.

[Geoffrey13]

The elderly are frequently discriminated against, but it seems oldphobic behaviour is the one which [is] acceptable.

[barry1010]

I can't recommend a particular insurer but as you do few miles consider the so called black box insurance where you pay according to how much you drive. Your car would still have all the cover of standard insurance but may work out cheaper, especially if you mainly drive daytime outside peak hours.
It might be worth talking to a broker.

[Questman]

bh481, I am using the bus and underground a lot more than I used to as I have the time. However there are always circumstances when the car is best.

[Buenchico]

It might be worth asking the meerkats for help:
https://www.comparethemarket.com/car-insurance/over-80s/

Also take a look at AgeCo. It's owned by Age UK, with policies provided by LV:
https://www.ageco.co.uk/insurance/car-insurance-over-80s/

[bhg481]

Q - that's why I said depending on the sort of miles. We do many fewer miles than we used to do to places such as National Trust, which are impractical to get to by public transport; the caravan would be a bit tricky behind a taxi, too.

[Questman]

Barry1010, I have one of these devices in my car and I'm pleased with it as it is a constant reminder that I am being observed for my driving style. It's a shame my current insurer is discontinuing their motor insurance division.

[gingejbee]

It's nothing to do with the aged "not being respected". It's about statistics...older drivers (just like younger drivers) are statistically more of a risk - premiums reflect this.

[Questman]

Thanks for the suggestion Buenchico. I didn't know that the Meerkats had that division.
I'll give it a try.

[Questman]

gingejbee, I'm aware of the statistics, but I don't feel that I'm an accident waiting to happen. I'm aware and I have a black box in my car I drive with more care not less. I suppose I could 'drop dead at the wheel'!

[gingejbee]

^you may not think that you're an accident waiting to happen (none of us does), but insurance companies have a different opinion!
Best of luck with the quotes...incidentally my LV insurance premiums have actually gone DOWN the last two years and I'm very happy with them.

[barry1010]

I'll be interested to hear how you get on. Good luck, Questman :)

[Questman]

gingejbee, Very pleased to hear that your insurance has gone down. May I ask your age?

[Buenchico]

^^^ My insurance premium has been dropping too, Questman. (I'm 70 and I use Post Office Insurance: https://www.postoffice.co.uk/car-insurance/over-50s ).

[Questman]

Barry1010, I'll keep you informed, however I won't be looking for quotes until August time.

[jourdain2]

MrJ2 reached the advanced age of 90 this April. Direct Line have renewed his insurance without a quibble. He's been with them 4 years with me (73) as a named driver.

I am with Dial Direct with Mr. J2 as my named driver. I have just renewed my insurance for an increase of just over £3.00.

Hope this helps.

Both policies fully comprehensive.

[jourdain2]

^^^ We live in an area where there is virtually no public transport (2 x buses per week to a local market town).

[jourdain2]

^^^ Both have no claims except for a windscreen chip from a stone thrown up by a passing lorry.

[Questman]

Thanks Jourdain2, I tried dialdirect but they say they were unable to quote. I live in North West London which may be different to yourself. Where are you located?

[barry1010]

We had been insured with Direct Line for over 20 years, always cheapest for us, but this year there was a huge increase and they wouldn't budge.
Tesco was the best this time.