Are Elderly Drivers Paying More For Car Insurance?

Statistically and not surprisingly, the riskiest drivers are older motorists particularly those over 85. The number of elderly drivers will double during the next ten years, which means so will the number of accidents. 550 serious accidents in one year were caused by drivers over the age of 70, proving that elderly drivers cause more serious accidents than any other sector of the population.

Are elderly drivers to blame for accidents?

It has been revealed that one third of UK drivers are at risk of breaking the law and causing car accidents as a result of driving with poor eyesight. Many of these motorists are thought to be elderly whose sight has deteriorated over time.

Many elderly drivers who have bad eyesight are still allowed to drive even if their level of vision falls below legal requirements. This is largely because doctors and opticians are confused about how to define the vision of people who fall in between two levels on the vision chart.  As such elderly drivers are let loose on the roads without good sight, free to cause a huge number of accidents every year.

Recent surveys have concluded that almost half of Britain’s drivers believe elderly drivers are to blame for the countries high car accident rates and they should be banned from driving during peak traffic hours. Reports from the Association of British Insurers found that drivers aged 70 or over are three times more likely to be involved in a car accident than those aged between 45 and 60.

Insurance providers claim that tougher tests would help the industry carry on offering insurance to elderly drivers. Currently, premiums are bumped up by around £100 once a driver hits 70.

There's currently no upper-age-limit restricting an older person’s legal entitlement to drive, at what age somebody becomes too old to drive is a sensitive subject as losing a licence affects people's freedom and mobility. Many pensioners who are still very mentally agile are disconcerted by the fact that their means of getting around may disappear.

Should elderly drivers pay the price?

As the price of car insurance is based on historical claims experience, a 75 year old male driver can expect to pay at least 33% more than if he were aged 50. By the time the driver reaches 80 the premiums hit boy racer levels!

It's a biological fact that eyesight and reaction times worsen as age creeps on. And with traffic becoming heavier and road networks ever more complex, elderly drivers can more easily become disorientated and confused and can often be seen crawling along at snail’s pace holding the traffic up for miles.

The elderly are more likely to be severely injured or killed in a crash. The fatality rate of the 65-74 year olds is about twice that of the 30-64 year olds. Elderly drivers are more often involved in crashes at intersections, and strangely, turning left is a problem for them.

Stay safe and stay on the right side of elderly drivers and you should be fine, but be aware and keep your distance from those who are looking particularly "wise," on the road!