Cheap Car Insurance For Seniors In North Carolina 2024
When it comes to affordable and reliable car insurance for seniors in North Carolina, GEICO consistently ranks as the top choice. With its competitive rates and comprehensive coverage options, GEICO ensures seniors receive the best value for their insurance needs.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
Over the last decade, senior driver crashes in North Carolina have increased by 6% annually. While 66% of the senior driver crashes only involved property damage, the North Carolina Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) increases car insurance costs for drivers with accidents on their records, one of many reasons why seniors in North Carolina should look for affordable car insurance, and car insurance discounts.
Drawing from over 15 years of experience in the North Carolina insurance market, I’ll provide insights to help you make an informed decision.
Cheapest Car Insurance For Seniors In North Carolina
For seniors on a fixed income, affordable car insurance is crucial. GEICO is the cheapest provider for seniors in North Carolina , offering competitive rates and various discounts. GEICO’s extensive coverage options come with an average annual premium of $970. Seniors can take advantage of discounts like safe driver, multi-vehicle, and defensive driving, making GEICO the most affordable choice.
| Rank | Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
| 1 | GEICO | $970 |
| 2 | Nationwide | $994 |
| 3 | State Farm | $1,120 |
| 4 | Progressive | $1,792 |
| 5 | Allstate | $1,760 |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors Over 65 In North Carolina
For seniors over 65, car insurance rates can vary with driving habits and health. GEICO provides the best rates for this demographic, with an average annual premium of $990. GEICO’s discounts and usage-based programs cater to older drivers who may drive less often, keeping their expenses down.
| Rank | Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
| 1 | GEICO | $990 |
| 2 | Nationwide | $1,005 |
| 3 | State Farm | $1,199 |
| 4 | Progressive | $1,796 |
| 5 | Allstate | $1,814 |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors Over 70 In North Carolina
As drivers get older, their insurance premiums may increase due to perceived higher risk. However, Nationwide provides the lowest rates for seniors over 70, with an average annual premium of $1,020. Nationwide’s policies are tailored to meet the needs of senior drivers, ensuring affordable and comprehensive coverage.
| Rank | Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
| 1 | Nationwide | $1,020 |
| 2 | GEICO | $1,079 |
| 3 | State Farm | $1,280 |
| 4 | Progressive | $1,796 |
| 5 | Allstate | $1,812 |
Most Affordable Car Insurance In North Carolina for Seniors Over 75
GEICO is a leading contender for seniors over 75, offering an average annual premium of $1,090. With discounts for safe and defensive driving, GEICO is an economical choice for older drivers.
| Rank | Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
| 1 | GEICO | $1,090 |
| 2 | Kemper | $1,316 |
| 3 | State Farm | $1,420 |
| 4 | Progressive | $1,798 |
| 5 | Allstate | $1,830 |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors Over 85 In North Carolina
Seniors over 85 often encounter higher insurance premiums due to increased health risks and accident potential. However, GEICO provides competitive rates, with an average annual premium of $1,135, aided by multiple senior discounts.
| Rank | Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
| 1 | GEICO | $1,135 |
| 2 | Mercury Insurance | $1,172 |
| 3 | State Farm | $1,552 |
| 4 | Progressive | $1,301 |
| 5 | Allstate | $1,814 |
Most Affordable Car Insurance for Seniors with a Ticket In North Carolina
A driving ticket can cause a substantial rise in insurance premiums. Nationwide offers the lowest rates for seniors with a ticket, with an average annual premium of $1,391. Nationwide’s lenient policies and discounts for maintaining a clean record after a ticket make it an excellent choice.
| Rank | Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
| 1 | Nationwide | $1,391 |
| 2 | GEICO | $1,982 |
| 3 | Progressive | $2,610 |
| 4 | Allstate | $2,852 |
| 5 | Kemper | $2,110 |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors with a DUI
A DUI can drastically increase insurance premiums. However, North Carolina Farm Bureau provides the most affordable rates for seniors with a DUI, with an average annual premium of $4,800. North Carolina Farm Bureau’s specialized programs assist in mitigating the associated cost increases.
| Rank | Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
| 1 | North Carolin Farm Bureau | $4,800 |
| 2 | GEICO | $7,240 |
| 3 | State Farm | $5,412 |
| 4 | Allstate | $8,496 |
| 5 | Nationwide | $3,760 |
Cheapest Senior Car Insurance In North Carolina for Good Drivers
Insurance premiums are often lower for those with clean driving records. GEICO offers the cheapest rates for seniors, averaging $970 annually, with extensive good driver discounts.
| Rank | Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
| 1 | GEICO | $970 |
| 2 | Nationwide | $994 |
| 3 | State Farm | $1,120 |
| 4 | Progressive | $1,792 |
| 5 | Allstate | $1,760 |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors After an Accident
Post-accident insurance rates can be high, but Nationwide offers the best rates for seniors, with an average annual premium of $1,760. Their accident forgiveness programs are effective in managing costs.
| Rank | Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
| 1 | Nationwide | $1,760 |
| 2 | GEICO | $3,167 |
| 3 | Progressive | $2,720 |
| 4 | Allstate | $3,704 |
| 5 | Kemper | $1,970 |
How Much Is Car Insurance For Seniors In North Carolina?
The average car insurance premium for seniors in North Carolina can vary significantly depending on factors like age, driving history, vehicle type, and coverage level. Seniors usually pay higher rates due to age-related risks like slower reflexes and health concerns. Many insurers, however, offer discounts and programs to help offset these expenses.
The average car insurance premium for seniors in North Carolina is higher once a driver turns 70. Until that time the rates are based on health concerns, vehicle type, and driver record.
The average cost for annual, full coverage including age-related discounts is $895.77.
Below is a table detailing the average annual costs for five leading providers for seniors in North Carolina.
| Rank | Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
| 1 | GEICO | $970 |
| 2 | Nationwide | $994 |
| 3 | State Farm | $1,120 |
| 4 | Progressive | $1,792 |
| 5 | Allstate | $1,760 |
Factors Influencing Auto Insurance Rates In North Carolina
There are several factors influencing auto insurance rates in North Carolina, the biggest of which is the Safe Driver Incentive Plan.
Safe Driver Incentive Plan
In 1957, North Carolina passed the North Carolina Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) which was designed to reward safe driving habits and punish unsafe ones. With this program, points are accumulated for things like at-fault accidents and moving violations but detracted for things like completing safe driver courses.
Points from things like accidents and tickets can increase car insurance costs for seniors in North Carolina between 25% and 340% but taking safe driver courses can help decrease the costs.
Age
For seniors, other influencing factors have to do with age. Older drivers, especially in North Carolina, are more likely to be involved in accidents, cause property damage, and be severely injured.
Location
In North Carolina, major cities represent a significant portion of the car accidents involving senior drivers which means living in these areas will increase your auto insurance rates.
Over 30% of all senior driver crashes occurred in the following cities:
- Charlotte
- Raleigh
- Greensboro
- Winston Salem
- Durham
- Asheville
- Fayetteville
- Wilmington
- Greenville
- High Point
8% of all accidents in Charlotte involved a senior driver.
Moreover, 70% of all accidents involving a senior driver in North Carolina happen in a major city or urban area.
Discounts
That said, there are also positive factors that can influence auto insurance rates for seniors in North Carolina, bringing them down. These include discounts for age, multi policy bundles, and mature driver safety courses.
Moreover, many car insurance providers in North Carolina offer discounts based on usage so retired individuals who don’t drive as often can get discounts for low mileage in addition to discounts from companies for being a retired homeowner or being part of an organization like the AARP.
Understanding the positive and negative factors that influence auto insurance rates can make it possible for seniors in North Carolina to find a supportive and affordable plan.
Mileage
Seniors who drive less might benefit from lower premiums through usage-based insurance options.
Coverage Level
Insurance costs can vary based on the mix of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
Why Do Car Insurance Rates Increase For Seniors?
There are several reasons why rates increase for seniors including driving record, health, accident risk, and frequency of claims.
Driving Record
Under the North Carolina Safe Driver Incentive Plan, driving record is one of the biggest factors in car insurance costs for seniors in North Carolina. The table below indicates the percentage of rate increases for car insurance based on the points and types of accidents in North Carolina for all drivers, including seniors:
| SDIP Points in NC | Causes of Points | % of Rate Increase |
| 1 |
|
40% |
| 2 |
|
55% |
| 3 |
|
70% |
| 4 |
|
90% |
| 8 |
|
200% |
| 10 |
|
260% |
| 12 |
|
340% |
Higher Injury Severity
As you can see in the table above, the severity of injuries directly impacts things like points that are accumulated. points directly impact your driving record and subsequently car insurance costs.
Seniors in North Carolina have a higher susceptibility of severe injuries because of things like slower healing and fragile bones. This can incur higher medical costs from any accident but especially at fault accidents.
In accordance with the SDIP, this means a higher potential risk, something that car insurance companies take into consideration when factoring price.
Higher Accident Risk
According to the NHTSA, there were 8,572 car accident deaths involving drivers 65 or older in 2022, the highest figure since 1975.
Recent data suggests that drivers in North Carolina are worse than the national average, among the top five for senior-related car accidents and car accident deaths by state.
- Between 2010 to 2019, there were 377,470 older driver crashes in North Carolina, representing a 69% increase
- Over the last decade, older driver crashes in North Carolina have increased by 6%
- 10% of all car accidents in Mecklenburg county, North Carolina are senior drivers
In North Carolina older drivers are more likely to get into accidents between noon and 6:00 p.m. In fact 54% of all older drivers took place during these hours and 37% of them took place between the months of September and December when the weather meant it was darker much sooner.
Vision deterioration for senior drivers has a direct correlation to the higher accident risk in the months between September and December while hearing impairments and reduced reflexes can increase the risk of accidents at any time.
Claim Frequency
Given that 66% of the senior driver crashes in North Carolina were property damage only, there’s also a higher correlation between senior drivers and the number of claims that are filed. As older drivers file more claims for injuries and accidents, it can lead to higher premiums.
Health Issues
Chronic health problems and medications that impair driving become more common with age. Conditions like arthritis, dementia, and heart disease can impact driving capabilities, while some medications might lead to drowsiness or dizziness, raising the chances of accidents.
Experience and Mileage
While seniors often have considerable driving experience, they typically drive fewer miles as they age. Although this can lead to some discounts, insurance rates might still rise because the reduction in mileage does not entirely offset the increased risks associated with aging.
How Can Seniors Save On Car Insurance?
Seniors in North Carolina have a few ways to save on car insurance.
Safe Driver Courses
Seniors in North Carolina can take an AARP approved North Carolina Mature Driver Improvement course. These types of courses can be offered entirely online, with a self-paced study structure. After completing the course you’ll be mailed a certificate of completion that can be submitted to your insurance company for respective discounts.
Note: Many insurance providers will offer a discount between 5% and 15% for approved course completion but the percentage is based on the company.
Depending on your provider, certificates and subsequent discounts can be good for up to 3 years with an average annual savings of $300.
Policy Discounts
In addition to safe driving discounts in North Carolina, seniors can get discounts for bundling, having a clean record, and participating in company specific programs like the TrueLane Program from the AARP.
Each company is different in terms of which policy discounts they offer in North Carolina versus other states so it’s important to review what options are available in your area. For example, Geico’s Prime Time contract may be one of their most attractive senior discounts, but it is not available in North Carolina.
Adjust Your Coverage
Policy discounts that let you combine policies might also work with adjustments to your coverage like raising your deductible or using a usage based insurance plan for vehicles with low mileage. State Farm has a usage based program for seniors in North Carolina while the AARP offers partner discounts for seniors who pay a year in advance instead of monthly.
Compare Your Providers
Depending on your provider, discounts may fluctuate in terms of availability and you might find that comparing different providers at regular intervals can help you uncover new deals especially if you’ve had a career change that means partner discounts or if you have joined organizations like the AARP.
Maintain a Good Credit Score
In some states, insurance companies use credit scores to determine premiums. Maintaining a high credit score can lead to lower insurance rates.
Install Safety Devices
Adding safety features like anti-theft devices, airbags, and anti-lock brakes to your vehicle can qualify you for additional discounts. These features minimize the risk of accidents and theft, leading to lower insurance rates.
Consider Group Insurance
Affiliation with organizations like AARP can provide access to reduced-rate group insurance plans. These plans often come with extra perks and discounts for members.
Ask About Senior Discounts
Some insurance companies offer unique discounts for senior drivers. It’s beneficial to ask your insurer if they have any age-related discounts available.
Regularly Review Insurance Needs
Changing driving habits in seniors lead to different insurance needs. Regularly reviewing and adjusting coverage can avoid paying for unneeded insurance. By implementing these strategies, seniors can manage and lower their car insurance costs, ensuring they receive the best value for their coverage.
Car Insurance Discounts For Seniors
There are several types of car insurance discounts for seniors in North Carolina contingent on personal background such as veteran status as well as membership to organizations like the AARP and car insurance provider.
AARP Discounts
In North Carolina, seniors can take advantage of the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford. North Carolina AARP members who switch to The Hartford for car insurance can save an average of $577 on 6-month policy terms.
The AARP in North Carolina gives you access to benefits such as:
- Up to 8% savings for online car insurance quotes
- 10% discounts on car insurance for paying bills on time
- Up to 10% discounts on your policy after 5 years of no collisions, at-fault accidents, or violations
- Up to 12% on auto insurance when you bundle
- Up to 12% for participating in the TrueLane Program, and up to 25% renewal discounts for good driving habits
Safe driver discounts for seniors who participate in a North Carolina approved defensive driving course.
State Farm Discounts
Companies like State Farm have car insurance discounts for seniors too.
- If you have had a vehicle insured for three continuous years without any chargeable accidents you qualify for an accident-free discount, which remains in effect so long as you don’t have any at fault accidents
- Seniors in North Carolina who have a vehicle equipped with a factory installed airbag get an airbag discount
- The Drive Safe & Save program allows you to save up to 30% depending on your circumstances if you utilize devices installed on your car to monitor your driving habits
- Seniors without any moving violations or at fault accidents for 3 years can receive a good driver discount
If you combine multiple insurance policies with your auto insurance, State Farm will give you a discount.
GEICO Discounts
In addition to many of the same options provided by competing companies, Geico offers seniors in North Carolina car insurance discounts for being members of certain educational or professional organizations. Options relate to the following:
- Alumni Associations, Colleges, and Universities
- Berkshire Hathaway Companies
- Business and Professional Organizations
- Military and Federal Organizations
- Other Organizations
For example, under “Military” in North Carolina, those who are members of the Navy League of the United States or the U.S. Naval Institute can receive a discount.
Allstate Discounts
Allstate offers senior discounts to policyholders for age alone, with discounts on vehicles with less than 3,000 miles annually.
Other discounts include retired homeowners 55 or older who can save up to 20% on car insurance policies.
Allstate provides AARP members with secondary discounts too, up to 20% for the first year of Roadside Elite and up to 15% for roadside assistance.
Low Mileage Discount
Driving fewer miles can help seniors qualify for low mileage discounts, which is especially advantageous for retirees who no longer commute daily.
Multi-Policy Discount
Seniors who bundle their car insurance with other policies, such as home or renters coverage, can earn a multi-policy discount. This bundling often results in substantial savings.
Good Student Discount
Seniors may receive a discount if their policy includes good student grandchildren. This typically requires those students to achieve and maintain a certain grade point average.
Vehicle Safety Discount
Adding safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, and anti-theft devices can result in lower insurance costs. These features minimize the risk of accidents and theft, leading to potential discounts.
Loyalty Discount
Long-term policyholders frequently receive loyalty discounts from their insurance providers. Staying with one insurer for an extended period can reduce premiums over time.
Usage-Based Insurance Discount
Drive Safe & Save from State Farm and Drivewise from Allstate offer discounts by tracking driving habits and rewarding safe driving. Seniors who drive less and demonstrate safe driving skills can benefit from lower premiums.
Best Car Insurance For Seniors In North Carolina, 2024
Compare Car Insurance For Seniors In North Carolina
| Overall Rating (Best 5.0) | Best For | A.M. Best Rating | J.D. Power Rating (Best 1000) | Average Auto Insurance Annual Rate | Get A Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO |
|
Overall |
A++ |
830 |
$970 |
Instant Quote |
| State Farm |
|
Low-Mileage Drivers |
A++ |
826 |
$1,120 |
Instant Quote |
| Allstate |
|
Discounts |
A+ |
816 |
$1,760 |
Instant Quote |
Best Car Insurance For Seniors In North Carolina 2024
Best Overall
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅The best car insurance company for seniors in North Carolina is GEICO, known for its competitive pricing, numerous discounts, and user-friendly services. Seniors can expect an average annual premium of $970, easing their financial load. GEICO also provides discounts tailored to seniors, such as the Defensive Driving discount for those who complete approved safety courses.
GEICO’s easy-to-use mobile app and website make managing policies, filing claims, and accessing roadside assistance straightforward and efficient, enhancing the customer experience. With strong financial stability and high customer satisfaction ratings, GEICO is a reliable choice for senior drivers. These factors combined ensure that seniors receive comprehensive coverage and excellent service at an affordable rate, making GEICO the best overall choice for car insurance in North Carolina.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Competitive Pricing: Affordable premiums.
- Diverse Discount Options: Numerous ways to save.
- Convenient App: Simplifies policy management. ✓
- Limited Local Agents: Fewer face-to-face services.
- Inconsistent Claims Satisfaction: Mixed experiences with claims.
- Potential Coverage Gaps: Some coverage options may be missing. ✘
Best for Low-Mileage Drivers
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅For low-mileage senior drivers in North Carolina, State Farm is the best car insurance choice. Its Drive Safe & Save program offers significant discounts based on actual mileage and safe driving, making it perfect for seniors who don’t drive frequently and want to save on their premiums.
Additionally, State Farm provides outstanding customer service and high claim satisfaction rates, guaranteeing seniors receive timely and reliable help when needed. The company’s financial stability ensures claims are processed efficiently, offering peace of mind. State Farm also offers a variety of customizable coverage options to meet the specific needs of low-mileage drivers, ensuring they are adequately protected without unnecessary costs.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Lots of Discounts: Numerous savings opportunities.
- Drivewise Benefits: Incentives for safe driving.
- Custom Coverage Options: Tailored policies. ✓
- Higher Premium Costs: Not the most economical.
- Variable Claim Feedback: Mixed satisfaction rates.
- Limited Agent Availability: Few local representatives. ✘
Best for Discounts
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅For seniors in North Carolina, Allstate is the best choice for car insurance due to its extensive discount offerings. Seniors can benefit from the Safe Driver discount for clean driving records and the Multi-Policy discount for bundling home and auto insurance. Allstate also offers a New Car discount and an Early Signing discount, helping seniors save even more on their premiums.
Allstate’s Drivewise® program, which tracks driving habits and offers discounts for safe driving, is especially beneficial for seniors who drive less frequently and more safely. Allstate’s commitment to providing personalized discount options helps seniors maximize their savings based on their individual needs and driving patterns. This combination of numerous discounts, easy-to-use programs, and customer-focused policies makes Allstate the best choice for seniors seeking top car insurance discounts in North Carolina.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Extensive Discounts: Many savings opportunities.
- Drivewise Program: Rewards safe driving.
- Customizable Policies: Tailored coverage options. ✓
- Higher Premiums: Not the cheapest.
- Mixed Claim Satisfaction: Variable experiences.
- Limited Local Agents: Fewer in-person services. ✘
Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Senior Drivers – by US State
Finding the best car insurance rates is essential for seniors who face unique driving challenges. This section outlines the most affordable car insurance options for seniors in each state and specifies the insurers offering these rates. Comparing these choices will help senior drivers make informed decisions that ensure both low costs and adequate coverage.
| State | Average Annual Premium |
| Alabama | $1,750 |
| Alaska | $1,890 |
| Arizona | $1,920 |
| Arkansas | $1,860 |
| California | $1,919 |
| Colorado | $2,150 |
| Connecticut | $2,020 |
| Delaware | $2,100 |
| Florida | $2,300 |
| Georgia | $1,980 |
| Hawaii | $1,700 |
| Idaho | $1,760 |
| Illinois | $1,870 |
| Indiana | $1,800 |
| Iowa | $1,720 |
| Kansas | $1,840 |
| Kentucky | $2,010 |
| Louisiana | $2,450 |
| Maine | $1,690 |
| Maryland | $2,080 |
| Massachusetts | $2,000 |
| Michigan | $2,500 |
| Minnesota | $1,950 |
| Mississippi | $1,830 |
| Missouri | $1,810 |
| Montana | $1,880 |
| Nebraska | $1,910 |
| Nevada | $2,200 |
| New Hampshire | $1,740 |
| New Jersey | $2,220 |
| New Mexico | $1,900 |
| New York | $2,300 |
| North Carolina | $1,760 |
| North Dakota | $1,890 |
| Ohio | $1,720 |
| Oklahoma | $1,870 |
| Oregon | $1,980 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,100 |
| Rhode Island | $2,230 |
| South Carolina | $2,050 |
| South Dakota | $1,930 |
| Tennessee | $1,750 |
| Texas | $2,100 |
| Utah | $1,880 |
| Vermont | $1,710 |
| Virginia | $1,790 |
| Washington | $1,950 |
| West Virginia | $1,930 |
| Wisconsin | $1,780 |
| Wyoming | $1,850 |
Our methodology
Our methodology for evaluating car insurance companies for seniors in North Carolina involves a thorough examination of various factors. We compare average premiums annually and monthly across different ages and driving records. We assess the availability of discounts for defensive driving courses, low mileage, and bundling policies. Customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports provide insights into the overall customer experience. Financial stability is reviewed through ratings from A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. We also consider the range of coverage options and special programs for seniors, including usage-based insurance. To ensure a thorough evaluation, we look at how effectively claims are managed and the quality of customer support, including settlement times. Expert assessments and user feedback are integrated into our analysis. We use data from J.D. Power, A.M. Best, Consumer Reports, insurer publications, and customer reviews on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau. This approach helps us provide recommendations that are specifically tailored to the needs of senior drivers in North Carolina .
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
Which insurer provides the most affordable coverage for seniors?
GEICO typically offers the lowest coverage rates for seniors, with an average annual premium of about $970. They are recognized for their competitive pricing and extensive discount options for older drivers.
Will my car insurance costs decrease if I retire?
Car insurance costs may decrease when you retire if you drive fewer miles. Insurers frequently offer low mileage discounts, which can help lower premiums for retirees with reduced driving.
Does car insurance become more costly after 65?
Car insurance can become more costly after age 65. The reasons include slower reflexes, increased accident risks, and higher medical costs for injuries, which contribute to increased premiums for older drivers.
Sources
⇅- AARP – AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford
- RoadReview – North Carolina Mature Driver Improvement Course
- NCDOI – Safe Driver Incentive Plan
