Insurance Information

Eleven Money-Saving Auto Insurance Tips for Senior Drivers


Following a few simple tips and taking these measures will ensure that you are getting the lowest rates possible on your auto insurance policy.

1. Avoid more Accidents, Pay Close Attention at Intersections. Auto accidents involving seniors often occur at intersections. Make sure to look ahead if you plan to quickly change lanes after an intersection. Pay attention to protected left turn lanes with their own arrows, and always keep your tires pointed straight ahead when stopped, so that a rear-end accident doesn't push you into oncoming traffic.

2. Follow the flow of traffic, Drive at the at or near the speed limit. Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as speeding, especially when entering or exiting interstates or freeways. It can also trigger dangerous "road rage" in less patient drivers. You don't have to be Mario Andretti, but keeping to the right and following the flow of traffic is the safest bet.

3. Many violations include failure to yield right-of-way, improper turning or incorrect lane changes, so keep current on the traffic laws relating to new traffic designs.

4. Sit high enough in your seat so that you can see at least 10 feet in front of your car, advises the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If your car seat does not adjust to allow this, add a cushion. This will make it easier to see pedestrians and bike riders, and reduce problems from oncoming headlight glare at night.

5. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses when driving at night. For many older drivers, night vision is reduced, so safety dictates not driving at twilight or after dark.

6. Make sure you learn how to operate a New Car. Things like Anti-lock brakes, for example operate differently in slippery situations. If you have never driven a car with anti-lock brakes, sure to get training on proper use.

7. Senior drivers can refresh their skills and knowledge -- and get a discount on auto insurance in many states -- by taking a refresher driving course, such as the eight-hour "55 Alive" course offered by AARP. More than two-thirds of states mandate auto insurance policy discounts for such courses, and many insurance companies offer the discounts voluntarily.

8. Look for cars with rear-view mirrors that automatically dim and filter out headlight glare.

9. Air bag technology has become more advanced, with sensors that deploy air bags based on the weight of the occupant, reducing air-bag-related injuries. Some new cars also have side air bags in the seats or door frame that offer better protection.

10. Consider fit and comfort in your new car. Seat belts that comfortably fit over your shoulder and low on your lap will keep you safer. Automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes require less physical effort.

11. Last but definitely not least, Check to see which companies offer specific 'Senior Discounts' While shopping around for the best auto insurance rates is important, which insurance company you choose might depend on how they treat senior drivers. You'll get their best rates if you're healthy and drive a safe, modern vehicle.

Reprints of this article are allowed (and encouraged) for your site or newsletter with inclusion of a simple link to http://www.hometownquotes.com.

Matt McWilliams is one of the co-founders of HometownQuotes.Com, an online insurance quotes web site. He is originally from Pinebluff, NC and attended Middle Tennessee State University in 2002. He is considered an expert in the field of online insurance shopping and finding new ways to help consumers save money on their insurance. For more information visit http://www.hometownquotes.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Deal-Seeking Travelers Should Not Overlook Need for Travel Insurance
MarketWatch - 3 hours ago
Although travelers are seeking deals and jumping on last-minute travel offers, Travel Guard reminds consumers that travel insurance remains essential no ...
From Homeowner to Renter: What You Need to Know About Renter's ... MarketWatch
all 17 news articles


WWL

21st Century Holding Company's Subsidiary Federated National ...
MarketWatch - 2 hours ago
an insurance holding company, today announced that it received approval from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) to take out (assume) up to ...
La. grand jury indicts former head of state-run insurance concern USA Today
Ex-CEO of Citizens Property Insurance indicted 2TheAdvocate
Former chief of Citizens Insurance indicted WBXH
WWL - KATC
all 15 news articles


Insurers propose universal, centralized healthcare
Los Angeles Times, CA - 13 hours ago
Several consumer groups criticize the early bid by America's Health Insurance Plans, a trade group that fought an overhaul in the 1990s, to take an active ...
Medicine for the Job Market New York Times
Health Insurance Trade Group Proposal Praised By Sen Kennedy CNNMoney.com
Nurses Reject AHIP Proposal as a 'Marshall Plan for Health Insurers' MarketWatch
Boston Globe - Wall Street Journal
all 217 news articles


Electric Insurance Appoints Sweet & Sons, Inc.
MarketWatch - 8 hours ago
"When looking for a new relationship with an agency, Electric Insurance seeks agencies that have track records of delighting customers," said Michael J. ...


Harpreet Ubhi Joins Lockton Insurance Brokers in San Francisco
MarketWatch - 1 hour ago
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 04, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Lockton Companies, the world's largest independently owned insurance broker, has appointed Harpreet Ubhi to ...


White & Case Recruits Top Bank, Insurance Regulatory Lawyer
MarketWatch - 5 hours ago
NEW YORK, Dec 04, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Global law firm White & Case LLP is expanding its firmwide Bank and Insurance Regulatory Practice with the ...


American Family Insurance Selected as Recipient of 2008 E-Fusion Award
MarketWatch - 2 hours ago
OLDWICK, NJ, Dec 04, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- American Family Insurance's Teen Safe Driver Program, which uses a mobile video and online notification system ...


CSC Announces Social Networking Community for Property and ...
MarketWatch - 4 hours ago
today announced the latest innovation in the evolution of its property and casualty (P&C) insurance client community: the introduction of WikonnecT, ...


AARP’s Stealth Fees Often Sting Seniors With Costlier Insurance
Bloomberg - 12 hours ago
He signed up for an auto insurance policy endorsed by AARP, believing the advertising that said he would save money. He didn’t. ...
Health Insurance, Business Lobbyists Join Discussions About ... Medical News Today (press release)
all 3 news articles


ABC News

Bernanke says home price insurance would be costly
Reuters - 4 hours ago
WASHINGTON, Dec 4 (Reuters) - An idea floated by some economists to encourage home buyers to purchase home price insurance would be costly in the current ...
Bernanke calls for measures to stem foreclosures International Herald Tribune
US Fed demands foreclosures push BBC News
Bernanke Says US Must Step Up Foreclosure Efforts (Update1) Bloomberg
Motley Fool - Austin American-Statesman
all 1,268 news articles

Insurance - Google News

home | site map
© 2006