How Auto Insurance Works for Older Drivers
As people get older, changes in health, vision, reaction time, medication use and how often they drive can all affect their driving risk. While many seniors continue to drive safely, they are more likely to be injured in a crash because they are physically more vulnerable.
Insurance companies consider these factors in different ways. Some look more closely at things like your driving habits, how many kilometres you drive each year and your claims history. Choosing the right insurer can be just as important as your age.
Senior Car Insurance Costs in Ontario
According to our internal data, median car insurance premiums in Ontario decrease from $2,237 for those aged 45–54 to $2,093 in the 55–64 category and $1,714 for drivers aged 65 and older. That makes the median annual premium in the last category about 23% less expensive than it is in the first.
That does not mean that upon reaching a certain age, a driver will see their premiums go down. Premiums vary widely and depend on a person’s driving record, the type of car they drive, their location, annual mileage, coverage choices, insurance company and more.
| Age band | Median annual Ontario premium |
|---|---|
| 45–54 | $2,237 |
| 55–64 | $2,093 |
| 65+ | $1,714 |
Source: MyChoice Quote Database, 2026.
What Are the Best Cars for Senior Drivers?
The chart below uses a proprietary MyChoice score to compare car options for senior drivers. The score is a weighted average that includes auto insurance costs, safety, accessibility and visibility.
| Car model | Insurance affordability | Safety | Accessibility | Visibility | MyChoice score (/10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Forester | 8.5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9.5 |
| Honda CR-V | 8 | 9.5 | 9 | 9 | 9.1 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | 9 | 8.5 | 9 | 8.5 | 8.9 |
| Toyota Camry | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8.6 |
| Mazda CX-30 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8.5 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 7.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Honda Accord | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8.2 |
| Kia Soul | 8.5 | 7.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8.2 |
| Hyundai Kona | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.0 |
Keep in mind, however, that a good score does not necessarily mean you’ll pay less for insurance, nor does it mean a particular car is right for every older driver. It’s important to test the cars and evaluate seating position, controls, ease of entry and exit, and visibility.
Car Insurance Advice for Drivers Over 50
As you reach your early 50s, it’s a good time to look at your auto insurance and determine whether your coverage meets the needs of your driving habits. It’s also worth checking rates elsewhere. Make sure you compare similar policies with the same deductibles, limits and available endorsements.
Car Insurance Advice for Drivers Over 60
According to FSRA, a mature-driver discount may be available to drivers over 50 who have a good driving record. Some insurers also provide retiree or low-mileage discounts, although eligibility rules and amounts differ. Annual kilometres and commuting use must be reported accurately.
Car Insurance Advice for Drivers Over 65
Accident forgiveness may limit the impact that a qualifying first at-fault accident has on your rates, but terms vary by insurer. Check with your insurer for its requirements and criteria. A clean record can still be an important rating factor after 65. At-fault accidents, convictions, time licensed, previous claims and age may be among the considerations used by insurers when determining rates.
Car Insurance Advice for Drivers Over 70
It’s not unusual for drivers in their 70s to have different commuting habits and annual mileage. Let your insurer know about changes in your driving habits when you renew your auto insurance. When shopping for better prices, make sure you’re comparing similar levels of coverage. Don’t reduce liability limits or physical-damage coverage just to save money without understanding what coverage you would be giving up.
Car Insurance Advice for Drivers Over 80
Every two years, Ontario motorists aged 80 and older must renew their licence and complete the provincial renewal process. Completing the renewal process confirms that you are still legally allowed to drive, but it does not determine your insurance rates.
Never reduce liability coverage or accident-benefit coverage without understanding the consequences.
How Seniors Can Compare Car Insurance Companies
There is no single best car insurance company for senior drivers. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re getting the best deal on your auto insurance.
- Ask about discounts for reduced annual mileage. Perhaps you don’t drive as much as you did before or are no longer commuting to work.
- Consider bundling policies. Some insurers offer a discount to customers who carry more than one policy, such as home, condo, tenant and auto insurance.
- Ask about accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness differs from one insurer to another, so look into eligibility and policy limitations when comparing quotes.
- Make sure you compare quotes correctly. It’s important to compare quotes that offer the same coverage, including accident benefits, liability limits, deductibles and other coverage options. One quote might seem cheaper simply because it provides less coverage.
As you get older, life changes. Perhaps your health or living situation changes, you buy a new vehicle or reduce the number of kilometres you drive. These are just a few reasons to revisit your auto insurance to make sure you are getting the best deal.
If you live in Ontario, see our guide to the top car insurance companies.
Car Insurance Discounts Seniors Can Ask About
Depending on the insurer and an individual’s driving record, an older driver may be eligible for discounts.
Renewal, multi-policy and multi-vehicle discounts may be some of your better options. Below are a few more discounts or factors worth discussing with your insurer:
- Many insurers offer an accident-free or claims-free discount. Eligibility may differ from one insurer to another, so be sure to do your research.
- Drivers over the age of 50 with a good driving history may be eligible for a mature-driver discount.
- Be sure to report the exact number of kilometres driven each year when being evaluated for a low-mileage discount.
- Seniors who insure two or more vehicles with the same insurer may qualify for a multi-vehicle discount.
- You may qualify for a winter-tire discount offered by Ontario insurers.
- Usage-based insurance tracks the way you drive. Whether you’ll save money with usage-based insurance depends on the program’s requirements and your driving habits.
