Reader’s Question:

My boyfriend’s dad is 85 years old. We all know that being old affect a person’s ability to drive. My question is, does it also affect a person’s auto insurance rate in Coral Springs, Florida? Help please?

Laura

Coral Springs, FL

I’d be happy to help you Laura!

In general, most states allow the use of age as one of the determining factors in setting auto insurance rates. The logic behind this is simple, studies have proven that younger drivers, particularly those below 25 years old, are considered more risky to be insured as compared to drivers who are 25 years old and above.

On the other hand, according to a study conducted by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) among drivers aged 85 years and above, death rate for the mentioned age group is higher by four times as compared to age group between 30 - 59 years old. In addition, said study revealed that one of the factors why older drivers are frequently involved in car accidents is because they have difficulty when it comes to judging distance and speed thus leading to left-hand turn accidents to name a few.

Given this figure and going back to your question, it is true that being old only means getting higher car insurance rate. This is mostly the case when you reach the age of 70 years old and above. However, I’ve read somewhere that your home state Florida offer mandatory auto insurance discount for older drivers. For more information about this ask the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or your boyfriend’s dad car insurance agent in Coral Springs, Florida.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance discounts, car insurance rate