Car insurance experts have explained how costs can rise for older motorists – here’s more information
Older drivers are being warned about higher car insurance(Image: Getty)
Older drivers are being warned about the risk of higher car insurance rates, with those over the age of 80 affected the most. Some may end up paying hundreds of pounds more.
Internal data from MoneySuperMarket has revealed how much car insurance premiums differ by age, with massive hikes expected between the ages of 70 and 90. Analysis by the experts found that drivers aged 70-79 pay the lowest annual car insurance premiums of all UK drivers at an average of £429 per year, around 44% below the UK’s overall average.
This was the cheapest premium of any road user, just £7 cheaper than motorists aged 60-69 and over £100 less than those between 50 and 59. The rates were also lower than much younger drivers, with motorists between 20 and 29 paying over £1,300 per year for cover. This comes as ChronicleLive listed six motoring changes coming in March 2026, from pay-per-mile plans to number plates.
However, the data shows how car insurance fees can dramatically rise in older age, with road users between 80 and 89 paying £586 to insure their vehicles. This shows older drivers are faced with a £157 price rise once they hit the milestone birthday, and it doesn’t stop there, with further hikes at 90.
According to MoneySuperMarket, those above the age of 90 pay an average of £937 per year for coverage, a further £351 increase. It means road users face paying £508 more between 70 and 90 in a staggering price hike hitting pensioners, reports the Express.
Age UK previously warned that those over 80 may see the cost of their car insurance go up. This is because drivers over 80 statistically make more expensive claims than some younger age groups, such as motorists between 50 and 60.
Age UK added: “Car insurance costs are calculated based around risks and the likelihood of a claim being made. While older drivers have lots of road experience, they also tend to face more health challenges that can affect their driving. This increases the risk of being involved in an accident and therefore increases the price of insurance too.”
Average annual premium in 2025 by age
- 70-79 – £429
- 60-69 – £436
- 50-59 – £543
- 80-89 – £586
- 40-49 – £681
- 30-39 – £838
- 90+ – £937
- 20-29 – £1,305
- 17-19 – £1,867
ChronicleLive has previously explained how millions of older people on low income will see more money in their bank accounts from April this year. This is because Pension Credit payments will go up.
The Department for Work and Pensions provides Pension Credit to people above State Pension age who are on low income. However, around 760,000 people are missing out on this extra help.
The main part of Pension Credit is known as “Guarantee Credit” and this tops up your weekly income to £227.10 if you’re single, or to £346.60 if you’re in a couple. These amounts will rise to £238 a week for single people, and £363.25 for couples, from April 2026. Here are more details.
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