Explore tips for seniors to stay safe on the road and help keep your auto insurance premiums affordable as you age.
Article: 6 minutes
Updated: September 24, 2026 Published: February 13, 2019
By: USAA Reviewed by: Editorial contributors
Navigating the complexities of driving at an older age requires a thoughtful approach that balances independence with safety and considers potential risks. This guide offers practical advice and resources to help mature drivers and their families assess driving fitness, adapt habits and explore alternative transportation options when necessary.
The conversation about driving at an older age can be tricky. No one wants to feel like they’re giving up their independence, nor do we want to be a potential burden to others. However, it’s often difficult for some people to admit the increased risk when they get behind the wheel.
Keeping healthy both mentally and physically can help drivers stay in control of their vehicles. Leveraging resources like defensive driving courses or telematics programs can help reward good drivers with discounts. It can also provide more information and data on how you are driving, which can help your decision-making.
When the conversation turns from “Can I drive?” to “Should I drive?” using resources like rideshare or delivery services can support mature driver’s needs. Reducing time behind the wheel can also reduce the potential financial impact that an accident can have.
Whether you are checking up on your own driving fitness or you’re trying to navigate this conversation with your aging parents, here are some helpful tips and topics to discuss.
Driving is as much physical as it is mental, so everyday tasks like reading books or grocery shopping can help you stay sharp. Introducing different activities into your life, like learning to play the piano or a new style of cooking, also may be helpful.
Exams should include vision, hearing and cognitive tests. A medical professional can evaluate you to see if you have any age-related issues that could increase your risk of an accident.
Discuss necessary changes in your prescriptions and driving habits when it becomes hard to read signs clearly, especially at night.
Consider other ways to get around if you're having difficulty steering, using vehicle controls or safely changing lanes.
Be cautious at intersections, where failing to stop or yield to other vehicles, motorcycles and pedestrians frequently causes accidents. Change your driving habits, like limiting it to daytime, or stop driving altogether when you're unable to recognize traffic signals and respond to other's actions, particularly in unfamiliar areas.
Use a hearing aid if necessary to help you hear sirens and horns. Keep your radio volume low to avoid distraction. If it becomes impossible to hear road noise or it's leaving you feeling anxious, you may want to find other transportation.
Know the side effects of your medications and ask your physician if it's safe to drive while taking them.
Several states require older drivers or senior drivers to retest when they get their license renewed. Check your state's department of motor vehicles for more information.
Auto insurance costs can go up as you age because seniors have higher fatal crash rates than most other age groups, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Opens in New Window. In 2024, individuals aged 70 and older constituted 12% of the total U.S. population, and 5,679 of them were victim to fatal motor vehicle accidents that year.
On average, the American driving population is getting older. The proportion of the 70-and-older population with licenses increased to 87% in 2024. By 2035, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that this age group will grow to 57 million.
If you feel like your ability to drive safely is limited or diminishing, it may be beneficial to consider not driving. The potential physical and financial risks can be considerable. An at-fault accident could result in physical harm to yourself and others, as well as possibly substantial liability costs.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the rates of property damage liability claims and collision claims per insured vehicle start increasing after age 70. And while the number of claims has generally declined between 2015 and 2024, losses have increased due to the severity of claims rising more than 90% during that time, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Driving technology and safety features may be contributing to fewer accidents, but accidents are becoming more expensive. Consider what driving at an older age may mean to you or your loved one’s overall financial picture.
Try to avoid driving during high traffic times by scheduling appointments or plans around times when traffic is lower.
Driving an oversized vehicle like a large SUV or a car that has more power than you can comfortably control may be difficult. Consider vehicles that offer ease of steering and clear visibility for parking.
According to research from the Highway Loss Data Institute, older drivers have a higher frequency of auto claims from backing into objects than other age groups. Use parking sensors or cameras appropriately to avoid doing damage to your vehicle or other people and property.
Lane assist systems, sensors and cameras have become common standard equipment on many vehicles today. More technology and information for the driver can help prevent accidents. Be familiar with the safety technology and systems within your vehicle and know how to use those features to reduce driving risks.
A safer vehicle may get you a better insurance premium. And using assistive devices like automatic emergency braking systems, or AEB, and object proximity sensors can help you drive with more comfort, confidence and safety.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover transportation for emergency or medically needed services. Some Medicare Advantage plans may include benefits for rideshare programs like Uber or Lyft to and from doctor appointments.
Having groceries and other household necessities delivered can help you avoid the hassle of navigating a busy parking lot. Delivery services like Instacart or UberEats may have specific numbers or websites just for seniors.
National pharmacies like CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Walmart and even Amazon offer delivery services for prescriptions drugs. Most of these pharmacies offer same-day delivery, with some restrictions.
Contact your insurance company to make sure your auto coverage is appropriate for your current stage of life. Consider the following:
Many insurance companies offer discounts for having low annual mileage or taking a defensive driving course.
Check for gaps in coverage to make sure that you are protecting your property and your overall wealth. Without appropriate coverage, you may have more financial risk than you want. You should carry liability coverage at least equal to your net worth.
You may have some legal protections in place for some of your assets, like retirement plans and your primary residence, but you may still have financial exposure if your overall worth exceeds your liability coverage limit on your insurance policies. Depending on your personal financial situation, you may want to consider an umbrella policy.
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