Recommended Insurance Coverage for an Old Car 2024 (2024)

The recommended insurance coverage for someone with an old car is up to $100,000+ in bodily injury liability insurance and $50,000 in property damage liability insurance per accident, given that the median net worth for Americans is around $121,000 and the average cost of a new car is about $48,000. The goal is to protect your assets from a lawsuit.

You should also carry comprehensive and collision insurance to cover your vehicle’s cash value unless the coverage costs around the same amount as your car is worth. If your vehicle is financed, your lender or lessor may require comprehensive and collision coverage regardless of your car’s age and value. Otherwise, you only need to have your state’s minimum required coverage.

Remember that only carrying the minimum coverage may not cover the full cost of medical bills, auto repairs, replacing your vehicle, or your assets if you are sued in the event of a car accident. So, it’s best to have a liability insurance limit equal to your total assets.

This answer was first published on 07/20/23. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

Recommended Insurance Coverage for an Old Car 2024 (2024)

FAQs

Recommended Insurance Coverage for an Old Car 2024? ›

Unless your used car is financed or worth a lot, you probably don't need to purchase a full-coverage policy. Most experts advise that a car insurance policy shouldn't cost more than 10% of your vehicle's cash value.

What type of coverage should a person with an older car have? ›

The only insurance you usually need is liability coverage and, in some states, personal injury protection. Full coverage is often recommended, but it becomes much less valuable financially with an older car.

Is it worth having full coverage on an older car? ›

It's usually worth dropping full coverage on an older car if its value is less than a few thousand dollars, as long as there's no loan on it. The more your car depreciates, the less you'll get from the insurance company after an accident or theft.

Which insurance is best for an old car? ›

A Third-Party Car Insurance Policy is mandatory, be it a new or old car. But you can consider buying the Comprehensive Insurance Policy for your old car as it provides all-round coverage for your car.

What is the best auto insurance for old cars? ›

Hagerty, Grundy, American Collectors, American Modern and Heaco*ck provide the best car insurance for old cars. These companies are the best options for classic car insurance because of their fair rates, accessibility and experience in the industry.

Is a 20 year old car too old? ›

Additionally, maintenance costs can quickly add up as cars age. Parts are harder to find, and labor is more time-intensive. If these concerns make you uneasy, avoid cars over 20 years old. This rule of thumb may help ensure your vehicle choice is still safe, reliable, and affordable.

Is it better to have collision or comprehensive? ›

Collision coverage pays for damages to your vehicle that are the result of a collision with another vehicle or a road hazard. Comprehensive coverage pays for other damages to your vehicle such as theft, vandalism, animal damage, falling tree branches and other environmental damage.

Why is my insurance so high for an old car? ›

Additionally, older cars may not have as many safety features as newer cars, which might increase the cost of auto insurance and reduce available discounts. The impact of vehicle age on your car insurance premium may depend on your car's make and model.

What age is car insurance most expensive? ›

Young drivers ages 16 to 24 tend to have the most expensive car insurance. Drivers in this age group are often inexperienced and are more likely to get into car accidents and file insurance claims. As a result, car insurance companies often charge higher premiums to young drivers.

Is it more to insure an older car? ›

Do older cars cost more to insure? Your rates for comprehensive coverage or collision coverage on an older vehicle may be lower than what you'd pay for those same coverages on a newer car that's worth more. That's because you'd have less coverage (lower "coverage limits") on an older car.

What is the best car insurance for seniors over 60? ›

Summary: Best Car Insurance for Seniors of 2024
CompanyEditors' TakeAverage annual cost for senior drivers
NationwideBest Overall$1,402
USAABest for Military and Veterans$1,455
TravelersBest Rates for Low-Mileage Drivers$1,668
ErieBest for Collision Repair$1,831
3 more rows
May 29, 2024

Is AARP auto insurance cheaper than Progressive? ›

Quotes from AARP through The Hartford are cheaper than rates offered by Allstate and State Farm, which are some of the most popular auto insurance companies in the United States. Across three driver profiles, AARP was typically more expensive than Progressive, though cheaper than average, overall.

Who has the cheapest auto insurance for seniors? ›

Best Car Insurance Rates for Seniors
Cheapest Car Insurance for SeniorsAverage Monthly CostAverage Annual Cost
USAA$97$1,158
Geico$112$1,342
Nationwide$114$1,371
State Farm$120$1,437
1 more row
Jun 4, 2024

Does an older car cost more to insure? ›

The older a car gets, the harder it may be to source these parts for repair, which can also drive up the cost of car insurance for older cars. Additionally, older cars may not have as many safety features as newer cars, which might increase the cost of auto insurance and reduce available discounts.

Does the age of a car matter for insurance? ›

Your car's age is considered by your insurer when calculating your insurance premium since it can determine which types of coverage may be necessary. For instance, a new car may benefit from optional new car replacement coverage, which is not available for older vehicles.

Should car insurance go down as the car gets older? ›

Because the value of your car depreciates over time, the cost to replace the vehicle after an accident would be lower for your insurance company. But this doesn't mean your premium will decrease at the same depreciation rate.

At what value should you drop collision coverage? ›

If your car's value has fallen below a few thousand dollars, it might be time to consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage. That's especially true if you have a high deductible, such as $2,000. At this point, an insurance payout may not merit the annual premiums.

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