The golden years can bring on many benefits, but it can also mean higher auto insurance rates. This is because seniors are more likely to begin having health issues that can impact their driving, such as eye sight issues or slower reflexes. Fortunately, there are many ways to lower your rates without lowering the quality of your coverage.

Tip #1: Update Your File

Most insurance companies base your rate in part on the amount of miles you drive. They may also figure in things such as where you tend to drive and where you park the car. If you have retired, chances are you are no longer putting on miles during dangerous commute times. Lower mileage and less driving during peak hours can lower your rates. You may also receive a lower rate since you are no longer parking the vehicle in an exposed area, such as in a busy urban parking lot, while you are at work all day. Call your agent to find out if your retired status results in any of these discounts.

Tip #2: Become a Member

Senior membership and discount programs, either those aimed at recent retirees or those of a certain age, often broker deals with major companies. These include groups like AARP (American Association of Retired People). This includes insurance companies. Find out if your insurance company offers discounts for any senior discount groups that you belong to. You may even be able to get a discount for some professional organizations if you still remain a member of the organization after retirement.

Tip #3: Improve Your Education

It's no secret that taking a driver's ed class can decrease a teenagers insurance rates. The same is true of a senior's rates. Find out if your company gives discounts for any type of defensive driving course. Some insurance companies will honor course completion certificates from any course, while other require that you take one of their approved courses. Senior centers and local community groups sometimes offer defensive driving courses that are aimed at older adults.

Tip #4: Remove a Driver

If you or your spouse are no longer driving because of health reasons or impairments, see if your state allows exclusions. If so, you can remove adult non-drivers from your car insurance, which may help lower your rate. Also, make sure no one is still on your policy that shouldn't be, such as adult children that have moved out of the house. This can further help lower your rates.

For more information on getting the best coverage for a fair price, contact an insurance agency, such as the Nelson Insurance Agency.