Retirement doesn’t mean you have to stop being active. In fact, it means you have a lot more time to get out and enjoy life. Still, lifestyle changes beckon. Many of them have to do with the fact of getting a bit older. It’s a good time in life to inspect certain habits too. Being aware now can help you down the road, both in planning and financially. One of the habits worth inspecting is your driving. The sad fact is, there comes a point when car insurance rates begin creeping up as one ages.

Getting older means you might face risks on the road that you didn’t previously. Not realizing puts you in danger of mistakes that can lead to accidents. Not to mention, dings on your driving record lead to higher auto insurance rates whether you’re in Indianapolis, IN or Kansas City, MO. In, fact, the Missouri Department of Transportation [MODOT] states, “People age 65 and older account for nearly 21 percent of the licensed drivers in Missouri.”  In Indiana, the BMV limits how long the driver’s license is valid once 75 years old to three years. It’s two years if 85 and older. People’s reflexes just aren’t as quick as in their 30’s.

Staying Safe on the Road Post-Retirement

Once you retire, your finances likely settle in at a certain point. It could mean that you’ll have to carefully manage your assets and cut expenses where possible. A good place to start is your standard costs. Consider your insurance premiums, specifically car insurance. Some people may tell you to sacrifice coverage to cut prices. Before you do, take a look at other ways to make changes. One of the most effective ways to keep your future car insurance prices lower is to inspect your driving habits. Actively become a safer driver. Older drivers often have slower reaction times, diminished sight and other qualities that might make them less safe. These qualities could increase the driver’s chances of having to pay more for insurance.

Things to consider

Still, there are things older drivers can do to make themselves safer behind the wheel. These might include:

• Visit an eye doctor. Determine if you need glasses or contacts to help clear your vision while you drive.
• Have your hearing checked periodically. If your hearing begins to decline, you might need hearing aids or other assistance on the road.
• Consider no longer driving at night. In the daytime, you have much more ability to see.
• Drive a little slower maybe but leave more space between your car and the car in front of you. This gives you more time to react in case of sudden occurrences.
• Know when to avoid high-traffic situations, such as rush hour or interstates. Use more caution when driving in these scenarios. Know what’s happening around you.
• Ask your doctor if any medications or health conditions will affect your ability to drive.
• Taking a defensive driving course (we could all use a refresher now and then) to test your driving capabilities.

Safety is key. Retired drivers don’t have to pay exorbitant prices for their coverage. When you retire, call your auto insurer. You might qualify for savings because you’ll drive less without that commute. Or, your insurer might offer retiree discounts. Still, it never hurts to take proactive steps to save on costs after you retire. For more information contact Solo Insurance® today. Get an online quote or simply call us at 800-207-7656.