Rental Car Insurance for Seniors
If you rent a car when you travel, your own policy may already cover most of what the rental counter tries to sell you.
What changes at this age
Your driving record and the coverage rules for rentals don't change because of your birthday. A rental car company can't refuse to rent to you for being older, though some set an upper age limit for certain car classes, so it's worth checking before you book.
What can change is your own auto policy, if your insurer has adjusted your rate or coverage at renewal. That's worth checking separately from anything the rental counter offers.
What sets your rate
Your driving record still matters more than your age. A clean record keeps your rate steady no matter how long you've been driving.
The car you drive and how much you drive it also factor in. If you've cut back on driving, especially long trips, your insurer may not know that unless you tell them.
Whether you carry comprehensive and collision coverage affects both your regular premium and whether that coverage extends to a rental car. Dropping it on an old car can lower your rate, but it also means you'd need to buy separate coverage when you rent.
Where drivers overpay
The most common overpay is buying the rental company's collision damage waiver on top of coverage you already have through your own auto policy or a credit card. Before you rent, call your insurer and ask exactly what your policy covers for a rental, and for how long.
At every renewal, it's worth asking your insurer directly whether your current coverage still extends to rental cars, since policies and credit card benefits both change terms without much notice.
Compare car insurance quotes and see what coverage travels with you.
Articles
Car Insurance When Traveling Abroad
Is Rental Reimbursement Coverage Worth It for Travel
Rental Car Coverage for Seniors Traveling