Elderly drivers aged over 80 have been found to pay some of the highest prices for car insurance than any other age range, according to new analysis.
Research has revealed that motorists aged 85 and older have some of the most expensive car insurance prices, as they are more likely to have safety issues on the road.
In contrast, drivers over 25 see premiums steadily decreasing, with motorists aged 65 to 74 enjoying the lowest average premium at just £336 per year. Even drivers aged 75 to 84 were recorded as paying less than those in the 35 to 44 age group.
This rapidly changes when a driver turns 85, with experts finding that car insurance premiums rise dramatically, jumping 78 per cent to £700.
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Drivers over 85 risk paying £700 for car insurance in the UK
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The data, collected during the first three months of 2025, has suggested that older drivers risk being financially penalised by insurers who deem them less safe on the roads.
Premiums are often the most expensive for newly qualified drivers, with costs intentionally high during the first few years before levelling out as motorists become more experienced on the roads.
Meanwhile, road users aged 45 to 54 pay an average of £400, while those aged 55 to 64 pay £338. Age and experience are also key factors in determining insurance premiums, with insurers assessing risk based on driving history and statistics.
Government figures from 2023 showed that young drivers aged 17 to 24 were involved in nearly a quarter of all road collisions in the UK.
This represents 18 per cent of car drivers killed or seriously injured, despite making up only six per cent of licensed drivers.
The same data revealed that around a quarter of all drivers killed in 2023 were over 70, with the most common factors in serious collisions being drivers failing to look properly or misjudging another vehicle’s path or speed.
These age-related risks, including “slower reaction times and health concerns”, could explain why premiums increase sharply after age 85.
Andrew Jervis, Co-Founder and CEO at ClickMechanic, said: “Drivers over 70 are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents. That suggests their driving skills, like reaction times and awareness, might not be as sharp as younger motorists.
“Right now, drivers have to reapply for their licence at 70 and then every three years after that. Instead of making them take a full test, it could be more useful to check key things like reaction speed, eyesight, and awareness.”
Location also plays a significant role in determining car insurance costs. Data from Confused.com for the fourth quarter of 2024 revealed that inner London was the most expensive place to insure a car, with average premiums of £1,308.
This is more than double the average cost in South West England, where drivers pay the lowest premiums at £558. Annual mileage is another important factor affecting insurance costs.
According to GoCompare, motorists driving up to 6,000 miles annually pay an average of £444 for their premiums. This increases to £488 for those driving up to 10,000 miles per year.
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Car insurance prices have remained high for newly qualified drivers and motorists over 85
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Insurance companies consider all these factors when calculating risk and setting prices.Despite age affecting premiums, there are several ways to reduce car insurance costs regardless of how old you are.
Experts have now advised drivers to make sure they shop around to look for the best price and cover. Price comparison sites like Compare the Market, Confused.com, GoCompare and MoneySuperMarket can allow drivers to view multiple quotes at once.
