How to compare car insurance for drivers over 50
If you’re over 50 with a good driving record, you may be eligible for more competitive car insurance deals. Here's how to compare policies effectively so you can find cover that works for your situation.
1. Work out what level of cover you need
There are three main types of car insurance in Australia:
- Comprehensive: the highest level of cover, protecting your vehicle and others in the event of an accident, theft, fire, or weather damage, regardless of who is at fault.
- Third party property damage: the most basic (and usually cheapest) option, covering damage you cause to someone else's vehicle or property only.
- Third party fire and theft: covers damage you cause to other people's property, plus theft and fire damage to your own vehicle.
For many drivers over 50, comprehensive insurance is worth the extra cost, particularly if their car is relatively new, holds its value well, or would be costly to repair or replace out of pocket.
2. Compare your car insurance options
Once you know what you're looking for, our comparison table lets you filter and compare car insurance policies side by side on both price and features. Canstar's Star Ratings can do some heavy lifting on value assessment: a 5-star policy has been found to perform well across both cost and cover quality in our research.
3. Decide between agreed value and market value
This is one of the most important decisions in your policy. Agreed value locks in the amount your car is insured for at the start of the policy — so you know exactly what you'll receive if it's written off. Market value means your payout is based on what the car is worth at the time of the claim, which will typically be lower. If you've maintained your car well and want certainty, agreed value is usually the better choice.
4. Check the excess
Your excess is the amount you pay out of pocket when you make a claim. Policies with a lower premium often come with a higher excess, and vice versa. Make sure any excess you agree to is an amount you could genuinely cover from savings if you needed to. Some policies also allow you to set a higher voluntary excess to reduce your ongoing premium.
5. Look beyond the premium
Price matters, but so does what you're actually covered for. When comparing policies, check whether key features are included as standard or available as optional add-ons. A policy that's $200 cheaper but excludes hire car cover could cost you more if you ever need to make a claim.
Some things worth weighing up alongside the premium:
- New-for-old replacement: some policies will replace your car with a new equivalent if it's written off within a certain period.
- Hire car after theft: being left without a vehicle while yours is being replaced is a real inconvenience. Hire car cover means you stay mobile.
- Choice of repairer: some policies let you choose your own repairer; others direct you to their approved network, which typically comes with a lifetime repair guarantee.
- Emergency accommodation: if you're more than 100 kilometres from home and your car is damaged in an insured event and cannot be driven, this benefit covers reasonable accommodation and travel costs while you sort things out.
- Roadside assistance: usually available as an add-on, this is worth considering if you do long drives or live in a regional area.
6. Factor in discounts you may be eligible for
Some car insurance discounts are easy to miss. Before you finalise a policy, check whether you qualify for a no-claims discount, a Seniors Card discount, a multi-policy discount for bundling home and car cover, or an online purchase discount. These can add up to a meaningful reduction in your annual premium.
Is car insurance cheaper for over 50s?
Car insurance can get cheaper as you get older and into your 50s, due to several factors:
- Your driving experience: Much like how drivers under 25 get charged higher excesses for their inexperience, if you’re in your 50s you might expect some insurers to reward your maturity and driving experience.
- No-claims discount: If you’ve had a good driving history, you may have earned a no-claims discount that lowers your premium.
Are there car insurance policies specifically for over 50s?
Some insurers build their entire offering around this age group. Apia has provided insurance to Australians over 50 for more than 30 years. Australian Seniors and Over Fifty Insurance are similarly focused on this market, offering products designed around how over-50s actually live and drive, including flexible payment options, agreed value cover, and pay as you drive policies for policyholders that drive less.
That said, specialist doesn't always mean cheapest or best. It's worth comparing these providers against mainstream insurers to make sure you're getting the right cover at the right price.
Who has the best car insurance for over 50s?
Finding the best car insurance, at any age, comes down to value. Not just the cheapest premium, but the right combination of price and cover for your situation. That's exactly what Canstar's Car Insurance Star Ratings and Awards measure each year.
In 2026, Canstar's national Outstanding Value Award went to three providers:
- AAMI
- Bingle
- ROLLiN'
How to find the cheapest car insurance if you’re over 50
There’s no single cheapest car insurance provider for people over 50 (or in any age group), as insurance premiums typically vary based on individual factors such as:
- Your driving history
- Where you live
- The type of car you drive
- How often you drive
- The level of cover you choose
That said, some insurers offer tailored products or discounts specifically for drivers aged 50 and over. There are a few strategies that could meaningfully reduce your premium after you turn 50:
Compare low-kilometre and pay-as-you-drive policies
If you're no longer commuting or you drive significantly less than you used to, a low-kilometre or pay as you drive policy could help cut your costs. You select a kilometre limit at the start of the year and pay accordingly; just make sure the policy still includes the features you need.
Restrict driver ages on your policy
If no one under 25 drives your car, let your insurer know. Younger drivers can carry higher risk in the eyes of insurers, so removing them from your policy can help lower your premium.
Check for a Seniors Card discount
If you hold a state-issued Seniors Card, some insurers offer a discount on your premium.
Ask about multi-policy discounts
Holding your car and home insurance with the same provider can unlock a bundled discount.
Buy online
Many insurers, including several specialist over-50s providers, offer a first-year discount when you purchase a new policy through their website.
Pay annually
Paying your premium in a lump sum each year (rather than monthly) can attract a discount with some insurers. If your budget allows, it's an easy win.
Consider a higher excess
Agreeing to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim generally reduces your ongoing premium. Just make sure the amount is genuinely manageable if you ever need to use it.
