Shopping for a new car can be stressful. And if you’re an older driver, there are extra things to consider from comfort and visibility to safety features, to how much you’ll pay for insurance. Consumer Reports breaks down the smartest ways to hit the road with confidence without breaking the bank.
At 74 years old, José Castillo, a senior driver, still works and drives regularly. He says his car gives him the comfort and confidence he needs to get around. He says driving a Jeep is better than driving a small car, he feels more comfortable, getting in and out, and being able to see other vehicles on the road.
Jose isn’t alone. As getting in and out of a car becomes more challenging, Consumer Reports’ Keith Barry says one of the most important steps in any car purchase is the test drive. It’s important to take your time on the test drive. See how easy it is to get in and out, if the seat is comfortable, and if you can adjust the seat belt.
Another Challenge: Seeing the road clearly. That’s where technology can help. Visibility is important. Newer cars, because of the way they look sometimes can hamper how you can see out of them. So, it’s important to look for features like blind spot warning which can tell you if there’s a car in your blind spot that you might not have noticed. All new cars come standard with a backup camera, which’s proven to reduce crashes.”
A study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety finds rearview cameras reduced back-up crashes among drivers over 70 years old by 36%. The technology and controls might take a little to get used to. So, take your time and see if it’s something you’d be able to live with over time in the vehicle.
Insurance costs can also hit seniors hard. CR found that older drivers can end up paying more for insurance, even if they’re driving less. One reason might be they are loyal to a company that’s treated them well in the past, but loyalty doesn’t pay when it comes to car insurance.
CR says it’s smart for seniors, and everyone to shop around for car insurance every few years and found drivers who switched recently saved a median of $461 a year. For seniors on a fixed income, that’s money that can really add up.
Another tip: programs like CARFIT, a free in-person or online seat-adjustment session from AARP can help older drivers stay safer and more comfortable behind the wheel.
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Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.