The definition of a mature driver is anyone who is 55 years old or older. For most people turning 55 years old doesn’t automatically make them a bad driver, but in the insurance world things can change. Unfortunately as we get older some things tend to get harder. Our reflexes slow down a bit. Insurance companies will sometimes increase a person’s insurance rates based solely on a person’s age. There is a way to combat that insurance rate hike, depending on your location.

First, let’s look at why insurance companies feel they need to increase your insurance rates. The number one reason is that as we get older our reflexes slow down. Slower reflexes can sometimes turn into more accidents. Besides our bodies getting older other factors can sometimes contribute to those slower reflexes. For example, medications sometimes have side effects that can also affect a person’s driving.

Another change that can happen as we get older is related to the “rules of the road”. We start driving when we are 16 years old. At that time we take a course that goes over all the “rules of the road” and we are tested over those rules. So long as we don’t let our driver’s license lapse that never happens again. That means any changes to the laws that are in place when we get our driver’s license we may not know about.

Now, let’s look at how you can combat those increases to your insurance rates. In many states there is a course for older drivers. It may be called Mature Driver Course or a Course for Mature Drivers. The course discusses all those changes that come as you get older like: memory, hearing, vision and reaction time. The course also goes over ways for a person to compensate for those issues. Many vehicles today have safety equipment in place to help.

The course is also going to go over driving defensively, what it is and how to be a defensive driver. Finally, it will cover the driving distractions and how person can get distracted for example being tired, what different kinds of side effects medications can have that can impair your driving and/or what being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can do to your reflexes.

The course can usually be taken traditionally at a “brick and mortar” type building or a person can take this course online. Many insurance companies will either reduce or maintain your current insurance rates once you have completed and passed the course, including the final exam. All the insurance company really wants to know is that you are knowledgeable and capable of driving your car properly, even as you get older.

Once you have successfully completed the course you will be given a certificate of completion that you can present to your insurance company. Be sure you contact your insurance company before you take the course to ensure that they are willing to give you credit for the course, translating into a reduction on your auto insurance.