Vehicle owners generally understand that their driving history can have an impact on their auto insurance premiums. Companies reward safer drivers with discounted rates and increase premiums for those who receive citations for moving violations. When drivers learn that factors like their credit record and marital status also can affect the rates, they naturally wonder what else underwriters consider. They might ask, for instance, whether any health problems are connected with higher premiums.

Legalities

The federal Americans With Disabilities Act prohibits insurance companies from charging higher rates simply because a driver has a disability. Insurers also do not charge more to policyholders because of health disorders like Type 1 diabetes or epilepsy, even though it's possible those conditions could lead to an accident. If a policyholder does cause a collision-related to those medical problems, the insurance rate likely will increase. For instance, people with insulin-dependent diabetes are at risk of fainting if their blood sugar drops too low. Someone with epilepsy is at risk of having a seizure behind the wheel.

Higher-Risk Age Groups

Car insurance companies are allowed to charge more to age groups connected with higher accident rates. In the case of senior citizens, this is partly due to potential health issues that could lead to an automobile collision. The older a person becomes, the greater is the risk of a heart attack or stroke while driving. Their night vision may become somewhat impaired and their reaction times are generally slower.

Insurers are legally allowed to set costlier premiums in this situation because seniors have more vehicle accidents on average than middle-aged individuals do. That's the reason they charge even more to teenagers and young adults, who have the highest accident rate per age group.

Other Considerations

Otherwise, auto insurance underwriters do not consider health-related aspects. They instead focus on factors like how many miles the policyholder drives each year. They also consider whether the person lives in an urban area and where the car is parked at home. Long commutes and congested traffic increase the chance of a fender bender. Having to park on the street overnight boosts the chance of vandalism and car theft.

Senior citizens and any other individuals who are unhappy with increases in their car insurance premiums may want to get quotes from different companies. Independent agents can provide quotes from more than one insurer so you feel like you have many options. Learn more by contacting auto insurance providers.