One thing we know for sure after nearly 40 years in the insurance business is that no two insurance policies are the same.
The obvious reason is that no two people are alike. At Reis Insurance Agency, we take great pride in treating every customer like a member of the family, and we get to know each one personally. It’s the only way to be sure all of their insurance needs are met properly and provide the service they deserve.
This post addresses all the individual customers who happen to fit in a larger group of what we call “mature drivers.”
Once we reach a certain age, whether it’s 55 or 65 or more, we may be perceived as a bigger risk on the road simply because we fit in an older age bracket. But one could argue we are actually safer drivers. We’re older and wiser!
For starters, life may have slowed down, and we’re not in such a hurry to get from Point A to Point B. Talking on the phone while driving is largely a foreign concept to us. And texting? Out of the question (not to mention it’s against the law). If we’ve retired from working, we might not spend as much time in our car. If a snowstorm is coming our way from west of the Cities, we might opt to simply stay home.
That’s why an annual review of your car insurance is so important. If you’ve hit a certain age and could benefit from taking a defensive driving course, we can identify that opportunity to help you qualify for a reduced rate on your insurance. (This discount is available in Minnesota, but not Wisconsin.) If you no longer commute to work over in Woodbury or further, that reduction in miles driven is another potential opportunity for discounted car insurance. Since you’ll likely be driving for many more years, it’s worth finding a “senior discount” on your coverage.
If you have reached that certain age, here are a few tips you can use to your advantage to ensure you stay safe on the road long into the future.
- Take a refresher defensive driving course. Look for classes through community education, local organizations or online. It could translate into a car insurance discount (in MN, not WI).
- Get regular hearing and vision check-ups. Newer cars offer a quieter ride, but if you have some natural hearing loss, you could miss signals, horns or other clues while you’re driving. Also, depth perception and night vision do change as we age, so be sure to talk about this at vision appointments.
- If you’re taking a new medication, whether it’s prescription or over the counter, be aware of potential side effects. Drowsiness and impaired hand-eye coordination don’t mix with driving.
- As much as we don’t like to admit it, our physical mobility diminishes with age. Do what you can to stay active and stretch your body regularly. It will pay off down the road.
- Finally, remember these obvious precautions: plan your route; drive in good weather; avoid poor visibility by waiting for the fog to clear before starting out; remain a safe distance behind other cars, and don’t drive if you’re tired, angry or have been drinking.
If you’ve just had a birthday that has caused you to think about potential discounts, give us a call or stop in to our office on Main Street in River Falls, WI.
