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The best car insurance for 40-year-olds

Car insurance is a legal requirement in almost every state, regardless of your age and how frequently you drive. If you’re about to turn 40 or recently celebrated your 40th birthday, it’s a good time to review your car insurance policies and reassess your needs. Plus, some 40-year-old drivers might be able to get a lower car insurance rate by getting new quotes.

The average car insurance premium for someone in their 40s is around $1,700 per year.

If you’re in the market for good car insurance for 40-year-olds, here are a few things you should know, including what types of coverage you might need, how much you can expect to spend, and how you can potentially get a cheaper premium.

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Why you can trust Rate Retriever

Our rates are based on public rate filings obtained by analytics company First Interpreter. While we may partner with some of the carriers you see on our site, we maintain editorial independence and it does not affect the rates you see. Read more about our rating methodology or see our rigorous editorial policy. 

How much is car insurance for 40-year-olds?

The average car insurance premium for someone in their 40s is around $1,250 per year. This rate is for a full coverage policy for a single male with a clean driving record. Below you can see the average rate in your state.

Annual rates for a male driving a 2023 RAV4, estimated using public rate filings sourced from First Interpreter. Rates do not represent actual quotes. Accurate as of January 2024. 

It’s important to remember that the price you will pay depends on a variety of personal factors. In addition to age, car insurance rates may be impacted by your location, credit score, gender, marital status, driving record, and claim history. In addition, your insurance company, the car you drive, and your chosen policy limits will also impact your premium.  

Because the price of car insurance for 40-year-olds can vary, it’s important to get a few car insurance quotes from multiple insurers before buying a policy. That’s one of the best ways to make sure you’re getting the cheapest rate for the type and amount of coverage you want.  

What are the best car insurance companies for 40-year-olds?

The best car insurance company for you may be different than the best company for your neighbor or friend. If you’re looking for a place to start your search, Nationwide, State Farm, Progressive, Geico, and Auto-Owners Insurance are popular companies that offer coverage in a large portion of the US.

A 45-year-old male can expect to pay around the rates below at each company.

Company Average Annual Premium
USAA 1,366
Progressive 1,386
Nationwide 1,482
Auto-Owners Insurance 1,559
Geico 1,605
Travelers 1,713
State Farm 1,904
Allstate 2,219
Farmers 2,251

Annual rates for a male driving a 2023 RAV4, estimated using public rate filings sourced from First Interpreter. Rates do not represent actual quotes. Accurate as of January 2024. 

Your rates will be different depending on where you live, your driving record and credit score, and the vehicle you drive.  

It’s also a good idea to compare rates from local companies as well that aren’t included in the above rates.

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What are the types of car insurance for 40-year-olds drivers?

Car insurance is not a one-size-fits-all product. Insurance companies sell dozens of car insurance policies, some required (depending on where you live), some optional. 

In most states, vehicle owners are required to carry personal liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage. If you cause an accident, this policy compensates the other driver for their losses, including medical bills if they get injured and their vehicle’s repairs. Each state requires a minimum amount of liability insurance, with a per-person and per-accident policy limit.  

In no-fault states, drivers are typically required to carry personal injury protection (PIP). If you live in a no-fault state and you get into an accident, your PIP policy covers your medical bills if you get injured, regardless of which driver caused the accident. PIP also covers your passengers if they get hurt in a crash. 

In addition to the required policies, there are a variety of optional car insurance coverages that 40-year-old drivers can benefit from. These add-ons will provide higher levels of protection, typically for a higher premium. Some of these add-ons include: 

Collision Insurance

When you cause an accident, collision insurance pays for your vehicle’s repairs, minus a deductible. Collision insurance reimburses you based on the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle, which accounts for depreciation.

Comprehensive insurance

Comprehensive insurance is often called “other than collision” insurance. It pays for your vehicle’s repairs after a non-accident event, like theft, vandalism, fire, flood, hail damage, or falling objects. Like collision insurance, comprehensive coverage covers your vehicle based on its ACV. 

Gap insurance

If you lease or finance your vehicle, having gap insurance can be beneficial. If your car is totaled, gap insurance covers the difference between your car’s value and what you still owe. 

Accident forgiveness

Accident forgiveness waives your first at-fault accident, so it won’t impact your premium. This policy may only apply to minor accidents where the total losses are under a specific amount. In addition, some insurers will only offer accident forgiveness if you have a clean claim history. 

Roadside assistance

This endorsement covers certain roadside repairs, like fuel delivery, battery replacement, flat tire repairs, and towing if your car breaks down.  

How can 40-year-olds save money on car insurance?

There are plenty of ways to find affordable car insurance for 40-year-olds. Here are some ways to save money on your policy: 

Drop coverages you don’t need: 

If you think you’re paying too much for car insurance, consider dropping policies you no longer need. For example, if your car is only worth $1,000, it might not make sense to keep collision or comprehensive insurance. 

Find discounts

Most insurance companies provide discounts to help drivers lower their rates. You can often find discounts for bundling an auto and home insurance policy, insuring multiple vehicles, taking a defensive driver course, having certain safety features in your vehicle, having a clean driving record, and driving infrequently.  

Improve your credit score

In most states, insurers check your credit score when calculating your rate. Drivers with good credit get rewarded with a lower premium because they’re viewed as less risky. Improving your credit score can help you save money on your monthly car insurance premium. 

Raise your deductibles

For policies with a deductible, like collision and comprehensive insurance, your premium is affected by the deductible you choose. If you want to save money on your monthly premium, selecting a higher deductible will lower your rate. However, you should only raise your deductible to an amount that you can comfortably pay out-of-pocket should you need to make a claim. 

Cheap car insurance for 40-year-olds

Why shop for car insurance once you turn 40?

After you turn 40, you should consider shopping around for new car insurance policies. Common reasons you may want to switch car insurance include: 

  • Your car insurance needs changed 
  • You want to add or drop coverages 
  • You want to see if you are newly eligible for certain discounts – some insurance companies will automatically provide a discount for switching from a competitor 

If you’re unhappy with your current car insurance company, you can also think about switching providers. For example, if there are certain endorsements that your current insurer doesn’t offer, you might find a provider that has a better selection of additional  policies. If you’re hoping to get more personalized customer service, you can think about switching to a smaller, local carrier. 

Finding the right insurance company can be challenging, as there are hundreds of companies on the market. Before you start shopping for new policies on your own, take our short survey to find the best insurance carrier for your needs. 

Car insurance FAQs for 40-year-olds

Will my car insurance rates go down as I get older?

Generally, car insurance rates can go down as you get older. This is because older drivers tend to have more experience on the road and are considered to be less risky to insure. As you age, you may also qualify for additional discounts or benefits from insurance companies. However, other factors such as your driving record, the type of car you drive, and where you live can also impact your rates. It’s important to regularly review your policy and shop around for the best rates to ensure you’re getting the best deal as you age.

How much does car insurance typically cost for a 40-year-old?

Car insurance for a 40-year-old can vary depending on factors like their driving history, type of car, and location. On average, a 40-year-old can expect to pay between $100 to $200 per month for car insurance, or about $1,700 a year. However, rates can be higher or lower based on individual circumstances.

Many insurance agents would recommend a full coverage policy, which includes enough coverage to satisfy your state’s minimum legal requirements as well as comprehensive and collision insurance to protect your own property. 40-year-olds who are homeowners or own multiple vehicles may benefit from bundling their insurance policies. Ultimately, the right coverage for you depends on your unique needs. It’s a good idea to talk to an insurance agent to determine the types and amount of coverage you need to be adequately protected.

Are there any specific discounts available for 40-year-old drivers?

Some insurance companies may offer discounts for drivers over 40 years old, as they are often considered more experienced and safer on the road. These discounts may be based on factors such as driving record, vehicle type, or location. Many insurance companies offer discounts for bundling home and auto, multi-vehicle disounts, and loyalty discounts. It is a good idea for 40-year-old drivers to check with their insurance provider to see if they qualify for any specific discounts that could help them save money on their car insurance.

Are there any benefits to bundling car insurance with other types of insurance?

Yes, there are benefits to bundling car insurance with other types of insurance. Bundling can often save you money by qualifying for a discount on your overall insurance premiums. It can also make managing your insurance policies easier, as you only have to deal with one insurance company for multiple policies.

How often should I review and update my car insurance policy?

It’s a good idea to review and update your car insurance policy at least once a year. But you should also make changes if you get a new car, move to a new place, need to add your child to your policy, or have any other major life changes. Checking your policy regularly can help make sure you have enough coverage and aren’t paying for things you don’t need. It’s always best to talk to your insurance provider for specific advice on updating your policy to fit your needs.

Can I reduce my car insurance premiums by taking a defensive driving course at 40?

Yes, you can potentially reduce your car insurance premiums by taking a defensive driving course at 40. Insurance companies may offer discounts to drivers who complete these courses because it shows that you are a safe and responsible driver. By improving your driving skills and knowledge, you may be less likely to get into accidents, which can lower your insurance rates. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer this discount and how much you could save by completing the course.

Are there any specific coverage options I should consider adding to my policy at 40?

As you get older, you may want to consider adding extra coverage options to your insurance policy. Some things to think about include increasing your liability limits, adding coverage for expensive belongings like jewelry or electronics, and getting umbrella insurance for extra protection. It’s a good idea to review your policy with an insurance agent to see what additional coverage options would be best for your specific needs at this stage in your life.

How do life changes such as marriage or homeownership affect my car insurance rates?

Life changes such as marriage or homeownership can often lower your car insurance rates. Insurance companies see married couples and homeowners as more responsible and less risky to insure, so they may offer you lower rates. You may also qualify for multi-vehicle and homeowners discounts and you could find further savings by bundling your home and auto policies. Be sure to notify your insurance company of any life changes so they can adjust your rates accordingly.

Can I customize my car insurance policy to fit my specific needs and lifestyle at age 40?

Yes, at age 40, you can customize your car insurance policy to fit your specific needs and lifestyle. You can choose coverage options and limits that are best for you, such as comprehensive, collision, or rental car coverage. You may also be eligible for discounts based on your age, driving record, and other factors. It’s important to review your policy regularly to make sure it still meets your needs as you age and your lifestyle changes. Consider talking to your insurance provider to explore your customization options.

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Methodology

Rate Retriever rates are based on public rate filings obtained by analytics company First Interpreter. This data comes from the rating plans insurance carriers submit to each state’s department of insurance. Rating plans detail how each carrier calculates premiums using factors such as location, age, gender, and driving record, and they ensure that insurance premiums are both fair and competitive.  

For the data on this page, we made the following assumptions: a single male with a clean driving record and Good credit score, driving a 2023 RAV4. We adjusted this profile by age to determine the rates you see on this page. 

These rates are not actual quotes and should be used only for comparative purposes. Your rates can vary significantly based on your unique driver profile. 

About Rate Retriever

At Rate Retriever, our mission is to make the way you shop for insurance transparent and fair through user-friendly tools that respect your privacy and deliver reliable, comprehensive results 

So we took everything we hated about comparing insurance quotes online – the spam, the long questionnaires, the limited choices, the inaccuracy of quote prices – and threw it out the window, favoring a short form that more accurately estimates what you’ll pay at each of the top insurance providers near you. 

Rate Retriever is an independent company that is not owned by an insurance provider, nor do we provide insurance ourselves. This independence allows us to be your free and impartial insurance research tool, helping you make the best decisions for your insurance needs.  

We may earn a commission when you click one of the links or call one of the providers listed on our site; however, we do not allow our partnerships to influence which information we provide.