Stiftung Warentest: Autoversicherung: Ältere zahlen oft mehr - so sparen sie

Older drivers often pay significantly more for car insurance, according to a study by Stiftung Warentest. The foundation tested 36 affordable and recommended car insurance rates in their autumn 2026 edition of "Stiftung Warentest Finanzen." They found that a 90-year-old policyholder in western Berlin pays around 177% more for third-party liability insurance compared to a 55-year-old.

The 90-year-old pays €657 per year for third-party liability coverage, while the 55-year-old pays €237. The cost difference increases to 154% when considering a combination of third-party liability and comprehensive coverage. Policyholders pay €777 per year for the 55-year-old and €1,971 for the 90-year-old.

The age at which insurers start applying age surcharges varies between providers, ranging from below 60 to 65 years old. Many insurers cap the surcharge at 82 years old, but a few continue to increase it beyond that age. The report highlights large price differences among providers, with the cheapest full coverage city rates for a 90-year-old costing between €1,344 and €1,603 annually, while the average for all providers was €1,971.

To save on insurance costs, it is essential to regularly compare premiums and switch providers if significant price differences are found. However, it is crucial to wait until the new policy is in place before canceling the old one, as insurers can refuse comprehensive coverage if the old policy has already been canceled. Lowering annual mileage, such as after retirement, can result in a ten percent reduction in premiums, while workplace binding can lead to up to a twenty percent discount.

Maintaining an accident-free record can significantly mitigate the impact of age surcharges. In some cases, foregoing comprehensive coverage, especially for older cars with lower value, can lead to substantial savings of over €1,000 per year. A notable savings opportunity for older couples with a larger age gap is opting for comprehensive coverage only from the younger partner, potentially saving up to €215 per year.