united-states insurance
Can an auto insurance firm ( US) raise rates based on old age?
<p>My auto insurance went up 30% this year. I am 82 and my wife is 77.  </p>

<p>As far as I can recall, we have had just 1 or 2 claims in the last 50 years. 10 years ago, my wife backed into a parked car causing no damage to her car but dented a door and fender on the other car. About 15 years ago I had a tailgate repaired; I paid, but I don't remember if it was the deductible or the whole cost. Our cars are ordinary, a 2004 and a 2011.  </p>

<p>I don't see anything in our history to warrant a 30% increase. So I am thinking it is our ages.</p>

<p>Rule on what an auto insurance company can base rates on vary by state within the US. In at least some states age is a permitted category. In many states drivers younger than 25 pay a higher rate. </p>

<p>But even if someone confirmed that rates may be legally based on age in the OP's state, that wouldn't prove that OP's insurance company actually used age to set rates.</p>

<p>OP could ask the agent who manages the policy, or the company that issues it, if age is a factor and why rates when up. </p>

<p>Note that rates are based in part on accident and claim rates in the area where a car is garaged and used -- if for some reason accident rates in OP's town or region went up -- say a new road or mall led to many more collisions or thefts -- that could cause a raise for everyone in the area, with no change in claim history for OP personally.</p>
