The Association of British Insurers has predicted a 150% rise in the number of drivers aged 70 or over in the next 50 years in the UK, and the trade body has published recommendations to help the insurance industry service the expected demand for cover.

<p>Premiums tend to be more expensive for older drivers as they have more accidents per mile than middle aged drivers, and their accidents are more likely to cause themselves and others injury. Average claims increase with age – almost 50% higher for a driver over 80 than a driver over 60.<br /><br />The ABI proposes that the DVLA should complete a review of the driver licensing process. Currently drivers over the age of 70 are required to declare any medical conditions that may impair their driving, but this system may work better if a full medical assessment were required instead, the ABI suggests.<br /><br />The trade body also proposes that local authorities should put more money into mobility schemes to encourage people to stop driving at the appropriate time, but keep them mobile.<br /><br />The ABI&#0039;s director general Stephen Haddrill said: The increasing numbers of older drivers will be one of the big motoring issues this century. The insurance industry is already responding positively. Today the average upper age limit for new older customers is 82, compared to 74 ten years ago. <br /><br />David Sinclair, policy manager for Help the Aged, said: We welcome this research. Many older people rely on their cars, and we need to do all we can to ensure they can continue to drive safely and receive the support they need when it is time to stop driving. We will be working with the ABI to explore how this can be achieved.</p>