LifeLock's Senior Discount Policy: A Clear Answer
For seniors looking for a direct discount, the definitive answer is no, LifeLock does not offer a specific discount based solely on age. The company, which is owned by Norton, did previously offer a tailored plan for seniors, but this was officially discontinued in 2019. This change means that older adults now access the same pricing and plans as any other customer, with one notable exception that we will cover next.
The AARP Connection: Your Pathway to Discounts
Even without a dedicated senior discount, older Americans can still find special pricing for LifeLock's identity protection services through an AARP membership. The AARP partnership provides access to exclusive introductory rates on a variety of plans. It's important to understand the details of this arrangement to maximize savings and avoid unexpected costs down the line:
- How it works: AARP members can access a special AARP landing page on the Norton LifeLock website or call a dedicated number to sign up. The discounts are applied to the first year of an annual plan.
- Significant price hikes: A crucial detail to remember is that the AARP discount, like LifeLock's other promotional offers, is typically only for the first year. After the initial term, the subscription renews at a significantly higher standard rate, which can be up to 50% more than the introductory price.
- Varying coverage: The available plans through AARP vary in features, with some being more comprehensive than others. The cheapest options may offer limited credit monitoring, while higher-tier plans provide more extensive coverage.
General Savings Opportunities for All Customers
Beyond the AARP offer, there are other ways all customers—including seniors—can save money on LifeLock's service. By being savvy about your purchase, you can reduce your initial costs significantly.
- First-year promotional pricing: LifeLock consistently offers steep first-year discounts to all new customers. These promotions can be found directly on their website and often represent the best deal for the initial term of your subscription.
- Annual vs. monthly billing: As with many subscription services, paying annually for a LifeLock plan is more cost-effective than paying month-to-month. This is the best way to lock in the promotional rate for the full first year.
- Family and bundle deals: For seniors living with a partner, a family plan can sometimes be more economical than purchasing two separate individual plans. Bundling with Norton 360 antivirus software can also offer savings over purchasing the services separately.
LifeLock vs. Alternatives: Is it the Best Option for Seniors?
While LifeLock is a well-known name, its confusing price structure, first-year renewal hikes, and past controversies might make other options more suitable for seniors. Consider these alternatives that may offer clearer pricing or specific features tailored to older adults.
Comparing Identity Protection Services for Seniors
| Service | Senior Discount? | Key Features for Seniors | Noted Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| LifeLock | No, but AARP offers exist. | Dark web monitoring, identity restoration specialists, stolen funds reimbursement. Bundles with Norton 360 available. | Confusing plan options, significant price hikes after the first year. |
| EverSafe | Yes, 20% discount for seniors. | Monitors investment and retirement accounts, elder fraud monitoring, ability to share alerts with family. | Focused more on monitoring than proactive cybersecurity, lower coverage limits. |
| Aura | Up to 68% senior discount reported by one source. | Comprehensive all-in-one app with antivirus, VPN, and three-bureau credit monitoring included on all plans. Can cover up to five adults in family plans. | Newer provider, may have fewer legacy features than more established services. |
| Identity Guard | AARP offers sometimes available through partners. | Uses IBM Watson for AI-based fraud monitoring. Offers multiple plan tiers to match needs and budget. | No direct senior discount, but can be competitive on price with promotions. |
How to Choose the Right Identity Protection for You
Making a decision involves weighing cost against features and understanding your specific needs. Here are some steps to guide your choice:
- Assess your risk level: Consider your online activity and financial situation. If you have significant assets or are very active online, a plan with extensive coverage might be necessary.
- Compare pricing and renewal rates: Always look beyond the introductory offer. Compare the second-year renewal prices of different services to understand the long-term cost.
- Prioritize key features: Decide which features are most important to you, such as three-bureau credit monitoring, investment account monitoring, or device security like a VPN.
- Factor in user-friendliness: For seniors who may not be tech-savvy, a simpler, more intuitive service might be preferable. Look for clear dashboards and easy-to-use apps.
- Utilize free resources: AARP provides a free Fraud Watch Network and helpline for members, which can serve as a first line of defense regardless of your subscription.
Conclusion
While LifeLock does not offer a direct senior discount, older adults can still secure reduced pricing for the first year through an AARP membership or by using general new customer promotions. However, the high renewal fees and complex plan structures mean LifeLock isn't always the most straightforward or cost-effective choice for seniors. Alternatives like Aura, EverSafe, and Identity Guard offer different discount structures, feature sets, and pricing models that may provide better long-term value. Seniors are advised to carefully compare all options, focusing on renewal costs and user-friendliness, to find the best identity protection service for their needs and budget. For more information on identity protection and past company actions, review federal consumer protection resources, such as those provided by the Federal Trade Commission, which fined LifeLock in 2015 for deceptive advertising practices.
