Smart Savings: Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts

Defensive driving courses can help you save money on car insurance, but the amount you save depends on several factors. These include your insurer, age, state, and where you buy coverage. Some insurance companies do not offer discounts for taking defensive driving courses, but for those that do, you could save between 5% and 20% on your car insurance premium. For example, GEICO offers up to a 10% discount and State Farm offers between 10% and 15%. In the state of New York, drivers can save up to 10% on their auto insurance every month by taking a defensive driving course.

Discounts for young and old drivers

Defensive driving courses are designed to improve your existing driving skills and make you a safer driver. They are geared towards younger and older drivers who may have higher insurance premiums. However, a defensive driving discount may be offered to people of all ages.

Defensive driving discounts for young drivers

Defensive driving courses are often targeted at young drivers who are considered inexperienced and therefore high-risk. These courses can be taken after a driver's education course and serve as a supplement to teach young drivers strategies for staying safe on the road.

Some insurance companies offer discounts on auto insurance for young drivers who take a defensive driving course. The discount can range from 5% to 20% off the car insurance premium.

Defensive driving discounts for old drivers

Older drivers are also considered high-risk and can benefit from taking a defensive driving course. These courses can help improve their driving skills and make them safer on the road.

Insurance companies often offer defensive driving discounts to drivers over the age of 50 or 55. The discount can range from 5% to 20% off the car insurance premium and usually lasts for three years.

Eligibility for defensive driving discounts

To be eligible for a defensive driving discount, you must meet certain requirements, including age and course completion. The specific criteria may vary depending on the insurance company and state regulations. It is important to check with your insurer and state guidelines before signing up for a course.

Some common eligibility criteria for defensive driving discounts include:

• Age requirements: The discount is often offered to drivers below a certain age (e.g., under 25) or above a certain age (e.g., over 50 or 55).
• Course completion: You must complete an approved defensive driving course. The course length may vary, but it typically ranges from four to twelve hours.
• Clean driving record: Some insurers may require you to have a clean driving record for a certain number of years, with no at-fault accidents or driving violations.
• Voluntary basis: The course must be completed voluntarily and not as a result of a court order or other governmental entity.

Benefits of taking a defensive driving course

Taking a defensive driving course can offer several benefits:

• Improved driving skills: You will learn techniques and tips for avoiding accidents and becoming a safer driver.
• Discount on insurance: You can receive a discount on your car insurance premium, which can result in significant savings over time.
• Clean driving record: In some states, taking a defensive driving course can help remove a ticket from your record, preventing an increase in your insurance rates.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that you or your teen is a safer driver can give you peace of mind and reduce the risk of accidents.

Overall, taking a defensive driving course can not only save you money on your auto insurance but also make you a safer and more confident driver.

Discounts for safe driving courses

Defensive driving courses are a great way to save money on your car insurance. The discounts offered by insurance companies vary, with some offering no discount and others offering up to 20%. Most drivers can expect a discount of around 5-10%.

Defensive driving courses are designed to improve your existing driving skills, helping you to anticipate situations that may cause accidents and, in general, drive more safely. They cover safety information, driving techniques, and local driving laws. These courses can be taken online or in person, with prices ranging from $15 to $100.

It's important to note that not all insurance companies offer discounts for defensive driving courses. Additionally, eligibility and discount amounts may vary by state and individual insurance company. Some companies may have specific requirements, such as age restrictions or a minimum number of course hours.

Before signing up for a defensive driving course, it's recommended to check with your state's regulations and your insurance provider to ensure that you will be eligible for a discount.

• GEICO: Up to 10% discount for drivers who have completed an approved course.
• Allstate: Up to 10% discount for drivers aged 55+ who complete six or more hours of defensive driving courses with no violations or at-fault claims.
• State Farm: Offers car insurance discounts for driver safety courses and driver training discounts.
• Farmers Insurance: Offers a senior discount for drivers aged 55 or 65+ (depending on the state) who complete a DMV-approved driver education course.
• Esurance: Up to 10% discount for three years, often applied to drivers aged 50+ who have completed a defensive driving or driver improvement class.
• Safeco: Encourages drivers aged 55+ to complete an accident prevention course, offering a discount for three years.

How to get a defensive driving discount

Defensive driving courses can help you save money on your auto insurance. The discount you receive will vary depending on your insurer, age, state, and other factors. Some insurance companies offer discounts of up to 20%, but most drivers can expect a discount of around 5-10%.

Check your state's regulations: Some states require insurers to offer defensive driving discounts, while others do not. Find out if your state mandates defensive driver discounts and if there are any specific requirements or age limits. For example, in New York, insurance companies are required by law to offer a 10% discount for three years to drivers who complete a defensive driving course.

Learn about your insurer's discounts: Contact your insurance company to find out if they offer defensive driving discounts and what their specific requirements are. Some insurers may have age limits or require a minimum number of course hours. For example, Allstate requires the driving course to be six hours or more, and the driver must have no at-fault claims or violations to qualify for the full discount.

Select an approved course: Ensure that you choose a defensive driving course that is approved by your state and/or insurer. This is important because taking an unapproved course may not qualify you for the discount.

Compare course costs, timing, and formats: Defensive driving courses can be taken online or in-person, and the costs and timing can vary. Online courses are generally cheaper and offer more flexibility, while in-person courses may provide more interaction with instructors.

Complete the course and provide documentation: After successfully completing the approved defensive driving course, obtain a certificate of completion. Submit this documentation to your insurance company to receive your discount.

It's important to note that defensive driving discounts are not automatic, and eligibility may vary. Additionally, some insurers may require you to retake the course every few years to maintain the discount.

Online vs in-person courses

Defensive driving courses are available both online and in-person, and both formats cover the same material. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Online Defensive Driving Courses

Online courses use text, video, audio, graphics, and other media to keep the material interesting and engaging. They are usually taken on a phone or computer, allowing students to choose when and where they take the class and work at their own pace. Online courses are often more affordable, with many options costing less than $100. However, they may not qualify for insurance discounts or court-ordered learning, so it's important to check a course's certification before purchasing. The lack of an instructor also means there is no one to answer any questions that may arise.

In-Person Defensive Driving Courses

In-person courses are taught by licensed instructors and typically involve lectures and slideshows. These classes can last for several hours and require students to be in a classroom for the duration. After the class, students take a written test to determine if they have passed. Due to the need for a physical location and instructor, in-person courses tend to be more expensive, often by hundreds of dollars. However, the presence of an instructor allows for immediate clarification of doubts and a more structured learning environment.

Factors to Consider

When deciding between online and in-person defensive driving courses, individuals should reflect on their learning preferences, availability of courses in their area, acceptance by insurance companies or courts, schedule flexibility, and budget. Online courses offer convenience and flexibility, while in-person courses provide direct interaction with instructors and a structured learning environment.

Discounts by insurance company

Defensive driving courses are a great way to save on your auto insurance. While the availability and amount of discounts vary from company to company, most major insurance providers offer some sort of discount for customers who complete a defensive driving course. Here is a list of some of the top insurance companies and the discounts they offer for defensive driving:

State Farm

State Farm offers a discount of 10% to 15% on car insurance for customers who have completed an approved defensive driving course. The discount is available to drivers of all ages, although there may be state-specific variations.

Nationwide

Nationwide offers a defensive driving discount of around 5% for drivers aged 55 and older. The course must be approved by the DMV, and the discount typically lasts for three years.

Esurance

Esurance offers a defensive driving discount of up to 10% for three years. This discount is typically offered to drivers aged 50 and older who have completed a defensive driving or driver improvement class. However, in some states like New York, New Jersey, Georgia, and Oklahoma, drivers of all ages can claim this discount.

GEICO

GEICO provides a 5% to 10% discount on applicable coverage for drivers who have completed an approved defensive driving course. They also have partnerships with select course providers, offering discounted prices and convenient processing for policyholders. In certain states, GEICO offers discounts to policyholders aged 50 or 55 and older who complete a qualifying course.

Allstate

Allstate offers a defensive driving discount of up to 10% for drivers aged 55 and older. To qualify, drivers must complete at least six hours of a defensive driving course and have no violations or at-fault claims. Additionally, Allstate offers the teenSMART program, a computer-based driver education program that has been shown to reduce collisions among teens.

The Hartford

The Hartford offers a discount on auto insurance for up to three years for drivers who complete an approved defensive driving course. The amount of the discount varies and may be subject to state-specific regulations.

American Family Insurance

American Family Insurance provides a defensive driving discount of 5% to 10% for drivers aged 55 and older in participating states.

Farmers Insurance

Farmers Insurance offers a senior discount for drivers aged 55 or 65 and older, depending on the state. To qualify, drivers must complete a DMV-approved driver education course and provide a certificate of completion.

MetLife

MetLife offers a defensive driving discount of between 5% and 10% for drivers who complete the National Safety Council's defensive driving course. To be eligible, drivers need to be licensed for at least two years and receive a score of 80% or higher on the course. The discount is available in most states and typically lasts for three years.

USAA

USAA offers defensive driving discounts for military personnel and their family members who complete an approved course. The discount amount varies by state, and some age restrictions may apply.

Travelers

Travelers offers a driver training discount of up to 8% for drivers aged 21 and under who complete a driver education program.

It is important to note that eligibility and discount amounts may vary based on state regulations and individual company policies. Be sure to check with your insurance provider and state's requirements before enrolling in a defensive driving course to ensure you qualify for the discount.

Frequently asked questions