- What is Defensive Driving Discount
- Qualifying for Defensive Driving Discount
- Auto Insurance Companies With Defensive Driving Discounts
- Is Taking a Defensive Driving Class Worth the Cost?
- Other Reasons Why Defensive Driving Class May Be Good for You
- Defensive Driving Discount FAQs
- Expert Insights
- Related Content
How to Get a Defensive Driving Discount
Updated: November 16, 2024
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Table of Contents
What Is Defensive Driving Discount?
Various factors affect the cost of auto insurance — driver’s age, history and car type are just a few of them. Depending on your profile and circumstances, you may find you qualify for saving opportunities, such as the defensive driving discount.
Many insurance companies offer drivers this discount as a reward for completing defensive driving courses. This type of road safety training can decrease the risk of getting into an accident. The qualifying requirements and rules vary. Shop around and compare offerings to find the best deals.
Discount Basics: Defensive Driving Course
A defensive driving course insurance discount can help you save money without reducing the coverage that you have. Discount rates and qualification rules vary per company.
Completing a defensive driving course can lower your insurance rate with a 5%-20% discount.
A defensive driving course typically lasts six to eight hours. Short courses are three to four hours and longer training can be 10-12 hours long.
Eligibility for a defensive driving discount depends on various factors, including age, location and the type of course completed.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? A defensive driving discount can lower your car insurance cost. To help you better understand the topic, we consulted several experts and asked for their insights. MoneyGeek follows a thorough research methodology to ensure our data is correct and our suggestions are relevant to the average driver. When producing this page, our subject matter expert followed a multistep writing process that involved fact-checking and editorial review.
Does Defensive Driving Discount Lower Your Car Insurance Rate?
Depending on your needs and circumstances, your auto insurance costs can vary. For instance, new drivers can get cheap insurance, but often pay higher costs because they’re presumed riskier compared to experienced drivers.
Fortunately, there are ways to lower car insurance rates. One of these is through discounts. If you have completed a defensive driving course or are thinking of participating in one, you may qualify for a defensive driving discount. With this discount, you can receive 5%-20% off your dues, depending on your location and insurance company.
DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
A defensive driving course usually lasts six to eight hours. However, shorter courses finish within three to four hours. Meanwhile, longer sessions require 10 to 12 hours.
While defensive driving courses may vary depending on the service provider, there are certain aspects to expect. For instance, a class will include lessons about road risks, perceptions, driving conditions and safe driving techniques.
Qualifying for Defensive Driving Discount
A defensive driving course insurance discount can help reduce your car insurance costs. However, not all drivers qualify for this discount. Depending on the insurance company, qualification requirements vary, but will likely include taking a defensive driving course. How much of a discount a driver can receive may also differ depending on driving history and age.
Age
Drivers under 25 and those over 60-years-old are typically the groups eligible for the discount. That’s because individuals in these age groups are considered the most at-risk of getting into an auto accident.
Location
States may also have laws related to defensive driving discount eligibility. In some cases, insurers are required to offer this discount to all drivers regardless of age.
Course type
Not all defensive driving courses are the same. Each insurer has rules and requirements for eligibility. For instance, some online classes may not be accredited. Some insurance providers may only accept specific courses.
Insurance provider
Depending on the insurance carrier, there may be additional eligibility requirements. For example, some companies may require drivers to not have recent at-fault accidents, claims or violations to become eligible. But taking a defensive driving discount demonstrates your commitment to driving safely and can help you get cheap car insurance with a bad record.
DEFENSIVE DRIVING DISCOUNT: EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
To qualify for a defensive driving discount, you must meet the age and course requirements. Depending on the insurer, there may be other qualification rules. For instance, you may need a clean driving record for a certain number of years and you shouldn’t have violations on your driving record.
Check with your insurer first to discuss necessary requirements, such as paying for a course that’s not accredited.
5 Steps to Earn the Discount
Creating a defensive driving account is one of the first things you need to have to be able to qualify for a defensive driving course insurance discount. The following steps can help you get started.
- 1
Look for a policy from an insurer offering a defensive driving discount
Not all companies offer this discount. Research companies that do. Then, compare their rates and policy offers. Generally, the best car insurance company is one that offers a balance of affordability and quality service. Once you choose an insurer, take note of their eligibility requirements for the discount.
- 2
Check state-approved courses
Some states may have a list of certified courses that you can take. You can check this with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a similar agency.
- 3
Take the course
Choose the defensive driving course accredited by the insurance company you have chosen and certified by the state. Depending on your circumstances, you can take a class online or in person.
- 4
Complete the course
In most cases, a defensive driving course includes understanding risks, traffic laws and defensive driving techniques. Make sure you complete the training and pass the course.
- 5
Submit the necessary documents to your car insurance company
Once you get a certification, you can proceed with the application for the discount. Send the necessary information and documents to your insurer. Wait for their decision whether you can get the discount or not.
Auto Insurance Companies With Defensive Driving Discounts
One of the most important factors you need to consider when looking for defensive driving course insurance discounts is the insurance provider. While most major companies offer this type of discount, there are some that don’t. Additionally, the discount amount and eligibility requirements may vary for each insurer. The following insurers offer a defensive driving discount.
Company | Requirement | Discount Amount | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
The defensive driver | Varies by state | To be eligible, drivers must | |
Age requirement varies per | Not disclosed | Qualified drivers must | |
Drivers who are at least | Not disclosed | The driver has to complete a | |
GEICO has two types of | Varies between | Eligibility requirements vary | |
Drivers who are 55- years-old | Not disclosed | To qualify, drivers must have | |
Taking a defensive driving | Depends on | Interested drivers may know | |
Eligible drivers can get a | Not disclosed | USAA products are only |
Is Taking a Defensive Driving Class Worth the Cost?
A defensive driving class can help ensure you remain a safe driver and therefore, reduce the risk of an accident. Aside from this, completing a course may also help you become eligible for a defensive driving discount. Depending on the company and the state, this could be between 5%-20%.
How Much You Can Save
The average cost of car insurance is $1,424 per year. Let’s say you take a defensive driving course for $50. You then qualify for a 10% defensive driving discount good for three years. This means you will save $142.40 per year or a total of $427.20 in three years.
That said, it is important for you to evaluate your circumstances and needs. Comparing companies may also help you find more affordable defensive driving courses.
Get Cheap Car Insurance
ENSURE YOUR DISCOUNT IS ACTIVE
A defensive driving course certificate generally lasts for about three years, which is also the typical period for a defensive driving insurance course discount. This means you may have to complete a state-approved defensive driving class after the end of your discount term to keep it active. You can check with your insurer to learn more about the length of your discount.
Other Reasons Why Defensive Driving Class May Be Good for You
A defensive driving class may offer various benefits. With the right course, you can learn techniques to become a safer driver. You can also get expert advice from highly qualified instructors. This can help reduce your risk of getting in an accident and may improve your driving record in the long run.
Refresh your knowledge
Some drivers, even experienced ones, could use a refresher when it comes to driving laws. Taking a defensive driving course can help ensure that you are updated about traffic regulations and can provide you with some new information you don’t know.
Increase your safety awareness
Driving can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to be well-equipped with the right skills and knowledge. A defensive driver course can help make you a safer driver.
Improve your record
Having a violation on your driving record can affect you for years. However, taking a defensive driving course can prove that you are trying to improve your overall driving awareness. It may help take a few negative points off your driving record.
Save lives
Being a safe driver can help you save a life. By being responsible on the road, you lower the risk of causing an accident that can affect other people’s lives.
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Ask the experts:
Any tips on how to find the best defensive driving course?
Insurance Agent and Broker at A Plus Insurance
A defensive driving course should be accredited and recognized by your local DMV. You can visit your local DMV website to find details and information on which courses are available to you. Most Insurance companies provide a discount for drivers who have completed a defensive driving course within the last three years. The course usually ranges from $100-$150 depending on the state you live in. You could end up saving that amount and more over the course of the next three years if applied on your auto insurance.
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Ask an expertDefensive Driving Discount FAQs
MoneyGeek answers some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you better understand defensive driving courses and discounts.
Who should take defensive driving courses?
Providers view young drivers and senior drivers as high-risk drivers and face higher premiums. Taking advantage of this discount can help drive down insurance rates. New drivers, regardless of age, are seen as inexperienced and therefore, high-risk. Defensive driving programs can also help get cheap car insurance for new drivers. Because of their lack of experience on the road.
Is there an age limit for defensive driving programs?
No, anyone can take a defensive driving course. However, these programs are typically geared towards riskier drivers, like teens and seniors. Experienced drivers can also take a driving course as a step towards getting more insurance discounts. Insurance providers reward car insurance for good drivers with no claims or accidents on their record.
Can teen drivers take a defensive driving course?
Yes, teen drivers can take a defensive driving course after passing a driver’s education course. It can supplement their safe driving knowledge and even help lower premiums.
Where can I take a defensive driving class?
There are various defensive driving class options: You can look for a course online or you could opt for an in-person one.
To ensure that you will be qualified for a discount, check your state accredited service providers and courses. Your insurer may also have a list of accepted courses.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of online vs. in-person driving class?
Online defensive driving classes tend to be cheaper. They may also offer more flexible schedules and can be taken from anywhere.
However, in-person courses are more hands-on. It is easier to clarify questions and concerns. Additionally, there is a risk of online courses not being accredited. In-person classes may also only take one day.
What is the insurance discount for defensive driving?
The defensive driving discount some insurers offer can reduce coverage costs by 5%-20% depending on the state you live in. While the eligibility requirements often vary based on where you live and your insurer, there are common qualifications. For instance, this discount is typically offered to drivers who are below 25-years-old or over 60-years-old and drivers must complete a defensive driving course.
What insurance companies give discounts for defensive driving?
Many companies offer defensive driving discounts. You can check with your insurer to ensure that you qualify for one. Among the insurers with this type of discount are AAA, American Family, Amica, Farmers Insurance, GEICO, Nationwide, State Farm, Travelers and USAA.
How long does a defensive driving discount last?
A defensive driving course typically lasts six to eight hours. Short courses are three to four hours, while longer training can be 10 to12 hours long.
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Related Content
Being a defensive driver can not only save you money, it can save lives. The following resources can help you learn more about driver safety, the best insurance coverage, how to avoid road dangers and more.
- A Guide to Teaching Children Traffic Road and Safety: Find out the road dangers and risks, especially for children. Learn how you can teach your children road safety.
- Best Car Insurance Guide: Find the best auto insurance company based on different driver profiles. MoneyGeek ranks the top insurers for different states and found the best option for service, budget and new cars, among others.
- How Does Car Insurance Work: Learn more about car insurance, how it works and how you can find the right policy coverage.
- Senior Driving Guide: Driving needs change as you grow older. Learn how you can stay safe and maintain your independence as a driver even as a senior in this guide.
- Winter Driving Dangers and How to Avoid Them: Be familiar with the common driving dangers and the most dangerous states during winter. Get tips on how you can stay safe on the road during winter.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.