Defensive Driving Courses: How Much Can I Save on Insurance?
Car ownership can be expensive, and buying your car is just the start. Once you’re behind the wheel, there are other factors to think about – one of the most important is car insurance. It can feel overwhelming, but it's all part of keeping you and your car protected on the road.
As you shop for car insurance, taking advantage of all available discounts can help you save. One possibility worth considering is a discount for completing a defensive driving course.
What is a defensive driving course?
A defensive driving course is an optional instruction program. By teaching defensive driving techniques, it helps drivers react safely to potential driving hazards. The instructions improve your awareness of other drivers, and potential risks so you can better handle challenging road conditions or situations.
The courses include practical tips on handling roads slick from rain or wet leaves, coping with aggressive drivers and preventing collisions in high-traffic areas.
Upon completing the course, you may have to take and pass an exam. If you pass, the course administrator will give you a certificate, which you can submit to your insurer. Depending on your state and insurer, that certificate could earn you a discount on your car insurance premiums.
The discount usually stays in place for a specific time period, such as two to five years. At the end of that period, you have to complete another course in order to renew the discount.
Types of defensive driving courses
Defensive driving courses can take the following forms:
- Online: In some states, you can learn defensive driving virtually. These online courses, which you can take from your computer or phone, use videos, modules and short written excerpts.
- In person: An in-person course combines classroom lectures and exercises with practical driving practice. These courses tend to be more intensive.
- Hybrid: Hybrid courses have online modules or lectures, but may include some in-person training or assessments, too.
How can a defensive driving course lower my insurance rates?
Taking a defensive driving course can help make you a better driver. By learning advanced safe driving techniques, you can reduce the risk of getting into an accident. And by maintaining safe driving habits (and staying accident-free), you could qualify for lower rates from your insurer.
However, some drivers qualify for an added perk: Many states and insurers offer discounts on your premiums if you successfully complete a course. Whether you qualify for a discount depends on three factors: your age, the insurer and your state of residence.
Age
Depending on where you live and your insurer, you may only qualify for the defensive driving discount if you're a certain age. Usually, discounts are only available to teens and seniors. At Amica, we offer defensive driver discounts to drivers under the age of 21 or over the age of 55.1
State
In 37 states, statutes make it a requirement for insurance companies to provide drivers of a certain age a discount if they successfully complete a defensive driving course. For example, Florida's statutes state that drivers 55 and older who complete a qualifying course are eligible for a discount; the amount of the discount and its duration are at the insurer's discretion.
Shopping for insurance
Taking advantage of discount programs is a great way to reduce your car insurance premiums. If you're eligible, a defensive driving course can help you save each year, and you may be able to take the course online at home.
When cost is your focus, shopping around is critical. Request quotes from several car insurance companies to find the best rates and coverage options.
FAQs
The cost of a defensive driving course varies by state and course provider. In general, you can expect to pay between $20 and $50.
Typically, completing a defensive driving course will help you save approximately 10% on your car insurance premiums.
Whether an online course qualifies you for the discount varies by state and insurer. In some states, approved online courses are qualifying courses for the discount, while others require participants to complete in-person training.
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1 Discounts not available in all states and may vary.
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