Below, you’ll find practical ways to be a safer driver, along with a closer look at discounts for safe driving, including a possible safe driving course and other Amica safe driving discounts that may apply if you qualify.
The benefits of safe driving
Here's more on how driving more carefully can improve both your finances and your safety.
Lower car insurance rates
The premiums for your car insurance policy are based on factors that include your age and gender, location, and the make and model of your car. But, beyond those characteristics, your driving record plays a substantial role in determining how much you pay for car insurance.
A clean driving record – meaning you don’t have a history of accidents, speeding tickets or other driving violations – could qualify you for lower monthly or annual premiums. In other words, how driving habits affect car insurance rates often comes down to risk: Safer choices may help you avoid the kinds of incidents insurers use to evaluate future pricing.
Reduce risk of costly claims
When you obey speed limits and avoid distractions, you’re less likely to be in an accident – and so less likely to file a claim against your insurance. Not filing claims saves you money in several ways:
- No out-of-pocket costs: When you file a claim, the insurance company only pays for the repairs or damages after you reach the deductible you’ve selected for the policy. You have to pay that deductible – which can range from the hundreds to the low thousands of dollars – out of your own pocket.
- No price increases: After an at-fault accident, the insurance company is likely to view you as a higher-risk driver. Consequently, unless you’re eligible for an accident forgiveness perk from your insurer, your rates may increase, at least for a few years.
Less chance of serious injuries
Accidents can, of course, cause physical harm as well as financial damage. If the crash results in serious injuries to you, your passengers or others, you could be responsible for medical bills and other related expenses. And, beyond the financial toll, there’s the emotional fallout from having caused harm to others.
Driving safely protects you and your passengers (and other drivers on the road) from injuries and disruption to their lives.
Quick takeaway: Safe driving can do more than help you avoid accidents. It may also open the door to discounts for safe driving, such as accident-free savings, a safe driving course or telematics-based rewards, depending on your insurer and state.
Ways to become a safer driver
For most people, driving safely doesn’t require drastic changes to your habits. It’s usually enough to focus on your driving more intentionally and to be more aware of your surroundings. Here are a few ways to up your game at the wheel:
Don’t drive distracted
Distracted driving is when another activity causes you to stop paying attention to the road. The distraction can be talking to a child in the backseat, entering information into your GPS or fiddling with the volume level on your sound system.
But, one of the most common distractions is your phone, and using your phone while driving can have serious consequences. According to the National Safety Council, approximately 12% of fatal accidents involve the use of phones.
Contrary to popular opinion, using your phone in hands-free mode is not safer than regular use; indeed, it may even be more distracting, according to the National Safety Council.
Commit to ignoring your phone while driving. When you get in the car, set up the “do not disturb” feature to mute text or call alerts. Or, if the temptation to check your phone is too strong, stash it in your trunk before you start your trip so you can’t reach it while driving.
Explore related: Facts and Statistics About Distracted Driving
Obey traffic rules
You’re driving home from work, exhausted and anxious to put your feet up, so you push your car beyond the speed limit to speed up the drive. While speeding may not seem like a big deal, excess speed increases the likelihood of getting into an accident – and of significant injuries and property damage if you do have a crash.
Obey speed limits, pay attention to lights and road signs, and come to a complete stop at stop signs to reduce the risk of an accident. Traffic violations could also affect your insurance premiums, since driving infractions are among the data insurance companies will consider when it’s time to renew your policy.
Stay well-rested (and sober)
Driving tired can be nearly as risky as driving under the influence. Fatigue lengthens reaction times and impairs vision; your focus may not be as sharp, which increases the risk of an accident. If you feel yourself becoming drowsy, pull over at a safe location for a cat nap so you only drive when you’re alert.
Getting behind the wheel after too many drinks is illegal. The consequences could include conviction for driving under the influence (DUI), with penalties that can include the loss of your license. A hike in your car insurance rate is also likely, and you could even lose your policy if you’re a repeat offender.
Drunk driving also puts you at risk for accidents and injuries, of course. If you’ve been drinking, use a rideshare app or ask a friend to drive you home to be safe.
Avoid late-night driving
Driving into the wee hours can be dangerous. Your visibility may be compromised in the dark, your depth perception may be off due to headlights, and there’s also a higher risk of other drivers driving erratically or under the influence. If you can, avoid driving late at night, and opt to stick to the daytime hours or early evenings. If you must drive in the dark, further minimize distractions and make sure you have annual vision exams.
Take defensive driving courses
Defensive driving courses can be online or in person, and they teach you how to anticipate and react to other drivers and potential road hazards. You learn how to identify aggressive or reckless drivers, handle slick roads, and avoid common mistakes that lead to accidents. As an added perk, many insurance companies give drivers a discount for completing an approved course.
If you’re looking for a safe driving course for an insurance discount, check whether your insurer accepts the course you’re considering and whether age or state rules apply. At Amica, eligible drivers may also learn more about the Defensive Driver Discount Program.
