Defensive Driving Course Insurance Discount: How Much Can You Save?
Defensive driving course insurance discounts can help drivers save a considerable amount of money on monthly insurance premiums. The cost of auto insurance will vary based on your driving record, age, certificate of completion, and other factors. If you are looking into an insurance discount for a defensive driving course, this guide will explain how driver safety course insurance discounts work, including state regulations and insurer-specific policies. It will also outline the process of obtaining a defensive driving discount for being a safer driver.
How Defensive Driving Courses Can Lower Your Insurance Premium
Car insurance discounts for safe driving skills and defensive driving courses can significantly reduce your monthly insurance rates. Since insurance is all about risk, defensive driving techniques can lower that risk by increasing your overall traffic safety, reducing traffic violations, and thereby lowering the base rate you pay for insurance each month. It is one of the key types of car insurance discounts.How Much Can You Save with a Defensive Driving Discount?
The amount you save with a defensive driving insurance discount will vary based on your insurance company, where you live, and your driving record. Typically, you will save from 5 to 20% on car insurance costs.Are Defensive Driving Course Discounts Available in Your State?
While many states offer defensive driving insurance discounts, you will need to check to see if they are available in your state. Many states have laws that require insurance companies to offer these discounts, but insurers still have discretion in how they offer defensive driving discounts. And in states where defensive driving discounts aren't mandatory, you may still qualify for one if your insurance company opts to offer them.Who Is Eligible for a Defensive Driving Course Discount?
Eligibility for defensive driving course for insurance discounts also varies from state to state. For instance, some states offer auto insurance discounts for defensive driver courses for those aged 55 and up. Drivers under the age of 25 are often eligible as well as long as the course is approved by the state. Finally, defensive driving course discounts can only be applied if you are completing the course voluntarily. If you were mandated to take a safe driving course by a court order, for example, you will not receive a discount for completion.How to Choose the Right Defensive Driving Course for Insurance Discounts
Not every course will qualify for an insurance discount, so it pays to do your research. Here are some tips on choosing the right defensive driving course:- Check with your insurance company first: Determine what requirements they have for qualifying defensive driving courses.
- Get the check of approval: In addition, you will likely need to find a course that has been approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Public Safety in your state. You can also seek classes that have been approved by the American Safety Council.
- Review your options: Once you have determined that a course will be approved, then you can compare options in terms of cost, location, length, and any other factors that are important to you.
Defensive Driving Course vs. Driver’s Education: Key Differences
Defensive driving courses and driver's ed share some commonalities, such as a focus on safe driving, but there are several key differences as well:- Target audience: Driver's ed classes are designed for those new to the road, while defensive driving courses are targeted to more experienced drivers who need a tune-up.
- Areas of focus: While both courses focus on road safety, driver's ed is more about the fundamentals of driving and traffic laws, and defensive driving hones in more on hazards and driving in difficult conditions.
- Overall goal: The goal of driver's ed is to prepare you to take and pass your written and practical driving tests so you can get your first driver's license. The goal of a defensive driving class is to reduce risk and potential accidents.
How to Apply for a Defensive Driving Course Discount
If you're wondering how to use car insurance discounts, you're not alone. Once you have successfully completed your defensive driving course, here are the steps you can take to get an insurance discount:- Obtain a certificate of completion. You will need proof that you graduated, and this certificate is a critical piece to the puzzle.
- Contact your insurance company. Call your auto insurer and ask how they would like you to submit your certificate of completion.
- Follow up with questions. If you have questions about your potential discount or when it will apply, make sure you get them answered by your insurance company.