Does taking a defensive driving course lower insurance?

What is defensive driving?

Defensive driving teaches you how to spot road dangers, avoid crashes, and make safer choices on the road. A course covers skills such as speed control, maintaining a safe following distance, handling bad weather, avoiding distractions, and responding to other drivers’ mistakes. You can take approved courses online or in person.

Here are a few of the techniques that drivers may learn:

Speed control. Make sure you drive at a speed that allows you control over the vehicle. Never drive faster than your comfort level, and slow down during poor weather.
Keep your distance. Keeping a safe distance between you and other vehicles is one of the best ways to avoid an accident. Always be aware of vehicles and other obstacles around you and maintain a safe distance.
Always expect the unexpected. This is a significant component of defensive driving. Always be ready for the unexpected when out on the road. Never assume you know what another driver is going to do, and try to anticipate mistakes that another driver could make.
Always stay alert on the road. This is probably one of the most important things defensive driving teaches you. Being aware of other vehicles, cyclists, and even pedestrians can mean the difference between a safe day out on the road and an accident. Check your mirrors often and keep an eye on the road several vehicles in front of you, which will help you anticipate unexpected stops.

Why do you need to take a defensive driving course?

You may want to take a defensive driving course to become a safer driver, meet court or state requirements, or lower your insurance costs. In some states, it can also reduce points or help with ticket programs.

Legal requirement. If you have been convicted of a DUI or other serious driving offense, you may be required to take a defensive driving course to reinstate your driver’s license.
New drivers. A newly licensed driver (think teens) can often benefit from a defensive driving course. These courses tend to be more in-depth than a standard driving course and teach new drivers strategies for staying safe out on the road. As a bonus, some insurance companies offer discounts on your teen's car insurance if they take a defensive driving course.
Remove a ticket. Some states allow you to take a defensive driving course to keep a ticket off your driving record. This can help keep points off your driving record and keep your auto insurance premium from going up.
Lower your insurance premium. Among the many car insurance discounts offered by insurance companies is a discount for taking a defensive driving course. This is particularly common for young drivers and older drivers (65+), but some car insurance companies will offer a discount regardless of your age.
Being a safe driver. Taking a defensive driving course can keep you safer on the road, which is a good thing for everyone.

Are defensive driving courses worth the cost?

In most cases, a defensive driving course is worth the cost whether it's for a discount or to prevent a ticket from increasing your rates. A ticket could result in a premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. increase of 20 to 25%.

In addition to the financial savings, a defensive driving course will make you (or your teen) a safer driver, and peace of mind is priceless.

While it can vary by course, most defensive driving classes cost between $25 and $100, with the average coming in around $50.

How much does a defensive driving course save on insurance?

Once you have completed the course, you should receive a discount between 5% and 15%, which lasts for three years with most insurers. So how much does taking a defensive driving course lower your insurance rates?

Here's an example.

If you are paying $100 a month for car insurance and receive a 10% discount after taking a defensive driving course, you would be saving $120 a year on your auto insurance premium, and over three years, that savings would hit $360. If you paid $50 for the course, those savings would make the defensive driving class well worth the cost.

What are the benefits of taking a defensive driving class?

A defensive driving course gives you more than just a possible insurance discount. It helps you build safer habits and may also help with certain state driving programs.

Keep your record clean by removing a ticket
Keeping yourself and others safer on the road by improving your skills
Reducing the risk of an accident
Lowering your insurance rates

What auto insurance companies offer defensive driving discounts?

Many insurers like GEICO, State Farm, Nationwide, Farmers, Allstate, and The Hartford offer defensive driving discounts, but savings and eligibility vary by state, age, and driving record, so check with your insurer before you enroll.

Here are just a few examples of insurers that offer a defensive driving discount:

Farmers: Up to 10% to 15%.
State Farm: Discount of 10% to 15%.
Nationwide: Discount of around 5%.
GEICO: A 5 to 15% discount.
Allstate: Offers up to 10% off for completing at least six hours of certified coursework.
The Hartford: Discount on your auto insurance for the next three years; the amount varies.

How do you qualify for a defensive driving discount?

To qualify for a defensive driving discount, you must complete a course that your insurer approves and meet its requirements. In most cases, you simply provide your insurer with a certificate of completion for the defensive driving course you passed, and they will apply the discount to your policy.

It is always a good idea to check with your insurer before taking a course to verify that they offer a discount and that they have a list of approved courses. Some insurers may only offer a discount for courses that meet certain criteria. For example, Allstate requires the course to be at least six hours long.

Insurers may also have criteria regarding who qualifies for a defensive driving discount. They may only offer it to drivers over 55 or under 25. Other insurers may provide the discount for drivers of any age. Check with your insurer regarding all their requirements before signing up for a course.

What are the best defensive driving courses?

The best course is the one your insurer and the state approve. Without approval, you may not get a discount or ticket benefit. Always check first before choosing a provider.

Here are a few of the highest-rated online defensive driving courses. Again, always check with your insurer regarding whether the courses you are considering meet their requirements for a discount:

DriveSafe Online: This course gets great reviews and starts at around $25.
iDriveSafely: Offers many state-approved courses, slightly more expensive.
AARP Driver Safety: Offers discounts to members, and AARP is well known for safety courses.
AAA Driver Program: Great program for teens and a well-respected safety organization.

How do I pick the best defensive driving school?

Pick a defensive driving school based on whether it is approved by your insurer or state, the course format, total cost, and how well it fits your schedule and learning style, because a low-cost course has no value if it is not accepted for the insurance discount or traffic benefit you want.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a course:

Meets insurer requirements: This is an important consideration as you want to get a discount on your premium after completing the course. Check with your insurer before signing up for a class.
Online or in-person: Do you learn better in a classroom setting, or are you comfortable taking a class online? In-person courses make it easier to ask questions, while online courses can be more convenient.
Length of class: Some classes can be pretty short, while others can last more than a day. Determine how in-depth you want your course to be when comparing classes. Keep in mind that some insurers require the course to be a certain length and will not offer a 1- or 2-hour course discount.
Customer reviews: Always read customer reviews before signing up.

What are the pros and cons of online vs. classroom defensive driving courses?

Online and classroom courses both teach safe driving, but they work differently. Online courses offer flexibility, while classroom courses give you direct instruction. Your insurer or state may also require a specific format.

Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of the two types of classes:

Online courses

Typically cheaper than an in-person class
You don’t have to leave your home
Greater flexibility
It can take longer depending on how quickly you work
Don’t have a live teacher to ask questions or clarify points
Online courses may not be accredited

In-person driver courses

Have an instructor to answer questions
One class and you are done
You must show up at the class, which is not as convenient
Tend to be more expensive

However you choose to take the course, the end result is a safer driver and often lower rates too. It's a win-win situation.

FAQ: Defensive driving courses and insurance

Does a defensive driving course remove points from your license?

A defensive driving course can reduce points in some states, but it does not automatically remove points from your driving record. Each state has its own rules. Before taking a course for point reduction, check with your state DMV to confirm which programs qualify and what benefit you can receive.

Can you take an online defensive driving course for an insurance discount?

Yes, you can take an online defensive driving course for an insurance discount if your insurer accepts the course. Not every online program qualifies. Before paying, ask your insurer for a list of approved providers and confirm whether an online course meets its requirements for the discount.

Does every insurance company offer a defensive driving discount?

No, not every insurance company offers the same defensive driving discount. Availability, savings, and eligibility depend on the insurer and state. Some companies limit the discount by age or require a specific approved course. Contact your insurer before enrolling to find out whether completing the course will lower your premium.

When will your defensive driving discount start?

Your defensive driving discount will take effect after your insurer confirms that you have completed an approved course. The discount may apply during your current policy term or at renewal.