how much can defensive driving course save you

by Prof. Elyssa Altenwerth V 7 min read

A defensive driving course can help seniors and young drivers save up to $61 annually. Some of the insurance companies even offer discounts between 5% and 10%. Groups such as AARP

AARP

AARP is a United States-based interest group whose stated mission is "to empower people to choose how they live as they age". According to the organization, it had more than 38 million members as of 2018. The magazine and bulletin it sends to its members are the two largest-circulat…

, AAA and the Safety Council offer defensive driving courses for both older and young drivers.

Full Answer

What are the 5 rules of defensive driving?

Apr 13, 2017 · In English, that means they have to give you at least ten percent off for taking a defensive driving course. Some insurers may offer even better discounts in order to stay competitive, but you’re looking at a discount of ten percent from the base.

Are defensive driving courses worth the money?

You can save 10% to 15% off your policy when you take a qualifying course. Other companies may offer more or less depending on how they rate policies. To determine what you may save by taking a course, you can request car insurance quotes. You should have the option to select a defensive driving course discount.

What is the discount for defensive driver?

Apr 28, 2021 · Esurance offers a defensive driver discount of up to 10 percent for three years. It is most often applied to drivers ages 50 or olderwho have completed a defensive driving or driver improvement class. In New York, New Jersey, Georgia, and Oklahoma drivers of all ages can claim Esurance’s defensive driver discount.

Does defensive driving course reduce insurance cost?

Jul 08, 2021 · By voluntarily taking an approved defensive driving course, AAA car insurance customers in eligible states can get a discount of up to 5%. Once the discount expires, drivers can renew it by taking another course. Defensive driving courses improve your driving skills by teaching you how to handle difficult situations on the road.

Is there an insurance discount for defensive driving courses?

Completing a defensive driving course can help you save on auto insurance if your insurer offers a defensive driver discount. The actual amount of...

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How do driver safety course insurance discounts work?

Defensive driving is often geared towards younger and older drivers who may have higher car insurance premiums, but a defensive driving discount ma...

Request a Free Car Insurance Quote to Compare Price and Eligibility

Before we start, it should be noted that everyone should begin this process by requesting a quote with numerous providers. The easiest way to do this is by using a service called Gabi.

Discounts on Auto Insurance for Defensive Driving

Defensive driving discounts offered by insurance companies can vary significantly. Some companies do not offer discounts, while others may offer discounts of up to 20%. Most often, drivers can expect a discount of about 10%. Car insurance companies would always like you to be a safer driver. You should also want this for yourself.

Requirements for Earning Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts

Most insurance companies have specific requirements for earning a premium discount by completing defensive driving. Some may have age requirements. We often see that teen or senior drivers. Your insurer will also typically require that you complete a qualifying defensive driving course.

Defensive Driving Insurance Discount Exclusions

Discounts on auto insurance for defensive driving are not automatic. You’ll need to check your eligibility before enrolling. Again, we emphasize that because you’re attempting to save money it might be time to shop around with a free quote from Gabi to see what else is out there.

Renewing Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts

Once you complete a defensive driving course for an insurance discount, you’ll need to keep up with it. This is not a lifetime discount. Insurance companies want to make sure you’re refreshing your safe driving skill set regularly. Most insurers require that you retake a course every two years.

Shop Around for the Best Defensive Driver Insurance Discounts

As insurance discounts for defensive driving can vary significantly by company, you may find that you’ll need to shop around to find the best rate and discount. One insurer may offer a lower initial rate but not offer a discount, while others may have a higher rate but a better discount, ultimately making your premium lower.

Which Insurance Companies Have the Best Defensive Driver Discounts?

Find out which leading insurance companies offer defensive driver discounts by using the Gabi widget below. Brands compared by the company include some of the most reputable agencies in the business at budget prices. Don’t forget to ask them and see how much you could save just by completing a defensive driving course.

How much is defensive driving discount?

The discount depends on the state - it normally ranges between 5 to 10 percent - but any percentage is helpful, especially if you are currently struggling with high premiums.

How much does a car accident cost?

Car accidents cost $230.6 billion every year in the U.S. That’s an average of $820 per person . This amount doesn’t count medical bills, time away from work if you’re injured, or even possible costs for your damaged vehicle.

Is defensive driving online?

An online defensive driving course doesn’t just make you a better driver. It also gives you the opportunity to save and improve your finances. And by taking the course online, you can complete on your own schedule without having to drive to a physical location. It’s a win-win for you and your wallet!

How much does defensive driving cost?

While it can vary by course, most defensive driving classes cost between $25 and $100, with the average coming in around $50. Once you have completed the course, you should receive a discount between 5% and 15%, which lasts for three years with most insurers.

What is the discount for defensive driving?

Taking a defensive driving class can result in a car insurance discount of 5% to 10%. It can also help to remove DMV points from your record and further reduce your insurance costs.

Why do you need to take defensive driving classes?

There are several reasons why you may need to take a defensive driving class. It may be required if you have been picked up for a DUI, you may be hoping to save money on your car insurance premium or maybe you just want to be a safer driver. Here are a few reasons you may want to take a defensive driving course.

How to avoid an accident while driving?

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.

What is the best way to get better at driving?

You might want to consider taking a defensive driving class. Taking a defensive driving course can help you become a better driver while also keeping your driving record clean and putting a bit of auto insurance money back in your pocket.

How to keep points off your driving record?

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: Insurance companies offer dozens of discounts, and many insurers offer a discount to drivers who ...

Is defensive driving worth it?

In most cases, a defensive driving course is worth the cost, based on the savings you could achieve after a car insurance discount is applied. If you take a defensive driving course to knock a ticket off your driving record, the savings are worth it. In many cases, your premium can go up 20 to 25% for a speeding ticket or other minor infraction.

How much can you save on auto insurance in New York?

For New York drivers or those with a NY driver’s license, you can expect to save up to 10% on the cost of your auto insurance every month. For some people, this can be a significant amount ...

Does auto insurance skyrocket?

However, that is not the only thing that can cause your auto insurance cost to skyrocket. Sometimes it also depends on the age of the vehicle, the color of the vehicle, and even your own age at the time of coverage.

How to get a defensive driving discount

Since defensive driving can make you safer on the road, many insurance companies will offer a discount for taking a defensive driving course. Each insurer's discount and terms are different, and state regulations can come into play, too. Before you sign up for a defensive driving course, you can do the following:

How do driver safety course insurance discounts work?

Defensive driving is often geared towards younger and older drivers who may have higher car insurance premiums, but a defensive driving discount may be offered to people of all ages. Some states require insurers to offer defensive driving discounts, while others do not.

How long is a defensive driving course?

By law, a TDLR approved defensive driving course is required to be a minimum total of six hours in length. Waiting until Day 89 means you’ll sit for six straight hours staring at your computer, nervously tapping your fingers while timers expire.

How much does a defensive driving class cost in Texas?

Texas state law mandates that the minimum price for a driver safety (a.k.a. defensive driving) class is $25.00. If you find one for less, you’ll only wind up with a worthless certificate and the opportunity to take the course again, this time through a legitimate provider.

Does defensive driving increase your insurance premium?

Taking defensive driving keeps your ticket off of your driving record. your insurance company doesn’t like it when you get speeding tickets and will raise your premiums for the next three years. According to industry research, full coverage insurance increases $600 over this period, $270 for liability only.

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