why insurance companies requiere defensive driving course

by Caroline Feest 9 min read

To put it plainly, defensive driving courses can save lives. Defensive driving courses can help you save money, too. Specifically, they can help you save money on car insurance. Most car insurance companies offer discounts to customers who complete a defensive driving course. Many states legally require defensive driver discounts.

Most car insurance companies offer discounts to customers who complete a defensive driving course. Many states legally require defensive driver discounts. If you have tickets or accidents on your driving record, a defensive driving course can mitigate the insurance rate increases that often accompany these infractions.Mar 6, 2021

Full Answer

How can one become a good defensive driving?

Feb 22, 2022 · A defensive driving course adds undeniable value to your safety behind the wheel. It can also serve your wallet well. It can also serve your wallet well. If you take a page from your uncle’s book and complete a defensive driving course, you may be eligible for a discount through your insurance company.

What's covered in a defensive driving course?

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.

What to expect from a defensive driving course?

Mar 06, 2021 · Most car insurance companies offer discounts to customers who complete a defensive driving course. Many states legally require defensive driver discounts. If you have tickets or accidents on your driving record , a defensive driving course can mitigate the insurance rate increases that often accompany these infractions.

How much can you save on insurance with defensive driving?

Aug 27, 2021 · Defensive driving is worth it because it can save you 5-10 percent on your auto insurance premiums. Good drivers are less likely to file a claim, and defensive driving lowers car insurance by reducing your level of risk to the insurance company. Read our guide now to learn how to choose the right defensive driving course to reduce your rates.

How many months does a defensive driving course take off?

Your certificate of completion slashes up to 6 months off 1R time.

Does defensive driving course reduce insurance in Ontario?

So, does driving school lower insurance Ontario? Yes, it does. It goes without saying that attending driving classes can help you stay safe and pay attention to the road. By taking the time to go to driving school insurance rates become much more affordable for new drivers of all ages.Oct 8, 2021

How can I save on car insurance Canada?

10 Ways to Save on Auto Insurance in CanadaIncrease Your Claims Deductible Amount. ... Trim the Fat from Your Policy. ... Combine Insurance Policies. ... Good Driver Discounts. ... Ride the Bus. ... Think Before You Buy. ... Check Your Mileage. ... Safety Device Discounts.More items...

How can I get a discount on car insurance in Ontario?

Here are some tips for shopping around:Check insurance comparison websites.Search for Ontario insurance companies that offer new customer discounts.Check with your company and see if they offer a loyalty discount to stay.Ask your insurance broker to see if he can find/offer you better rates.

Can I take the course online or in person?

You can do either, but it depends on your needs. Both course formats are readily available in most areas. Many insurers accept online defensive dri...

How long is the defensive driving insurance discount good for?

It varies between insurance companies. However, most insurance providers will give you a rate discount for three years after completing a defensive...

How do I know if I qualify for a defensive driving discount?

It is a good idea to check with your insurance company to see if a defensive driving course will result in a discount.

What does a defensive driving course cover?

Defensive driving courses focus on several areas, for example:Risk aversionDangers of driving under the influence of any substancesRecognizing pote...

Why do we need defensive driving courses?

Defensive driving courses give drivers a new perspective on viewing the road. They help drivers identify dangerous situations before they unfold. Defensive drivers can determine and mitigate risky behavior from other drivers. To put it plainly, defensive driving courses can save lives.

What is defensive driving?

Defensive driving is a form of driver education that goes beyond the basic rules of the road. Standard drivers education programs teach traffic code and the mechanics of driving. Defensive driving courses, however, emphasize skills that help drivers avoid danger and accidents.

How long does it take to get a discount on Allstate?

Allstate requires the driving course length to be six hours or more . Drivers must have no at-fault claims or violations to qualify for the full discount.

What age do you have to be to get a Farmers discount?

Farmers ’ defensive driving discount is an option for senior citizens. Drivers must be 65 or older — 55 in some states — to earn the discount. Farmers requires courses to be DMV approved.

How much discount does MetLife give?

If you have a car insurance policy with MetLife and you complete the National Safety Council's defensive driving course, you might qualify for a discount of between 5% and 10%. To be eligible, you need to be licensed for at least two years. You also need to receive a score of at least 80%.

Do insurance companies give discounts for defensive driving?

Most insurance companies only give defensive driving discounts to customers with good driving records. If you have recent at-fault accidents or moving violations on your record, you may not qualify for the discount. Similarly, if you're taking a court-mandated defensive driving course, most insurers won't offer you a discount.

What is a steer clear driver?

Steer Clear requires drivers to complete an educational course and sign a safe driving pledge. It can lead to a 15% reduction of insurance rates. This program is available to drivers with clean records in 45 states. State Farm also offers a defensive driving course discount.

Why do you need to take defensive driving classes?

The reality is, choosing to attend a defensive driving course is typically a decision made to get a ticket dismissed, remove or reduce points from your driving record, or compulsory if a court of law has demanded you do so as a result of a driving offense.

What is online driving class?

An online class means you can view the material and test yourself from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. One example is the Geico safe driving course that is offered online. The Geico 6 hour class offers a discount of 5 – 10 percent on your car insurance.

Does Geico offer discounts on auto insurance?

This is just one of Geico’s auto insurance discounts that may help lower your rates. According to NOLO, the DMV will assess points to your license with each driving infraction, and when you get enough points, your license will be suspended.

Is defensive driving class accredited?

1. Not all defensive driving classes are accredited by your state. So you paid your $45, sat through 6 hours of material, passed your chapter exams only to find out the course you finished is not approved by your state and the “certificate” you received is worthless towards removing the ticket from your record…ouch!

How much does car insurance cost after a speeding ticket?

One speeding ticket can raise your rates and an average of $45 a month and an accident can cost you around an extra $80 a month.

Who is Shuman Roy?

Shuman Roy is an entrepreneur, business owner, and musician. He started RoysNoys, LLC in 2013 as a music production and education service company. He also offers small business consulting and advisory services to help businesses get from start-up mode to turn-key operations.

Who is Joel Ohman?

Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity-backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses.

Does defensive driving get you a discount?

A good defensive driving course can also potentially get you a discount on your car insurance in many cases. The cost of car insurance has risen steadily over the past few years and this trend is likely to continue, in correlation to the number of accidents caused by distracted driving.

Do teens get discounts on auto insurance?

Most insurance companies will also give teens or young adult drivers a discount on their auto insurance when the driver shows proof of course completion. The specific discount amount varies by company and region.

What are the benefits of defensive driving?

In addition to saving lives, a defensive driving course can provide a few other valuable benefits, all from the convenience of your home or office: Save you money on your auto insurance. Dismiss a traffic ticket. Remove points from your driving record.

What are the best defensive driving courses?

DriveSafe Online® defensive driving courses are popular with drivers of all ages because they are unlike other online courses. DriveSafe’s 1 hour, 3 hour, 4 hour, 6 hour and 8 hour courses include: 1 Mobile-friendly full-screen videos covering real-life traffic situations 2 Narrated animations demonstrating how to perform driving maneuvers 3 Unique drone and in-car footage to give new perspectives on traffic safety 4 Interactive exercises that put learners in realistic decision-making scenarios 5 Comprehensive assessment and certificate of completion to satisfy court, state, DMV and insurance requirements 6 No hidden fees, one very affordable price with a money-back guarantee

How much does a car crash cost an employer?

Vehicle crashes cost employers more than $60 billion annually in medical care, legal expenses, property damage, increased insurance coverage, and lost productivity. When those figures increase, you can also expect an increase in the cost of worker’s compensation, Social Security, and health and disability insurance.

Why do you need to take defensive driving classes?

Taking a defensive driving course teaches you safe driving techniques for controlling your vehicle in emergency situations, as well as procedures for handling fatigue, emotional stress, and road rage. Of course, there are many more reasons for learning safe driving habits.

What is defensive driving?

Defensive driving courses teach drivers safe techniques to proactively anticipate and effectively react to a variety of hazards including careless actions by other drivers, poor visibility and road conditions due to dangerous weather conditions, and dangers triggered by various physical and emotional states.

What are the advantages of defensive driving?

While the benefits of a defensive driving course will save you money and help you become a smarter, safer driver, the advantages offered by online courses make the learning experience fast and easy. Convenient. Anytime, anywhere, any device learning means you decide when to fit the courses into your busy schedule. You Control the Pace.

How to keep your driving record clean?

And if you are unable to drive, you’ll need to allocate money for cabs, buses, and any other transportation needs. Completing a defensive driving course is a fast and effective way to keep your driving record clean. Check with your insurance agent, state DMV, or court clerk where you received the ticket to learn if DriveSafe Online® course satisfies your court requirements.

Does insurance cover defensive driving?

In some states, including North Dakota and Pennsylvania, state authorities require insurance companies to provide discounts to drivers who successfully complete a defensive driving course.

In Some States, Only Senior Drivers Are Eligible

In many states, including New York, Florida, Virginia, and Kansas, drivers of all ages can take a defensive driving class and realize a discount on their premium. However, if you live in California, Florida, Pennsylvania, Washington, Tennessee, Minnesota, or Nevada, you won't be able to qualify for a discount unless you are at least 55.

Discounts Vary By State

States reward drivers with differing discounts in terms of both rates and the parts of the of policy to which the discount is applied.

Bad Drivers May Not Qualify

You may also need to be--and stay--accident free in order to keep your discount. In other words, if you cause an accident that resulted in claims while your discount was effective, your insurer has the power to cancel your savings early despite the law. Another reason could be due to a conflict of benefit.