Defensive driving discount - Insurance.com

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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.

Been picked up for speeding lately, added a teen to your insurance policy or just looking to save a bit of money when it comes to your car insurance premium? 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. Keep reading to learn why you should consider a defensive driving course, how much you can save on your car insurance premium and the best way to choose a defensive driving course

A defensive driving class simply teaches drivers to operate a vehicle to make safe driving strategies a key component of their driving. Here are a few of the techniques that drivers may learn:

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

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.

In addition to the financial savings, a defensive driving course will make you (or your teen) a safer driver out on the road, which can be priceless when it comes to peace of mind.

Let’s have a quick look at the potential savings on your car insurance after a defensive driving course. 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.

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 after taking a $50 course, making the defensive driving class well worth the cost.

In addition to becoming a safe driver, there are several benefits to taking a defensive driving course. Here are just a few advantages of a defensive driving course:

Many insurance companies offer a defensive driving course discount. The discount amount will vary by insurer, but in most cases, it ranges from 5 to 15%. Always check with your insurer to see if they offer a defensive driving discount and ask for a list of approved schools. Here are a just few examples of insurers who offer a defensive driving discount:

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 prior to taking a course to verify that they offer a discount and 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 of who qualifies for a defensive driving discount. They may only offer it for drivers over 55 years of age or under 25 years old. 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.

There is no definitive answer to this question, as options will vary depending on the state you live in or even the city or town you call home. In addition, your choices may be limited if your insurance company has an approved list of schools that meet their criteria.

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

Choosing a defensive driving course can take a bit of research to find the best one for your specific needs. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a course:

In many cases, you will choose between an online class or one that is conducted in person. Always check with your insurer before signing up for a class to see if they require a specific type of defensive driving class.

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

Online courses

In-person driver courses

While it varies by the insurance company, most offer a discount in the range of 5% to 15% to their customers who complete a defensive driving course. The discount typically lasts for three years, so the savings can really add up. In many cases, you can expect to save $500 or more over three years.

The savings can be even bigger if the defensive driving course keeps a ticket from hitting your driving record. Most insurers will raise your rates after a ticket, and that increase can range up to 25%, which can add up quickly over the years.

Taking a defensive driving course is a great way to refresh or upgrade your driving skills while also saving money on your insurance premium.

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