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To get a defensive driving discount, check your state and insurance company requirements, then take an approved online or in-person defensive driving course, and give the insurance company a copy of your completion certificate. Six of the 10 largest car insurance companies advertise defensive driving discounts on their websites, as do many smaller insurers. In addition, 34 states and Washington, D.C. require insurance companies to provide a defensive driving discount to eligible drivers.
A defensive driving discount usually ranges from 5% to 20% and is generally applied each year for three consecutive years. You can renew the discount after three years by taking the defensive driving course again. Class prices can vary widely, but most online defensive driving courses cost between $20 and $40.
Companies Advertising Defensive Driving Discounts
- State Farm – discount amount varies
- Geico – 5% to 20%, depending on the state
- USAA – discount amount varies
- Farmers – discount amount varies
- Nationwide – usually around 5%
- American Family – discount amount varies
- 21st Century – 2%, on average
- Amica – discount amount varies
- Chubb – discount amount varies
- Country Financial – up to 5%
- Kemper – discount amount varies
- National General – discount amount varies
- NJM – 5% off liability, PIP, and collision coverage in New Jersey
- The Hartford – discount amount varies
Defensive driving classes focus on avoiding collisions and handling challenging situations on the road. They are usually intended for experienced drivers who haven’t taken drivers ed in a while. In some states, you might need to be 50, 55, or 65 years old to qualify for a defensive driving discount. In others, drivers may be eligible starting at age 25, or even at any age.
You may not qualify for a defensive driving discount if you have a recent at-fault accident or violation on your driving record, although you can still take a course for learning purposes. Similarly, defensive driving classes may be ordered by a court in response to a driving conviction such as speeding or reckless driving. And in some states, you may be able to erase a ticket from your record by taking such a course. These court-mandated classes might not result in a premium decrease the way a voluntary one would, but they can prevent your premium from increasing as a result of your citation.
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