How do I get a defensive driving discount for car insurance?

Customers can get the State Farm defensive driving discount by completing a driver safety course that’s been approved by State Farm. Qualified drivers can save up to 15% on their State Farm car insurance bill by completing an approved defensive driving course, depending on their state, age, and other factors.

Some defensive driving courses are taught online, while others are taught in a classroom. All the defensive driving courses that can result in a discount on your State Farm bill will teach you how to improve your skills behind the wheel and to be a safer, less aggressive driver.

How To Get a State Farm Defensive Driving Course Discount

1. Request a list of qualified defensive driving courses and their requirements from a State Farm agent.
2. Register and pay for a course approved by State Farm. Defensive driving courses typically cost between $15 and $100.
3. Pass the defensive driving course. Courses typically take 4-8 hours to complete.
4. Present State Farm with your defensive driving course certificate of completion.
5. Make sure State Farm is applying your discount for completing a defensive driving course by checking your bill or contacting the company directly at 800-STATE-FARM (800-782-8332).

The State Farm defensive driving discount can last for as long as three years in most states. After it expires, customers can take another training course to get the discount again.

Completing a Geico defensive driving course qualifies drivers for a discount of up to 5% or 10% on their Geico car insurance premium. Geico-approved online defensive driving courses cost $14.95 to $24.95, depending on the provider and your state of residence.

Why a Geico Defensive Driving Course Is a Good Idea... read full answer

In general, Geico defensive driving courses improve students’ driving skills by teaching them how to react effectively in hazardous situations. Main topics include how to drive in bad weather and on wet or icy roads, how to correct course if you lose control, how to veer off the roadway safely, and how to react if something crosses into your lane suddenly. Courses also cover the dangers of road rage, speeding, aggressive driving and driving under the influence.

Geico’s defensive-driving course discount is available in most (but not all) states, and rules and qualifications vary. Geico has a convenient directory to help you learn more about the defensive driving requirements in your state.

Geico Defensive Driving Discounts in Major States

• California – up to 5%
• Texas – up to 10%
• Florida – up to 10%
• New York – up to 10%
• Illinois – up to 10%
• Pennsylvania – up to 10%
• Georgia – up to 10%
• New Jersey – up to 5%

If you already have a course in mind, check with Geico to see if that course will qualify you for the discount. You can also find an approved Geico defensive driving course, and learn how to sign up, through the National Safety Council or the American Safety Council. Many states offer the option of taking the course online rather than in a classroom.

Progressive does not advertise a defensive driving discount on its website, but you may still be able to get one. Progressive may lower your rates by about 5% if you complete an approved defensive driving course and meet certain qualifications. You may need to be a certain age, have a clean driving record, take the course voluntarily (not by court order), or meet other state-specific criteria to be eligible. You’ll have to speak to a Progressive representative directly to find out the rules where you live.... read full answer

Most defensive driving courses can be completed online and cost between $15 and $40. Live classes can cost as much as $100. But the cost could be worth it since you’ll get a discount for three years, in most cases. At that time, you should be able to renew the discount by taking the course again.