What is a high-risk driving course? This question is about Car Insurance

What is a high-risk driving course?

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This question is about Car Insurance

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@WalletHub • 09/07/20 This answer was first published on 09/07/20. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

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A high-risk driving course is a class that teaches defensive driving and general traffic safety. High-risk driving courses are also referred to as “traffic school” or “remedial driving courses,” and they are often court mandated for drivers convicted of high-risk offenses. Good drivers looking to receive certain benefits like discounts on insurance can take similar driving courses, too.

The courses themselves are usually run by independent organizations who have had their programs approved by the state. While the exact requirements vary between states, most programs will take a total of four to eight hours to complete. You can choose between in person and online options, and the courses will usually cost anywhere from $15 to $100.

High-Risk Driving Courses Cover:

State traffic laws
The dangers of DUI/DWI
Accident avoidance techniques
Driving and road safety statistics

When to Take a High-Risk Driving Course:

There are a few scenarios in which an individual could be required by a court to take a high-risk driving course, and each state’s program is different. If you’ve accrued too many tickets or multiple moving violations, taking the class might be a requirement for waiving a citation or extra penalties. Or if you’ve committed a more serious offense, passing traffic school could be mandated as a part of your sentence or as a requirement for reinstating a suspended license.

Although they’re often taken as part of a court mandate, high-risk driving courses can be taken voluntarily for certain benefits, too. For example, some insurance companies give discounts to drivers with good records who take defensive driving courses. In some states, the classes can improve your driving record if you have points on your license. And you can take them to simply become a better driver and save yourself money down the road by avoiding accidents altogether.

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What is a high-risk driver?

A high-risk driver is someone who is much more likely to file an insurance claim than the average driver. Some of the most common attributes of high-risk drivers are a history of car accidents, multiple tickets and citations, bad credit, and a conviction for a serious offense like DUI. Regardless of the exact reason why you’re classified as a high-risk driver, it can have a serious impact on your ability to get affordable car insurance down the road.... read full answer

Here’s what makes someone a high-risk driver:

One or more car accidents in the last three years

Multiple tickets and citations

Bad credit

DUI/DWI

Lapse in coverage

Owning a sports car

Needing an SR-22 or FR-44

Being a new or teen driver

Living in a high-risk zip code

Although your driving record has the greatest impact on your high-risk status, other factors come into play, too. For example, a lapse in your auto insurance coverage can signal to insurers that you’re willing to take more risks and are therefore more likely to get into an accident. And if you live in an area that has a high crime rate, there’s a greater chance that your car will be damaged and you’ll file a claim.

Since high-risk drivers generally have an increased likelihood of filing a claim, they can have a more difficult time getting car insurance, and usually have to pay more for coverage. There’s no quick fix, either, unfortunately. But the good thing is that your high-risk status isn’t permanent. If you practice good habits and drive safely, your risk will drop over time. How far back an insurer looks back at your driving record depends on the company, but most minor traffic violations only stay on your driving record for 3-5 years.

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How can I get a Progressive defensive driving discount?

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.

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What is the Geico defensive driving course discount?

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.

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