What is a point and insurance reduction program?

A point and insurance reduction program (PIRP) is a defensive driving course approved by the New York DMV that subtracts four points from a driver’s license and results in a 10% insurance discount, regardless of insurer. After taking a PIRP course, points are not directly removed from a driver’s record, but they do not count toward the 11 points that would cause a license suspension.

To participate in the point and insurance reduction program, find a course that is approved by the state DMV, then register and complete the class. Most courses cost around $25 and must take at least 320 minutes. Multiple providers offer online classes, meaning that you can complete a PIRP course in a COVID-safe manner. You should also check if the course provider automatically notifies the DMV and your insurance company when you finish the class; if not, send both your completion certificate.

If you provide your insurer with proof of the course within 90 days of finishing it, the discount will be subtracted from your premium retroactively from your date of completion. After this 90-day window, the discount will apply starting on the date you give your certificate of completion to your insurer.

Point and Insurance Reduction Program Eligibility

All drivers, including motorcyclists, are eligible for the PIRP program, even if they have no points and simply want to lower their premium and improve their driving skills. After three years have passed, any driver can retake the course to regain the discount.

Furthermore, all insurers are legally required to provide a 10% discount for drivers who complete an approved PIRP course. To get the discount, the primary driver for an insured vehicle must take the course, and only one discount can be applied per vehicle. For example, both people in a two-person household with two cars must take the course to have a 10% discount applied to their entire base premium. If only one person takes the course, only one car will have its coverage discounted.

Although point and insurance reduction programs reduce your likelihood of a license suspension, they do not prevent mandatory suspensions or revocations for offenses such as driving while intoxicated or leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Similarly, if your license has already been suspended, PIRP courses cannot reverse the suspension.

The PIRP course cannot bring your point total below zero, either. And since a PIRP course does not make points or violations disappear, it does not prevent your base insurance rate from increasing due to a speeding ticket, DUI, or a similar charge.

Finally, if you’re a New York driver looking to save, make sure to check out our guide to car insurance discounts in New York and our review of the cheapest car insurance in New York.