Defensive Driver Car Insurance Discounts [2023]
Defensive driver discounts are offered as rewards for safe driving. Because defensive driving courses help lower accident risks, insurance companies like Allstate offer a 10% defensive driver discount.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jul 8, 2023
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Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 8, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Taking a defensive driving class may help you to improve your driving record
- Companies offer a defensive driver discount
- Some insurance companies reward drivers who have taken a defensive driving class recently by offering a discount on their premium
- Some insurance companies reward safe driving in other ways, such as with a claims-free discount
- Drivers with Allstate have received a 10% discount for defensive driving
While some accidents and mishaps on the road cannot be avoided, many accidents are caused by driver behavior. Even if you do not cause an accident, driving defensively may help you to avoid one that may be caused by another driver.
Insurance companies recognize the benefit of well-educated drivers who understand defensive driving techniques, and some offer car insurance discounts for defensive driving to help you save money on your premium.
Compare car insurance quotes to see how much you could save by switching insurers. Enter your ZIP code above to get started.
What You May Learn in a Defensive Driving Class
You may have taken a driver’s education course when you learned how to drive, and a defensive driving course covers some of the same topics.
However, rather than focusing on the rules of the road and how to operate a vehicle, a defensive driving course focuses on how to be a safer driver. Some of the topics that may be covered in a course include:
- How to eliminate road rage while driving
- Understanding bad driving conditions and how to avoid them
- Determining what qualifies as distracted driving and how you can prevent these activities
- Being more observant of other drivers
- How to respond to obstacles on the road
Learn more defensive driving tips here.
Where to Find an Approved Course
Learning how to drive more defensively can help you to potentially avoid accidents, but you may not be certain which type of driving course to take to qualify for the discount.
It is wise to first ask your insurance provider about their requirements for defensive driving courses.
For example, some providers may only accept state-certified courses. If you plan to shop around for better rates on car insurance after you complete the course, consider exploring common course requirements that a few of the top providers have before you sign up for a class.
Remember that a defensive driving discount is only one of many factors that can help you save money on car insurance. In addition to comparing rates to find the best deal possible on auto insurance, focus on finding a reputable insurance provider.
Online research may reveal the provider’s financial strength as well as how satisfied the company’s established customers are.
By taking this step to research the many insurance coverage options available to you, you can potentially avoid unpleasant issues that may arise by purchasing coverage from the wrong provider.
In many areas, drivers can sign up to take a defensive driving course in a live classroom setting, and some even have a comedy theme to make them more fun and exciting. These live courses are commonly held during evening and weekend hours.
Another idea is to sign up for an online course. Depending on your state’s requirements, a live course may be completed within one to two sessions in most cases. You may break up an online course into numerous sessions as desired.
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Saving Money through a Defensive Driving Course
A defensive driving course is not free in most states, and some classes may cost $100 or more. The overall savings on your premium may not always be enough to cover the cost of the class.
However, remember that being a safe driver on the road can help you to save money as well. For example, by driving at the post speed limit sign, you can prevent some traffic citations that could result in hefty fines.
You may also prevent a serious accident by learning how to be a more defensive driver. This could minimize the number of claims you file over time, or it may decrease the dollar amount of your claims.
Both may have a positive impact on your ability to find affordable insurance in the future.
Each time you file a car insurance claim, regardless of the dollar amount of the claim, you are required to pay your car insurance deductible. The average driver’s deductible is $500. You may also have to pay expenses not covered by your policy out of your own pocket.
You can see that if this course prevents even a single accident or traffic citation, the class is financially worthwhile.
Alternatives to the Defensive Driving Discount
A defensive driving discount is just one of several ways to save money by being a safe driver. For example, many insurance companies offer a safe driver discount.
Qualifications for this type of discount vary, but they are usually based on your driving record rather than on taking a specific class.
Remember that you may have to re-take the class every year or two to continue with the savings, so getting coverage from an insurance company that offers a safe driver discount may be a good alternative to consider.
Another alternative to a defensive driving discount is a claims-free discount.
If you have not had any claims on your record within the last few years, some insurance companies will extend this discount to you for financial savings on your premium.
Some even have a vanishing deductible, which essentially decreases your deductible amount slowly for each year that you do not have a claim on your policy.
If you have a clean driving record, you may save money on your policy by simply shopping around. These additional safe driving discounts or course discounts may provide even more substantial savings for you to enjoy.
Case Studies: Defensive Driver Car Insurance Discounts
Case Study 1: SafeDriver Insurance Company – John’s Discounted Premium
John, a 35-year-old driver with a clean driving record, recently obtained car insurance from SafeDriver Insurance Company. Recognizing the importance of defensive driving, John enrolled in a defensive driving course approved by SafeDriver Insurance.
After successfully completing the course and providing the necessary documentation, John was eligible for a defensive driver discount. As a result, he received a 10% reduction in his annual car insurance premium.
Case Study 2: DriveSmart Insurance – Sarah’s Accident-Free Savings
Sarah, a 27-year-old driver, has been insured with DriveSmart Insurance for several years. Over time, she developed exemplary defensive driving skills and maintained a spotless driving record, free from any accidents or traffic violations.
DriveSmart Insurance acknowledged her commitment to safe driving and rewarded her with a defensive driver discount. Sarah’s annual premium was reduced by 15%, allowing her to save significantly on her car insurance.
Case Study 3: SafeGuard Auto Insurance – Michael’s Mature Driver Benefit
Michael, a 60-year-old driver, decided to switch his car insurance provider to SafeGuard Auto Insurance. Being a seasoned driver with decades of experience, Michael was eligible for the company’s mature driver discount. SafeGuard Auto Insurance offers this discount to drivers who have completed a defensive driving course specifically designed for mature individuals.
By enrolling in and successfully completing the course, Michael enjoyed a 20% reduction in his car insurance premium.
Case Study 4: SureDrive Insurance – Emily’s Accident Forgiveness
Emily, a 42-year-old driver, recently had an unfortunate accident where she rear-ended another vehicle. Although the accident was deemed her fault, Emily had been insured with SureDrive Insurance for the past five years and had maintained a clean driving record before the incident. Fortunately, SureDrive Insurance offered accident forgiveness as part of their defensive driver program.
As a result, Emily’s premium did not increase despite the accident, highlighting the value of defensive driving and SureDrive Insurance’s commitment to their policyholders.
Case Study 5: DefensiveInsure – David’s Telematics Discount
David, a 30-year-old driver, decided to take advantage of the telematics-based car insurance program offered by DefensiveInsure. By installing a telematics device in his vehicle, which tracks driving behavior such as speed, braking, and acceleration, David proved his commitment to safe driving habits.
His consistent demonstration of responsible driving earned him a substantial discount on his car insurance premium. DefensiveInsure rewarded David with a 25% discount based on his positive driving behavior.
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Finding the Most Affordable Policy That Meets Your Needs
You understandably want to save money on your auto insurance premium, and taking advantage of a defensive driver discount is a great way to save money on your coverage.
However, the first priority is to buy effective coverage that meets your needs from a top provider that has a great reputation.
Spend time learning more about the types of car insurance and limits, and research various providers to find the best companies to request quotes from and to learn about their defensive driver discount requirements.
By taking this step up-front, you can then easily select the lowest quote that you receive, and you can compare rate quotes and available discounts once or twice per year to maximize savings on your auto insurance.
Compare car insurance quotes today by entering your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a defensive driver car insurance discount?
A defensive driver car insurance discount is a discount offered by insurance companies to policyholders who have completed an approved defensive driving course. This discount is given as an incentive to encourage safer driving practices and reduce the risk of accidents.
Do all insurance companies offer a defensive driver car insurance discount?
While many insurance companies offer defensive driver car insurance discounts, it’s important to note that not all companies provide this discount. It varies from insurer to insurer, so it’s advisable to check with your specific insurance provider to see if they offer a discount for completing a defensive driving course.
Are there any requirements or restrictions for qualifying for a defensive driver car insurance discount?
To qualify for a defensive driver car insurance discount, you generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Successfully complete an approved defensive driving course.
- Provide proof of course completion, such as a certificate or documentation from the course provider.
- Meet any specific eligibility criteria set by your insurance provider, such as age restrictions or renewal frequency of the defensive driving course.
How can I apply for a defensive driver car insurance discount?
To apply for a defensive driver car insurance discount, you should contact your insurance provider and inform them that you have completed an approved defensive driving course. They will guide you through the process and let you know what documentation is required to apply the discount. Be prepared to provide proof of course completion and any other information requested by your insurance company.
Can I take a defensive driving course voluntarily to get the discount, even if I haven’t received a traffic violation?
Yes, in many cases, you can voluntarily take a defensive driving course to qualify for the discount, even if you haven’t received a traffic violation. The purpose of the discount is to encourage safe driving habits, and completing the course demonstrates your commitment to being a responsible driver. Taking the course proactively can help you save on your insurance premiums and improve your driving skills.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.