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How to get a defensive driving discount on your auto insurance

Kat Aoki
How to save money on your car insurance with a defensive driving course (Catherine Falls Commercial via Getty Images)

Remember when you first got your driver's license? Even if you've logged thousands of miles since then, there's always room to sharpen your driving skills — and save money doing it. One of the easiest ways to do both is through an online or in-person defensive driving course.

These courses could save you an average of 3% to 10% on your car insurance premiums. But the benefits don't stop there: The National Safety Council reports that drivers who completed their courses saw their violation rates drop by 70%, with drivers 65 and older experiencing a massive 85% decrease in surchargeable violation rates — savings that can far exceed any insurer discount.

Having recently completed an online defensive driver course myself, I can tell you it was a valuable refresher. Whether you're looking to save money or become a safer driver (or both!), here's what you can expect to learn, pay and save before signing up.

A defensive driving course is a training program that helps you become a safer driver by improving your driving skills and situational awareness. Often called "good driver discount" programs, these classes can qualify you for savings on your auto insurance premiums while making you a more confident driver.

Nowadays, you can choose between classroom instruction or, as most people prefer, online courses. While some states require these courses after traffic violations, you can also choose to take them voluntarily. Most courses take between four and eight hours to complete, with costs ranging from $12 to $100 and up.

Online courses typically cost less than classroom training and let you learn at your own pace from the comfort of home. However, some drivers — particularly those with a shaky driving history — may benefit more from being in a classroom.

In these courses you can expect to learn:

  • Accident prevention techniques

  • How to handle adverse weather conditions

  • Strategies for dealing with aggressive drivers

  • The effects of medication, alcohol and fatigue on driving

  • Tips for adjusting to age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time

  • Stress-reduction techniques and how to avoid road rage

  • Motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian awareness

📌 Our writer’s personal experience

I took a six-hour online course with the Florida Safety Council this year. It cost just $12.50 and immediately provided a $46 discount on my annual premium — a 3% savings. The good news? The certificate is transferable to other insurers, which means I'll still get a discount if I switch companies during the certificate's three-year validity period.

Eligibility for defensive driving discounts vary across the country. In some states, any driver of any age can qualify, while in others, eligibility depends on factors like your age and specific insurance provider. These discounts are especially common for groups that insurers consider higher risk, such as younger and older drivers.

Here's who typically qualifies:

  • Drivers in states with mandatory discount laws (may vary by age)

  • Drivers ages 50, 55 or older

  • New drivers under age 25

  • Professional drivers

💡Expert tip: The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to log in to your insurance company’s web portal and check the requirements online. You can also call your insurance company directly or check with your insurance agent.

While most states — including California, Florida and New York — require insurance companies to provide a discount for taking a defensive driving course, the following states do not:

  • Arizona

  • Hawaii

  • Indiana

  • Iowa

  • Maryland

  • Massachusetts

  • Michigan

  • Missouri

  • Nebraska

  • New Hampshire

  • North Carolina

  • Ohio

  • South Dakota

  • Texas

  • Vermont

  • Wisconsin

However, even if you live in one of these states, it’s still worth asking your insurer if you can get a discount.

Earning a defensive driver discount is a straightforward process. First, check that you’re eligible and your insurance company offers this discount. (If not, it’s an ideal time to compare other insurers!)

Here are 5 easy steps to get started:

  1. Contact your insurance provider to confirm eligibility. Not all drivers will qualify for this discount, so make sure you meet the age and other eligibility requirements. For example, some insurers, like Nationwide, require that you haven’t had any claims in the past three years. Other insurers, like Geico, may be more forgiving.

  2. Choose an approved course and sign up. Log in to your insurance company’s online portal and navigate to the defensive driver course section to see which providers are listed. If you can’t find information on providers or have questions, call your insurance company for guidance.

  3. Complete the course and obtain your certificate. In most states, you’ll need to sit through a mandatory four to eight hours to complete the course — and you’ll be timed. The courses include a combination of videos, reading material and quizzes. You’ll also need to complete a final exam to obtain your certificate of completion.

  4. Submit the certificate to your insurance company. Submit proof of attendance through your insurance company’s online portal or email it to your insurance company or insurance agent’s office — and verify that they’ve received it.

  5. Confirm the discount on your next policy statement. Once your certificate has been successfully submitted, you should see a discount by your next statement or even within a few days (my own was credited quickly). If you don’t see it by your next statement, call your insurance company.

💡Expert tip: Some insurers require you to complete the course before your current policy renewal date to receive the discount, so be sure to ask about any deadline — and get your course confirmation in before it.

Savings vary significantly by state and insurer, but most drivers can expect a discount between 3% and 10% off their premium. Based on the national average annual premium of $3,017, according to the Motley Fool, this discount could add savings of $90 to $300 in your budget every year.

My defensive driving course through my insurer resulted in a modest but welcome $23.51 savings on my six-month premium — about a 3.2% reduction overall. Keep in mind these discounts typically last for three years before you need to retake the course.

💡Expert tip: Ask your insurance provider if completing a defensive driving course can help remove points from your driving record. New York, Nevada, Virginia and a handful of other states allow this, and it could lead to more savings on your premium.

Dig deeper: 21 clever ways to save money and outwit rising costs

Yes, especially if you opt for a lower-cost online course. While my personal savings with my insurer were modest at $46 a year, I’ve since eliminated bad driving habits and I’m much more unlikely to repeat the action that caused my minor fender bender in 2023.

Here are the top benefits you can expect to reap from taking a defensive driving course:

  • Insurance premium reductions that typically last three years

  • Greater confidence behind the wheel

  • Enhanced driving skills and accident prevention

  • More patience with other drivers and less escalation of anger

  • Less likelihood of being involved a traffic violation

So, if you’re ready to become a safer driver and potentially save money, check with your insurer about a defensive driving course and how much of a discount you can earn. It could be a smart investment in your driving future.

While a defensive driving discount is valuable, it's just one of many ways to reduce your premium costs. Consider combining it with these other money-saving strategies.

One of the best ways to save on car insurance is to shop around for a new policy. Start comparing quotes from competitors about a month before your policy renews — you just might find significant savings by switching carriers, even if you're happy with your current coverage.

Consider packaging your auto insurance with home, life or renter insurance to unlock multipolicy discounts. Most insurers offer discounts of 5% to 25% for bundling policies. Plus, having all your policies with one company often results in simpler paperwork.

Most insurers offer 5% to 25% off for adding a second or third vehicle to your policy. This discount typically applies even if the cars are driven by different family members, as long as they’re living at the same address.

Opting for a higher deductible can significantly lower your monthly premium. Just make sure you can comfortably cover the higher out-of-pocket cost if you need to file a claim. This is especially important if you’re on a fixed budget without much wiggle room.

Your credit score can have a big impact on your insurance rates in most states. Be sure to keep your score healthy by paying bills on time and keeping your credit utilization low. Drivers with poor credit typically pay $230 to $550 more annually for car insurance than those with fair credit, according to a recent industry report.

Usage-based insurance programs (UBIs), including “telematics” programs, track your driving habits through an app or device and reward safe driving with discounts. While drivers can save between 10% to 40% with use-based programs, these programs can also backfire by interpreting defensive moves as risky behavior.

If you’re driving less due to remote work or retirement, you might qualify for a low-mileage discount. Many insurers offer reduced rates for drivers who drive less than 7,500 miles annually. You could also consider a separate pay-per-mile insurance program, which calculates your policy based on the number of miles you drive.

Adding security features like alarms, GPS tracking systems or kill switches can earn you a safety discount on your policy. Many insurers offer discounts from 2% to 10% for vehicles with anti-theft devices, including factory-installed alarm systems, steering wheel locks and aftermarket GPS trackers.

💡Expert tip: Don't be shy about asking your insurance agent these and any other discounts available. Many aren't automatically applied, and you might be missing out on savings you're already eligible for.

Dig deeper: 9 smart ways for seniors and mature drivers to save on car insurance

Learn more about saving money on your auto insurance policy — and keeping you and your finances safe — with these common questions.

Yes — most states require you to retake the course every few years to maintain your discount. Check with your insurance provider for specific requirements in your state.

Yes, most states allow you to complete an approved defensive driving course online. However, some states may require in-person attendance — for example, if you have to take the course as a result of a court order or have a history of aggressive driving.

No. While insurance companies won’t cover the cost of your course, the premium reduction usually pays for the course fee within the first year.

Generally, yes. If you give someone permission to drive your car occasionally, they're usually covered under your policy's "permissive use" provision. However, keep in mind there may be restrictions for extended or frequent use. Learn more in our guide to auto insurance coverage when lending your car.

Kat Aoki is a seasoned finance writer who's written thousands of articles to empower people to better understand technology, fintech, banking, lending and investments. Her expertise has been featured on sites like Forbes Advisor, Lifewire and Finder, with bylines at top technology brands in the U.S. and Australia. Kat strives to help consumers and business owners make informed decisions and choose the right financial products for their needs.

Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner

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