Automobile owners are constantly trying to find ways to save money on their insurance premiums. One easy way to see results is by a defensive driving course. Nearly all top insurance companies offer a discounted rate upon completion of such a course. The courses are simple to understand and straight forward in regards to the testing. The small fee associated with taking a defensive driving course will quickly be justified when you see the savings on your monthly or semi-annual bill.

How much can I save?

An approved course and successful exam can net you a discount of up to 20 percent. However, most states only allow you take a defensive driving course for point reduction in intervals ranging from 1 to 5 years.

What about my teenage driver?

It’s no secret that adding a teenager to your insurance policy is a costly expense. Enrolling your child in a defensive driving class will assist in making them a safer driver, and it can also help ease the financial pain of adding them to your current policy.

What if I don’t have time to attend a class?

A number of states and insurance companies will honor a defensive driving certificate from a course taken online. Contact your provider to double check before spending the money to enroll in an online class. There are many reputable online sources for defensive driving courses.

So, what does it cost?

Most online defensive driving courses are available for under $100 and some are as cheap as $25. However, as with most things, you get what you pay for. A quick Google search will turn up quite a few options, but make sure you verify that your choice is accepted as credible with your insurance company before you spend the money to enroll.

How do I prove I took the course?

You will receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the course and taking the exam. Your insurance company will require a copy of this certificate before honoring their discount. If you can’t print one off of the computer, most online course administrators will ship you for a small fee.

Where can I learn more?

Your local DMV is a treasure trove of defensive driving school information. Whether you are attending a course because of a court order or voluntarily taking a class to reduce your premium, your DMV will have a list of approved schools and testing facilities. Most states have strict regulations on which courses you can take. The DMV will also offer you valuable information regarding the benefits of defensive driving school. Even though you may not be able to make your ticket disappear, it is likely you can attend courses in regulated intervals to erase up to 2 points off of your driving record.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the average automobile insurance premium in the U.S.?

The United State Independent Auto Assurance (USIAA) is a national insurance company with locations in every state. They are similar to the likes of GEICO and Progressive in that they are large companies that offer the low-premium benefits you would normally find in large group coverage offerings. A clean driving record and other eligibility requirements like credit and employment history are big factors in their decision-making process. The report a low range of about $655 and a high range of $940 (per year). However, insurance premiums are calculated using a number of different factors. Depending on the number of teenage drivers, the type of vehicle that is insured, and the amount of driving violations incurred, typical premiums for most Americans range from $1,500 to $6,000 per year.

Is a completed Defensive Driving Course a requirement to receive a driver’s license?

That all depends on the state in which you reside. Some states have taken precautions to keep their roads safer, and require the course before allowing new drivers, regardless of age, to legally get behind the wheel. The courses teach the basic aspects of safe driving and prepare the new driver better than a written test and drive around the block. These states include Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia.

Are there any states that allow ticket forgiveness if a defensive driver’s course is completed?

Absolutely. This doesn’t mean you can continue committing violations without further punishment, but a one-time speeding incident can be dismissed with a completed defensive driving course in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wes Virginia, Wyoming, and Washington D.C.