Defensive Driver Car Insurance Discount: How to Qualify, Potential Savings, and More
Excellent
Been here before? Get your quotes back.
)
)
Written byMandy Sleight
)
Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.
Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.
)
Edited byLequita Westbrooks
)
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
Updated
Why You Can Trust Compare.com: At Compare.com, it’s our mission to find simple ways to help our customers save money on the things they need. While we partner with some of the companies and brands we talk about in our articles, all of our content is written and reviewed by our independent editorial team and never influenced by our partnerships. Learn about how we make money, review our editorial standards, and reference our data methodology to learn more about why you can trust Compare.com.
Advertiser Disclosure
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
Table of contents
A defensive driver discount is available in some states for drivers who complete a state-approved defensive driving course. You can take a class online or in person, though the length of course time and other criteria can vary by state and insurer.
Discounts also vary, ranging from 5% to 15%. State Farm, Farmers, and GEICO are a few auto insurance companies offering the discount. Here’s how much you can save, how to qualify, and where to get a defensive driver discount.
How Much You Can Save With a Defensive Driver Discount
)
The amount you can save with a defensive driver discount varies by insurer and state, ranging from 5% to 15%, according to our research of advertised savings. Farmers and State Farm may have the largest discount of 15%, though it might be lower where you live.
For example, Delaware drivers can save up to 10% on some policy coverages for three years after completing a state-approved defensive driving course. And you can continue saving up to 15% if you take a refresher course within 180 days of the end of the three years, according to the Delaware Department of Insurance.
Since you generally have to pay a class fee to qualify for this discount, it’s a good idea to check your state regulations and insurance company requirements to see if it’s worth taking an approved course.
How to Get a Defensive Driver Discount
It’s important to contact your insurance agent or customer service to apply for a defensive driver discount, but you may be able to log into your account or mobile app to add it. After you finish the defensive driver course, you’ll get a completion certificate, which you’ll need to send to your insurer to get the discount.
Each state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) website lists approved defensive driver courses and eligibility details. Some states may not have any exclusions, while others might only allow drivers under 25 or over 50 to get the discount. You might also need to meet other criteria.
For example, Florida drivers age 55 and older can take an online or classroom course, but to qualify, they can’t have an accident citation or moving violation conviction, such as a speeding ticket, in the last three years.
New York doesn’t have an age restriction, and you can complete an online or in-person program. In-person courses must be at least 320 minutes long to qualify. You can receive 10% off your base premium for three years from the date of completion. You’ll keep receiving the discount if you take the course before the discount period ends.
Keep in mind that some insurers may offer the discount in some states but not others. For example, Amica doesn’t offer it in the following states:
Get Cheaper Car Insurance in Minutes
Compare personalized quotes for free
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 1395+ reviews
4.8/5
Where to Get a Defensive Driver Discount
)
Some states require insurers to offer defensive driver discounts, but they typically aren’t available elsewhere. Although insurance companies list the discounts on their websites, they usually don’t advertise how much you can save, according to our research.
The table below shows 10 companies with defensive driver discounts and their advertised discount amounts.
Company ▲▼ | Advertised Discount Amount ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| State Farm | Up to 15% |
| Farmers | Up to 15% |
| GEICO | Up to 10% |
| Travelers | Up to 8% |
| Progressive | Up to 5% |
| Nationwide | Up to 5% |
| The Hartford | Varies |
| Amica | Varies |
| American Family | Varies |
| USAA | Varies |
If you’re thinking of switching companies to get better discounts, consider the companies offering the largest defensive driver discounts.
Let’s take a closer look.
Which companies offer the largest defensive driver discounts?
If you want to get the most out of completing an approved defensive driver course, it might make sense to insure your vehicles with the company offering the largest discount. Here are the top three insurers that offer the largest defensive driver discount, based on their advertised discount amounts.
State Farm
Advertised discount amount: Up to 15%
State Farm’s website doesn’t list any age restrictions for a defensive driving discount, and you’ll have to contact a local agent to get a list of requirements and courses. You might also qualify for a good driver discount if you don’t have any at-fault accidents or tickets in the last three years. Teens and drivers under 21 can get an additional driver training discount for completing an approved driver’s education course.
Farmers
Advertised discount amount: Up to 15%
Farmers’ defensive driver discount is only for mature drivers over 55. To qualify, you must provide a completion certificate for a state-approved safe driver training course with a completion date within the last three years. You’ll also be eligible for a safe driver discount if you’ve had no at-fault accidents or moving violations in the past three years.
GEICO
Advertised discount amount: Up to 10%
GEICO’s discount requirements vary by state, but you must be at least 50 or 55 in most eligible states to qualify for the discount. You also must complete the course voluntarily, meaning you weren’t court-ordered to take it. Some states, like New York, offer a Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP), which allows you to get a discount and can reduce points on your license to prevent license suspension.
How to Maximize Your Defensive Driver Discount Savings
Car insurance discounts help lower your insurance premium. Use these tips to get the most out of your defensive driver auto insurance discount:
Check your state and insurance company requirements: Your state may require you to take a course that’s four, six, or eight hours long. Insurance companies might also have age restrictions or other qualifications to meet. Make sure you meet both requirements before paying for a defensive driver course to get the discount.
Compare course costs: If you can take an online course, you’ll usually pay between $5 and $50. In-person classes typically cost around $100 or more. If you can take an online course, you’ll pay a lower price and increase your discount savings.
Compare insurance companies: The percent discount varies by insurer, so comparing auto insurance quotes and the amount of the discount can ensure you get the most savings out of the experience.
Compare Quotes and Get Cheaper Rates
Compare personalized quotes for free
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 1395+ reviews
4.8/5
Other Common Car Insurance Discounts
)
A defensive driving discount might not offer much savings where you live. Here are a few common auto insurance discounts that might help you maximize your savings:
Safe driver discounts: If you have a clean driving record, you can usually qualify for a safe driver discount.
Telematics programs: Allowing your insurer to track your trips can qualify you for a usage-based discount that can potentially save you up to 40% on your auto insurance premiums.
Safety features discounts: Buying a car with safety features, like an anti-theft device, blind-spot warning, or lane assist, can help you not only drive safely but also save up to 25% on your insurance costs.
New car discounts: Upgrading your current vehicle to a newer car can also provide up to 15% in savings with a new car discount.
Defensive Driver Discount FAQs
If you still have questions about the defensive driver discount, check out our answers to the most commonly asked questions.
What’s the maximum defensive driver discount percentage?
The maximum defensive driving discount percentage is usually 10%, on average, but it can vary by state and insurance company. For instance, State Farm and Farmers offer up to 15% in savings, while Progressive and Nationwide offer around 5%.
How do you get a defensive driver discount?
You have to complete a defensive driving course that your state and insurance company approve to get a defensive driver discount. You’ll need to provide a certificate of completion to get the discount. The actual discount amount varies by course type, state, and car insurance company.
How do you know if you qualify for a defensive driver discount?
Check your state laws to see if a defensive driver discount is available, who qualifies, and which insurance companies offer it. For example, Amica offers a defensive driving discount for Alabama, Maine, and Washington drivers 55 and older who complete a defensive driving course through SafetyServe. There are no age restrictions in Delaware, Kansas, and Texas.
What are defensive driving courses?
Defensive driving classes teach you how to become a better driver by preventing distracted driving and avoiding collisions. The courses are either self-paced online or in person. Completing defensive driving school can also improve your driving record by removing violation points or dismissing a speeding ticket in some states.
Is there a defensive driving discount age limit?
Though it can vary by state, most defensive driving discounts are for drivers under 25 or over 50. In some states, there is no age limit. You should check with your state’s DMV and your insurance company to see if you’re eligible for a defensive driving discount.
Sources:
Delaware Department of Insurance, “Defensive Driving Discount,” accessed September 6, 2024.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, “Mature Driver Discount Insurance Courses,” accessed September 6, 2024.
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driver License Points and Penalties Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP),” accessed September 6, 2024.
SafetyServe, “Defensive Driving Course for Amica Policyholders,” accessed September 6, 2024.
National Safety Council, “Driver Training,” accessed September 6, 2024.
)
Mandy SleightInsurance Writer
Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.
Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.