December 9, 2025
Car Insurance Discounts
How to Get a Defensive Driving Course Discount for Car Insurance?
Many insurers offer a defensive driving course discount throughout the U.S. to encourage drivers to adhere to safe driving practices. With a defensive driving course discount, you can save from 5% to 20% on your car insurance premiums. In some cases, the discount rate can even mount up to 30%, but that depends on your insurer, age, driving record, claims history, state policies, and other factors.
If you’re willing to get a defensive driving course discount, this article provides a step-by-step guide while covering the fundamental discussions on defensive driving courses, and eligibility requirements.
What is a Defensive Driving Course?
A defensive driving course is a training program that teaches you how to drive safely and avoid accidents by anticipating and responding to potential road hazards. It helps improve your awareness behind the wheel so you can recognize potential dangers early and make smart, safe decisions on the road.
Once you complete the course, you’ll receive a certificate that verifies your knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving practices. Attending and completing this course also demonstrates your sincere effort to drive more responsibly, which increases your chance of saving on car insurance premiums.
Apart from the defensive driving course discount, there are 18 other car insurance discount policies that can help you save a significant amount. While exploring discounts and cheap auto insurance coverage, it is essential to ensure that you consider a reliable insurance provider.
Who is Eligible for a Defensive Driving Discount?
While some states require insurers to provide car insurance discounts to anyone upon the completion of a state-approved defensive driving course, other states have a specific age requirement. And there are some states where it is up to the insurer to decide whether to provide any defensive driving discount or not. So, your eligibility for a defensive driving discount depends on your state's regulations.
The table below shows state-wise eligibility requirements to help you determine whether you’re eligible for a defensive driving discount in your state.
State | Legal Requirement | Eligibility |
Alabama | Yes | Standard discount |
Alaska | Yes | Standard discount |
Arizona | Yes | Standard discount |
Arkansas | Yes | Standard discount |
California | Yes | Often 55+ for mature driver programs; traffic school may dismiss points |
Colorado | Yes | Standard discount |
Connecticut | Yes | Standard discount |
Delaware | Yes | Up to 10% for 3 years; refresher can increase to 15% |
Florida | Yes | Often 55+ for mature driver course; younger drivers optional |
Georgia | Yes | Standard discount |
Hawaii | No | Optional at insurer discretion |
Idaho | Yes | Standard discount |
Illinois | Yes | Often 55+ for senior programs |
Indiana | No | Optional at insurer discretion |
Iowa | No | Optional at insurer discretion |
Kansas | Yes | Standard discount |
Kentucky | Yes | Often 55+ for senior programs |
Louisiana | Yes | Often 55+ for senior programs |
Maine | Yes | Often 55+ for mature driver programs |
Maryland | No | Optional at insurer discretion |
Massachusetts | Yes | Standard discount; check insurer |
Michigan | No | Optional at insurer discretion; BDIC may prevent points |
Minnesota | Yes | Often 55+ for mature driver programs |
Mississippi | Yes | Often 55+ for mature driver programs |
Missouri | No | Optional at insurer discretion |
Montana | Yes | Standard discount |
Nebraska | No | Optional at insurer discretion |
Nevada | Yes | Standard discount |
New Hampshire | No | Optional at insurer discretion |
New Jersey | Yes | Often 55+; discount lasts 3 years |
New Mexico | Yes | Standard discount; check insurer |
New York | Yes | PIRP: 10% for 3 years; often 55+ eligible |
North Carolina | No | Optional at insurer discretion |
North Dakota | Yes | Often 55+ for mature driver programs |
Ohio | Yes | Often 60+ for senior programs |
Oklahoma | Yes | Often 55+ for mature driver programs |
Oregon | Yes | Standard discount |
Pennsylvania | Yes | Standard discount |
Rhode Island | Yes | Standard discount |
South Carolina | No | Optional at insurer discretion |
South Dakota | No | Optional at insurer discretion |
Tennessee | Yes | Often 55+ for mature driver programs |
Texas | No | Optional at insurer discretion; many insurers offer 55+ discounts |
Utah | Yes | Often 55+ for mature driver programs |
Vermont | No | Optional at insurer discretion |
Virginia | Yes | Often 55+ for mature driver programs |
Washington | Yes | Often 55+ for mature driver programs |
West Virginia | Yes | Standard discount; check insurer |
Wisconsin | No | Optional at insurer discretion |
Wyoming | Yes | Standard discount |
District of Columbia | Yes | Standard discount |
Here, the term standard discount is a general way of saying that a state mandates insurers to offer a discount for completing a defensive driving course, but the exact percentage is not fixed by law and is at the insurer’s discretion.
Although general eligibility requirements apply in states where there is no age restriction, and in states where it is not mandatory for insurers to provide defensive driver discounts. So, to become eligible in those states, you will need to maintain these key requirements.
- You need to complete a state-approved defensive driving course and get certified.
- You must maintain a clean driving record with no accidents and insurance claims for 3 to 5 consecutive years.
- You need to voluntarily enroll in a defensive driving course, not because of a court order for violating traffic rules or being involved in an accident.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Defensive Driving Discount
Completing a defensive driving course can significantly improve your chances of qualifying for lower car insurance premiums, especially at discounted rates. So, to boost your chances of getting a defensive driving discount, it is essential to follow the steps recommended below.
Find a State-Approved Defensive Driving Course
It is essential to find a state-approved defensive driving course to qualify for car insurance discounts. While many driving schools offer in-person and online defensive driving programs, not all are recognized by state authorities or accepted by insurers.
Here are a few reputable, state-approved defensive driving course providers that you can explore:
Attend and Complete the Course to Get Certified
Now, it’s time for the main part, which is attending and completing the course. While it seems like the easiest part, if you don’t do it sincerely, you may even fail. The quizzes vary across different states, but you will have to score 70% to 80% marks to pass and get certified.So, while attending the course, it’s important to proactively learn and participate. If you fail the quizzes, you will have to register and restart the course all over again. Once you successfully complete it, you’ll receive a certificate that proves your eligibility and qualification to obtain the defensive driver insurance discount.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer and inform them that you’ve completed the defensive driving course, and ask whether it qualifies you for any discount on your car insurance premium. If your insurer provides a defensive driving discount, they will guide you through the steps.
Typically, the defensive driving course is one of the key requirements to qualify for a car insurance discount. It’s also essential to have a good driving record over the last 3 years without any insurance claims. If you meet both conditions, you’ll likely qualify for a defensive driving discount on your premiums.
Submit the Certificate
Once you’ve received your defensive driving course certificate, the next step is to submit it to your insurance company. You can usually send it through email, upload it via the insurer’s online portal, or hand it in directly to your local insurance office whichever option your insurer accepts.
Make sure the certificate clearly shows your name, completion date, and the course provider approval number, as insurers often verify these details before applying for any discount.
After submitting the certificate, your insurer will review your eligibility and confirm whether the defensive driving discount can be added to your policy. In most cases, the discount is applied within one or two billing cycles.
Renew Your Certificate When Required
Generally, the defensive driving certificate is considered valid for up to 3 years. After that, if you need a defensive driver discount, you will have to attend the course again and submit your new certificate.
Not to mention, if you get involved in a car accident and if you claim insurance, there’s a high chance that your defensive driving discount may no longer remain valid at the time of policy renewal.
In this case, you may need to rebuild a clean driving record for the next 3 years until you’re qualified for the defensive driving discount on your car insurance premium.
The Bottom Line: Is a Defensive Driving Course Discount Worth It?
Yes, a defensive driving course discount is definitely worth it, as it can help you lower your insurance premium by 5% to 20%. The best part is, it’s not difficult or expensive to complete the defensive driving course.
The defensive driving insurance discount is a great opportunity to save a significant amount on your car insurance premium. If you’re looking for ways to lower your car insurance premiums or purchase a policy with adequate financial protection within your budget, contact us to get a free quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much can I save on car insurance with a defensive driving course discount?
You can typically save between 5% and 20% on your car insurance premium after completing a state-approved defensive driving course. In some cases, insurers may offer discounts of up to 30%, depending on your driving record and policy type.
How long does a defensive driving course take?
Most defensive driving courses take around 4 to 8 hours to complete. The duration varies by state and whether you choose to take the course online or in person.
How long is a defensive driving certificate valid?
A defensive driving certificate usually remains valid for three years. After that, you may need to retake the course to renew your certificate and continue receiving the discount.
Will I still qualify for the discount if I took the course after an accident or traffic violation?
Usually not. To qualify for a defensive driving discount, you must take the course voluntarily not as a court requirement after a traffic violation or accident.
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