Ask an Agent

Have a question? We're here to help.

Ask an agent for free

Question

Why didn't my insurance company give me a defensive driving discount for completing the course?

I wanted to lower my rate so my friend told me I can take a defensive driving course online and get a discount on my insurance. After I paid for and took the course I contacted my insurance company and they told me that they don't offer a discount for the course because I'm under 55. Aren't they supposed to give me a discount regardless?

Nov 4, 2026 Waterloo, IA

Answer

Author profile picture
The nation's leading independent insurance comparison site

The Zebra is an independent insurance advisor and quote comparison site with headquarters in Austin, Texas. Utilizing its real-time quote comparison …

Iowa drivers aren't guaranteed a car insurance discount for completing a defensive driving course, as eligibility varies by insurer and age, so check with your carrier before enrolling


Discounts vary by company, state, and situation so there is no guarantee that a carrier will provide a discount just from completing the course. Because taking a defensive driving course costs money, you always want to check with your company to see if they offer a discount before wasting your money on something that won't provide any additional benefit on your rate. And consider that in most instances where the discount can be applied, it often isn't a huge amount and may not offset the cost of the course.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Is it easier to use an agent to get Acuity or find insurance online?

Acuity does work through independent agents, but that doesn’t automatically mean more hassle. This comes up a lot from people who are used to self-managing everything online. Let's look at a few of the differences so you can get a better idea of what to expect if you're using a local agent versus a…
Mar 18, 2026 Cedar Rapids, IA

Can I get a discount for doing weather mitigation?

This is a great question, and it’s smart to think about how to better protect your home in Louisiana. FORTIFIED isn’t just a general way to say your home is strong. It’s an actual program from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) that sets building standards designed to help ho…
Mar 11, 2026 Shreveport, LA

Why did my rates go up when I have a clean driving record?

Arkansas drivers can face higher car insurance rates despite a clean driving record due to inflation, location and other rating factors, but comparing quotes and checking discounts may help lower costsThanks for reaching out with your question! Unfortunately, you're not the only one who feels like …
Nov 4, 2026 Hot Springs, AR

Can I get a refund if I was double insured?

You may get a refund for overlapping auto insuranceThanks for reaching out to The Zebra! I can see how this is confusing for you. AAA is known for its quality customer service, so this can likely get taken care of by reaching out to the company.Now, it's normal for other drivers to be listed on a p…
Mar 18, 2026 Joliet, IL