Defensive driving discounts on car insurance
Car insurance companies often offer discounts to policyholders to help lower their insurance premiums. One popular insurance discount is the defensive driver course discount. You may qualify for this if you have taken an approved course at your local Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Public Safety. A defensive driving car insurance discount can be applied to your policy upon successful course completion.
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If you want to save on car insurance, it's important to be aware of available discounts. Let The Zebra's insurance experts help you find an auto insurance discount to fit your driving situation.
What happens in a defensive driving course?
Defensive driving courses are typically administered online or in person through local DMV or DPS offices. Classes may range from four to 12 hours in length depending on state regulations and format of the course. These classes are not free but often cost less than $100.
Sometimes referred to as accident-prevention courses, the class teaches traffic laws and statistics, defensive driving techniques, and drug and alcohol education. You’ll cover the times of day at which you’re most likely to get into a crash, how your vehicle's speed affects the severity of a collision, and accident avoidance techniques such as roadway scanning.[1]
How much money does a defensive driver discount save?
It varies by insurance company, but this discount typically saves a driver between 5% and 10% of their car insurance premium.
Because this course teaches safe driving techniques and accident prevention tools, you may end up saving more in the long run just by being a safe driver and following the lessons learned in your course. Accidents can raise auto insurance rates dramatically, as well as incur costs for repairs and deductible payments. While the discount on your premium is minimal, the driving skills earned through the course could help prevent accidents and related costs in the future.
Whether you decide to take a defensive driving course, it's always a good idea to gather quotes from different companies to make sure you can't simply find a better deal on auto insurance elsewhere.Â
The Zebra helps compare quotes from top companies in minutes.
Common restrictions to the defensive driver discountÂ
Keep in mind that eligibility and requirements vary by state and insurer. Some common restrictions include:
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Age requirements: Most discounts apply to drivers under 25 or over 60, since these groups face higher accident risk and premiums.
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State rules: In some states, insurers must offer the discount to drivers of all ages, while in others eligibility is limited.
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Course type: Not all classes qualify. Online courses, in particular, may not be accredited or recognized by your insurer.
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Approved providers: Some states and insurers only accept courses taught by specific institutions or instructors.
👉 Pro tip: Always check with your insurance agent before enrolling in a course to make sure it will qualify for a discount.
Some companies offer mature driver classes, such as AARP and the National Safety Council.[2] Despite having more years of experience on the road, senior drivers can benefit from a refresh that focuses on keeping skills updated as they age. If you've had a ticket due to an accident, classes may help you reduce the penalty.[3]
Which insurance companies offer a defensive driving discount?
| Insurance company | Age Eligibility | Discount Amount | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | Varies by state | 10% | AAA has its own program via which members can receive a discount on course fees. |
| Alfa | Varies by state | Varies | Must have a clean driving record for three years. In Alabama and Mississippi, you must be 55 or older. There is no age requirement in Georgia. |
| American Family | 55+ | Varies by state | Â |
| Farmers | 55+ | Varies by state | Â |
| GEICO | Varies by state | Varies, up to 10% | Â |
| State Farm | 50+ | 5% | Only available in Texas. Must be an approved Texas Education Agency Program. |
| The Hartford | Unknown | Varies | Â |
| Nationwide | 55+ | 5% | Must have no at-fault accidents for the previous 35 months on your driving record. |
| USAA | Varies | 5% | Must have no at-fault accidents for the previous 35 months on your driving record. |
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Other discounts to consider
A defensive driver discount isn’t the only way to lower your auto insurance bill. Many insurers also offer savings for good students, bundling home and auto policies, safe driving programs, or even simple choices like going paperless. Exploring all your options—or getting a personalized quote—can help you find the best combination of discounts for your budget.
Save money on insurance by comparing your options.
Defensive driving discount FAQs:
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
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