Defensive Driver Courses and How They Help You Save On Car Insurance

Defensive driving courses can lower your car insurance costs by 5% to 20%. Discover how to qualify, which insurers offer discounts, and whether it's worth the price.

Find out if you're overpaying for car insurance below.

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: November 25, 2025

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Key Takeaways

A defensive driving course insurance discount helps you save money without reducing coverage. Discount rates and qualification rules vary by company.

Defensive driving courses cost $20 to $100 and last three to 12 hours, with most courses taking six to eight hours. Online and in-person options are available.

Eligibility for a defensive driving discount depends on various factors, including age, location and course type.

Our analysis of industry data shows most drivers save about $200 to $800 over three years with a defensive driving discount, making courses worthwhile in most cases.

How Defensive Driving Course Insurance Discounts Work

A defensive driving discount reduces your car insurance premium after you complete a state-approved safety course. Most insurers offer discounts of 5-15% for drivers who voluntarily take these courses, which typically cover traffic laws, accident prevention, and safe driving techniques.

Major insurers like State Farm, GEICO and Progressive offer this discount, though the percentage and eligibility rules vary by company. Contact your insurer to confirm they offer the discount and understand their specific requirements.

Defensive Driving Course Discount Requirements

To qualify, your course must meet your state's requirements. Check with your Department of Motor Vehicles to confirm a course is approved before enrolling. Courses are available online or in person and usually take 4-8 hours to complete. Your insurer may add other rules, like maintaining a clean driving record for several years. Contact your insurer before enrolling to confirm they accept the course. Otherwise, you'll waste money on training that won't earn you a discount.

Age requirements

Drivers under 25 and those over 55 to 60 years old are eligible for the discount in most states, though some states require insurers to offer this discount to drivers of all ages. The actual age that is eligible for discounts varies by provider. For instance, GEICO gives discounts to drivers over 50, while Farmers restricts discounts to drivers 65 or older.

Driving record requirements

Most insurers require a clean driving record for a specific period, usually 12 to 36 months without at-fault accidents, claims, or moving violations. GEICO specifies that you can't have been involved in an at-fault accident to qualify for their defensive driving discount.

Course accreditation requirements

Each insurer has specific eligibility rules. Your course must be:

State-approved through your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Accepted by your specific insurance company
Completed voluntarily (not court-ordered)
From an accredited provider

Check with your insurer first about requirements. This step is important because taking a non-approved course will prevent you from getting the discount.

State-specific requirements

States may have laws related to defensive driving discount eligibility. In some cases, insurers are required to offer this discount to all drivers regardless of age. For example, Minnesota drivers can save up to 12% on applicable coverages, while some states like Massachusetts and Michigan don't offer defensive driver discounts.

How Much Does a Defensive Driving Course Lower Your Insurance?

Defensive driving courses typically save you 5-20% off your premium, which equals $50-200 per year depending on your insurer and location. State Farm and GEICO offer discounts for approved courses, though the exact amount varies by state—for example, New York mandates discounts for drivers over 55. Most discounts last three years, after which you'll need to retake the course to renew your savings.

Defensive Driving Discount Cost Savings Example

We analyzed AARP survey data and found New York drivers saved an average of $200 per year after completing defensive driving courses. With courses costing $30-100, most drivers break even within six months.

Here's how the math works for typical scenarios:

$1,500 annual premium with 10% discount:

Annual savings: $150
Three-year total: $450
After $50 course cost: $400 net savings

$2,000 annual premium with 15% discount:

Annual savings: $300
Three-year total: $900
After $75 course cost: $825 net savings

How to Get a Defensive Driving Course Insurance Discount

Taking a defensive driving course involves finding an insurance company that offers this discount, enrolling in a state-approved course, and submitting your completion certificate to your insurer. Most discounts apply for three years before requiring recertification, making this a cost-effective way to reduce your insurance expenses while improving your driving skills.

1
Look for a policy from an insurer offering a defensive driving discount
Only some companies offer this discount. Research which ones do, then compare rates and coverage. The best car insurance company balances low rates with strong service. Write down the eligibility requirements once you pick an insurer.
2
Check state-approved courses and verify insurer acceptance
Your state maintains a list of certified courses. Visit your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or similar agency website to find them. Call your insurance company to confirm they'll accept the course provider before you enroll.

Popular approved providers include:
- National Safety Council
- AARP Smart Driver
- American Safety Council
- Defensive Driving by IMPROV
- AAA defensive driving courses
3
Take the course
Pick a course that's both state-certified and insurance-approved. Online classes let you work at your own pace. In-person classes give you instant feedback from instructors.
4
Complete the course
Defensive driving courses teach you about road risks, traffic laws and safe driving techniques. You'll need to pass a final test, which requires a score of 70% to 80%.
5
Submit the necessary documents to your car insurance company
Apply for the discount once you earn your certificate. Submit these documents:
- Certificate of completion (original or certified copy)
- Completed discount application form
- Proof of course payment (if required)
- Driver's license information
Your discount shows up within two to four weeks. Call your agent if it doesn't appear after 30 days.
6
Maintain Your Discount
Keep your savings by setting a reminder two to three months before expiration so you can complete another approved course and submit your certificate before the deadline. Avoiding tickets and accidents helps you keep the discount active. Some insurers send renewal reminders, but staying proactive ensures you don't lose your savings.

How Can I Take a Defensive Driving Course?

You can take a defensive driver course in-person or an online class that costs $20 to $100 and lasts three to 12 hours. While most courses take six to eight hours (in general), shorter courses may finish within three to four hours. Comprehensive programs may require 10 to 12 hours.

Online Courses

Online courses cost $20 to $50 and offer maximum flexibility, perfect if you prefer learning in your pajamas or need to fit the course around a busy schedule. You can complete them at your own pace from home, and most providers allow you to stop and resume as needed. Online defensive driving courses are mobile-friendly and available 24/7.

In-Person Courses

In-person courses cost $50 to $100 and provide face-to-face instruction. These classroom sessions offer immediate answers to questions and may be completed in a single day. However, they require scheduling around specific class times and locations.

What Will I Learn in a Defensive Driving Course?

What will you actually learn? According to the National Safety Council, courses cover accidents, state traffic laws, dangerous driving situations and vehicle safety equipment. Most programs teach you:

Road risk assessment

How to spot and react to hazardous conditions before they become problems.

Traffic laws and regulations

State-specific rules and recent updates (especially helpful if it's been a while since you took your driving test).

Defensive driving techniques

Proper following distances, safe turning and how to avoid collisions.

Distracted driving prevention

Managing cellphone use and other distractions that cause accidents.

Vehicle safety systems

Understanding how airbags, anti-lock brakes and modern safety features actually work.

Weather and road conditions

Adjusting your driving for rain, snow and other challenging environments.

Defensive Driving Course: Bottom Line

Defensive driving courses can save you up to 20% on car insurance, improve your driving skills and even remove points from your driving record. While eligibility rules and discount amounts vary by insurer and state, many drivers, especially young and senior motorists, can benefit.

Taking a state-approved defensive driving course could be a simple and cost-effective solution if you're looking to lower your premium. Just verify with your insurer that your course is accredited before enrolling.

Defensive Driver Courses and Discounts: FAQ

MoneyGeek answers frequently asked questions to help you better understand defensive driving courses and discounts.

Who should take defensive driving courses?

Providers view 16-year-olds and other young drivers as high-risk drivers and they face higher premiums. Taking advantage of this discount can lower insurance rates. Defensive driving programs can also help teen drivers find cheaper coverage. Regardless of age, new drivers are seen as inexperienced and, therefore, high-risk.

Is there an age limit for defensive driving programs?

No, anyone can take a defensive driving course. However, these programs target high-risk drivers, like teens and seniors. Experienced drivers can also take a driving course to get more insurance discounts. Insurance providers offer lower car insurance rates to good drivers with no claims or accidents on their record.

Can teen drivers take a defensive driving course?

Yes, 18-year-olds and other teen drivers can take a defensive driving course after passing a driver's education course. It can supplement their safe driving knowledge and help lower premiums.

Where can I take a defensive driving class?

You have several options for defensive driving classes - online courses or in-person classes. Check your state's accredited service providers and courses to make sure you'll qualify for a discount. Your insurer should also have a list of accepted courses.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of online vs. in-person driving classes?

Online defensive driving classes are cheaper ($20 to $50) and offer more flexible schedules; you can take them from anywhere at any time. However, online courses may not be accredited by your specific insurer. In-person courses ($50 to $100) are more hands-on and interactive. It's easier to clarify questions and concerns with an instructor. In-person classes may also be completed in one day, while online courses can be spread over several days or weeks.

What is the insurance discount for defensive driving?

The defensive driving discount can reduce coverage costs by 5% to 20% depending on your state and insurance company. While the eligibility requirements often vary based on where you live and your insurer, there are common qualifications. For instance, this discount is offered to drivers below 25 or over 55 to 60 years old, and drivers must complete a state-approved defensive driving course.

What insurance companies give discounts for defensive driving?

Lots of companies offer defensive driving discounts. Check with your insurer to see if you qualify. Companies with this discount include AAA, American Family, Amica, Farmers Insurance, GEICO, Nationwide, State Farm, Travelers and USAA.

What Are the Benefits of Taking a Defensive Driving Course?

Defensive driving courses offer benefits beyond insurance discounts. You'll learn safer driving techniques, refresh your knowledge of traffic laws and may remove points from your driving record.

Here's what you gain:

Lower Insurance Rates: Most insurers offer 5-15% discounts for completing an approved course, which can save you $100-300 per year.
Improved Driving Skills: You'll learn defensive techniques like scanning intersections, maintaining safe following distances and anticipating hazards before they become dangerous.
Point Reduction: Many states let you remove points from your license by completing a defensive driving course, which helps avoid license suspension and keeps your rates lower.
Updated Traffic Laws: Even experienced drivers benefit from refreshers on recent law changes and new road safety regulations.

What If I Don't Qualify for Defensive Driving or Student Discounts?

You can still lower your premium through discounts that work for nearly everyone. Multi-policy bundling (5-25% savings) combines auto with home or renters insurance for often the largest dollar discount. Safe driver monitoring programs like Snapshot and DriveWise (5-40% savings) track your driving habits and reward safe behaviors. Pay-per-mile insurance (up to 40% savings) charges based on actual mileage if you drive less than 10,000 miles per year.

Most insurers automatically offer good driver discounts (5-15% savings) after three to five years without accidents or violations, and affinity group discounts (up to 20% savings) are available through military service, professional organizations or alumni associations.

Ask the experts:

What are alternative options for drivers who do not qualify for defensive driving discounts?

Insurance Agent and Broker at A Plus Insurance

If you do not qualify for a defensive driving discount, there are other discounts automatically applied to safe drivers such as a three year safe driver discount and accident free discount. Most Insurance companies will apply these automatically to the insurance policy after running the Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), if it comes back clean.

Other driving programs that can lead to extra savings are the programs such as SnapShot, Intelli Drive, Dynamic Drive, etc. Insurance companies are starting to push for drivers to use these driving apps to help personalize their insurance premiums and save additional money on their car insurance. The initial step in the program saves you 10% off of the premium and at your renewal offer you could earn up to 30% off depending on how well you did. These programs are the most beneficial, and money saving programs that Insurance companies are offering very great discounts for completing.

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Best Car Insurance Companies for Defensive Driver Discounts: Our Review Methodology

Why Trust MoneyGeek?

MoneyGeek follows a thorough research methodology to ensure our data is correct and our suggestions are relevant to the average driver. Our subject matter expert followed a multistep writing process that involved fact-checking and editorial review.

Our team of editors fact-checks and verifies the information in our articles. We regularly review and update our pages to ensure the data remains fresh and relevant.

We consulted the following industry expert when compiling our reviews and suggestions about defensive driving discounts:

Lauren McKenzie: insurance agent and broker at A Plus Insurance

Defensive Driving Discount in Auto Insurance: Related Articles

Being a defensive driver can save you money and save lives. The following resources can help you learn more about driver safety, the best insurance coverage, how to avoid road dangers and more.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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