Updated: July 2, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
A defensive driving course insurance discount can help you save money without reducing the coverage that you have. Discount rates and qualification rules vary per company.
Defensive driving courses cost $20 to $100 and last 3 to 12 hours, with most courses taking 6 to 8 hours. Online and in-person options are available.
Eligibility for a defensive driving discount depends on various factors, including age, location and the type of course completed.
Based on our analysis of industry data, most drivers save $200 to $800+ over three years with a defensive driving discount, depending on their premium and discount percentage, making the course cost worthwhile in most cases.
A defensive driver course is a class, either in a classroom setting or online, that costs $20 to $100 and lasts 3 to 12 hours. Most courses take 6 to 8 hours, though you can find shorter courses that finish within 3 to 4 hours, while comprehensive programs may require 10 to 12 hours.
You have two main format choices when selecting 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:
How to spot and react to hazardous conditions before they become problems.
State-specific rules and recent updates (especially helpful if it's been a while since you took your driving test).
Proper following distances, safe turning, and how to avoid collisions.
Managing cell phone use and other distractions that cause accidents.
Understanding how airbags, anti-lock brakes, and modern safety features actually work.
Adjusting your driving for rain, snow, and other challenging environments.
Many insurance companies reward drivers with discounts for completing defensive driving courses. This road safety training reduces accident risk and provides valuable financial protection. The requirements vary by company, so shop around to find the best deals.
Your auto insurance costs depend on several factors. Age, driving record, location, and vehicle type all influence your premium rates. New drivers like 17-year-olds often pay higher costs because insurers see them as riskier than experienced drivers (even when they can get cheap insurance deals).
You can lower your car insurance rates in several ways, and discounts are one of the easiest. If you've completed a defensive driving course or are thinking of taking one, you can get a defensive driving discount that puts money back in your pocket.
Most drivers can get this discount, but each company has different requirements. The qualification requirements vary but almost always include taking a defensive driving course. How much you save depends on your driving history and age.
Drivers under 25 and those over 55-60 years old are the groups eligible for the discount in most states, though some states require insurers to offer this discount to drivers of all ages. GEICO offers discounts to drivers over 50, while some companies like Farmers restrict discounts to drivers 65 or older.
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.
Not all defensive driving courses are created equal. Each insurer has specific rules for eligibility. Your course must be:
Check with your insurer first to discuss necessary requirements - this step is crucial because taking a non-approved course means you won't get the discount.
States may also 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 at all.
If you have completed a defensive driving course or are thinking of participating in one, you may qualify for a defensive driving discount. With this discount, you can receive 5% to 20% off your premium, depending on your location and insurance company.
We analyzed AARP survey data and found that New York drivers saved an average of $200 per year after completing defensive driving courses. For context, the national average cost of car insurance is $1,495 per year. Let’s examine different scenarios:
Basic Scenario:
High-Value Scenario:
Example:
If you’re a 45-year-old driver paying $1,200 annually, a 10% defensive driving discount saves you $120 per year. Over three years, that’s $360 in total savings for a $50 course.
The numbers speak for themselves — defensive driving courses almost always pay for themselves within the first year. Comparing companies can also help you find more affordable course options.
The process is straightforward, and we'll walk you through each step to ensure you get the maximum savings.
Not all companies offer this discount. Research companies that do. Then, compare their rates and policy offers. Generally, the best car insurance company is one that offers a balance of affordability and quality service. Once you choose an insurer, take note of its eligibility requirements for the discount.
Your state probably has a list of certified courses you can take. Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or similar agency. Also contact your insurance company to confirm they accept your chosen course provider - don't skip this step! Popular approved providers include:
Choose a defensive driving course accredited by the insurance company you've chosen and certified by the state. Depending on your circumstances, you can take a class online or in person. Online courses offer flexibility and can be completed at your own pace, while in-person courses provide immediate instructor feedback.
Most defensive driving courses teach you about understanding risks, traffic laws and defensive driving techniques. Complete the training and pass the course - it's usually straightforward. Most courses require a final quiz or test with a passing score of 70-80%.
Once you get your certification, apply for the discount. Here's what you'll need to submit:
Processing times vary by insurer, taking 2-4 weeks for the discount to appear on your policy. Contact your agent if you don't see the discount applied within 30 days.
Your defensive driving discount expires every 3 years. To maintain the savings:
Some insurers will send renewal reminders, but it's your responsibility to maintain the discount.
Companies calculate premiums differently. The availability of discounts may also vary. When looking for the best and cheapest policy, comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help. You can use MoneyGeek's calculator below to get accurate estimates for a quick comparison.
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Jul 09, 2025
| Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score | Average Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Capital Insurance Group | 94 /of 100 | $87 |
| 2 |  GEICO | 82 /of 100 | $109 |
| 3 | 83 /of 100 | $118 | |
| 4 | 83 /of 100 | $129 | |
| 5 | 79 /of 100 | $133 | |
| 6 | 77 /of 100 | $151 |
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
The insurance provider is one of the most important factors when shopping for defensive driving course discounts. Most major companies offer this discount, though some don't. The discount amount and eligibility requirements also vary by insurer. Here are the companies that offer defensive driving discounts:
Company | Requirement | Discount Amount | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
The defensive driver discount is available to drivers over the age of 55. | Varies by state | To be eligible, drivers must complete an approved driver course and live in Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Utah or Washington. | |
Amica | Age requirement varies per state. | Not disclosed | Qualified drivers must complete an approved driving course. |
Drivers who are at least 65 years old (or 55 in some states) may qualify for the Senior Defensive Driver Discount. | Not disclosed | The driver has to complete a driver’s education course approved by the state DMV. You should also provide | |
GEICO has two types of discounts under driver’s education. These are the defensive driving and the driver’s educational course. | Varies between states | Eligibility requirements vary depending on the state. | |
Drivers who are 55 years old or older in select states may qualify for a defensive driving discount. | Not disclosed | To qualify, drivers must have no at-fault accidents in the past 35 months and have completed a state-approved course. | |
Taking a defensive driving course may help you get a discount. This may vary per state. | Depends on the state | Interested drivers may learn more about this discount by talking to a local State Farm agent. | |
Eligible drivers can get a discount after completing a basic driver training course. | Not disclosed | USAA products are only available to active-duty military members, veterans and military families. This is not available in Hawaii and North Carolina. |
A defensive driving class offers several benefits beyond just insurance savings. With the right course, you'll learn techniques to become a safer driver and get valuable financial protection. You'll also get expert advice from qualified instructors, which can reduce your accident risk and improve your driving record over time.
Some drivers, even experienced ones, could use a refresher when it comes to driving laws. Taking a defensive driving course can help ensure that you are updated about traffic regulations and can provide you with new information.
Driving can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to be well-equipped with the right skills and knowledge. A defensive driver course can help make you a safer driver.
Having a violation on your driving record can affect you for years. However, taking a defensive driving course can prove that you are trying to improve your overall driving awareness. It may help remove a few negative points from your driving record.
Being a safe driver can help you save a life. By being responsible on the road, you lower the risk of causing an accident that can affect other people’s lives.
To qualify for a defensive driving discount, you must meet the age and course requirements. Depending on the insurer, there may be other qualification rules. For instance, you may need a clean driving record for a certain number of years and you shouldn’t have violations on your driving record.
Check with your insurer first to discuss necessary requirements to avoid paying for a course that's not accredited.
A defensive driving course certificate generally lasts for about three years, which is also the typical period for a defensive driving insurance course discount. This means you may have to complete a state-approved defensive driving class after the end of your discount term to keep it active. You can check with your insurer to learn more about the length of your discount.
These alternative ways to save can still help:
Defensive driving courses can help you save 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.
If you're looking for ways to lower your premium, taking a state-approved defensive driving course could be a simple and cost-effective solution. Just be sure to verify with your insurer that your course is accredited before enrolling.
MoneyGeek answers some frequently asked questions to help you better understand defensive driving courses and discounts.
Providers view 16-year-olds and other young drivers as high-risk drivers and they face higher premiums. Taking advantage of this discount can help drive down 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.
No, anyone can take a defensive driving course. However, these programs are geared towards high-risk drivers, like teens and seniors. Experienced drivers can also take a driving course as a step toward getting more insurance discounts. Insurance providers offer lower car insurance rates to good drivers with no claims or accidents on their record.
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 even help lower premiums.
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.
Online defensive driving classes tend to be cheaper ($20-$50) and offer more flexible schedules - you can take them from anywhere at any time. However, there's a risk of online courses not being accredited by your specific insurer.
In-person courses ($50-$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 just one day, while online courses can be spread out over several days or weeks.
The defensive driving discount some insurers offer can reduce coverage costs by 5% to 20% depending on the state you live in and your 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 who are below 25 years old or over 55-60 years old, and drivers must complete a state-approved defensive driving course.
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.
A defensive driving course certificate and its associated insurance discount last three years. After this period expires, you'll need to retake an approved course to maintain the discount. The course itself takes 3 to 12 hours, with most courses running 6 to 8 hours.
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.
Ask a question, it’s free
Ask an expertWhy Trust MoneyGeek?
A defensive driving discount can lower your car insurance cost. To help you better understand the topic, we consulted several experts and asked for their insights. MoneyGeek follows a thorough research methodology to ensure our data is correct and our suggestions are relevant to the average driver. When producing this page, our subject matter expert followed a multistep writing process that involved fact-checking and editorial review.
Navigating car insurance can be challenging, especially if you're new to it. We consulted the following industry experts when compiling our reviews and suggestions about defensive driving discounts:
We asked them the following questions:
MoneyGeek follows a detailed research process to provide you with informative, unbiased and trustworthy financial advice. Our team of editors fact-checks and verifies the information in our articles. Moreover, we regularly review and update our pages to ensure that the data remains fresh and relevant.
From researching to publishing, our team ensures we give you high-quality, reputable data. We tailor our pages to help you make the best possible financial decisions based on your needs and circumstances.
Being a defensive driver can not only save you money, but it can also 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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
