Lower Car Insurance by Taking Defensive Driver Course
Crashed 1971 Ford Mustang
Drivers can save on auto insurance by completing a defensive driving course. They may also shave points from their driving record (depending on their state) and avoid wrecking their prized cars by steering clear of accidents!
Rationale for Defensive Driving Courses
The statistics for car crashes in the United States are sobering.
Car crashes kill over 37,000 people in the US each year, including over 1500 children under age 15. Another 2.35 million people are injured or disabled.
The economic cost of car crashes in the US is also staggering. Car crashes cost the US over $230 billion annually, or about $800 per person.
Defensive driving courses help reduce car crashes. These courses help drivers refresh their understanding of traffic rules, teach them to be cautious and aware of surroundings, and provide tips to safely handle their vehicles in different situations.
Benefits of Defensive Driving Courses
Drivers who complete a defensive driving course receive numerous benefits.
Drivers who complete a defensive driving course often receive a discount on their car insurance. Some states mandate this discount. For example, New York drivers who complete an approved defensive driving course are entitled to a 10% reduction for three years of their motorist's liability, no-fault and collision insurance premiums. In other states, the discount depends on the insurance company, with typical discounts ranging between five and fifteen percent depending on the age of the driver.
Drivers who complete a defensive driving course may be able to shave points from their driving record depending on their state. For example, in New York, drivers who complete an approved defensive driving course are eligible for a reduction of up to four points off their driving record.
Drivers with suspended licenses may be required to complete a defensive driving course before their licenses will be reinstated. Check with your state's DMV office.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of completing a defensive driver course is the reduced risk of having a future car accident. With the health and economic costs of crashes so high, even small reductions in this risk makes taking these courses worthwhile.
Where Can I Take A Defensive Driving Course?
Finding a defensive driving course for your state is easy. Simply visit DMV.org's website and click on the link for your state. You'll also receive a summary of the benefits for your state.
In some cases, you can take an approved defensive driving course online in the comfort of your home. For example, New York drivers can take an online course operated by the American Safety Council. The current list price of this course is $34.50, although discounts may be available through organizations such as AAA. This course is entirely online, and there are no final exams. Be aware that this online course includes several security mechanisms to insure you honestly take the course.
