Save 31% With Defensive Driver Discounts
Progressive policyholders can save 31% with a defensive driver discount, according to a recently published report by Clearsurance.com on the best defensive driver discounts.
Defensive driver discounts are available to drivers over a specified age, typically 50 or 55, depending on the company. Defensive driving courses provide valuable financial and safety benefits.
Defensive Driving Discounts by Company
Many of the top insurance companies in the U.S. offer defensive driving discounts, but Progressive’s is significantly higher than any other company’s.
Here is how some of the other insurance providers compare with defensive driving discounts:
- Traveler’s – 20%
- Geico – 15%
- State Farm – 15%
- Allstate – 10%
- Nationwide – 10%
- Liberty Mutual – 10%
- The Hartford – 10%
- Farmer’s – 10%
- USAA – 5%
Although Progressive’s discount is higher, Geico offers the lowest overall rates with a defensive driver discount, according to Clearsurance.com.
Qualifying for Defensive Driver Discounts
The requirements vary by insurance company. Some companies allow drivers to take a wide variety of defensive driving courses. Others require drivers to complete a state- or insurance company-approved class or an online course.
Before taking a class, drivers should ensure it qualifies them for a discount. Learning valuable safe-driving skills is important in its own right, but receiving a discount alongside it makes course completion even more beneficial.
Upon completion of the course, the policyholder must submit proof to their insurer to qualify for the discount.
Defensive Driver Course Elements
Defensive driving courses will review driving laws and road signs. Although seniors who have been driving for decades will feel like this is old information, it’s still a good idea to be reminded of the basics.
Melanie Musson, a nationally recognized insurance expert with Clearsurance.com, encourages seniors to take defensive driving courses every few years. She says, “Even comfortable drivers benefit from a refresher course, getting down to the basics.”
Course participants will also learn updated or new traffic laws that they may not have been aware of.
The courses typically cover how to handle a vehicle in adverse weather, such as rain with hydroplaning risks and snow with slippery road conditions.
Course participants will be reminded of safe driving practices, such as maintaining adequate distance from the vehicle ahead. They will also be able to practice techniques such as scanning, predicting, planning, and executing to make the best decisions.
Finding Free Defensive Driver Courses
Free courses are an excellent option because they help drivers save without making a monetary investment. Senior centers, libraries, and senior living facilities often host safe driving courses for seniors.
AARP is another resource that offers courses and can connect drivers with other savings options.
Bundling Defensive Driving With Other Discounts
Insurance providers offer several discounts, and policyholders can bundle them when eligible.
Some of the more popular discounts include the following:
- Anti-theft
- Bundling
- Claims-free
- Good driver
- Low mileage
- Military
- Paperless billing
- Usage-based
It’s a good idea to review insurance discounts periodically to ensure drivers receive all the discounts for which they’re eligible.
Usage-based policies like State Farm’s Drive Safe and Save, provide some of the best discounts to drivers who practice low-risk driving habits.
Saving Money on Car Insurance
Discounts are a great way to save, but the starting price is important. Comparing quotes from several companies can help drivers find the best price on the coverage they need.
Every six months, drivers should compare quotes. As personal factors change, such as age, address, work status, and more, the way the insurance company calculates a driver’s rates will change, so regular comparisons are important for finding the best price.
Read Clearsurance.com’s entire report here: Best Defensive Driver Car Insurance Discounts.