Benefits of Taking a Defensive Driving Course

Defensive driving courses may allow you to dismiss traffic tickets, reduce insurance rates, obtain a driver record and become a safer driver. They teach drivers to be cautious and maintain an awareness of their surroundings, the current rules of the road, and the latest techniques in vehicle handling. These skills may help reduce traffic accidents across the board.

If you ever get a traffic ticket, you may have it dismissed in many cases if you take a course through an approved traffic school. On-site defensive driving courses are generally offered by your local DMV. You can also research online course alternatives that may be more flexible and convenient for your schedule. Before signing up for an online course, be sure that your insurance company and DMV will accept that internet-based course.

Many auto insurance providers will give drivers a discount on their car insurance premium for up to three years, provided that they take a driver safety refresher course through an approved traffic school.

How to Use a Defensive Driving Course to Reduce Insurance Rates

Taking a defensive driving course can help you prevent future increases on your insurance premium or negotiate a discount with your insurance company.

Here are some tips on how to use traffic courses for this benefit:

1. Ask your insurance company about their policy regarding rate reduction following completion of a defensive driving course, if they allow defensive driving courses to reduce rates and what the requirements are. You can normally save between 3 to 15 percent on your car insurance, but make sure that the discount makes it worth it to pay for the driving course.
2. Choose the schools that offer "Points and Insurance Reduction Programs" which focus on helping drivers who committed traffic violations within the past 18 months and require no test at the end of the course. In states where this program is offered, drivers automatically qualify for an insurance reduction upon passing the test.
3. Keep in mind that the reduction takes effect only if you do not commit a second offense within a reasonable period, usually 2 to 3 years. If you do, your insurance company may revert to charging the prior rate, and may even add a surcharge on your premium for the violation.

Each state's Department of Motor Vehicles offers a list of approved traffic schools that offer accident prevention courses to reduce points and insurance premiums. An accident prevention course cannot prevent a mandatory license suspension or revocation and cannot be used for reducing points for future violations.

All content on Accidents.com is for informational purposes only and is NOT intended as legal or medical advice. Please seek advice from a professional on any related topics.

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