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How To Get a Defensive Driving Discount

author-photoWritten by Preston Micalizio
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Preston Micalizio

Preston Micalizio writes insurance content for SmartFinancial. He brings three years of professional experience writing ...

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editor-photoEdited by Richard Murphy
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Richard Murphy

Richard Murphy manages content on SmartFinancial's website. With a strong background in content strategy and copywriting...

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Updated September 22, 2025

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A defensive driving discount can help you save on your auto insurance premium by completing an approved safety course. However, depending on your insurer, this auto insurance discount may only be available to drivers of a certain age in specific states.

Continue reading to discover more about defensive driving discounts, including which companies offer them and the requirements you may need to meet to qualify for these premium savings.

Key Takeaways

  • Defensive driving discounts are typically available to drivers who complete an approved course and meet eligibility requirements.
  • Defensive driving courses train drivers to recognize road hazards and avoid accidents with reckless drivers.
  • Defensive driving courses are low time-commitments, typically lasting between four and eight hours, and require passing an exam on the covered material.
  • Depending on the insurer, policyholders may need to be at least 50 years old and live in specific states to qualify.
  • A defensive driving discount can save you about 10% on your auto insurance premium, although savings vary by insurer.

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What Is a Defensive Driving Discount?

A defensive driving discount reduces your auto insurance premiums in exchange for completing an optional safety program. These courses help train drivers to more clearly recognize road hazards, such as rain-slicked roads, and increase their awareness of other drivers, including those driving recklessly.

Defensive driving lessons can help reduce a person’s risk of being involved in an accident, thereby lowering the likelihood of a claim. Typically, these discounts have eligibility requirements and are only available to select policyholders in certain states. In some states, however, insurers are legally required to offer a defensive driving discount to drivers of certain ages.[1]

How Do Defensive Driving Discounts Work?

After enrolling in and completing a defensive driving course approved by your insurer, you must pass an exam on the material. Once you pass, you’ll receive a certificate with the completion date. Depending on your state, you can submit a copy of your certificate to your insurer to qualify for a discount on your auto insurance premium, provided you meet eligibility requirements.

How Long Do Defensive Driver Discounts Last?

The duration of defensive driving auto insurance discounts varies by insurer, typically lasting two to five years.[1] For example, a defensive driving discount offered by Farmers lasts three years.[2] After the discount period ends, policyholders can usually complete a new course to reapply for a discount on their premium.

Who Qualifies for a Defensive Driving Discount?

Aside from completing an approved defensive driving course, eligibility requirements for defensive driving discounts are often based on age, since insurers may view older drivers as having a higher risk of accidents. These discounts are commonly restricted to seniors at least 50 years old. For example, policyholders with The Hartford must be at least 50 years old and have an AARP membership to qualify, while those with Farmers must be 55 or older.[2][3][4]

Some insurers may also offer a defensive driving discount to young adults. For example, Amica provides a discount to drivers under 21.[1]

How Much Can I Save With a Defensive Driving Discount?

Defensive driving discount amounts vary between insurers, but typically amount to approximately 10%.[1] Please note that discount amounts can vary by state, even when offered by the same insurer. For example, defensive driving discounts for GEICO customers can be up to 5% in California, while customers in Arkansas can save up to 15%.[5]

Are There Defensive Driving Classes?

Defensive driving classes come in several formats, though not every type may be available in your state or local area:[1]

  • Online classes: These courses let you complete defensive driving training entirely online using a computer, phone or tablet. They may include video modules, live-streamed lectures, writing prompts and quizzes. Availability varies by state.
  • In-person classes: These courses are taught in person, often combining classroom lectures with driving practice.
  • Hybrid classes: These courses mix online coursework with in-person assessments, such as driving on a course.

Most defensive driving classes take four to eight hours to complete.[6] Some programs, such as those offered by the National Security Council, provide shorter options of two or four hours.[7]

Which Car Insurance Companies Offer Defensive Driving Discounts?

Several major car insurance carriers offer defensive driving discounts:

Insurer

Discount

Eligibility

USAA

Varies[8]

Varies based on location and whether you’ve been in an accident or received a conviction within the prior three years

State Farm

Varies[9]

Varies based on location

Farmers

Varies[2]

For drivers over the age of 55 who’ve completed approved training within the prior three years

Nationwide

5%[10]

For drivers age 55 and above in select states who’ve avoided an at-fault accident in the previous 35 months and have completed an approved accident prevention course

American Family

Varies[11]

For drivers over the age of 55 in select states who’ve completed an approved driver course

The Hartford

Up to 5%[3]

Only available for AARP members who are at least 50 years old and have completed an approved driving course within the prior three years[3][4]

GEICO

Up to 5%-15%[5]

Availability, discount amount and eligibility requirements vary by state

Amica

Varies[12]

Available in select states and requires passing an online defensive driver course through the National Safety Council

How To Practice Defensive Driving

Here are some tips to improve your defensive driving:

  • Keep a three-second gap: Maintain enough distance between yourself and the car ahead so you can safely react if it stops suddenly or behaves unpredictably.
  • Look ahead 15 seconds: Scan the road ahead to anticipate potential hazards before reaching them.
  • Use turn signals: Let drivers around you know your intentions and change lanes only when it’s safe.
  • Check your mirrors regularly: Stay aware of what’s happening around your car.
  • Stay updated on traffic laws: Review new or revised laws to keep your knowledge current.
  • Avoid driving when fatigued or emotional: Being tired or overly emotional can impair judgment and slow reaction time.
  • Find alternatives if unfit to drive: If you don’t feel capable of driving, use a taxi, a rideshare or ask a friend for a ride, even if it’s inconvenient.
  • Monitor your speed: Drive within the posted speed limit, and adjust your speed to match the traffic flow.
  • Give yourself extra time: Plan ahead so you don’t have to rush or drive recklessly.
  • Use caution in hazardous weather: Take extra precautions when driving in rain, snow, fog or other hazardous weather conditions.

How To Get a Defensive Driving Discount

Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for the discount, such as being above a specified age or residing in a designated state. You’ll then need to complete an approved defensive driving course and pass the subsequent exam.

You may need to retake this course every few years to maintain your discount.

Next, find an insurer that offers a defensive driving discount in your state. However, finding the right company may require shopping around to find an insurer that offers this discount alongside the coverages you need, such as minimal or full coverage, at a reasonable premium cost. After all, discount cost savings are less beneficial if you’re paying significantly more on your premium.

Try to get quotes from three to five different insurers when shopping around. You’ll typically need to provide information about your vehicle and personal information, such as your age and home residence. This process can become tedious, however, as you’ll often need to provide this information to each insurer one at a time.

You can significantly speed up this process by using an insurance marketplace like SmartFinancial. After answering a brief questionnaire, we can connect you with a licensed insurance agent to help you get the discounted coverage you need. Click here for a free auto insurance quote today!

Get Free Auto Insurance Quotes From Insurers That Offer Defensive Driving Discounts Today!

FAQs

What does defensive driving mean?

Defensive driving involves actions and attitudes behind the wheel that lower the risk of accidents and increase safety. These include staying aware of your surroundings, eliminating distractions, taking precautions in hazardous weather, keeping a three-second gap between yourself and the car in front of you and consistently using signals to communicate your intentions to other drivers and pedestrians.

Where can I find defensive driving courses?

Defensive driving courses, such as those offered by the National Safety Council, are commonly available online.[13] Some programs may also be offered in an in-person or hybrid format, although availability can vary by location.[1]

Do insurance carriers accept online defensive driving courses?

Many insurance carriers accept online defensive driving courses for premium discounts. Keep in mind that eligibility requirements vary by insurer.

Sources

  1. Amica. “Does a Defensive Driving Course Lower Insurance?” Accessed Sept. 19, 2025.
  2. Farmers. “Car Insurance Discounts.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2025.
  3. The Hartford. “Defensive Driving Course Discount.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2025.
  4. The Hartford. “AARP Age Requirement and Membership Eligibility.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2025.
  5. GEICO. “Find Defensive Driving Discounts & Courses by State.” Accessed Sept. 18, 2025.
  6. Alliance. “How Long Is Defensive Driving Course?” Accessed Sept. 19, 2025.
  7. National Safety Council. “Online Defensive Driving Courses.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2025.
  8. USAA. “Cheap Car Insurance.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2025.
  9. State Farm. “Auto Insurance Discounts, Save on Car Insurance.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2025.
  10. Nationwide. “Defensive Driving Discount on Car Insurance.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2025.
  11. American Family. “Good Driver & Defensive Driving Discount.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2025.
  12. Amica. “Defensive Driver Discount Program.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2025.
  13. National Safety Council. “Defensive Driving Training.” Accessed Sept. 18, 2025.
About the Author
Preston Micalizio
Preston Micalizio
Auto Insurance Expert

Preston Micalizio writes insurance content for SmartFinancial. He brings three years of professional experience writing in various industries, from higher education to e-commerce. He strives to engage with the audience, provide accurate reporting and make complex subjects easily digestible.

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