Defensive Driving Courses: Lowering Your Auto Insurance Premiums

Every month we feel our monthly budgets being stretched. We want to minimize our monthly bills wherever possible. While we cannot eliminate things like auto insurance, because it is required by law to drive in New York State, you can find ways to lower them. When it comes to auto insurance, finding ways to lower your premiums while maintaining adequate coverage is possible. One easy way to ensure lower monthly car insurance premiums is to take a defensive driving course. Below, we will discuss how taking such a course will impact your insurance rates.

Enhanced Driving Skills: Safety on the road is always the number one thing every driver should prioritize. Defensive driving courses are designed to improve your driving skills and knowledge of road safety. You will learn valuable defensive driving skills that will help you minimize the risk of being involved in a car crash. Insurance companies recognize the value of learning these skills and knowledge and view those who have completed a defensive driving course as lower risk. As a result, you become eligible for car insurance discounts.

Reduced Risk of Accidents: As we mentioned before, these courses teach you defensive driving skills and techniques that help you practice safe driving and avoid road hazards. You will learn techniques like driving at a safe distance, checking all your mirrors often, and scanning the road ahead for hazards which will help you avoid an accident. By implementing these techniques, insurance providers will appreciate the reduced risk that you provide to them and offer you lower rates.

Potential for Accident Forgiveness: Some insurance providers offer accident forgiveness programs, which protect drivers from premium increases after their first at-fault accident. Completing a defensive driving course can enhance your eligibility for such programs. These courses are often viewed as proactive steps towards reducing future accidents and improving your driving skills. This shows your commitment to safe driving which may help you qualify for accident forgiveness programs.

Eligibility for Insurance Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts to policyholders who have completed defensive driving courses. These discounts can vary, but typically range from 5% to 15% off your premium. By completing a course, you unlock access to these discounts that can help you experience noticeable savings on your monthly premiums.

Long-Term Savings: By completing a defensive driving course, you will experience both immediate and long-term savings. The discounts that you receive from completing a defensive driving course last 3 years in New York State. That means for the next three years you will enjoy reduced auto insurance premiums.