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The best defensive driver car insurance discounts are with Progressive, Travelers, and Geico. Drivers save an average of $12 per month with these providers.
These top ten providers offer very large discounts to safe drivers who have completed a qualified defensive driving course compared to their competitors.
| Insurance Company | Rank | Savings Potential | A.M. Best | Who Qualifies? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
#1 | 31% | A+ | Complete an approved defensive driving course and use the Snapshot program |
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#2 | 20% | A++ | Complete a state-approved defensive driving course or mature driver program |
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#3 | 15% | A++ | Pass a recognized defensive driving course, with extra savings for senior drivers |
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#4 | 15% | A++ | Complete a defensive driving course that meets State Farm’s guidelines |
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#5 | 10% | A+ | Successfully complete a defensive driving class and maintain a clean record |
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#6 | 10% | A | Complete a state-recognized defensive driving course and meet age/location requirements |
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#7 | 10% | A+ | Take an accredited defensive driving course; requirements vary by state |
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#8 | 8% | A | Proof of completion of a recognized defensive driving program |
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#9 | 7% | A+ | Policyholders aged 50+ who pass an approved mature driver course |
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#10 | 5% | A++ | Military members & families who complete a certified defensive driving course |
Choose these insurers if you want to really get the most benefit from your driving experience and also significantly reduce the cost of your insurance.
Get the right car insurance at the best price — enter your ZIP code to shop for coverage from the top insurers.
What You Should Know
- Progressive offers defensive driver discounts of up to 31%
- Geico has the cheapest defensive driver car insurance rates
- Defensive driving discounts require clean records and completed courses
Defensive Driver Car Insurance Discounts From Top Providers
Defensive driver car insurance discounts can significantly lower your premiums, but the rates vary among insurers. Progressive has the biggest safe driver discounts for those who take defensive driver programs and sign up for its usage-based insurance, Snapshot (Learn More: Progressive Snapshot Review).
| Insurance Company | Defensive Driver Discount |
|---|---|
|
10% |
|
8% |
|
15% |
|
10% |
|
10% |
|
31% |
|
15% |
|
7% |
|
20% |
|
5% |
You can expect a discount of 10% as an average, but Progressive, Travelers, and Geico are our top three picks because they offer larger-than-average discounts for safe drivers.
Picking the right insurer is about balancing the discount with the level of service and policy features to make sure you're getting the best value for your circumstances.
For instance, State Farm has better customer service ratings than Progressive and Geico and offers a competitive 15% defensive driver auto insurance discount. Compare State Farm vs. Progressive car insurance to learn more.
Defensive Driver Car Insurance Rates
As one of the best good driver car insurance discounts, a defensive driver discount provides additional savings when you complete defensive driving courses. Rates vary greatly depending on your driving record and the coverage level you need.
Defensive Driver Discount & Minimum Coverage Rates
Defensive driver discounts for minimum coverage insurance show significant savings across multiple providers. Geico offers the lowest monthly rate at $68 after the discount (down from $81).
| Insurance Company | Before Discount | After Discount |
|---|---|---|
|
$110 | $99 |
|
$112 | $103 |
|
$80 | $68 |
|
$115 | $104 |
|
$108 | $97 |
|
$110 | $76 |
|
$99 | $89 |
|
$86 | $77 |
|
$100 | $80 |
|
$85 | $81 |
Travelers and Nationwide have the biggest overall savings of $20 or more per month, but their rates are still on the higher side at $80 and $76 per month, respectively. Allstate vs. Farmers car insurance sees some of the slightest reductions on the highest rates, showing that discounts don't always save money if your rates are already high.
Defensive Driver Discount & Full Coverage Rates
The defensive driver discount for full coverage car insurance shows notable savings across multiple providers. Geico remains one of the cheapest options with the most significant reduction, dropping from $95 to $81 per month.
| Insurance Company | Before Discount | After Discount |
|---|---|---|
|
$160 | $144 |
|
$105 | $94 |
|
$95 | $81 |
|
$160 | $144 |
|
$113 | $105 |
|
$115 | $103 |
|
$105 | $91 |
|
$118 | $110 |
|
$139 | $128 |
|
$174 | $157 |
Progressive also offers affordable premiums after the discount at $91 monthly (down from $99). Drivers who combine these savings with its Snapshot UBI get even cheaper rates.
Some drivers may not be able to qualify for defensive driver auto insurance discounts based on their records, including those with DUIs. Keep reading to see how and when defensive driving courses can improve your insurance rates based on driving record.
Defensive Driver Discount & Rates by Driving Record
For a clean driving record, USAA offers the lowest monthly rate at $84, while Liberty Mutual charges $248. Progressive, on the other hand, lives up to its top spot ranking with rates as low as $150.
Rates can spike if a driver has a DUI. As for Progressive, it's monthly premiums are a mere $200, while Liberty Mutual charges an average of $447 per month.
Read More: Top 10 Car Insurance Companies For High-Risk Drivers
Getting The Most Out of Defensive Driving Discounts
Use defensive driver discounts to cut down your car insurance rates, but keep in mind that some companies have strict restrictions and requirements for earning the discount.
- Eligibility: Complete an approved course to unlock insurance discounts. Eligibility varies by driving record and state regulations.
- Course Requirements: Some companies offer a free defensive driving course online, while others require drivers to take state-approved courses.
- How to Apply: You may have to submit a defensive driving course completion certificate to your insurer or earn it exclusively through the insurer's course program.
- Duration of Discount: The discount isn’t permanent. It usually lasts for three years if no driving violations occur. Check with your insurer for specific renewal policies.
Taking a free defensive driving course for seniors can sometimes help lower costs for eligible drivers. Don't forget to look for hidden auto insurance discounts that could lower your costs even more.
Check with your insurance provider to see which courses are approved under their discount program, then use this car insurance shopping guide to find the best rates and start saving.
How to Save Money With Defensive Driver Insurance Discounts
To get the best defensive driver car insurance discounts, focus on companies like Progressive, Travelers, and Geico that make it easy to take a defensive driving course online. These discounts often require proof of completion, but they can significantly reduce your premiums.
By maintaining a clean driving history and completing defensive driving courses, you can lower your rates. Use this approach to save money on your car insurance rates while improving your overall driving habits.
Enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool to see how much car insurance costs in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best defensive driving technique?
The best defensive driving technique is maintaining a safe following distance and staying alert. Keeping space between vehicles gives you more time to react to sudden changes. Scan the road ahead for hazards like stalled vehicles, pedestrians, or weather conditions. This helps you stay prepared for any situation.
What makes a defensive driver better than a good driver?
Instead of reacting to events, a defensive driver expects and avoids risks. Good drivers follow the rules of the road, but defensive drivers are aware of road conditions, allowing them to have a proactive approach to driving and making them safer drivers.
What is the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers?
State Farm, Progressive, and Geico are the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers. They offer competitive rates and flexible policies for those with poor driving records or DUIs. Compare Progressive vs. Geico car insurance to learn more.
What is the cheapest insurance company for bad drivers?
For bad drivers, Progressive and State Farm tend to offer the most competitive rates.
Which gender pays more for car insurance?
Statistically, men often pay more for car insurance than women, particularly younger men under the age of 25, due to the higher risk of accidents. Learn why car insurance is so expensive for some drivers more than others.
Which drivers have the highest insurance rates?
Drivers with the highest insurance rates often have a DUI, multiple accidents, or several speeding tickets.
Does taking defensive driving lower insurance in Texas?
Yes, taking a defensive driver course in Texas can reduce insurance premiums. Compare the best and cheapest car insurance in Texas to learn more.
What is the most critical skill in defensive driving?
The most critical skill in defensive driving is the ability to anticipate and avoid potential hazards on the road. Defensive drivers must constantly be aware of their surroundings, anticipate the actions of other drivers, and have a plan to react quickly in case of an emergency.
What are six car insurance discounts you should ask about?
When shopping for car insurance, be sure to ask about discounts like defensive driving, multi-policy, good driver, student, low mileage, and safety feature discounts. These can significantly lower your premiums, though savings vary based on your insurer and driving history.
How much does defensive driving lower insurance?
Defensive driving can lower your insurance by 10%-15% with some providers. Progressive has the best defensive driver car insurance discount of up to 31%. Check out our guide on how to get cheap car insurance.
Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?
The cheapest car insurance is typically found with providers like Progressive and Geico, especially for drivers with clean records. Find the cheapest defensive driver car insurance companies near you by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool.