How A Defensive Driving Course Lowers Your Auto Insurance Premiums
You have probably heard that you can reduce your auto insurance costs by taking a defensive driving course, but you probably don't know how taking the course helps. Taking the course helps to lower your insurance premiums because it:
Makes You a Safer Driver
The premier benefit of a defensive driving course is that it makes you a better/safer driver. This is because you get to learn:
- How to deal with psychological factors that may affect your driving, such as emotional distress.
- About the dynamics of a typical vehicle crash, and how to prevent one.
- Safety equipment such as proper use of head restraints.
- State driving laws.
When you become a better motorist, you engage in fewer car accidents and improve your driving history. This affects your insurance because if insurance companies perceive you as a risky motorist, then you will attract higher rates.
May Result in Premium Discounts
Some insurance companies award you with an automatic premium discount as soon as you prove that you have successfully completed a defensive driving course. For most companies, you will only get to enjoy these benefits if you are either a young or old driver.
Some insurers award greater discounts to younger drivers who undertake defensive driving courses as opposed to older drivers. Of course, the exact age from which you can benefit, and the level of discount you can get, depends on your insurance company.
May Reduce Your Driving History Points
The third way in which you can benefit is via a reduction of points on your driving record. If you have accumulated too many points due to driving violations (such as speeding tickets), then this is a way to redeem your driving history. You may even benefit by having your driver's license suspension lifted.
Depending on your state's laws, your auto insurer may be required to reduce these points and not raise your insurance premiums. In fact, some companies may even reduce your points beyond the state regulatory requirements.
All these things will improve your standing with your auto insurer and reduce or prevent an increase of your insurance premiums. If this is what you are aiming for, then you should consult your state's rules and regulations, as well as your auto insurer, to confirm that they offer the above benefits.
As you can see, you stand to gain a lot by taking a defensive driving course. The benefit is even greater considering that the course charges start just over a hundred dollars. Don't wait for a court order to force you into taking the course; take it at the earliest opportunity possible.
Talk to an insurance company like Graber Insurance to learn about other ways to reduce your insurance premiums.