Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts in Texas

Each insurance company can decide who qualifies for its defensive driving discount. Your provider may offer the discount to drivers of any age. But some extend the savings only to young drivers or people ages 50 and up.

The reason you take the defensive driving course can also affect your eligibility. Some insurance companies provide a discount to customers who complete the course to dismiss a ticket or fulfill a court order. Others require you to take the course voluntarily to qualify. Contact your insurance agent to find out about your provider's requirements for the discount.

Texas auto insurance providers that offer a defensive driving discount will reduce your rate anywhere from 2% to 10% if you complete the course and meet all eligibility requirements. Your insurance company determines the exact percentage amount taken off your bill.

Most defensive driving discounts last for three years, and many companies allow you to take the course again to renew your discount. Over multiple years, this can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings!

After you complete your training, we'll send you a digital or print certificate that proves you passed a state-approved defensive driving course. You'll receive two versions of the certificate: an insurance copy for your auto insurance provider and a copy for the court (if you need to dismiss a ticket).

To redeem your discount, contact your insurance company and ask how to submit your defensive driving completion certificate. Then, follow the company's instructions and submit the insurance copy of your certificate.

The best way to find out if you qualify for a defensive driving discount is to contact your auto insurance company. If your provider does offer the discount, remember to ask for additional details about the discount and how it works.

Some important questions to ask your insurance agent include:

• Do you offer a defensive driving discount?
• What are the requirements for the discount?
• Can I get the discount if I took the course for ticket dismissal or by court order?
• Is there an age requirement for the discount?
• What is the amount of the discount?
• How do I apply for the discount after finishing the defensive driving course?
• How should I submit my course completion certificate?
• How long does it take for the discount to go into effect?
• How long does the discount last?
• Can I renew my discount after it expires? How?
• Will the discount be terminated if I get a traffic citation or file an insurance claim?
• Is there anything else I should know about the discount?

Even if your insurance company doesn't provide a defensive driving discount, you should ask if any other discounts are available to you. For example, many companies offer a safe driver discount of up to 20% to people who avoid traffic tickets and insurance claims for at least five years.

Drivers insured by GEICO could save up to 10% on applicable coverages by taking an online defensive driving course. Upon successful completion of the course, GEICO will be notified and update your policy to include the discount. Some GEICO companies provide the discount only to drivers 50 and older, and the discount typically lasts for three years. Ask your GEICO agent about the defensive driving discount for more information.

Texas drivers insured by AAA can complete a defensive driving course to save up to 3% on their auto insurance premium. For details on eligibility, contact your AAA agent and ask about the driver training discount.

Drivers ages 55 and up can complete a state-approved defensive driving course to save money on their auto insurance. 21st Century Insurance customers who complete the course save an average of 2% on their insurance rate. In addition, keeping your driving record free from tickets and accidents for multiple years can earn you an additional discount ranging from 10% to 20%.

Texas drivers insured by State Farm can save 5% on their insurance if they complete a defensive driving course and meet certain eligibility requirements. To qualify, you need to be the principal driver of the vehicle and provide proof that you voluntarily took a state-approved defensive driving course within the past three years. State Farm's defensive driving discount lasts for three years, and you can retake the course again to renew your discount.

USAA provides auto insurance discounts to eligible drivers who complete an approved defensive driving course. Contact your USAA agent to learn specific details about the amount of the discount and the eligibility requirements. In some locations, you will not qualify if you were involved in any accidents or received any driving convictions in the past three years.

Nationwide provides a discount to drivers 55 and up in certain locations after they complete a state-approved defensive driving course. The discount varies, but it is typically about 5%. To qualify, drivers must not have been involved in an at-fault accident in the past 35 months.

Allstate rewards safe drivers with a variety of insurance discounts. Teen drivers, for example, can earn insurance discounts by completing an approved defensive driving program. Full-time students insured by Allstate can also save money on their rate by maintaining good grades. Contact an Allstate agent to learn about the company's discount offers.

MetLife provides insurance discounts to customers who complete defensive driving, driver training or driver improvement courses. The company also offers a mature driver discount to customers between the ages of 50 and 65. If you recently completed a driver education course, you may qualify for an insurance discount. Reach out to your MetLife agent to learn more about defensive driving discounts.

Texas drivers insured by Travelers may qualify for an insurance discount for completing driver training. The company offers a discount of up to 8% for young drivers who take an approved driver education course.

The company also provides discounts to safe drivers who avoid accidents, moving violations and insurance claims for extended periods. You could save up to 10% for demonstrating three years of safe driving and up to 23% for five years of safe driving. Contact your Travelers agent to learn about age requirements and other factors related to eligibility.

Texas drivers ages 55 and older may qualify for a 5% to 10% insurance discount if they complete an approved defensive driving course. American Family Insurance also reduces insurance rates for drivers who have no accidents, violations or claims on record within the last five years. Your American Family Insurance agent can explain the discounts available in your area.