Best Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts in 2025 (Save up to 30% With These Companies)
The best defensive driving insurance discounts are found with Progressive, Travelers, and State Farm. The Progressive defensive driving discount offers up to 30% savings to qualifying policyholders. These insurers offer cheap full coverage prices, high customer satisfaction, and consistent safe driver rewards.
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Michelle Robbins
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Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
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UPDATED: Jun 30, 2025
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We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
UPDATED: Jun 30, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
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The best defensive driving insurance discounts come from Progressive, Travelers, and State Farm, with eligible drivers saving up to 30% on their premiums.
Our Top 10 Company Picks: Best Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts| Company | Rank | A.M. Best | Defensive Driving | Who Qualifies? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | #1 | A+ | 30% | Drivers of any age in eligible states who complete an approved course |
 | #2 | A++ | 20% | Drivers age 21+ (or 55+ in some states) who complete an approved course |
 | #3 | A++ | 15% | Drivers typically 55+ who complete a state-approved defensive driving course |
 | #4 | A++ | 10% | Drivers of all ages in qualifying states after completing an approved course |
 | #5 | A+ | 10% | Drivers aged 55+ (or all ages in some states) who complete approved training |
 | #6 | A+ | 10% | Drivers 50+ enrolled in AARP Smart Driver or equivalent defensive driving |
 | #7 | A | 10% | Drivers of all ages in eligible states with course completion certification |
 | #8 | A++ | 5% | Drivers with clean records who complete a defensive driving course |
 | #9 | A+ | 5% | Typically drivers age 55+ who complete a state-approved course |
 | #10 | A | 5% | Drivers of all ages in qualifying states with certified course completion |
These top providers consistently offer the best auto insurance for good drivers, with affordable full coverage rates. They also recognize a wide range of defensive driving courses and provide reliable, long-term savings. State Farm stands out for its low rates, high customer satisfaction, and simple course approval.
- The best defensive driving auto insurance discounts offer up to 30% savings
- Course approval and discount amounts vary by provider, so compare carefully
- Progressive is a top pick for combining low rates with solid discount options
Taking a defensive driving course is a smart way to save money on car insurance. Shopping around for multiple quotes can help you find the best defensive driving discounts. Enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool to get started.
Best Providers for Defensive Driving Savings
Completing a defensive driving course can significantly lower full coverage auto insurance premiums across top providers. Progressive offers the biggest discount, knocking $30 off monthly rates, more than any other provider.
Auto Insurance Full Coverage Monthly Rates With Defensive Driving Discounts
| Insurance Company | Before Discount | After Discount |
|---|---|---|
| $210 | $184 |
| $198 | $173 |
| $187 | $159 |
| $175 | $149 |
| $215 | $182 |
| $202 | $172 |
| $195 | $165 |
| $190 | $161 |
| $225 | $188 |
| $200 | $169 |
State Farm remains one of the most affordable auto insurance companies with defensive driving discounts. Erie offers the lowest post-discount rate at $149 per month, but it’s only available in 12 states.
Defensive driving lowers monthly rates when paired with a clean record. Check which courses your insurer approves. For example, some apply discounts for up to three years.
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Most insurers, including Liberty Mutual, Travelers, and Nationwide, offer discounts of $25 or more for completing a defensive driving course. Read our Travelers auto insurance review to find more ways safe drivers can save money on auto insurance.
More Defensive Driving Insurance Rates
Auto insurance rates vary widely among companies offering top defensive driving discounts. Erie stands out with the lowest monthly premiums, $32 for minimum and $83 for full coverage, while Liberty Mutual is the highest at $96 and $248 per month, respectively.
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| $87 | $228 |
| $62 | $166 |
| $47 | $124 |
| $32 | $83 |
| $96 | $248 |
| $63 | $164 |
| $56 | $150 |
| $47 | $123 |
| $61 | $161 |
| $53 | $141 |
State Farm and Progressive are the top companies because they remain the most affordable overall to drivers in more states, along with offering competitive defensive driving discounts.
Cheap rates are also available from Auto-Owners and American Family to those who’ve taken defensive driving classes, especially young drivers who have historically high insurance costs.
Defensive driving discounts help reduce premiums and teach better driving skills, giving new drivers more experience behind the wheel. Look out for these 17 car insurance discounts you can’t miss to lower teen auto insurance rates even more.
Auto insurance monthly rates by driving record vary widely, even with defensive driving discounts. The rates outlined below illustrate why having a clean record and taking defensive driving courses are so important and can save you a lot of money.
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Driving Record
| Insurance Company | Clean Record | One Accident | One DUI | One Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $87 | $124 | $152 | $103 |
| $62 | $94 | $104 | $73 |
| $47 | $69 | $72 | $57 |
| $32 | $45 | $60 | $38 |
| $96 | $129 | $178 | $116 |
| $63 | $88 | $129 | $75 |
| $56 | $98 | $75 | $74 |
| $47 | $57 | $65 | $53 |
| $61 | $89 | $93 | $74 |
| $53 | $76 | $112 | $72 |
Auto insurance rates increase with accidents, DUIs, or tickets, but the Erie, Auto-Owners, and State Farm defensive driving discounts offer the lowest rates, even with violations.
Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap insurance rates.
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Top Ways to Save on Car Insurance With Defensive Driving
Be sure to compare defensive driving car insurance discounts to find the best deal. Progressive and Travelers offer significantly bigger defensive driving discounts than other providers, but there are other ways safe drivers can save on their policies.
Top Auto Insurance Discounts by Savings| Company | Bundling | Loyalty | Multi-Car | Defensive Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25% | 15% | 25% | 10% |
| 25% | 18% | 20% | 5% |
| 16% | 10% | 10% | 5% |
| 25% | 10% | 10% | 5% |
| 25% | 10% | 25% | 10% |
| 20% | 8% | 20% | 10% |
| 10% | 13% | 12% | 30% |
| 17% | 6% | 20% | 15% |
| 5% | 7% | 25% | 10% |
| 13% | 9% | 8% | 20% |
For those seeking cheap auto insurance for multiple vehicles, combining discounts for loyalty, multi-car, and defensive driving can lead to substantial savings on auto insurance. Stack the multiple discounts below to maximize your auto insurance savings.
Most Common Auto Insurance Discounts
| Vehicle Discounts | Driver Discounts | Personal Discounts |
|---|---|---|
| Active Disabling Device | Claim Free | Emergency Deployment |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Continuous Coverage | Family Legacy |
| Adaptive Headlights | Defensive Driver | Family Plan |
| Anti-Lock Brakes | Driver's Education | Federal Employee |
| Audible Alarm | Driving Device/App | Further Education |
| Automatic Braking | Early Signing | Good Student |
| Blind Spot Warning | Full Payment | Homeowner |
| Daytime Running Lights | Good Credit | Life Insurance |
| Economy Vehicle | Loyalty | Married |
| Electronic Stability Control | Multiple Policies | Membership/Group |
| Farm/Ranch Vehicle | Multiple Vehicles | Military |
| Forward Collision Warning | New Customer/New Plan | New Address |
| Garaging/Storing | Occasional Operator | New Graduate |
| Green/Hybrid Vehicle | Online Shopper | Non-Smoker/Non-Drinker |
| Lane Departure Warning | On-Time Payments | Occupation |
| Newer Vehicle | Paperless/Auto Billing | Recent Retirees |
| Passive Restraint | Paperless Documents | Stable Residence |
| Utility Vehicle | Roadside Assistance | Student Away |
| Vehicle Recovery | Safe Driver | Student or Alumni |
| VIN Etching | Seat Belt Use | Volunteer |
Auto insurance discounts are based on your vehicle’s safety features, driving habits, and personal profile, such as being a student, homeowner, or military member. However, usage-based auto insurance has the biggest savings for safe drivers.
Top Usage-Based Auto Insurance (UBI) Programs
| Company | Program Name | Savings | How It's Tracked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drivewise® | 40% | Mobile App |
| KnowYourDrive | 20% | Mobile App |
| TrueRide® | 30% | Mobile App |
| YourTurn® | 30% | Mobile App |
| RightTrack® | 30% | In-Vehicle Device |
| SmartRide® | 40% | Mobile App / In-Vehicle Device |
| Snapshot® | 30% | Mobile App |
| Drive Safe & Save™ | 30% | Mobile App / In-Vehicle Device |
| TrueLane® | 25% | Mobile App |
| IntelliDrive® | 30% | Mobile App |
Usage-based auto insurance (UBI) programs track driving habits through mobile apps or devices, offering discounts up to 40%. Top options include Progressive Snapshot, Travelers IntelliDrive, and State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save.
Be sure to shop around for rates, check out any programs available, such as telematics, and capitalize on all the opportunities insurers provide for safe drivers. It’s an easy, strategic way to reduce your premium while maintaining coverage on the road.
How to Save Money With Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts
The best defensive driving insurance discounts can lead to savings of up to 30% for eligible drivers. Leading insurers such as Progressive, Travelers, and State Farm have competitive pricing and accept many defensive driving courses, as well as offering the biggest discounts in the market.
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These insurers, recognized among the best car insurance companies, stand out for their combination of affordability, customer satisfaction, and ease of course approval. Completing a defensive driving course and comparing quotes can help maximize your savings and improve your driving habits.
Are you curious if another provider offers better defensive driving savings? Find out by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance companies give discounts for defensive driving?
Major insurers offer defensive driving discounts, including Progressive, State Farm, Travelers, Allstate, Geico, Nationwide, and Liberty Mutual. Eligibility and savings vary by state and provider. Learn more in our Progressive auto insurance review to see how its discount programs stack up and what you might save.
Is there a defensive driving discount age limit?
Yes, many insurance companies require drivers to be a certain age, typically 25 or older, to qualify for a defensive driving discount, although some insurers also offer discounts to teen drivers who complete approved courses. Seniors may also benefit from a free defensive driving course for seniors to unlock additional savings.
Can teen drivers take a defensive driving course?
Yes, teen drivers can take a defensive driving course, and in many states, doing so may help them qualify for insurance discounts or meet licensing requirements.
How can you get a defensive driving insurance discount in different states?
Discount eligibility and defensive driving course discount requirements vary by state, so confirm with your insurance provider what’s accepted in your location. Enter your ZIP code to get personalized insurance quotes tailored to your needs, budget, and even benefits from defensive driving courses.
How much does Geico’s defensive driving lower insurance premiums on average?
Everything you need to know about Geico includes their various discount programs, such as the defensive driving course incentive. Geico typically offers a discount of 5% to 10% on your total premium for completing an approved defensive driving course, though the exact amount may vary by state and driver profile.
How much does insurance go up after an accident on average?
On average, car insurance premiums can increase by 20% to 50% after an at-fault accident, depending on the severity of the damage and the insurer’s policies.
How much does a defensive driving course lower your insurance?
Most insurers offer discounts between 5% and 30% for completing a state-approved defensive driving course, depending on the provider and your driving record.
What is the best defensive driving course online?
The best online defensive driving course depends on your state and insurer, but top-rated options include IDriveSafely, Aceable, and DriversEd.com, which are widely accepted by major providers like Progressive, Travelers, and State Farm. Enter your ZIP code to find the best defensive driving course for insurance discounts near you.
How much is the defensive driving discount in NY?
In New York, completing a state-approved defensive driving course can provide drivers with a 10% discount on the base rate of liability, no-fault, and collision auto insurance premiums for three years.
What is the most important element of defensive driving?
The most important aspect of being a defensive driver is awareness. You must always pay attention to your driving environment and expect the other driver to cause problems, so you can react safely and accordingly.
What is the best defensive driving technique?
The best defensive driving technique is to maintain full awareness of your surroundings by constantly scanning the road ahead, checking mirrors regularly, and predicting what other drivers can do to avoid potential hazards.
Is defensive driving good for lowering car insurance rates?
Yes, most insurers do provide a discount of 30% for drivers who have completed an approved defensive driving course. This is one of the smart tips to pay less for car insurance and lower your premiums.
Can I get an insurance discount by taking a free defensive driving course online?
Yes, some insurance companies accept completion of a free online defensive driving course for a discount, but it’s important to confirm whether your insurer recognizes the specific course for qualification.
How much is the discount for the defensive driving course in NJ?
Drivers in New Jersey can receive up to a 5% discount on their auto insurance premiums for three years after completing a state-approved defensive driving course, one of the many smart strategies featured in 26 hacks to save more money on car insurance.
Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap insurance rates.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
