Best Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts in 2025
The best defensive driving insurance discounts come from Progressive, Travelers, and State Farm. Progressive offers up to 30% off to drivers who complete a defensive driving course. These insurers make it easy to qualify through approved courses, multi-year savings, and broad age eligibility.
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Insurance and Finance Writer
Luke Williams is a finance, insurance, real estate, and home improvement expert based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializing in writing and researching for consumers. He studied finance, economics, and communications at Pennsylvania State University and graduated with a degree in Corporate Communications. His insurance and finance writing has been featured on Spoxor, The Good Men Project...
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Updated September 2025
Progressive, Travelers, and State Farm have the best defensive driving insurance discounts, with eligible drivers saving up to 30% on their premiums.
Top 10 Companies: Best Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts| Company | Rank | A.M. Best | Defensive Driving | Who Qualifies? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | #1 | A+ | 30% | Any age in eligible states with course |
 | #2 | A++ | 20% | Ages 21+ (or 55+) with course |
 | #3 | A++ | 15% | Typically age 55+ with course |
 | #4 | A++ | 10% | All ages in qualifying states with course |
 | #5 | A+ | 10% | Age 55+ (or all ages) with training |
 | #6 | A+ | 10% | Age 50+ in AARP or similar course |
 | #7 | A | 10% | All ages in eligible states with certificate |
 | #8 | A++ | 5% | Clean record + course completion |
 | #9 | A+ | 5% | Typically age 55+ with approved course |
 | #10 | A | 5% | All ages in qualifying states with cert. |
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. Taking a defensive driving course is a smart way to save money on car insurance.
- 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
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.
How to Qualify for a Defensive Driving Discount
Most insurers will require you to complete online or in-person a state-approved defensive driving course to be eligible to receive the discount. Eligibility can vary based on age, location, and driving record.
After completing the course, submit your certificate to your insurer. Discounts may last up to three years. See our guide on how to buy auto insurance.
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What a Defensive Driving Course Teaches You
Defensive driving courses improve awareness, judgment, and reaction time, teaching proactive techniques to reduce accidents and promote safer driving.
- Hazard Recognition: You’ll learn to spot and anticipate dangers like erratic drivers, pedestrians, bad weather, and sudden traffic changes, helping you react quickly and avoid collisions.
- Safe Following Distances: Courses teach safe following distances and speed adjustments to prevent rear-end collisions, important when considering collision vs. comprehensive auto insurance.
- Managing Distractions and Impairments: Defensive driving courses highlight the dangers of distractions and explain how fatigue, alcohol, and medications impair reaction time and judgment.
- Traffic Laws and Safe Driving Best Practices: You’ll review current traffic laws, including state-specific updates, and reinforce habits like signaling, lane changes, and yielding for safer driving.
- Emergency Maneuvers and Accident Avoidance: Learn how to handle emergencies like skids, sudden stops, or tire blowouts, and use evasive tactics to avoid accidents in unexpected situations.
Completing a defensive driving course helps you build safer habits, sharpen your awareness, and respond confidently to road hazards.
Many drivers overlook that combining a defensive driving discount with usage-based insurance programs can stack savings and unlock even greater long-term rate reductions.
Jeff Root Licensed Insurance Agent
Whether you’re new behind the wheel or brushing up on best practices, these courses offer valuable skills—and can lead to real insurance savings.
Why You May Need to Take a Defensive Driving Course
Drivers take defensive driving courses for various reasons, some to earn insurance discounts of up to 30%, others to meet legal or court-ordered requirements. These courses are often used to dismiss traffic tickets, reduce license points, or reinstate a suspended license.
Employers may require them for safety compliance, especially in jobs where liability auto insurance is needed. Even without a mandate, many drivers enroll voluntarily to refresh their skills and become safer on the road.
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 Monthly Rates With a Defensive Driving Discount| Insurance Company | Before Discount | After Discount |
|---|---|---|
| $104 | $91 |
| $99 | $87 |
| $93 | $79 |
| $88 | $75 |
| $107 | $91 |
| $101 | $86 |
| $97 | $68 |
| $95 | $81 |
| $110 | $99 |
| $100 | $80 |
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.
Schimri Yoyo Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
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.
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 With a Defensive Driving Discount| 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.
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Other Ways to Save on Car Insurance
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| 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 | Savings | System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drivewise® | 40% | Mobile App |
| KnowYourDrive | 20% | Mobile App |
| TrueRide® | 30% | Mobile App |
| YourTurn® | 30% | Mobile App |
| RightTrack® | 30% | Plug-in Device |
| SmartRide® | 40% | Mobile App or Plug-in |
| Snapshot® | 30% | Mobile App |
| Drive Safe & Save™ | 30% | Mobile App or Plug-in |
| 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 Get a Defensive Driving Discount
Obtaining a defensive driving discount is not complicated, and by adhering to all the steps you can receive your full benefit.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider: Start by contacting your insurer to confirm if they offer a defensive driving discount and ask about age, course, and state-specific eligibility requirements.
- Choose an Approved Course: Choose a defensive driving course approved by your insurer and certified by your state. Most providers accept both online and in-person options.
- Complete the Course: Complete the course on time, covering safe driving, traffic laws, and hazard avoidance. You’ll receive a certificate by email or mail upon completion.
- Submit Your Certificate: Share your completed certificate with your insurance company through their app, website, email, or regular mail.
- Confirm and Track Your Discount: When your insurer receives your certificate, the discount is applied, either immediately or at renewal.
By completing a defensive driving course and following the right steps, you can earn a valuable discount on comprehensive auto insurance while becoming a safer, more confident driver.
It’s an easy way to save even more on your premiums and keep your driving record clean. Just be sure to contact your insurer, send in your certificate, and take note of the date by which you must renew your discount.
Maximize Savings 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.
These insurers, recognized among the best car insurance companies, stand out for their combination of affordability, customer satisfaction, and ease of course approval. Enrolling in a defensive driving course and obtaining quotes can help you earn as much as possible and be a better driver.
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
Is the Geico defensive driving course discount worth it?
Yes, it’s worth it. Geico offers a 5%–10% discount for completing an approved course, which can last up to three years. It’s a simple way to save and drive safer.
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.
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 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 defensive driving lower insurance with Progressive?
Progressive offers up to 30% off for drivers who complete a state-approved defensive driving course. Savings vary by state and policy, and the discount typically lasts up to three years. Be sure to submit your course certificate to qualify.
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 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.
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?
Is defensive driving good for lowering car insurance rates?
What is the most important element of defensive driving?
What is the best defensive driving technique?
How much is the discount for the defensive driving course in NJ?
Can I get an insurance discount by taking a free defensive driving course online?
Is the Geico defensive driving course free?
How much is the USAA defensive driving discount?
What are people saying about the Progressive defensive driving discount in Reddit?
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