Affiliate Disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a plan from the car insurance providers outlined here. These commissions come to us at no additional cost to you. Our research team has carefully vetted dozens of car insurance providers. See our Privacy Policy to learn more.
There are plenty of discounts available to lower your car insurance cost. Among those discounts is the ability to take a driver’s education course as a way to save money. This guide will discuss the discounts that you can typically expect after taking a driver’s ed course as well as how to get them.
To help you save on auto insurance, our team has reviewed major insurance providers and identified the top car insurance companies. Enter your zip code in the tool above to get free quotes from top-rated insurance companies.
Will Driver’s Ed Lower My Car Insurance Cost?
You can frequently get a discount on car insurance by taking a driver’s education course. Just keep in mind that not every insurance company offers this type of discount.
Because of that, you should always confirm with your insurance company that it offers a discount for completing driver’s ed. This will also let you know if the company has any specific requirements for the discount. For example, there may be restrictions as to what types of driver’s education courses qualify.
In most cases, you just have to pass the course. Then, you will receive a certificate that you can show to your insurance agent to receive the discount.
How to Get a Driver’s Ed Car Insurance Discount
Finding an approved class so you can get a driver’s education car insurance discount does not need to be overwhelming. There are many methods of finding an appropriate course.
For teens who are still in high school, your school likely offers driver’s ed. This is a very convenient option that is worth consideration. If your high school does not offer a course, they may have suggestions for private courses available in your area.
Most areas have several options for private driver’s education classes. Most of these classes are geared toward teens who are first-time drivers. There are also many courses geared to adults or anyone looking to refresh their driving skills and become a safer driver.
There are now even some online driver’s education courses available. Of course, these will not typically have a practical driving component.
Not only are driver’s ed courses helpful for new drivers, but some states require drivers to take a course before getting their driver’s license. Furthermore, even if you’re already a more experienced driver, refreshing your skills and knowledge is never a bad idea.
Don’t forget to also consider asking your insurance company for suggestions. If the company offers a discount for driver’s ed, agents working there will likely know of some courses that they can suggest if you contact them.
While speaking to your insurance company representative, ask them how much their discount is. This will let you easily compare the discount between various providers’ insurance policy options.
Will Attending Driver’s Education Lower Teen Drivers’ Car Insurance Rates?
Yes, depending on the insurance company that you choose, teen drivers are likely to get a driver’s education car insurance discount.
You can typically expect to get a discount of between 5% and 20% for completing a driver’s ed course.
You can expect the discount to be larger for teen drivers than for experienced drivers. This is because the insurance companies see the driver’s education course as a way to teach good driving habits. By contrast, the companies feel that it can safely be assumed that experienced drivers already have those habits.
Benefits of Enrolling in a Defensive Driving Course for Teens
While the driver’s education car insurance discount may be the factor that encourages you or your teen to take a defensive driving course, the discount is not the only benefit. Other benefits of teens taking defensive driving courses include:
- A boost in road safety due to newly acquired defensive driving techniques
- Preventing distractions
- Reinforcing driving basics
- Building muscle memory
- Additional driving experience
- Increased confidence behind the wheel
- Education regarding risks and potential consequences
The improved safety that comes with taking a driver’s education course is particularly important. Taking driver’s ed reduces the rate of teen crashes by 4.3% and reduces convictions by 40%. Another study conducted in Nebraska found only 11.1% of teens who took driver’s education were involved in car accidents. This statistic increased to 12.9% for those who did not take driver’s education.
Where Can I Find a Defensive Driving Course for Teens?
You should be able to easily find a defensive driving course for teens. A good starting place is always your teen’s high school, which may offer a defensive driving course. If it does not offer this course, the school will likely have a list of local options to share with you.
You can also check to see if your state’s DMV has a list of local driver’s education courses. An online search is another good option. You can also ask for referrals from family and friends.
As you search for a defensive driving course for teens, don’t just sign up for the first one you see. Consider the following factors as you compare options:
- If it is state-licensed
- How affordable it is
- Whether it fits your schedule
- Whether it provides a vehicle
- The BBB rating of the driving school
- The refund or cancellation policy
- Whether it meets your insurance company’s requirements for a discount
What Other Discounts are Available for My Teen Driver?
A driver’s education car insurance discount is not the only auto insurance discount that is available for teen drivers on their insurance premiums. Other discounts teen drivers may be eligible for include:
- Good student discounts
- Student-away-at-college discounts
- Safe driving discount
- Discounts for a clean driving record
- Discounts for bundling insurance with parents’ (or an adult driver’s) auto and/or home insurance
When it comes to finding affordable car insurance for young drivers, the best method is to get quotes from multiple providers. This lets you compare quotes and spot the best deal.
Our Recommendations for Auto Insurance
Regardless of whether you are eligible for a driver’s education car insurance discount or not, we recommend getting insurance from GEICO and State Farm.
You can use the tool below to get free insurance quotes to make comparison shopping easy.
GEICO: Best Overall
Our expert team gave GEICO the best overall title, with a rating of 9.1 out of 10. The insurance company also earned a 9.0 for customer experience, 9.4 for cost, and 8.5 for coverage, along with a 9.8 for industry reputation.
State Farm: Best Student Discounts
State Farm is a particularly appealing option for teens due to its student discounts. Our team gave it an 9.1 out of 10. This includes a 9.9 rating for industry reputation, an 9.0 for coverage and cost, and an 8.8 for customer experience.
FAQ: Driver’s Education Insurance Discounts
What are the benefits of taking driver’s ed?
Taking driver’s education can get you a discount on your auto insurance. It also provides you with more hours of practice behind the wheel, improves muscle memory and reduces the risk of an accident.
How can driver’s ed help me save on car insurance?
Many insurance companies will offer discounts on your car insurance for completing a driver’s education course. Just show your insurance company your certificate of completion after you’ve passed the course.
How can I lower my insurance rates?
You can lower your insurance rates by looking for eligible discounts, such as those for completing driver’s ed. You can also opt for less coverage or swap out your current car for a more reliable, less expensive one.
What will make my car insurance go up?
Your car insurance rates will go up if you get in an accident or get a traffic violation. Your rates can also increase if you move to a different location or buy a more expensive car.
