Is a Defensive Driving Course Worth the Insurance Savings?
Everyone wants to reduce the cost of their auto insurance premiums and one way that policyholders are told they can accomplish that is by successfully completing a defensive driving course. However, individuals will need to decide if the cost of the course and the amount of savings are worth it.
Defensive Driving Course
A defensive driving course typically requires 4 to 8 hours to complete and can cost anywhere from $25 to $100, depending on the school of instruction. They’re available in a classroom setting or online. Insurance companies may offer a discount on auto insurance for taking one. Depending on the insurer, that can amount to a 5 to 10 percent discount on rates.
The rationale for insurers is that the courses lower the potential for people to be involved in an accident and those good drivers are less likely to file a claim, thereby saving the insurance company money. The flip side of that argument is that no matter how defensively a person drives, there are always situations in which a driver has little or no control over the actions of another motorist.
Individuals should be aware that taking a defensive driving course doesn’t confer a lifetime discount on insurance premiums. After completing a course, the insurance company typically grants discounts for up to 3 years. Being involved in an accident during that time will negate the discount.
Before paying for any defensive driver course, make sure it’s accredited by the state and check with the insurance company to ascertain if it actually does offer a discount. Some do and some don’t. Do the math – if a $50 driving course results in a 5 percent discount on a $1,000 policy, the individual has essentially spent $50 for a $50 discount, and invested 4 to 8 hours of their time doing so.
For more information about how The Sena Group can help you with any
of your insurance needs, please contact us at 561-391-4661.
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The Sena Group
6501 Congress Ave., Ste. 100
Boca Raton, FL 33487
