How Do I Get the Allstate Defensive Driving Discount?
Last Updated on September 15, 2023
Allstate offers a defensive driving course discount in most states.
In roughly half of the United States, insurers are required to offer a defensive driving course discount to older drivers. Anyone of a certain age with a clean driving record who completes the course voluntarily (i.e., not on a court order) could qualify.
Allstate also offers driver’s education course discounts to younger drivers, helping drivers under 25 save money on car insurance.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Allstate’s defensive driving discount and how it works.
Key Takeaways:
- Allstate offers a defensive driving course discount that varies by state, generally benefiting drivers who are 55 or older with a clean driving record and who take the course voluntarily.
- In states where it is mandated, Allstate provides the discount to eligible drivers, with the course’s format and costs varying by jurisdiction—ranging from online classes for $25 to in-person or in-vehicle instruction.
- By completing the defensive driving course, drivers can expect to save between 2.5% and 10% on their car insurance premiums, which usually lasts three to five years, depending on the state law.
- Allstate also extends educational course discounts to drivers under 25, aiming to make car insurance more affordable for younger drivers.
How Allstate’s Defensive Driving Course Discount Works
Allstate offers a defensive driving discount in all states that require it.
Today, 34 states plus the District of Columbia require insurers to offer a defensive driving course discount to eligible drivers. However, different states have different requirements.
In some states, you can pay $25 and complete a four-hour online class to receive a defensive driving course discount, for example.
Other states may require in-person instruction in a classroom or vehicle to qualify for the discount.
Once you have completed the course, you provide proof of completion to Allstate. Allstate then applies that discount to your car insurance premiums for a specific length of time dictated by state law – typically three to five years.
After your defensive driving course discount expires, you can re-take the course to re-apply for the discount.
Allstate Defensive Driving Course Requirements
Not all drivers qualify for Allstate’s defensive driving course discount.
Specific requirements vary from state to state. Some states require insurers to offer defensive driving course discounts to all drivers over 55, for example, while others require discounts for all drivers over 65 or 75.
Generally, you must meet the following requirements to qualify for Allstate’s defensive driving course discount:
- Be 55 or older (some states require you to be 60, 65, or 70 years or older)
- Have a clean driving record
- Be taking the course voluntarily and not via a court order
Depending on your state, you may need to meet other requirements.
How Much Can I Save with Allstate’s Defensive Driving Course?
Generally, you can expect to save 2.5% to 10% on Allstate car insurance by qualifying for Allstate’s defensive driving course.
However, Allstate’s defensive driving course discount varies from state to state.
If you spend $1,600 per year on full coverage car insurance, which is roughly average in the United States, you can expect to save between $40 and $160 per year by qualifying for a defensive driving course discount.
Typically, defensive driving course discounts last for multiple years – say, between three and ten years. The discount automatically carries over each year.
Of course, defensive driving course discounts could save you thousands on car insurance: if you avoid a single at-fault accident because of something you learned at your defensive driving course, then you could avoid thousands of dollars of higher premiums and insurance penalties.
In some states, defensive driving courses can also remove points on your license or remove a moving violation from your record, among other perks. Removing points and violations could save you even more money on car insurance.
Defensive Driving Course Discounts for Teens
Allstate offers driver’s course discounts for teens. However, these tend to be driver’s education course discounts instead of defensive driving course discounts, and they work differently:
Allstate Driver’s Education Course Discounts for Drivers Under 25: Drivers under 25 may qualify for Allstate’s driver’s education course discount. If you complete an authorized driver’s education course, you could get a small discount on car insurance (typically around 5%) for a set period of years or until you reach 25.
Allstate Defensive Driving Course Discount for Drivers 55 & Older: Defensive driving course discounts are designed to improve existing driving skills. You’re not learning the rules of the road or learning how to drive for the first time; you’re refreshing the rules, breaking bad habits, and learning how to reduce your risk of an accident.
Ultimately, taking a defensive driving course is a good idea at any age. However, you could save money by qualifying for Allstate’s driver’s education course discount for teens and defensive driving course discount for older drivers, depending on your state.
What to Expect with a Defensive Driving Course
Defensive driving courses tend to be straightforward. In most states, you sign up for an online course, complete basic tutorials, and immediately start saving on car insurance.
Some states, however, require in-person instruction or in-vehicle instruction to qualify.
Here’s what you can generally expect with a defensive driving course:
- An online defensive driving course could cost anywhere from $25 to $200, depending on whether in-person, online, or in a vehicle.
- Generally, you recoup the costs of the course soon after completing it. The amount you save on car insurance exceeds the amount you spend on the course.
- In most cases, the course takes around four hours to complete. Some states require longer sessions, while others have no hourly requirements.
Contact Allstate or check your state’s defensive driving course discounts to see if you qualify.
Final Word
Allstate offers a defensive driving course discount for older drivers.
Specific requirements (and savings) vary between states. Generally, drivers must be 55 or older, have a clean driving record, and complete the course voluntarily to qualify.
If you qualify, you could complete a four-hour online course and immediately start saving on car insurance.
Contact Allstate today to discover defensive driving course requirements in your state and how much you could save.
