How Do I Get the GEICO Defensive Driving Course Discount?

Last Updated on July 19, 2023

GEICO offers a defensive driving course discount in most states. This discount could help you save hundreds per year on car insurance.

Available in-person or online, defensive driving courses help you become a safer driver. They can also help you save money.

Typically, GEICO only offers defensive driving course discounts to drivers over 50.

Keep reading to learn how the defensive driving course discount works with GEICO – and how you could qualify.

How the GEICO Defensive Driving Course Discount Works

GEICO offers defensive driving course discounts in most states. You could receive a discount on GEICO insurance premiums if you complete an approved defensive driving course online or in person.

Generally, GEICO reduces premiums anywhere from 5% to 15% after you complete a defensive driving course.

Depending on your state, you may need to meet certain requirements to receive a defensive driving course discount from GEICO. GEICO requires many drivers to be over 50 before receiving the discount, for example. You must also have completed the course voluntarily and not as part of a court order.

During a defensive driving course, you’ll learn safe driving techniques and other strategies for preventing car accidents. A defensive driving course reduces your risk of an accident, which can help you and GEICO save money and avoid future claims.

How to Get a Defensive Driving Course Discount with GEICO

To get a defensive driving course discount with GEICO, simply contact GEICO for a list of approved courses in your state, then complete the course.

On average, it takes 4 to 8 hours to complete a defensive driving course. After completion, you could receive a car insurance discount immediately, and you could continue to receive that discount for up to three years.

Generally, here’s how to get a defensive driving course discount with GEICO:

Step 1) Search for approved defensive driving courses near you. Or, contact GEICO for a list of approved courses.

Step 2) Register for a course. Courses typically take 4 to 8 hours to complete and cost $50 to $500, depending on the nature of the course. Some courses are online, while others are in-person.

Step 3) Complete the course. During the course, you’ll learn defensive driving techniques, including strategies for reducing the risk of an accident. You may have to pass a final exam at the end of the course to test your knowledge. Then, you receive a certificate of completion.

Step 4) Submit your certificate of completion to GEICO. GEICO needs proof you have completed the course before providing you with a discount.

Step 5) Look for a discount on your next billing statement. Generally, defensive driving courses help you save 5% to 15% on car insurance, and that discount could last for up to three years.

GEICO Defensive Driving Course Discount Requirements

Not all drivers qualify for GEICO’s defensive driving course discounts. Generally, the discount only applies to drivers over 50.

However, specific eligibility requirements vary from state to state.

You can check eligibility requirements for your state at the official GEICO website.

Common eligibility requirements include:

• You must be at least 50 years of age or be a member of the United States Armed Forces who completed a course provided by the United States Armed Forces
• You must have completed the defensive driving course voluntarily and not because of a court order or order from any other government entity
• You must not have any SR-22 or FR-44 requirements attached to your license
• In some states, you must have no at-fault accidents or other major accidents on your driving record for the last 3 to 5 years to qualify
• In some states, GEICO requires drivers to be at least 55 years of age before qualifying for the defensive driving course discount

Is a Defensive Driving Course Worth It?

Depending on your situation, a defensive driving course may or may not be worth it. Some of the reasons a defensive driving course may be worth it include the following:

Save 10% to 15% on Car Insurance: In most states, GEICO provides you with a discount of 10% to 15% for completing a defensive driving course. You could save hundreds of dollars on car insurance over the next few years because of the course.

Reduce the Risk of Accidents, Injuries, and Death: Car accidents raise insurance rates. They can also lead to injuries and death. Defensive driving courses teach you how to be a safer driver. If a course helps you avoid a major accident, it’s immediately worth taking.

Final Word

If you’re over 50 years of age (or 55 in some states), then you could qualify for a defensive driving course through GEICO.

GEICO’s approved defensive driving courses include online and in-person classes. You can complete a 4 to 8 hour class, then receive a significant discount on car insurance for the next three years.

To learn more about defensive driving courses available in your area, or to check your state’s defensive driving course eligibility requirements, contact GEICO today.