How Do I Get the State Farm Defensive Driving Course Discount?
Last Updated on September 18, 2023
State Farm offers a defensive driving course discount to help you save hundreds per year on car insurance.
Depending on your age, state, and driving history, you may or may not qualify for a defensive driving course discount from State Farm.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about State Farm’s defensive driving course discount and how you could qualify.
State Farm Offers a Defensive Driving Course Discount in Most States
If you are a State Farm policyholder and complete a certified defensive driving course, then you could receive a discount on car insurance.
State Farm offers a defensive driving course discount in most states.
After completing a defensive driving course, you could save 15% or more on car insurance. Discounts vary based on age, location, state, and other factors.
How Defensive Driving Courses Work
After completing an approved course, you can receive a defensive driving course discount from State Farm.
There are two types of approved courses, including:
- In-person defensive driving courses
- Online defensive driving courses
Depending on your state, you may need to complete a specific type of course. Or, you could receive a discount from either type of course. The list of qualified courses varies from state to state.
Some courses are available online or in person. You could choose to complete the course online. Or, you could visit a facility near you to complete the class in person.
How to Obtain the State Farm Defensive Driving Course Discount
To obtain a defensive driving course discount from State Farm, follow these steps:
Step 1) Contact State Farm or your local State Farm agent to request a list of suitable defensive driving courses in your area. Approved defensive driving courses vary from state to state. State Farm allows online courses in some states but not others.
Step 2) Register and pay for the course. A defensive driving course typically costs $15 to $100 (online) or $250 to $500 (in-person).
Step 3) Complete the defensive driving course. Courses have different content, but all courses teach you how to improve your driving skills and be a safer driver. Expect to spend 4 to 8 hours on a typical defensive driving course.
Step 4) Provide proof of completion to State Farm. You may receive a certificate after passing the final exam, for example.
Step 5) Check your next State Farm policy statement to verify State Farm has added your defensive driving discount. You could receive a discount of 5% to 20%, depending on your state, age, driving history, and other factors.
Are Defensive Driving Courses Worth It?
If you can find an affordable defensive driving course in your area, then it may be worth it to save money on insurance.
There are two reasons defensive driving courses may be worth it:
Reduce Car Insurance Premiums: If you pay $100 for a defensive driving course today and save $100 on car insurance for the next three years, then you’re saved $200 total. Consider the cost of the defensive driving course and the potential discount to determine if the course is worth it.
Reduce the Risk of Accidents: The bigger benefit of a defensive driving course is that it reduces the risk of an accident. A single accident could cause rates to rise 50% or more, costing you thousands in higher car insurance costs. Of course, a single accident could also cause injury or death. If your defensive driving course helps you avoid a single accident, it’s immediately worth it.
How Long Does the State Farm Defensive Driving Discount Last?
On average, the State Farm defensive driving discount lasts for around three years in most states.
If your defensive driving course discount has expired, you can repeat the above process to earn the discount again. That discount remains active for three more years.
Other State Farm Car Insurance Discounts
If you qualify for the State Farm defensive driving course discount, then you could also save money via other State Farm discounts:
Drive Safe & Save: State Farm offers a driver tracking program called Drive Safe & Save. State Farm tracks your driving habits, then gives you a discount of up to 30% on car insurance. The safer you drive, the more you can save. You also get a base discount just for enrolling. If you are a low-mileage driver with safe braking and acceleration habits, Drive Safe & Save could be your right choice.
Steer Clear: State Farm’s Steer Clear program helps drivers under 25 save money on car insurance. You learn how to be a better, safer driver via a mobile app and online course.
Good Driver & Accident-Free Discounts: If you’re a good driver, you can save on car insurance with any company – including State Farm. State Farm offers accident-free driving discounts if you’ve gone three or more years without an accident. You may also qualify for a good driver discount if you’ve gone three or more years without moving violations.
Bundling Discounts: Insure multiple vehicles with State Farm to save money across all policies. Or, insure home insurance with State Farm to save money.
Final Word
Contact State Farm or your local agent to request a list of approved defensive driving courses in your area. State Farm maintains a list of in-person and online courses you can complete to receive a discount on car insurance.
After finding and passing a course, you could receive a 15% discount on car insurance. That discount remains active for three years.
