Why You Should Take a Defensive Driving Class (2025)
Taking a defensive driving course make you a better driver, and it can lower your premiums by 5 to 10 percent by removing points from your record.
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Ted Patestos
Licensed Insurance Adjuster
Theodore (Ted) Patestos is a seasoned innovator and policyholder advocate in the public adjusting industry. With a career dedicated to turning data into actionable insights, Ted has championed tools and strategies that improve transparency, efficiency, and outcomes for both consumers and adjusters. He developed Claim Machine, a platform that uses weather data to help public adjusters, contractors,...
Licensed Insurance Adjuster
UPDATED: Jul 21, 2025
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 21, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Just about every article in existence on ways to save money on auto insurance includes the idea of taking a defensive driving class. Many drivers scoff at the idea of taking a defensive driving class. However, if you are serious about finding cheaper car insurance rates, you really should.
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If you think you are a reasonably safe driver, you might not have ever considered taking a course like this. In fact, the most common excuse that drivers give is they already know all they need to for safe driving.
- Defensive driving classes will teach you not only how to avoid an accident, but they will teach you how to handle your car sliding out of control
- The money you spend on the class will more than pay for itself when you see just how low your auto insurance rates will go
- Defensive driving can also teach you how to handle situations such as carjackers and medical emergencies that may come up while driving
- While you might not need crazy defensive driving skills every single day, knowing that you can handle scary driving situations if and when they do come up will make you and your auto insurance agent feel better
You Don’t Really Know Everything There is to Know
The biggest excuse people produce for not taking a defensive driving class is they already know all the rules of the road. While you may know the rules of the road, do you know how these rules change per circumstance?
Defensive driving classes will teach you not only how to avoid an accident, but they will teach you how to handle your car sliding out of control.
You may know how to handle bad weather, but defensive driving classes will teach you how to safely navigate situations that arise during these driving conditions.
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They are Cheap
Defensive driving classes are on the cheaper side of the educational scale. You won’t need a student loan to take these classes. The money you spend on the class will more than pay for itself when you see just how low your auto insurance rates will go.
You don’t even need to travel three states away to takes these courses. Many local colleges, schools, and independent driving facilities host defensive driving classes throughout the year.
Talk with your auto insurance agent to find out if they have any they would recommend.
You Become Safer for Everyone
The more you learn the safer you become. Defensive driving classes give you the skills you need to become the safest driver you can be.
This not only makes you safe, but it increases the safety of your passengers and everyone on the road with you, as well as pleasing your auto insurance company.
Defensive driver courses are considered a way that even experienced drivers can have a refresher course and keep their skills sharp. There are certain states with more rigorous defensive driver courses or classes that prepare teenagers for driving (including taking a road test).
One of those is Massachusetts, which was the ranked as the state with the best drivers in our 2021 study. Their driving courses are so rigorous that they have been featured in news media.
It Helps With More than Just Avoiding an Accident
There is more to a defensive driving class than just learning how to handle adverse weather conditions and oncoming auto accidents.
Defensive driving can also teach you how to handle situations like carjackers and medical emergencies that may come up while driving. You may live in an area where auto theft is a part of everyday life.
While each of these situations is different, you will be armed with the knowledge of how to handle the situation and walk away alive. This one fact should be worth the price of admission.
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There is More than Just Lowering Auto Insurance
If safety is just not enough for you, here is one more reason to take that defensive driving class. Some states will dismiss a traffic ticket if you can prove you were using those mad defensive skills to avoid a potential accident.
You will need to check with your state on this, but having a ticket dismissed means cheap auto insurance rates that stay low, you avoid the black mark on your driving record, and you live to drive another day.
Defensive driving classes are one of the most recommended ways to drop auto insurance. You may feel you know everything there is to know about driving. Spend a few days and see if you really do. The worst that happens is you drop your auto insurance rates.
Save Money on Your Auto Insurance!
While you might not need crazy defensive driving skills every single day, knowing that you can handle scary driving situations if and when they do come up will make you and your auto insurance agent feel better.
In the meantime, enter your zip code in on this page to get started comparing free auto insurance rates and start saving some money!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a defensive driving class?
A defensive driving class is a specialized course designed to teach drivers advanced techniques and skills to improve their driving abilities. It focuses on developing proactive driving strategies to anticipate and respond to potential hazards on the road.
How long does a defensive driving class typically take?
The duration of a defensive driving class can vary depending on the specific course and provider. Generally, classes can range from four to eight hours. Some courses may be completed in a single session, while others offer flexible scheduling options, such as online classes that allow you to complete the course at your own pace.
Is there an age requirement to take a defensive driving class?
The age requirements for defensive driving classes may vary depending on the course and jurisdiction. In many cases, defensive driving classes are open to drivers of all ages, including both new and experienced drivers. However, certain courses may have age restrictions or specific requirements, so it’s advisable to check with the course provider for any age-related guidelines.
Will I have to take a test or exam after completing the defensive driving class?
The requirements for tests or exams following a defensive driving class depend on the course and provider. Some courses may require you to pass a final exam to demonstrate your understanding of the material. Others may assess your progress through quizzes or interactive exercises throughout the course. It’s essential to inquire about the specific evaluation process when enrolling in a defensive driving class.
How much does a defensive driving class typically cost?
The cost of a defensive driving class can vary depending on factors such as location, course provider, and delivery method (in-person or online). On average, the cost can range from $20 to $100. It’s advisable to compare prices from different providers and consider any potential insurance discounts or benefits before making a decision.
Are defensive driving classes only for drivers with traffic violations?
No, defensive driving classes are not only for drivers with traffic violations. While these classes can be beneficial for drivers who want to dismiss a ticket or reduce points on their driving record, they are also suitable for any driver who wishes to enhance their driving skills, increase safety on the road, and potentially save on insurance premiums.
Will taking a defensive driving class remove a traffic violation from my driving record?
The policies regarding the removal of traffic violations from driving records vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific offense. While completing a defensive driving class may help in reducing the number of points on your driving record or prevent your insurance rates from increasing, it does not guarantee the complete removal of a violation from your record. It’s important to check the rules and regulations of your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or licensing authority to understand the impact of a defensive driving class on your specific violation.
Can I take a defensive driving class online?
Yes, many defensive driving classes are available online. Online courses offer the convenience of completing the class from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the online course you choose is approved by your state’s DMV or licensing authority if you are seeking any benefits such as ticket dismissal or insurance discounts.
Will taking a defensive driving class make me a better driver?
Yes, taking a defensive driving class can significantly improve your driving skills and make you a safer driver. These classes provide valuable knowledge about defensive driving techniques, hazard recognition, and risk management. By learning and applying these skills, you can become more aware of potential dangers on the road, make informed decisions, and respond effectively to challenging situations.
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Ted Patestos
Licensed Insurance Adjuster
Theodore (Ted) Patestos is a seasoned innovator and policyholder advocate in the public adjusting industry. With a career dedicated to turning data into actionable insights, Ted has championed tools and strategies that improve transparency, efficiency, and outcomes for both consumers and adjusters. He developed Claim Machine, a platform that uses weather data to help public adjusters, contractors,...
Licensed Insurance Adjuster
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.