All About Safe Driver Insurance Discount
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A safe driver discount also called a good driver discount lowers your car insurance premium when you keep a clean driving record, usually three to five years with no at-fault accidents or moving violations. According to Insurify, good driver discounts can reduce premiums by roughly 10%–40%, depending on your insurer, your state and whether you join a telematics (usage-based) program. Drivers with a clean record also pay about 20%–35% less than drivers with recent violations, so safe driving saves money twice.
Qualifying for a safe driving discount is fairly straightforward: Just maintain a clean driving record for a few years (sometimes three, often five, depending on the insurance company). Given that you need some time to create this spotless record, safe driving discounts are usually only available to people 25 years of age or older.
You may also be required to take a defensive driving course to qualify for this discount, though—again—this is a policy that varies from provider to provider.
Most drivers save somewhere between 10% and 40%. Your actual savings depend on the insurer, your state, your driving history and whether the discount is based on your record, a telematics program, or both. A clean record also lowers your base rate here is how average monthly costs compare by driving record:
| Driving Record | Average Monthly Cost (Liability-Only to Full Coverage) | Cost vs. Clean Record |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $99 – $174 | — |
| Speeding ticket | $128 – $225 | About 29% higher |
| At-fault accident | $132 – $232 | About 33% higher |
| DUI / DWI | $146 – $257 | About 48% higher |
| Insurer | Program / Discount | Savings Range | Tracks Driving? |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | Drive Safe & Save | Up to 30% | Yes (app) |
| Liberty Mutual | RightTrack | Up to 30% | Yes (app) |
| USAA | SafePilot | 10% – 30% | Yes (app) |
| GEICO | Good driver / DriveEasy | Up to 22% | Program-dependent |
| Travelers | Safe Driver Discount | 9% – 18% | Optional (IntelliDrive) |
| Progressive | Snapshot | About $260/year on average | Yes (app or device) |
Telematics programs use a smartphone app or small device to track driving habits such as speed, hard braking, rapid acceleration, phone use, mileage and time of day. Safe driving can earn a discount many programs offer a small savings just for enrolling and the final discount is usually set at renewal. They can be a faster path to savings for newer drivers who have not yet built a long clean record.
Keep in mind: risky driving habits recorded by the program can reduce your discount, and with some insurers in some states, they can raise your rate. Read the program terms before enrolling.
Typically, a safe driving discount will save you between 20-50% on your car insurance premium. Some insurance companies will increase your discount for every subsequent year you’re accident and infraction-free, but the savings usually max out at 50%.
Time and good driving is the only way to improve your driving record to qualify for a safe driving discount.
However, there may be a loophole: Some insurance providers will overlook minor infractions and accidents if you’ve purchased accident forgiveness insurance. Ultimately, you will have to speak with your insurer to find out if that’s the case with your company.
Another way to lower your premium if you cannot clear your record is to qualify for a defensive driving insurance discount. As the name suggests, you just have to take a defensive driving course and then provide proof of certification to your insurance company.
Defensive driving insurance discounts are an excellent way to save up to 20% on your auto insurance premium. These courses only take a matter of hours to complete and will teach—or reinforce—how to drive safely while adhering to the rules of the road.
Defensive driving discounts are most often available to teenage drivers and drivers over 55 years of age. The reason for these age categories is that these are the people who are statistically considered the highest risk drivers. As such, these are the drivers who will most benefit from a crash course on road safety.
You can take courses online or in-person which will cost anywhere between $15 and $100. Be sure to check with your insurance company to see if they require you to go to certain driving schools. Not all online driving schools are recognized or reputable.
The good news is that taking a defensive driving course will more than pay for your tuition when your defensive driving discount kicks in—but the discount only lasts three years, after which point you will have to do the course again if you want the discount to continue.
California law requires insurers to give qualifying drivers a Good Driver Discount of at least 20%. Generally, you must have been licensed for at least three years and have a clean record — for example, no more than one violation point and no at-fault accident causing injury or death in that period. Full eligibility rules are set by the California Department of Insurance.
Yes, for most drivers it is one of the easiest ways to lower premiums, because you earn it simply by driving carefully. To get the most out of it, combine it with other discounts (such as bundling or multi-car), consider a telematics program if you are a cautious driver, and compare quotes from at least three insurers, since each company weighs your driving record differently.
The main thing to know about getting a safe driving discount on your insurance is that not only will it save you a serious chunk of change, but it will also encourage you to be a more careful and conscientious driver, which could save you much more than just money.
Yes, as well as no other vehicle-related infractions.
Typically, five years, but you could start seeing discounts in as little as three with some providers.
That varies from insurance provider to provider. Check with your carrier.
Most safe or good driver discounts save about 10%–40% on car insurance premiums, according to Insurify. The exact amount depends on your insurer, state and whether you enroll in a telematics program.
Most insurers require three to five years without at-fault accidents or moving violations. Some telematics programs can reward safe driving sooner.
Generally, yes. Insurers use different names safe driver, good driver, accident-free or claims-free but they all reward a clean driving record.
Usually, yes. A moving violation such as a speeding ticket can make you lose the discount at renewal until your record is clean again for the insurer’s required period.
Accordion Cont
Yes, but it can be harder because they have a shorter driving history. Telematics programs and good student discounts can help younger drivers save while they build a clean record.
ent
Not always. Many insurers offer record-based discounts without tracking. Telematics programs are optional ways to earn additional savings based on how you drive.
California law requires insurers to give qualifying good drivers a discount of at least 20%. Drivers generally need at least three years of licensing and a clean record.
It can. Many insurers offer a discount for completing an approved defensive driving course, and some states require insurers to offer it to older drivers. Check with your insurer before enrolling.
Lauren Lewthwaite Lauren Lewthwaite has been freelance writing for almost five years writing content that ranges from health to insurance and everything in between. Lauren is also a trained translator in French and English and is a dog-mom to an adorable Australian Shepherd.
