Will Attending Driving School Lower my Rates?

Will my daughter's insurance rates be lower if I send her to driving school?

Driving school is a time-tested method for training safer drivers who know defensive-driving techniques and are aware of other safety concerns. In fact, many insurance companies look favorably on drivers who have enrolled in driving school or other driving programs. If you are looking to reduce your car insurance premium, driving school may help. Remember that dozens of factors affect your premium, so it’s impossible to guarantee the exact impact that driving school will have on your wallet.

If you’re thinking about enrolling in a drivers’ education program with the explicit goal of lowering your insurance premium, be sure to consult your insurance company first. Your insurer could have a specific school or program that will help get you a discount, or may have regulations that prescribe exactly the type of course necessary.

Teen drivers and driving school

If you are a parent of a teen driver, it is especially wise to consider driving school. Beyond auto insurance savings, you could – quite literally – save your child’s life. Auto accidents are the leading cause of teen deaths. More than 5,000 teens die each year in auto accidents. Depending on your insurance company, you could receive a break on your premiums if your teen enrolls in a drivers’ education program. These classes have shown a statistical reduction in the rate of accidents involving teen drivers.

Remember that when your teen reaches driving age, your car insurance premium could automatically double (or increase even more). Your state’s regulations as well as your individual policy and insurance company will prescribe whether your teen will be automatically insured at driving age, or whether it’s your choice when to add him/her to the policy. Be sure you’re aware of these factors ahead of time.

Adults seeking additional training

It’s difficult to argue against the idea of taking a driving course. Not only do they teach you excellent defensive-driving skills, but you also will learn some harsh realities about the tragedies that occur on public roads across the nation each day. Adults often consider enrolling in driving courses after they have received a speeding ticket or have been cited for a similar moving violation.

Depending on your state’s laws and your insurance company, you may benefit directly from enrolling in driving or traffic school. Some states or counties have regulations that will keep your driving record clean if you take a class – meaning, you theoretically won’t see an increase in your insurance premiums because of your mistake. The benefit, however, can vary thanks to factors such as your state’s regulations, your personal driving record, and your insurance company. Keep this in mind.

Some states offer driving education courses that are excellent for drivers who haven’t been cited. These voluntary programs could help you with insurance costs as well as provide you with ample education about auto safety and car performance. Consult your local motor vehicle department, as well as your insurance company, to find out whether taking these classes would benefit your car insurance premiums.