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Auto insurance companies sometimes charge people more as they age due to statistics indicating a higher likelihood of accidents in the age group over 55. However, to offset that this can be unfair to a responsible adult over 55 who is looking for affordable insurance, many states offer driving classes that can be completed for a certificate.
This certificate can then be turned into your auto insurance company to make you eligible for a discount on your auto insurance. In states that offer this discount, taking one of these classes could allow you to receive a discount on your insurance to buy auto insurance.
34 states and Washington D.C. offer this discount. Do you live in a state with these classes as an option? States that offer a discount for safe driving classes are: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
If you don’t live in one of these states you should still check with your auto insurance company, as they often offer discounts that are not state-mandated for people over age 55 who take driving classes anyway.
Some people may be interested in taking these classes online instead of in person. Of the 34 states that mandate an auto insurance discount for driving classes, 23 and Washington D.C. mandate a discount for the online version of the state-approved classes. The 23 states are: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.
Depending on your auto insurance company, the state where you live, and your personal situation including history and driving record, you can lower your monthly auto insurance costs by up to 10%.
The classes are priced differently based on the state but generally range from between about $15 to about $50 to get your certificate, depending on where you live. The certificate you get from taking the class lasts for three years, at which point you have to take the class again to get another discount.
These driving classes cover safe driving practices, defensive driving, the rules of the road, use of new technology, effects of health problems on driving ability, managing visibility, time and space, and understanding how medications may affect driving, among other things. These classes can be both a refresher or updated version of the rules of the road and information more pertinent to people over age 55, such as strategies for driving with common health issues.
American Association of Retired Person (AARP), American Automobile Association (AAA), and the National Safety Council (NSC) are the organizations that offer these classes and the official certificates that go with them. Check your local area’s chapter to see if you can sign up.
