Many New York drivers think that defensive driving will reduce their monthly car insurance premiums and help them avoid tickets. However, the reality is slightly different. If you know how to drive defensively, it will help you be more aware of potential collisions and how to minimize your chances of being involved in one. And of course, the less collisions you’re involved in, the lower your car insurance rates.
To get an immediate discount off your car insurance premiums, you can enroll in an approved defensive driving course through the DMV, AAA or other organization. Depending on where you live, this can result in steep discounts. In New York for example, completing a defensive driving course can result in a 10 percent rate reduction for a period of three years. And if you have points on your driving record for an incident such as a collision, you can get up to three points knocked off your record if you complete a course within 18 months of the incident. Nowadays, most courses can be completed online with 8 to 9 hours of participation and successfully earning a certificate of completion.
Before enrolling in any defensive driving course, check with your local DMV to make sure it’s approved and will result in rate reductions.