Title: Just saved a chunk of cash on car insurance after defensive driving course
As for defensive driving, my insurer knocked off about 10%, but I had to email them the certificate twice before it stuck. Not a huge hassle, but definitely not instant either.
That’s pretty much how it went for me too. I did the online defensive driving thing last semester (figured it couldn’t hurt, right?) and my discount was about the same—around 10%. I had to call customer service because the upload portal glitched out, so I get what you mean about it not being instant. Still, for a couple hours of clicking through videos and quizzes, I’ll take it.
On the tracking device stuff, I’m with you that it’s not always a win. My roommate tried one of those “safe driver” apps and ended up getting dinged because he works late shifts and apparently driving at midnight is risky in their eyes. He’s not a reckless driver at all, just has weird hours. Makes me wonder if those programs are really fair for everyone.
I’m honestly just glad there are still some ways to cut costs without having to jump through too many hoops. Insurance is already expensive enough when you’re a newer driver. The defensive driving course felt like one of the few things actually in my control. Even if it’s not a massive discount, every bit helps when you’re on a student budget.
Anyway, props for sticking with it and following up until they applied your discount. It’s annoying when you have to chase them down, but at least it paid off in the end.
- Did the defensive driving course a couple years back—same deal, about 10% off. Had to chase my agent for weeks, though. Not sure if it was worth the hassle, but every bit helps with two teens on my policy.
- Those tracking devices? Not a fan. Tried one for a month, but it kept flagging my early morning commutes as “unsafe.” I get the idea, but it feels a little too Big Brother for me.
- Honestly, I’d rather do a boring online course once in a while than have my driving micromanaged 24/7. At least with the course, you know what you’re getting.
Honestly, I’d rather do a boring online course once in a while than have my driving micromanaged 24/7. At least with the course, you know what you’re getting.
Totally get this. I tried one of those tracking gizmos and it nearly had a meltdown every time I merged onto the highway in my M5. Apparently, “spirited acceleration” isn’t insurance-approved. The online course is dull, but at least nobody’s judging my Sunday morning coffee runs. If only they gave extra discounts for parallel parking a big sedan without curb rash...
Parallel parking a big sedan without curb rash should at least get you bragging rights, if not a discount. But yeah, insurance companies don’t care about the little victories—just the stats. Those tracking devices are a double-edged sword; they promise savings but ding you for every hard brake or quick start, even if it’s just merging onto the highway like a normal person.
The online defensive driving course is boring, no argument there, but it’s predictable and you know what you’re signing up for—plus the discount is guaranteed. The telematics thing is more like rolling the dice every trip. If you really want to maximize savings without the constant monitoring, stick with the course every few years. Not everyone’s idea of fun, but it beats having your insurance app scold you for enjoying your car a little too much.
And trust me, nobody’s handing out discounts for parking skills... though maybe they should.
I get where you’re coming from about telematics being a gamble, but honestly, I’ve seen some folks save a lot more with those apps than with the defensive driving course. It’s not for everyone, sure, but if you’re a naturally cautious driver, the savings can add up.
“The telematics thing is more like rolling the dice every trip.”
Maybe, but sometimes the dice land in your favor. And yeah, parallel parking should at least earn you a gold star or something...
