How to Get a Good Driver Discount on Car Insurance

If you've kept a clean driving record, you're probably eligible for some kind of reward for being a good driver — though the amount and insurance company vary. Good drivers can save anywhere from 10% to 30% on their auto insurance premiums.

Continue reading to learn more about good driver discounts, which companies offer discounts for safe driving, and driving tips.

How do good driver discounts work?

When it comes to rewarding safe drivers, insurers take a variety of approaches. We've explained how these work below:

• Accident-free discount. Many major insurers provide discounts to drivers who have not been involved in an accident in the last three to five years.
• Violation-free discount. If you haven't had any traffic violations in the last three to five years, you should be able to get a discount from your insurance company.
• Safe driver discount. Some insurance companies combine the accident-free and violation-free discounts into a single safe driving discount, providing a single safe driving discount to drivers who have avoided incidents or accidents within the last three to five years.
• Usage-based insurance. Usage-based insurance, also known as telematics insurance, monitors your driving – usually through a mobile app or a device installed in your car – and offers you premium discounts based on your performance. The majority of major insurers provide some form of usage-based insurance.
• Lowered premiums. Rather than providing a specific discount on your premiums, some insurers will lower your rates if you avoid an accident for a specified period of time.

In addition, taking a defensive driving course can often result in a premium reduction. While these courses are generally designed for young drivers and drivers over the age of 60, some states make them available to all drivers. They usually last a few hours and cover your state's driving laws as well as techniques to help you avoid an accident. Many courses conclude with a certificate that you can present to your insurer to qualify for the defensive driver discount.

What is considered a clean driving record?

A good driving record for insurance purposes means that you have had no incidents in the last three to five years. The definition of "safe driving" varies slightly between insurers. The following are some of the incidents that insurance companies consider:

• At-fault accidents
• Traffic violations, such as speeding, reckless driving or failing to follow a signal
• Driving under the influence (DUI)

Rates are determined by how likely you are to file a claim. If you have an incident on your record, it shows that you have not always been a safe driver and that you are more likely to require your insurer to pay out a claim at some point.

• A clean record, on the other hand, indicates that you generally drive safely and are less likely to require your insurer to pay out a claim. Because you are a lower risk, insurers can offer you lower premiums — and if you maintain a good driving record for a long enough period of time, some insurers will offer you a discount.

Which insurance companies offer discounts to good drivers?

The following major insurance companies offer some form of a reward to safe drivers:

*Discount availability varies by state. Contact an insurance agent to confirm availability in your area.

Discount for good drivers in California

Drivers in California who meet the state's definition of a good driver are legally entitled to a 20% discount. California drivers must meet the state's criteria and receive a discount if they:

• Have held a license for at least three years in a row.
• Have one or fewer points on their license.
• I've only gone to traffic school once.
• There has been no at-fault accident resulting in death or injury.
• I have had no DUI-related convictions in the last ten years.

If this describes you, your insurance company in California is required to offer you a discount. Good drivers should contact their insurance company to inquire about this discount, and they should also shop around for the best cheap insurance in California.

How to be a good driver discount and maintain your discount

There are a few consistent habits that distinguish a good driver. To be a good driver and keep your car insurance discounts, practice the following safe driving habits:

Drive less frequently

It may seem obvious, but it bears repeating: if your car isn't on the road, you can't get into an accident, get a ticket, or drive drunk. In fact, some insurers will give you a low-mileage discount if you stay off the road.

Look into accident forgiveness coverage

Accidents can happen to anyone, even if you're a cautious driver. Accident forgiveness coverage ensures that your insurer will not raise your rates if you are involved in an accident. Some insurers charge a fee for this coverage, while others provide it for free if you renew your policy and stay accident-free for several years.

Reduce distractions

Texting, changing the song, or double-checking directions all take only a fraction of a second, but that fraction of a second can mean the difference between avoiding an accident and being involved in one. Plan your route and playlists ahead of time, and don't answer any texts or calls until you're parked.

Avoid slamming the brakes and the accelerator

Not only is slamming on the brakes and accelerator bad for your car, but it's also bad for your safety and the safety of those around you on the road. You'll be less likely to collide with another driver if you give yourself more time to accelerate and decelerate.