Auto Insurance USAA: Defensive Driving Courses
Every year, according to the National Safety Council, over 40,000 people lose there lives in automobile accidents. Another 2 million suffer disabling injuries. That’s why many states require defensive driving courses, especially for those drivers with records of traffic tickets and/or accidents.
Defensive driving courses are designed to teach drivers how to be cautious and aware of their surroundings when behind the wheel. They also teach the rules of the road, the latest techniques in handling an automobile and how to avoid accidents. The purpose of these proactive techniques, not usually taught to new drivers, is to teach people how to avoid dangerous road situations and overcome the poor driving habits of other drivers.
Drivers usually voluntarily take the course to either brush up on their driving skills or to qualify for a discount on the auto insurance. The courses obviously work, because most insurance companies offer about a 10% discount on premiums for graduates.
Many other drivers are required by law to take a defensive driving course because of excessive traffic tickets and/or accidents. Others take a course to reduce or keep DMV points from appearing on their driving record. Depending on the local laws, traffic tickets can often be dismissed from driving records by the documentation of completing a defensive driving course. Since individuals with points on their driving record pay higher insurance rates, taking a less expensive course is an easy choice to make.
Defensive driving courses are taught all across the country. They used to be taught by state agencies, but that’s all changed. Almost all courses today are run by private companies. Many have online courses available. That way you can complete the course in privacy on your own time.
Before signing up for a course, be sure to do your homework. Read all the ads and check out all your options. If you’re going to take a course to reduce your car insurance premiums, make sure the course you’re considering is licensed in your state. Also, check with your local consumer protection agencies and Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints made against the school.