Offense might be the best strategy in sports, but the story is different when you’re behind the wheel of your car. In that circumstance, defensive driving saves lives. Taking a defensive driving class can even land you an insurance reduction by earning you a defensive driving discount in Georgia.
But how and where do you sign up for a Drive Smart Georgia course? And how do you go about lowering your car insurance rates with the course? You’ve come to the right place for answers.
What Are Defensive Driving Courses in Georgia?
You have an array of options for DDS-approved defensive driving courses. One popular option is the Drive Smart Georgia program, a six-hour course approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services. In addition to its availability in person, an online version is offered via live Zoom session with a certified instructor. Either way, the cost is $95.
Some other options offered online are self-paced defensive driver courses, where you can learn at your own speed and availability. Pick up a hour here and there and pretty soon you’ll have a certificate to show your insurer for a discount.
Whichever way you take it, you’ll learn safe behaviors while operating a vehicle and accident-prevention techniques. It teaches proper strategies and responses to a range of hazardous situations you might face while behind the wheel, including challenging weather and traffic conditions. You’ll learn how to maintain safe distances between vehicles, how to reduce distractions, and the proper use of safety equipment, among other tips that will cut risks and save you money in the long run.
Drivers can take the course voluntarily or as a result of a court order due to one or more serious driving infractions or a high number of driving record points.
Visit Drive Smart Georgia for information on how to enroll in the program. You can also find additional Georgia DDS-approved courses here.
How a Defensive Driving Course Lowers Your Car Insurance in Georgia
After taking such a program, your car insurer may consider you a more knowledgeable and better driver. You know how to stay safe and avoid situations in which the risk of collision is high. While high-risk drivers pay the most in premiums (or get their coverage canceled), those who are likely to cost insurers less in claims pay less for their insurance. Your insurance company wants to keep you as a customer if you have a clean driving record. Completing a defensive driving course, such as Drive Smart Georgia, is seen as evidence that you’re serious about driving safely to avoid at-fault accidents and that you have the tools to do so.
What’s that worth to your insurer? The discount on your premiums will vary depending on your insurer and your record as a driver, but it could average 10% to 15%. However, not all insurance companies offer this type of insurance reduction, and eligibility can depend on factors like your age, driving history, and the type of vehicle you drive. In many cases, if a discount is offered, it may last for a set period — often around three years — after completing the course, after which you may need to retake it to continue receiving the savings.
You can even obtain savings by bundling your home and auto insurance, so be sure to contact your insurance provider to confirm what discounts you qualify for.
Additional Benefits of Passing a Defensive Driving Course in Georgia
It’s not all about lowering the rates on your Georgia car insurance. Getting an insurance reduction is a big deal for anyone. That’s one great reason to complete the Drive Smart Georgia program, but it’s not the only one. As mentioned, some of the state’s drivers must take the program by court order for serious driving infractions or an accumulation of points. It might even be ordered as a condition to get a license reinstatement after it’s been revoked.
Other drivers might voluntarily enroll to have points removed from their license after moving violations or simply to become better drivers. When it comes to point reduction, you can take the course every five years, removing a total of up to seven points from your record each time.
Whatever your motivation, be sure to inform your insurance company that you’ve successfully completed a Drive Smart Georgia program. You can send your insurer an electronic or printed form of your good driver certificate of completion. Follow up with a phone call to see if you qualify for a premium reduction.
You’ll also want to turn in your good driver certificate to the Georgia Department of Driver Services if proof is needed to get a reduction on your driving points.
How to Choose the Right Defensive Driving Course in Georgia
Choosing the right defensive driving course in Georgia comes down to making sure it meets state requirements while also fitting your needs, schedule, and budget. Since not all courses are equal, focusing on a few key factors will help you get the most value — and ensure your certificate is accepted.
Check for Georgia DDS Certification
Always make sure the course is approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Only DDS-certified schools are accepted for insurance discounts, court requirements, and license-related purposes. Courses that aren’t certified may not count toward anything, so this is the most important step.
Compare Cost, Format (Online vs. In-Person), Length, and Flexibility
Look at what works best for your schedule and learning style. Most DDS-approved courses in Georgia are about six hours long and may be offered online, in a live virtual classroom, or in person. Online courses are often more flexible and can be completed at your own pace, while in-person classes may offer more structure. Also, compare pricing and make sure there are no hidden fees.
Look at Reviews and Success Rates
Check reviews from other drivers to see how easy the course is to complete and whether customers were satisfied with the instruction and certification process. High success rates and positive feedback can give you confidence that the class will be smooth and effective.
Verify whether the course is accepted by your specific insurance provider or court
Even if a course is DDS-certified, you should confirm it’s accepted by your insurance company or the court if you’re taking it for a ticket or discount. Some providers may have their own list of approved courses, so it’s always best to double-check before enrolling to make sure you’ll receive the benefits you’re expecting.
Who Can Benefit from Defensive Driving Courses?
The benefits of defensive driving courses are plentiful. Let’s take a look at a few of these below.
Drivers with recent tickets or accidents.
If you have any moving violations or at-fault accidents, this course is ideal for you. It can help improve your driving record and may reduce points on your license. In some cases, it will help lower your insurance rate, depending on your provider and eligibility.
Teens and new drivers looking to reduce insurance premiums.
Young and inexperienced drivers often face higher insurance rates. Completing a defensive driving course helps teens learn accident-prevention techniques and aids in responsible habits on the road.
Senior drivers refreshing skills.
As driving conditions and laws change over time, older drivers can benefit from refreshing their knowledge and skills. Defensive driving courses can help senior drivers stay confident behind the wheel and reinforce safe driving practices.
Fleet or commercial drivers under employer requirement.
Many employers require fleet or commercial drivers to complete defensive driving courses as part of workplace safety policies. These courses help reduce the risk of at-fault accidents, improve driver awareness, and ensure compliance with company or industry standards.
How to Claim the Discount
Taking the right steps after completing a defensive driving course is key to making sure you actually receive your insurance discount. The process is usually simple, but you’ll need to follow each step carefully.
Complete an Accredited Course
Start by enrolling in a course that is approved by the state and recognized by your insurance provider. In Georgia, the course should be DDS-certified to ensure it qualifies for discounts and other benefits.
Obtain the Certificate
After successfully finishing the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. This document serves as proof that you completed an approved defensive driving program, and it’s required by most insurers to apply the discount.
Contact Your Insurer
Once you have your certificate, contact your insurance company to request the discount. You’ll likely need to submit a copy of your certificate and provide any additional information they request. After they verify your completion, the discount can be applied to your policy — often at your next renewal or billing cycle.
