New York is one of the only states that has a mandatory insurance reduction program for drivers of all ages who complete approved NY defensive driving school programs. With successful completion, you can receive a 10% discount on your insurance premiums. In the next section, we answer FAQs so you can gain a better understanding how this program works.
How do I prove I completed the course?
After successful completion of the program, you will receive a certificate in the mail. You will need to take the certificate to your insurance agent so they can submit it to your insurance company. Once the insurance company processes your completion, your premiums will be reduced for a period of three years.
Can I qualify for discounts in the future?
You can take defensive driving school programs every three years to maintain your 10% discount on your insurance premiums. It is highly recommended to not wait until your discount expires.
Are there any other benefits besides reduced insurance rates?
If you already have points on your license, completing a defensive driving school program can help lower the number of points on your license. After completing the course, the DMV is automatically notified electronically, so you don’t have to worry about providing a certificate.
For example, in New York, up to four points are not counted on your driving record. The point reduction only applies to points you accumulated in the previous 18 months on your driver license. The course does not allow you to receive a “credit” against future moving violations.
Nor does the program remove the moving violations from your record; it just forgives the points for those violations. Additionally, if your license is already suspended, completing the course may not count toward reinstatement.
Will my insurance company also forgive the points?
It depends on your insurance company. Some companies will reduce the points they use to calculate insurance premiums, depending on the type of moving violation. If you have had crashes and claims on your policy, your insurance company may not forgive these types of violations. It is best to talk to your agent to find out for sure.
If I get new tickets, how long do I have to wait before retaking the course?
You can only complete the course once every 18 months. If you get new tickets after initially completing the course, the points will not be forgiven until after you retake the course 18 months later.
Can I get a discount on insurance or a point reduction if I don’t live in New York?
Many states offer a point reduction or insurance discount benefit for completing a defensive driving course. Contact your local DMV office and insurance agent to find out if they offer point reduction and/or insurance discounts.
If you are a New York licensed driver enroll in our online New York State defensive driving course for your 10% insurance premium discount or point reduction today at Ticket School or call us at 1-800-558-9887 for further information. We also offer defensive driving and driver improvement courses for other states, too!