subject: Delaware Residents: New Defensive Driving Program Offers Insurance Breaks For Taking Online Course [print this page] Defensive Driving Defined
Most motor vehicle collisions are caused by driver error. To reduce the risk of an accident, drivers must learn how to anticipate and respond appropriately to hazards, rather than simply reacting to them. "Defensive Driving" courses teach standard accident-prevention techniques. When learned and applied on the road, these techniques can prevent insurance claims, bodily injury, and even death.
A New Way to Save On Delaware Car Insurance
In addition to saving lives, defensive driving courses save driver's money. As an incentive to enroll in them, Delaware and other states offer auto insurance rate discounts and driving record point reductions. According to the Delaware Department of Insurance, state residents who complete a defensive driving course receive a 10 percent minimum discount on their auto insurance premiums.
The discount is good for three years; drivers who complete a refresher course receive a 15 percent discount for the following three years. Drivers also receive a three-point credit applied toward their driving records, which can reduce Delaware DMV financial penalties as well as car insurance premiums.
Taking a Defensive Driving Class Online
If you're taking a class for the first time, you'll be required to take a six-hour basic course. However, many students complete it in a fraction of the time. The course material is simple and easy-to-follow. You have the freedom to work through the course at your own pace. Along the way, you'll take tests to evaluate your understanding of the material. You can retake a test if you don't pass it. The system will track your progress and save your results.
After completing the course, print out two copies of the course completion certificate. Keep one for your records and give the other to your insurance agent for processing your three-year discount. After three years, you're eligible to take the three-hour refresher course, which gives you a 15 percent discount. You can then renew this discount every three years!
New Laws Protect Consumers
To help ensure the quality of online defensive driving courses, Delaware insurance regulators recently made changes to rules affecting course providers. Providers are subject to more rigorous oversight and face stiff penalties if they fail to remain in compliance with state regulations. Before enrolling in any defensive driving school, visit the Delaware Insurance Department website and verify that it is state-approved.
Conclusion
By taking an inexpensive defensive driving course from the comfort of your home, you can receive insurance discounts, DMV point reductions, and the confidence that comes from being a proactive driver. Parents especially should consider including a defensive driving course as a component of their child's driver education program. As reported in Insurance and Financial Advisor News (IFAwebnews.com, Jan. 19, 2010), Delaware Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart said, "In these difficult times, there is no reason any Delaware driver should not take one of these inexpensive courses when the benefit is a significant decrease in their insurance premiums."
by: Jason Castellucci
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