The Best Defensive Driving Discounts for Holiday Travelers
You've packed your bags, mapped out your route, and you're ready to hit the road for the holidays. But before you start that long drive, there's one move that can make your trip safer—and significantly cheaper: completing a defensive driving course.
Whether you're heading to see family or escaping for a winter getaway, holiday travel comes with more risk: congested highways, unpredictable weather, and stressed-out drivers. The good news? Many insurance providers offer discounts for drivers who complete a defensive driving course. That means you can sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and save real money—all before you even start the car.
This guide breaks down the best defensive driving discounts available right now, how to qualify, and how to choose the right course for your travel plans.
What Is a Defensive Driving Discount?
Insurance companies reward smart, low-risk behavior. Completing a state-approved defensive driving course shows you're serious about safety—and less likely to file a claim. That makes you cheaper to insure, which often means lower premiums.
Most discounts range from 5% to 15%, depending on the insurer and your driving history. Over the course of a few years, that can add up to hundreds in savings. Better still? Many states let you take these courses online.
Understanding how much defensive driving courses save helps you see the real financial benefit.
Why It Matters Most During Holiday Travel
Holiday travel ramps up both the danger and the cost of driving. Roads are busier, drivers are more distracted, and long-distance travel means unfamiliar routes and weather challenges. For travelers looking to stay protected and pocket some savings, defensive driving is a smart seasonal investment.
Defensive driving teaches you how to:
Recognize danger before it becomes an emergency
Stay calm in high-stress situations
Adjust for traffic, weather, and road conditions
The National Safety Council reports a spike in collisions around major holidays. Completing a defensive driving course equips you to avoid becoming part of that statistic—and helps you keep your premiums from rising.
Even If...
Even if your schedule is packed. Even if you've never had an accident or ticket. Even if you consider yourself an experienced driver.
You'll still benefit from defensive driving. Because the most experienced drivers know: it's not just about avoiding your own mistakes—it's about being ready for someone else's.
Top Insurance Providers Offering Defensive Driving Discounts
Here's how the biggest names stack up for defensive driving discounts:
Progressive
Discount: Up to 10%
Tip: Make sure your course is state-approved and recognized by Progressive.
Travelers
Discount: Up to 8%
Tip: Check for additional requirements for older or younger drivers.
State Farm
Discount: Up to 15%
Tip: Often geared toward drivers under 25 with a clean record.
Geico
Discount: Up to 15%
Tip: Discount amounts and rules vary by state—check before enrolling.
Allstate
Discount: 5–10%
Tip: Look for their "Defensive Driver Discount."
Nationwide
Discount: Around 5%
Tip: Typically available to drivers with a clean record—ask about age caps.
Learning about real-world defensive driving cases shows how these skills make a difference in high-risk scenarios.
How to Get the Discount (and Do It Right)
1. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Ask if they offer a defensive driving discount.
Request a list of accepted courses in your state.
2. Choose an Approved Course
Many states offer online options.
Choose a provider that lets you learn at your own pace.
3. Complete the Course
Most take 4–8 hours total.
They're typically mobile-friendly and video-based.
4. Submit Your Certificate
Send it to your insurer—some courses do this automatically.
5. Confirm the Discount
Call to verify it's active.
Watch for it on your next bill.
Online Courses: The Flexible Option for Busy Travelers
Need to work around your travel schedule? Online defensive driving lets you:
Learn between packing and flights
Pause/resume when needed
Finish in a single day—or space it out
The cost? Around $20–$100. The payoff? Savings of up to $750 over the next few years. Many states now offer online defensive driving options for busy drivers.
Maximize Your Holiday Savings
Defensive driving is just one part of a bigger savings strategy. Combine it with:
Good Driver Discounts: Maintain a clean record.
Bundling Policies: Combine home/renters with auto.
Telematics/Tracking Apps: Let your insurer see your safe habits.
Want to maximize end-of-year savings? Consider taking your course before year-end to lock in discounts for the upcoming renewal cycle.
Safer Driving, Bigger Savings
The best part of defensive driving? It pays off twice. You sharpen your skills for unpredictable roads—and you earn insurance savings that last for years.
Understanding why car insurance rates increase makes this one of the smartest investments any traveler can make before a big holiday trip.
You're already planning the journey. Take a few extra hours to make it safer, smoother, and cheaper.
Drive smart. Save more. Travel safer.
Updated 11/14/2025
