If you’re a Minnesota driver looking to save money on car insurance, taking a defensive driving course in MN is one of the smartest moves you can make. Insurance companies reward safe driving, and completing a certified course can help you qualify for significant discounts on your auto insurance premiums.
But how exactly does it work? Let’s explore how a defensive driving course can lead to lower insurance rates, who qualifies for discounts, and how you can get started.
What Is a Defensive Driving Course?
A defensive driving course is an educational program that teaches drivers how to:
✔ Avoid accidents by anticipating potential hazards
✔ React safely in high-risk situations
✔ Understand Minnesota traffic laws and regulations
✔ Minimize distractions and aggressive driving behaviors
These courses can be taken in-person at local driving schools or online, making it easy to fit into any schedule.
How a Defensive Driving Course Helps You Save on Insurance
1. Insurance Discounts for Defensive Driving Courses
Many insurance providers in Minnesota offer 5% to 10% discounts to drivers who complete a state-approved defensive driving course. While savings vary by company, this discount can add up to hundreds of dollars per year.
To qualify for the discount, you typically need to:
🔹 Complete a state-approved course (online or in person)
🔹 Submit your certificate of completion to your insurance provider
🔹 Renew the course every 3-5 years to maintain the discount
Check with your insurer to confirm eligibility. You can also find a list of approved defensive driving courses through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS).
2. Special Discounts for Senior Drivers
If you’re 55 or older, Minnesota law allows you to receive an insurance discount by completing an approved defensive driving course. This is especially beneficial for retired individuals looking to reduce expenses.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, senior drivers who complete an 8-hour defensive driving course can qualify for a mandatory auto insurance discount that lasts three years. A 4-hour refresher course is required to maintain the discount.
3. Lower Premiums by Preventing Accidents
Defensive driving courses help you develop safer driving habits, which in turn reduce your risk of accidents. Fewer accidents mean fewer claims—and insurance companies reward low-risk drivers with lower premiums.
Some of the safety techniques you’ll learn include:
✅ Keeping a safe following distance to avoid rear-end collisions
✅ How to react to aggressive drivers
✅ Avoiding distractions that cause accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers who take defensive driving courses are less likely to be involved in crashes, which helps them maintain lower insurance rates over time.
4. Protecting Your Driving Record
A clean driving record is one of the biggest factors affecting your insurance rates. Traffic violations and accidents can significantly increase your premiums.
If you’ve received a speeding ticket or other traffic violation, some Minnesota courts allow you to take a defensive driving course to dismiss the ticket or prevent points from being added to your record. This can help you avoid surcharges and keep your insurance rates from skyrocketing.
To check if you’re eligible for ticket dismissal, visit the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).
5. Benefits for Commercial and Fleet Drivers
If you drive for work—whether as a rideshare driver, delivery driver, or fleet operator—many employers and insurance companies offer reduced rates for employees who complete a defensive driving course.
Fleet insurance policies often provide discounts for businesses that require employees to undergo driver safety training, making these courses beneficial for both employees and business owners.
How to Enroll in a Defensive Driving Course in MN
To start saving on your insurance, follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose an Approved Course
Step 2: Complete the Course
Most courses take 4-8 hours and can be completed online or in-person.
Step 3: Submit Your Certificate
Once you finish the course, send your completion certificate to your insurance provider to apply for your discount.