North Dakota Insurance Premium Reduction Course — Frequently Asked Questions

The North Dakota Insurance Premium Reduction Course is a state-approved motor vehicle accident prevention course designed for drivers aged 55 and older. Under North Dakota law, drivers who complete this course are entitled to a three-year insurance premium reduction from their auto insurance company. The program was established to help experienced drivers refresh their driving knowledge and earn meaningful savings on their insurance premiums.

The course covers defensive driving strategies, current North Dakota traffic laws, winter driving techniques, hazard recognition, and other safety topics specifically relevant to driving in North Dakota. It is entirely separate from North Dakota’s point reduction program for traffic violations.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (insurance premium reduction for drivers 55+ completing approved course)

Any driver who is 55 years of age or older is eligible to take the course and receive the insurance premium reduction. North Dakota law specifically states that “a driver fifty-five years of age or older who successfully completes a motor vehicle accident prevention course” qualifies for the discount. There is no upper age limit and no restriction based on your driving record or history.

You do not need a perfect driving record, and the course is open to all licensed drivers regardless of the type of vehicle they drive for personal use. The only requirement is meeting the age threshold.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (“a driver fifty-five years of age or older”)

Anyone can take the course for educational purposes — the defensive driving material is valuable for drivers of all ages. However, the insurance premium reduction benefit only applies to drivers aged 55 and older under NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1. If you are under 55, you will not qualify for the insurance discount regardless of whether you complete the course.

If you are under 55 and interested in reducing points on your driving record from a traffic violation, DDI also offers a separate North Dakota Point Reduction Course for that purpose.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (“a driver fifty-five years of age or older”)

No — these are completely different programs. The Insurance Premium Reduction Course is a voluntary educational course that qualifies drivers 55+ for an insurance discount. It does not dismiss traffic tickets, remove points from your driving record, or resolve any court matter. Its sole purpose is insurance savings through accident prevention education.

North Dakota’s point reduction program is governed by a separate statute (NDCC § 39-06.1-10) and allows drivers to reduce points accumulated from traffic violations. DDI offers both courses, but they serve different purposes and have different eligibility requirements.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (insurance premium reduction); NDCC § 39-06.1-10 (point system)

North Dakota created this program to serve two important goals: road safety and insurance affordability for mature drivers. The legislature recognized that drivers 55 and older benefit from refresher education on defensive driving techniques, current traffic laws, and strategies to compensate for age-related changes in reaction time and vision. By offering an insurance incentive, the state encourages continued education and safer roads for everyone.

North Dakota Administrative Code 38-08 established the framework for the North Dakota Highway Patrol to approve qualified courses and ensure consistent educational standards across all providers.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1; ND Admin Code 38-08 (authorizing NDHP to approve courses)

The course is designed for North Dakota drivers, and the insurance premium reduction applies to insurance policies in North Dakota. If you are a North Dakota resident insured by a company operating in the state, you are eligible regardless of where your license was originally issued. The key factor is that your auto insurance policy is subject to North Dakota insurance regulations. It is always recommended to check with your specific insurance provider before enrolling.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1; ND Admin Code 38-08

Once you complete an approved motor vehicle accident prevention course, you receive a certificate of completion. You submit this certificate to your auto insurance company, and they apply a premium reduction to your policy. The discount lasts for three years from the date of course completion. The North Dakota Highway Patrol recommends checking with your insurance provider before enrolling to confirm that a premium reduction is available on your specific policy.

The process is straightforward: complete the course, get your certificate, submit it, and start saving.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (“entitled to a three-year insurance premium reduction”); NDHP Safety and Education — Insurance Premium Reduction Courses

The exact discount amount varies by insurance company and your specific policy. While the statute entitles qualifying drivers to a premium reduction, it does not specify an exact percentage. In practice, most insurers offer a meaningful discount that can easily save you hundreds of dollars over the three-year discount period — far exceeding the $9.99 course fee from Defensive Drivers Institute.

Contact your insurance company before enrolling to ask about the specific discount they offer for completing an approved motor vehicle accident prevention course.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (“entitled to a… insurance premium reduction”); NDHP — “It is recommended to check with your insurance provider prior to enrolling”

The insurance premium reduction lasts for a three-year period after you successfully complete the course. This is one of the longest discount periods of any state in the country — many other states only offer a two-year discount. After three years, you can retake the course to earn another three-year discount period. There is no limit on how many times you can renew.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (“entitled to a three-year insurance premium reduction”)

The discount typically takes effect at your next policy renewal after you submit your completion certificate to your insurance company. Some insurers may apply it mid-policy with a pro-rated adjustment. The sooner you complete the course and submit your certificate, the sooner you’ll start saving. With DDI’s course, you receive your certificate instantly upon completion — so you can submit it to your insurer the same day.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (premium reduction upon successful completion)

North Dakota law states that a qualifying driver is “entitled to” a premium reduction upon completing an approved course. The NDHP also notes that the ND Insurance Department has been notified of approved courses. However, the NDHP recommends checking with your insurance provider before enrolling to confirm that a premium reduction is available on your specific policy type. If you believe your insurer is not properly applying a discount you are entitled to, you can contact the North Dakota Insurance Department for guidance.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (“entitled to a… insurance premium reduction”); NDHP — “It is recommended to check with your insurance provider”

Simply retake the course. When your three-year discount period is nearing its end, complete an approved motor vehicle accident prevention course again and submit your new certificate to your insurance company. This resets the clock for another three-year discount period. There is no limit on how many times you can renew — you can keep taking the course every three years indefinitely.

Renew your discount with DDI for just $9.99 →

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (“three-year insurance premium reduction”)

The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) is responsible for approving courses that qualify for the insurance premium reduction. Under North Dakota Administrative Code 38-08, the superintendent of the Highway Patrol has the authority to review and approve course applications from agencies seeking to offer the motor vehicle accident prevention course. Agencies must submit the official application form (SFN 12382) and meet all curriculum and delivery requirements before receiving approval.

Source: ND Admin Code 38-08 (authorizes NDHP superintendent to approve courses for insurance premium reduction)

Yes. Defensive Drivers Institute’s Insurance Premium Reduction Course has been approved by Colonel Haugen of the North Dakota Highway Patrol. The approval is valid through August 31, 2027. DDI is listed on the official NDHP website under the Safety and Education section as an approved provider. The ND Insurance Department has also been notified of the approval.

Source: ND Admin Code 38-08 (NDHP course approval process); NDHP Safety and Education — Insurance Premium Reduction Courses

You can verify DDI’s approval on the official NDHP website at nd.gov/ndhp/safety-and-education/insurance-premium-reduction-courses. This page lists all currently approved providers of the Insurance Premium Reduction Course. DDI is listed as an approved online course provider with approval valid through August 31, 2027. Always verify a provider’s approval status before enrolling in any course.

Source: NDHP Safety and Education — Insurance Premium Reduction Courses

Under ND Administrative Code 38-08, agencies wanting to offer an insurance premium reduction course must complete the official application form (SFN 12382) and submit it to the North Dakota Highway Patrol. The NDHP then reviews the application to determine whether the course meets all required standards for curriculum content and delivery method. Courses can be offered in a classroom setting or online. Current approvals are valid through August 31, 2027, at which point providers must seek reapproval.

Source: ND Admin Code 38-08 (application and approval process for crash prevention course providers)

The program is authorized by two primary legal sources:

• NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 — This is the core statute that establishes the insurance premium reduction benefit. It states that a driver fifty-five years of age or older who successfully completes an approved motor vehicle accident prevention course is entitled to a three-year insurance premium reduction.
• ND Administrative Code 38-08 — This administrative code section, titled “Premium Reduction for Crash Prevention Course Completion,” authorizes the NDHP superintendent to approve courses and establishes the requirements providers must meet.

Together, these two provisions create and govern the entire insurance premium reduction program in North Dakota.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1; ND Admin Code 38-08

Yes. When the North Dakota Highway Patrol approves a course for insurance premium reduction purposes, the ND Insurance Department is notified. This ensures that insurance companies operating in North Dakota are aware of which courses qualify their policyholders for premium reductions. This coordination between the NDHP and the Insurance Department helps make the process seamless for drivers submitting their certificates.

Source: NDHP Safety and Education — Insurance Premium Reduction Courses; ND Admin Code 38-08

The DDI Insurance Premium Reduction Course covers a comprehensive range of safety topics specifically relevant to North Dakota drivers:

• Defensive driving strategies — techniques to anticipate and avoid hazards on the road
• North Dakota traffic laws — current rules of the road and recent changes
• Winter driving techniques — handling ice, snow, reduced visibility, and cold-weather conditions common in ND
• Hazard recognition — identifying and responding to potential dangers before they become emergencies
• Safe following distances — proper spacing for different road and weather conditions
• Sharing the road — safely navigating around agricultural equipment and large vehicles common on ND roads
• Impaired and distracted driving prevention — effects of alcohol, medications, fatigue, and phone use
• Vehicle safety and maintenance — keeping your vehicle in safe operating condition
• Risk reduction strategies — overall techniques for reducing your collision risk

Source: ND Admin Code 38-08 (NDHP-approved curriculum requirements)

Absolutely. North Dakota experiences some of the harshest winter driving conditions in the country, so winter driving is a critical component of the curriculum. The course covers topics like driving on ice and packed snow, managing reduced visibility during blizzards, understanding the effects of cold temperatures on vehicle performance, and adjusting your driving habits for winter conditions. This material is especially important for North Dakota drivers and is one of the reasons the NDHP requires it as part of the approved curriculum.

Source: ND Admin Code 38-08 (course content requirements)

Yes. North Dakota is an agricultural state, and encountering slow-moving farm equipment on rural highways is a common reality. The course includes specific instruction on safely sharing the road with agricultural equipment and large vehicles — including proper passing techniques, understanding slow-moving vehicle emblems, maintaining safe following distances, and recognizing the unique hazards these vehicles present. This is critical knowledge for any driver in North Dakota.

Source: ND Admin Code 38-08 (NDHP-approved curriculum)

The North Dakota Highway Patrol reviews all course curricula as part of the approval process under ND Administrative Code 38-08. Agencies must submit their complete course content as part of the SFN 12382 application. The NDHP evaluates whether the material meets the required standards for motor vehicle accident prevention education. The curriculum must cover the mandated topics comprehensively and be appropriate for the target audience of drivers 55 and older.

Source: ND Admin Code 38-08 (NDHP reviews and determines if course requirements are met)

Yes. While the course covers universal defensive driving principles, it includes material specifically relevant to North Dakota drivers. This includes North Dakota traffic laws, winter driving conditions unique to the northern plains, sharing roads with agricultural equipment common in ND, and other state-specific safety considerations. The NDHP reviews the curriculum to ensure it addresses the driving challenges North Dakota residents actually face.

Source: ND Admin Code 38-08 (NDHP curriculum review and approval)

Yes. North Dakota Administrative Code 38-08 allows insurance premium reduction courses to be offered either in a classroom setting or online. Defensive Drivers Institute’s course is 100% online, meaning you can complete it entirely from the comfort of your home on any device with an internet connection. An online completion carries the same weight as a classroom course for insurance discount purposes.

Source: ND Admin Code 38-08 (courses can be classroom or online)

Yes — completely self-paced. DDI’s online course has no timers forcing you to sit through screens, and your progress is saved automatically every time you log out. You can work through the material in one sitting or spread it across multiple days or even weeks. Log in and out as many times as you need — the course picks up right where you left off. This flexibility is especially appreciated by students who prefer to study in shorter sessions.

Source: DDI course features — self-paced, progress saved, no timers

DDI’s online course works on any device with an internet connection:

• Desktop or laptop computers (Windows or Mac)
• Tablets (iPad, Android, etc.)
• Smartphones (iPhone, Android)

The course is designed to work in any modern web browser — no special software or app downloads required. You can even switch between devices mid-course and your progress will be waiting for you.

Source: DDI course features — works on all devices

There is no strict deadline pressuring you to finish the course. Once you register, you have ample time to complete the material at whatever pace is comfortable for you. Some students finish in a single day, while others prefer to work through it over several sessions across a week or more. The important thing is that you complete all the course material and pass the final assessment.

Source: DDI course features — self-paced with progress saved

No special software or technical expertise is required. If you can browse a website and click through pages, you can complete this course. DDI’s course runs entirely in your web browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge all work perfectly. There are no downloads, no plugins, and no complicated setup steps. The course is designed to be user-friendly and accessible for all comfort levels with technology.

Don’t worry — your progress is saved automatically as you complete each section. If your internet connection drops or you need to close your browser unexpectedly, simply log back in when your connection is restored. The course will pick up right where you left off. You won’t lose any of the work you’ve already completed.

Source: DDI course features — automatic progress saving

Yes, the course includes a final assessment to confirm that you’ve absorbed the key safety concepts covered in the curriculum. The exam is designed to reinforce what you’ve learned — it is not intended to trick you or create unnecessary stress. The questions are based directly on the material presented in the course modules, so if you’ve read through the content, you’ll be well prepared.

Source: ND Admin Code 38-08 (course completion requirements)

You can retake the exam. DDI’s course is designed to help you succeed, not to serve as a barrier. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can review the relevant material and try again. The goal is to ensure you’ve genuinely learned the defensive driving concepts that will help keep you safe on North Dakota roads. Most students pass on their first attempt with no difficulty.

Source: DDI course features

Once you’ve worked through all the course material and passed the final assessment, the system will confirm your completion and your certificate will be immediately available for download. There is no ambiguity — you’ll see a clear completion confirmation and have instant access to your certificate. With DDI, there is no waiting period, no processing time, and no need to request your certificate separately.

Source: DDI course features — immediate certificate upon completion

The course includes knowledge checks and review questions throughout the modules to help reinforce the material as you learn it. These periodic assessments help ensure you’re retaining the defensive driving concepts before moving to the next section. The course also includes a final assessment at the end. This combination of ongoing review and a final exam creates an effective learning experience without being overwhelming.

Source: DDI course features; ND Admin Code 38-08

Completion time varies depending on your pace and reading speed. Because DDI’s course is completely self-paced with no mandatory timers, you can move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you like. Some students complete the course in a few hours during a single session, while others prefer to take their time over several days. The important thing is that you absorb the material — the course is designed to be thorough without being unnecessarily long.

Upon successfully completing the course, you receive a certificate of completion. This certificate serves as official proof that you have completed an NDHP-approved motor vehicle accident prevention course. North Dakota law requires the course sponsor to provide this certificate, which you then submit to your insurance company to activate your premium reduction.

With Defensive Drivers Institute, your certificate is available for immediate download upon completion — no waiting for it to be mailed or processed.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (“The course sponsor shall provide a certificate”); NDHP — “be given a certificate which they can provide to their insurance company”

After downloading your completion certificate, contact your insurance company or agent and let them know you’ve completed an NDHP-approved Insurance Premium Reduction Course. Most insurers accept the certificate by:

• Uploading it through your online insurance account
• Emailing a copy to your agent
• Mailing or faxing a copy to your insurer
• Providing it to your agent in person

Pro tip: Call your insurer before you take the course to confirm the discount amount and their preferred submission method. That way you can submit your certificate the same day you finish.

Source: NDHP — “be given a certificate which they can provide to their insurance company for possible premium reduction”

Yes — instantly. With DDI, your certificate is generated the moment you complete the final assessment. There is no waiting period, no manual processing, and no delay. You can download and print your certificate immediately, which means you can submit it to your insurance company the very same day you finish the course.

Source: DDI course features — instant certificate delivery

Your completion certificate typically includes:

• Your full name
• Date of completion
• Course name and provider (Defensive Drivers Institute)
• Indication that the course is NDHP-approved for insurance premium reduction
• Provider’s approval information

This information allows your insurance company to verify that you completed a qualifying course and apply the discount to your premium.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (“The course sponsor shall provide a certificate”)

Yes. With DDI, your certificate is stored in your account and can be downloaded or reprinted at any time. If you misplace your original printout, simply log back into your DDI account and download a new copy. This digital storage ensures you always have access to your certificate when you need it.

The certificate-based system means you are responsible for submitting your completion certificate to your insurance company. DDI provides the certificate immediately upon completion, but it is up to you to share it with your insurer to activate the discount. The NDHP and ND Insurance Department have been notified of DDI’s approval status, so your insurer should recognize the certificate as coming from an approved provider.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (“The course sponsor shall provide a certificate”); NDHP — Insurance Premium Reduction Courses

North Dakota law specifically targets drivers 55 and older because research shows that mature drivers benefit significantly from refresher education. As drivers age, they may experience changes in reaction time, vision, hearing, and flexibility that can affect driving ability. The course addresses these age-related factors and teaches compensating strategies. By offering an insurance premium reduction as an incentive, the state encourages older drivers to voluntarily update their knowledge and stay safer on the road.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (“a driver fifty-five years of age or older”)

No. There is no upper age limit. Whether you are 55 or 95, you are eligible to take the course and receive the insurance premium reduction. The statute simply requires that you be at least 55 years of age — it places no cap on eligibility. The course is beneficial at any age and can be taken as many times as you wish to keep renewing your three-year discount.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (“a driver fifty-five years of age or older” — no upper limit specified)

Both. While the insurance premium reduction is a major incentive, the course provides genuinely valuable education. The curriculum covers defensive driving strategies, winter driving techniques specific to North Dakota conditions, hazard recognition, effects of medications on driving ability, and much more. Many students report that the course reminded them of important safety practices they had forgotten and introduced them to newer driving strategies they hadn’t learned. The insurance discount is the reward — but the safety knowledge is the real benefit.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1; ND Admin Code 38-08 (course designed as motor vehicle accident prevention education)

Absolutely. A clean driving record is something to be proud of, and this course helps you maintain it. Even the most experienced drivers benefit from refreshing their knowledge of current traffic laws, learning about new vehicle safety features, and reviewing defensive driving techniques. Plus, the three-year insurance premium reduction is a tangible financial reward that far exceeds the $9.99 course fee. It’s one of the best investments you can make as a driver.

If you also want to protect your clean record from future traffic violations, DDI’s separate North Dakota Point Reduction Course can help reduce points if you ever receive a ticket under the state’s point system (NDCC § 39-06.1-10).

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (insurance premium reduction); NDCC § 39-06.1-10 (point system)

If both you and your spouse are 55 or older and both are insured drivers on your auto policy, each of you can independently complete the course and potentially qualify for a premium reduction. The specifics of how multiple-driver discounts are applied depend on your insurance company’s policies. Contact your insurer to ask whether each covered driver who completes the course will receive a separate discount on your policy.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (“a driver fifty-five years of age or older” — applies to each qualifying driver)

Yes. The course includes instruction on impaired driving prevention, which covers the effects of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and alcohol on driving ability. As drivers age, they often take more medications, some of which can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or slowed reaction times. The course helps you understand which medications may impair your driving and what precautions to take. This is one of the most valuable sections for senior drivers.

Source: ND Admin Code 38-08 (impaired driving prevention as required curriculum topic)

Yes. Defensive Drivers Institute (DDI) is approved by the North Dakota Highway Patrol as an authorized provider of the Insurance Premium Reduction Course. DDI’s course was approved by Colonel Haugen of the NDHP, and the approval is valid through August 31, 2027. DDI is listed on the official NDHP Insurance Premium Reduction Courses page under the Safety and Education section. The ND Insurance Department has been notified of the approval.

Source: NDHP Safety and Education — Insurance Premium Reduction Courses; ND Admin Code 38-08

DDI’s course costs just $9.99. That’s the complete price — no hidden fees, no processing charges, no extra certificate costs. At $9.99 for a course that can save you significantly on your auto insurance every year for three years, the return on investment is outstanding.

Compare that to other providers charging $25, $40, or more for the same NDHP-approved course. With Defensive Drivers Institute, you get the same insurance discount qualification at a fraction of the cost.

Here’s what sets Defensive Drivers Institute apart:

• Lowest price available — Just $9.99. No hidden fees, no certificate charges, no processing fees.
• NDHP-approved — Listed on the official North Dakota Highway Patrol approved providers page, approved through August 31, 2027.
• 100% online — Complete from home on any device: computer, tablet, or phone.
• Completely self-paced — No timers. Log in and out as many times as you want. Your progress saves automatically.
• Instant certificate — Your completion certificate is generated immediately — not mailed, not “within 24 hours.” Immediately.
• North Dakota-specific content — Covers ND traffic laws, winter driving, agricultural equipment, and state-specific safety topics.
• Three-year discount — One course completion earns you three full years of insurance savings.

Getting started is simple:

1. Visit DDI’s North Dakota Insurance Premium Reduction Course page
2. Register — create your account and pay the $9.99 course fee
3. Start learning — begin the course immediately, at your own pace
4. Get your certificate — receive it instantly upon completion
5. Submit to your insurer — send the certificate to your insurance company and start saving for three years

The entire process from enrollment to certificate can be completed in a single day if you choose — or spread it out over days or weeks. It’s entirely up to you.

Yes. In addition to the Insurance Premium Reduction Course, DDI also offers a North Dakota Defensive Driving Point Reduction Course ($18.95) for drivers who need to reduce points on their driving record from traffic violations. The point reduction course is governed by NDCC § 39-06.1-10 and serves a different purpose than the insurance premium reduction course. DDI is committed to helping North Dakota drivers stay safe, save money, and maintain clean driving records.

Source: NDCC § 39-06.1-10 (point system); NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (insurance premium reduction)

Yes — they are separate courses that serve different purposes. The Insurance Premium Reduction Course ($9.99) qualifies drivers 55+ for a three-year insurance discount. The Point Reduction Course ($18.95) helps drivers of any age reduce points on their driving record from traffic violations. You can take both courses if they each apply to your situation. Together, they help you save money on insurance and keep your driving record clean — a powerful combination.

Source: NDCC § 26.1-25-04.1 (insurance premium reduction); NDCC § 39-06.1-10 (point system)