Taking and completing a defensive driving course can have great legal and insurance benefits. In this article we will go over those benefits so you have a better understanding of how a defensive driving course could benefit you.
Insurance Benefits
Many insurance companies throughout Arizona and the United States will offer driver discounts if a driver takes and completes a defensive driving course. These discounts can significantly lower a driver’s monthly auto insurance rate.
In order to find out if your insurance company offers this type of discount you simply need to reach out and ask them! If they do offer a defensive driving discount program, they will let you know the steps that are needed to take in order to receive the discount.
Typically a driver will enroll in a DMV approved defensive driving course, either online or in person, complete the course and then present the certification of completion to the insurance company.
Legal Benefits
Taking a defensive driving course can help remove a traffic violation or remove points from your driver license.
When a driver receives a traffic violation and is convicted of that violation, points are added to their driver license. As you accrue more points, you run the risk of losing your license.
If you receive a traffic violation you are able to ask the court (prior to your court date) if you can take a defensive driving course in order to have the traffic violation removed. There are eligibility requirements for the process, such as, the traffic violation has to be minor and you can’t have taken a defensive driving course within 12 months prior to the violation date.
If the court allows a driver to take the course, the driver must find a DMV approved defensive driving course, take and pass that course. Once passed, a certification of completion will be given. The course must be completed within 7 days of the court date specified on the traffic violation. The certification of completion should be presented to the court and the traffic violation will then be dismissed.
Points Removed
If you have points placed on your license, taking a defensive driving course can remove some of those points. Not only will you learn great defensive driving techniques and receive a refresher course on state traffic laws, you will be able to clear your license of negative points given from prior traffic violations.
How to Enroll in a Defensive Driving Course in Arizona
Enrolling in a defensive driving course in Arizona is simple and can lead to significant benefits like dismissing traffic tickets and reducing insurance premiums. Here’s a brief guide to help you through the process.
Steps to Enroll in a Course
- Determine Your Eligibility
- Ensure your traffic violation qualifies for a defensive driving course. Typically, you can attend if you haven’t taken a course in the past 12 months and your citation is for a minor moving violation.
- Confirm your eligibility with the court handling your ticket.
- Choose an Approved Defensive Driving School
- Visit the Arizona Supreme Court’s Defensive Driving Program website for a list of approved schools.
- Consider enrolling at Defensive Drivers Institute, a trusted provider of defensive driving courses in Arizona. If you’re looking for options, many students prefer enrolling in an Arizona defensive driving school that offers flexible online courses.
- Register for the Course
- Provide necessary information such as your citation number, driver’s license number, and court information.
- For online courses, you may need to create an account on the school’s website.
- Pay the Course Fee
- Fees vary but typically include the course fee, state fee, state surcharge, and court diversion fee.
- Payment can usually be made online.
- Complete the Course
- Attend all required sessions or complete all online modules.
- Pass any quizzes or exams as required by the course.
- Submit Proof of Completion
- The defensive driving school will send your completion certificate to the court.
- Keep a copy of the certificate for your records.
Conclusion
Taking and completing a defensive driving course in Arizona provides significant legal and insurance benefits. These courses can help dismiss traffic tickets, remove points from your driver’s license, and lower your monthly auto insurance premiums. By following a few simple steps, such as determining your eligibility, choosing an approved school like Defensive Drivers Institute, and completing the course, you can enjoy these advantages. Whether you opt for an online or in-person course, you’ll gain valuable driving skills and maintain a clean driving record, all while potentially saving money on your insurance.
