Auto insurance rates in New York are high, making it difficult for many drivers to afford the coverage they need. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce your auto insurance premiums, and one of the most effective options is to take a New York Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) defensive driving course. Completing this course and presenting the certificate of completion to your insurance company will give you a mandatory 10% discount on your auto insurance premiums. In this blog post, we’ll explain the course, why it’s beneficial, and the steps you can take to make it happen and start saving!

How Does the New York Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) Discount Work?

Have you heard that New York drivers have a unique opportunity to lower their insurance rates by 10%? By completing the state-approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) online course and sending the PIRP certificate of completion to your insurance carrier—they’re required to reduce your rate by 10%. The best part is that the discount lasts for three years! 

Do you want to keep saving? You can take the course again before your discount expires and you can save for another 3 years.

What is a New York Defensive Driving Course?

A defensive driving course is offered in New York to teach drivers how to drive their automobiles safely and avoid accidents in and around New York. The course covers various topics, including defensive driving techniques, traffic laws and regulations, and how to handle emergencies. In New York, defensive driving courses are offered in-person and online, making it easy for drivers to complete the course on their schedule. The defensive driving PIRP class costs approximately $25.00, but the cost may vary.

Will Taking a Defensive Driving Course Help Me?

There are several reasons why taking a defensive driving course can be beneficial. First, the course can make you a safer driver. By learning defensive driving techniques and how to avoid accidents, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a crash. Additionally, taking a defensive driving course can result in a reduction in your auto insurance premiums. Many insurance providers in New York offer discounts of up to 10% for drivers who complete a defensive driving course.

Steps to Take to Get a 10% Discount on Your Auto Insurance Premium in New York

If you’re interested in taking a defensive driving course and receiving a discount on your auto insurance premiums, here are the steps you’ll need to take:

Step 1: Check with Your Insurance Provider

The first step is to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer a discount for completing a defensive driving course. Most insurance companies in New York offer this discount, but it’s always a good idea to confirm with your provider before enrolling in a course.

Step 2: Enroll in a Defensive Driving Course

Once you’ve confirmed that your insurance provider offers a discount for completing a defensive driving course, it’s time to enroll in a course. Defensive driving courses are available in-person and online; the cost can vary depending on the provider. The course typically takes around six hours to complete, but online courses allow you to work at your own pace.

Step 3: Complete the Course

Once you’ve enrolled in a defensive driving course, it’s time to complete the course. The defensive driving course cover will teach how to drive safely, defensive driving, how to handle emergencies, and general New York traffic laws. At the end of the course, you’ll need to pass a final exam to receive your certificate of completion.

Step 4: Present Your Certificate of Completion to Your Insurance Company

After you’ve passed the final exam, you’ll receive your certificate. You’ll need to present this certificate of completion to your insurance company to receive your discount. Some insurance providers may require you to submit the certificate by mail, while others may allow you to submit it online.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Discount

Once you’ve presented your certificate of completion to your insurance company, you can enjoy your discount. The discount will typically be applied to your next auto insurance premium payment, resulting in a 10% reduction in your premiums.

Here are some options for enrolling in an online defensive driving course in New York:

1. New York Safety Council: The New York Safety Council offers a 100% online defensive driving course that is approved by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. The course is self-paced and can be completed on any device with an internet connection.
2. American Safety Council: The American Safety Council offers an online defensive driving course approved by the New State State Department of Motor Vehicles. 
3. National Safety Council: The National Safety Council offers an online defensive driving course that is approved by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. 
4. I Drive Safely: I Drive Safely offers an online defensive driving course that is approved by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. 
5. Safe Motorist: Safe Motorist offers an online defensive driving course that is approved by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. 

Taking a defensive driving course in New York not only provides the benefit of a 10% reduction in auto insurance premiums but also offers additional benefits to drivers. Here are some of the advantages of taking a defensive driving course in New York:

Improved Driving Skills: A defensive driving course teaches drivers how to anticipate and react to potential hazards on the road, helping to improve their driving skills, and includes techniques like scanning the road ahead, maintaining a safe following distance, and avoiding distracted driving.

Point Reduction: In New York, drivers who accumulate 11 or more points on their driving record within an 18-month period may have their license suspended. By completing a defensive driving course, drivers can have up to four points removed from their driving record, helping to avoid license suspension, and potentially reducing their insurance premiums even further.

Refreshed Knowledge of Traffic Laws: A defensive driving course provides a refresher on the rules of the road, including New York’s traffic laws and regulations. This can help drivers stay informed and up-to-date on any recent changes to traffic laws.

Increased Confidence: By learning new driving skills and refreshing their knowledge of traffic laws, drivers can feel more confident and in control while behind the wheel. 

A defensive driving course can help drivers become more skilled, confident, and safe on the road, making it a valuable investment for anyone who spends time behind the wheel.

Finally, remember to check with your insurance provider to ensure that they accept the defensive driving course from the provider you choose. Reducing your auto insurance premiums by 10% in New York is possible by taking a defensive driving course and presenting the certificate of completion to your insurance company. By completing this course, you’ll not only become a safer driver, but you’ll also be able to save money on your auto insurance premiums. Just remember to check with your insurance provider before enrolling in a course. Enroll in a course that meets your needs and schedule and present your certificate of completion.

The Ward Law Group: Car Accident Attorneys in New York

Even after completing a defensive driving course, accidents can still occur. In some cases, they are simply inescapable due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. You can count on our team of New York accident lawyers at The Ward Law Group, with extensive experience in dealing with car accidents, who will be by your side throughout the entire legal process of your accident claim. The right car accident attorney can assist you in navigating the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected, and fighting on your behalf for the compensation that you deserve after a car accident. During this difficult and stressful time, they can also provide guidance and support to you, which can be incredibly helpful. With a trustworthy legal advocate by your side, you can focus on recovering from your injuries and getting back on the road as soon as possible.

Having this number readily available if you or someone you know is involved in a car accident can help ensure that you or another person you know gets the legal support and representation that they need, when they need it most. The fact that you have an advocate in your corner during what can be an emotionally and physically draining time can provide you with peace of mind. Make sure that you have the number 855-DOLOR-55 at your fingertips, and make sure that you share it with your loved ones as well.