Defensive Driving Courses in Delaware
Defensive Driving Courses in Delaware
Find Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in Your Area
Car insurance in Delaware can get expensive, but there's one simple way drivers can save on this cost.
By taking a state-approved defensive-driving course, you may be eligible for a 10% – 15% discount on auto insurance that's good for three years. You can also get a credit on your driving record to offset points for potential future traffic violations. Here's how these classes work in Delaware and where to find them.
How do defensive-driving courses work in Delaware?
To take a defensive-driving course, you'll need to choose a provider, enroll and pay the fee. A basic defensive-driving course in Delaware lasts six hours, while a refresher course is three hours long. Once you're done, the course provider will give you a certificate as proof of completion.
Depending on why you chose to take the course, you can show the certificate to your insurance company (to get the discount) or the department of motor vehicles (to apply credit to your license). Some schools will contact the DMV on your behalf, but it's good practice to follow up.
The car insurance discount is only good for three years, so you'll need to retake the course to continue saving money. You can take the shorter refresher course if you complete it within 180 days of the previous three-year period. If you miss the 180-day period, you may need to take the basic course again.
Benefits of taking a defensive-driving course in Delaware
Drivers typically take the defensive-driving course for one of two reasons:
- Get a three-point credit for future driving violations. At the DMV's discretion, Delaware drivers can take a defensive-driving course every three years to receive a three-point credit against future traffic violations. This can help keep your driving history clean.
- Earn a car insurance discount. Taking the basic course makes you eligible for a 10% discount on your auto insurance. If you take a refresher course within 180 days of the end of the three-year period, you may receive a 15% discount — but the exact amount of the discount will depend on your insurance company.
Delaware defensive-driving course providers
Delaware drivers can take the course either online or in person. The fee typically ranges from $11.95 – $35.00, though refresher courses generally cost less because they're shorter. Here's where you can take a state-approved course:
Type | Provider | Basic | Refresher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom | Delaware Driver Training | $35.00 | $25.00 |
| Classroom | AARP Driver Safety | $21.95 | $21.95 |
| Classroom | Defensive Driving Excellence | Call for Prices | Call for Prices |
| Classroom | Delaware Safety Council | $35.00 | $30.00 |
| Classroom | Interstate Training Alliance LLC | $30.00 | $25.00 |
| Online | $20 Online by Improv | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Online | A&A Safe2Drive Online | $14.95 | $14.95 |
| Online | AAA Mid Atlantic Online* | $25 – $29 | $25 – $29 |
| Online | Aaron's Defensive Driving | $12.99 | $12.99 |
| Online | All Star Driver Education Inc. | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| Online | American Safety Council | $12.95 | $12.95 |
| Online | Defensive Drivers Traffic School LLC | $14.95 | $14.95 |
*Members of these organizations are charged the lower numbers in the price range, while nonmembers pay the higher end of the price range. **Program is open to all Delaware high school students.
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.