A safe driver discount is a type of car insurance discount that lowers the premium for drivers who practice low-risk driving behavior. Other common names for this discount type are “good driver” or “claims-free” discount.
Many car insurance companies offer a safe driver discount. You may qualify for one by going accident-free for several years, opting into a tracking telematics program or passing a defensive driving course.
How to get a safe driving discount
Safe driving discounts often offer a percentage off your auto insurance premium, and insurers typically check your driving history to see if you qualify for one.
You may be eligible for a safe driving discount if you:
- Have a clean driving record. Many companies offer a discount if you have no accidents or violations on your driving record within the last three to five years.
- Install a telematics app on your phone. You may save on your premium if you install a telematics app on your phone and avoid bad habits on the road like late-night driving, hard breaking and using your phone.
- Take a defensive driving course. You may get a discount if you complete an approved defensive driving course, though some states limit this type of discount to teenagers or drivers over the age of 65.
How a clean driving record is determined
You’ll likely qualify for a safe-driving discount — and a lower premium in general — if you have a clean driving record. This means your motor vehicle report doesn’t include things like:
- At-fault accidents.
- Violations.
- Traffic-related convictions.
You can get a copy of your driving record from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Safe driver discounts from major insurers
Most big-name insurers offer safe driver discounts. Here are some major car insurance companies that offer safe driver discounts and programs. Discounts may not be available in all states.
| Company | Safe driver discount available |
| Allstate | Offers a rewards program for safe drivers. |
| Geico | Discount for drivers who have at least five years of safe driving. Also offers a discount for taking a defensive driving course. |
| Kemper | Discount for taking a qualifying defensive driving course. |
| Nationwide | Discount for drivers who have at least five years of safe driving. |
| Progressive | Discount for avoiding tickets and accidents in the last three years. |
| Travelers | Discount for drivers who have gone a certain amount of time without any violations or accidents. |
How to be a safe driver
You should practice safe driving habits to keep your good driver discount and avoid accidents. Here are some tips on how to keep a driving record clean:
- Go the speed limit. Driving too fast may increase your chance of getting into a serious accident.
- Brake early and gently. Not only is harsh braking tough on your vehicle, but it may increase your chances of an accident.
- Stay focused. Distracted drivers caused more than 3,300 fatal crashes in 2022, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To avoid distracted driving, use your device’s hands-free features, or wait until you’re safely parked before you use your phone or other device.
- Avoid late-night driving. Don’t drive when you’re tired, as drowsy driving can lead to an accident. Plus, roads are more dangerous at night.
Megan Lee is an editor, writer, and SEO expert who specializes in insurance, personal finance, travel, and healthcare. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for several websites, including NerdWallet. When she`s not crafting her next piece of content, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to drink cortados, attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.
Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.
Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.
