Last updated September 15, 2026
Complete a TDLR-approved Texas defensive driving course and many insurers will cut your auto premium, commonly up to 10% for three years. You don’t need a ticket to do it. The discount isn’t required by Texas law, so the amount and the rules are set by each insurer; here’s what the major carriers do and how to claim it.
Quick answer
- Typical discount: 2–10% of the premium, most often 10%, for 3 years.
- Course: the same 6-hour TDLR-approved driving safety course used for ticket dismissal, $25. No Type 3A record needed.
- Who decides: your insurer. Ask before enrolling: “Do you offer a defensive driving discount in Texas, how much, and who has to take the course?”
- Math: 10% of a $1,800 premium is $180 a year, $540 over three years, for a $25 course.
What the major insurers offer in Texas
Terms change and vary by underwriting company, so confirm with your agent. As of our last check:
| Insurer | Texas defensive driving discount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | About 5% | Principal driver must voluntarily complete an approved course within the past 3 years |
| GEICO | Up to 10%, 3 years | Some GEICO companies limit it to drivers 50+ |
| Allstate | Up to 10% | Varies by policy |
| Progressive | Varies; often for 55+ | Ask; not offered on every Texas policy |
| USAA | Offered | Amount varies |
| Farmers, Texas Farm Bureau, others | Commonly 5–10% | Ask your agent |
How to claim the discount
- Call your insurer first. Confirm the discount exists on your policy, the percentage, whether only the principal driver or every listed driver must take the course, and whether they require a specific course type (any TDLR-approved course is normal).
- Take the $25 course. Same course as for tickets. If you’re doing it only for the discount, the cheapest text format is fine.
- Send the certificate to your insurer. Most accept the PDF by email or through their app. The discount usually applies at the next renewal, sometimes immediately.
- Set a reminder for three years. Retake the course to renew the discount.
DefensiveDriving.com Our pick
$25- TDLR-approved and accepted by every Texas court
- 6-hour text course $25, video course $35
- Instant certificate download plus free mail or FedEx delivery
- Ticket-dismissal guarantee: they pay the ticket (up to $250) if the court refuses your certificate
We may earn a commission if you enroll through this link, at no extra cost to you. How we make money.
Ticket dismissal and the discount: can you get both?
Often, yes, from one course. Some insurers only give the discount for a voluntarily taken course (State Farm says so explicitly); others accept any certificate. Ask. Either way, using the course to dismiss a ticket protects you from a surcharge: under Article 45.0511(o), an insurer can’t cancel your policy or raise your premium because you completed the course or had a charge dismissed under it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Texas defensive driving insurance discount required by law?
No. Unlike New York and New Jersey, Texas doesn’t mandate it; insurers offer it voluntarily, so terms vary.
Does the discount apply to seniors only?
Some carriers (parts of GEICO, Progressive) restrict it to drivers 50 or 55+. Most others offer it to any driver.
Do I need a Type 3A driving record for the discount?
No. Only the course certificate.
Can I take the course online for the discount?
Yes. Insurers accept certificates from any TDLR-approved course, online or classroom.
Sources: insurers’ published Texas discount terms; Texas Code of Criminal Procedure art. 45.0511(o). Discount figures are typical, not guaranteed; confirm with your insurer.