All New York drivers are eligible to take a defensive driving course that allows them to reduce the number of points on their drivers’ licenses and receive a discount on their auto insurance premiums. The cost of the course is quickly recouped by the savings on the driver's insurance policy. This course can be taken online or in a classroom. Taking the defensive driving class online allows drivers to complete the course at their own pace, in the comfort and privacy of their homes. It's easy even for drivers who have limited experience on the internet because the New York defensive driving course is designed to be simple for everyone, even those who are new to the internet. Here's how to complete the course online, remove points from your New York driving record, and save money on your auto insurance.

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles requires that the defensive driving course be six hours long, so the length of the course will be the same no matter which provider you choose. The benefits of the course are also the same no matter which provider you choose: Up to a four-point reduction in the total number of active points on your driving record, depending on when the points were assessed, and a 10% reduction from the base rate of your current liability, no-fault and collision premiums for three years. Each person with a New York driver’s license listed as a principal operator on the family's auto insurance policy must register for and complete the defensive driving course to be eligible for the insurance discount. For example, if a husband and wife have two passenger vehicles, both must take the course to receive a discount on each policy.

When you register for the course, you'll provide personal information to verify your identity and participation, such as the Client ID number from your NYS driver's license and your date of birth. Identity and participation information can also include biometric data like keystrokes, facial recognition or voice recognition. The six-hour time requirement for the NY defensive driving course begins after you complete registration. You may complete the course in one sitting or log in and out as many times as you like. Your place in the course is automatically saved as you progress through it. You must complete the course within 30 days of registration.

You are not required to pass a test to receive your certificate for completing the course. You will receive a certificate for passing based on the delivery option you select. To get your auto insurance reduction, present your certificate of completion to your insurance agent within 90 days (after 90 days, you may still receive a discount, but your insurance agent may issue the discount effective from the date you submitted the certificate).

You may see the New York defensive driving course referred to as "PIRP" or "I-PIRP." This is the course you need for removal of points from your driving record and an auto insurance discount. PIRP stands for Point and Insurance Reduction Program. I-PIRP stands for Internet Point and Insurance Reduction Program - the same course delivered via the internet.

Labels: auto insurance reduction, defensive driving course, new york defensive driving, point reduction