If you’re 55 or older and drive in Florida, taking an approved safety course could lower part of your car insurance premium for three years.
This isn’t just a discount offered by one insurance company. Florida law requires an appropriate premium reduction on certain auto insurance coverages when the principal operator of the covered vehicle is at least 55 and successfully completes an approved motor vehicle accident prevention course.
Am I Eligible for Florida’s Mature Driver Discount?
To qualify, you must:
- Be at least 55 years old
- Be the principal operator of the covered vehicle
- Successfully complete a motor vehicle accident prevention course approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
The approved course must meet requirements established by the state, including a minimum number of hours, and you’ll need to pass a written test covering the material taught in the course.
There’s no income requirement in the statute. Eligibility is based on your age, your status as the principal operator and successful completion of an approved course.
How Much Could I Save?
Florida doesn’t set one specific percentage or dollar amount that every eligible driver receives.
Instead, Florida Statute §627.0652 requires an appropriate reduction in premium charges on these coverages:
- Liability
- Personal injury protection
- Collision
The statute also says that a discount used by an insurer is presumed to be appropriate unless credible data demonstrates otherwise.
Because of that, the actual savings can vary depending on the insurer and policy.
It’s also important to understand that the law applies specifically to these qualifying coverages. It doesn’t necessarily mean your entire auto insurance premium will be reduced by the same amount.
How Long Does the Discount Last?
The premium reduction is effective for three years after you successfully complete the approved course.
After that three-year period, you would need to successfully complete an approved course again to qualify for another three-year reduction.
Could I Lose the Discount Early?
Possibly.
Florida law allows an insurer to require certain safe-driving conditions in order for you to maintain the discount.
Your insurer may require that you:
- Don’t have an accident for which you’re at fault
- Aren’t convicted of, plead guilty to or plead no contest to a moving traffic violation
Because the law says insurers may require these conditions, it’s a good idea to ask your insurance company about the specific requirements for maintaining your discount.
What If I Took a Course Because of a Traffic Ticket?
That may not qualify.
Florida’s 55+ discount doesn’t apply when the approved course is taken as punishment imposed by a court or another governmental entity because of a moving traffic violation.
In other words, completing a course voluntarily to qualify for the insurance reduction is different from being ordered to take one as a consequence of a violation.
How Do I Sign Up?
You’ll need to complete a motor vehicle accident prevention course approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Before enrolling, confirm that the course you’re considering is approved for purposes of Florida Statute §627.0652.
After you successfully complete the course, the organization providing it will issue you a certificate of completion.
You can use that certificate to show your insurance company that you’ve completed the qualifying course.
How Do I Get the Discount on My Policy?
Once you’ve successfully completed an approved course and received your certificate, contact your auto insurance company.
Ask how they want you to submit your certificate so the qualifying premium reduction can be applied to your policy.
Remember that the amount of the reduction can vary. Florida law requires an appropriate reduction on the qualifying coverages, but it doesn’t establish one universal discount percentage for every insurer.
Is This Still Available Right Now?
Yes.
This isn’t a temporary promotion with a limited application window. The discount is established under Florida Statute §627.0652.
The premium reduction lasts for three years from the date you successfully complete the approved course, rather than following one statewide application deadline.
Relief Recap
If you’re 55 or older, you’re the principal operator of your insured vehicle and you live in Florida, completing an approved motor vehicle accident prevention course could lower the premiums you pay for liability, personal injury protection and collision coverage.
The exact savings can vary, but the qualifying reduction lasts for three years after successful course completion.
Your insurer may also require you to remain free of at-fault accidents and qualifying moving violations in order to maintain the discount.
Before signing up for a class, make sure it’s approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for this discount.
For more ways to cut your transportation costs, take a look at our guide on free vehicle registration for life and our list of free transportation programs. You can also browse our Florida resources for additional assistance programs.
