If you’re 55 or older in Minnesota, taking a short driver safety course could qualify you for a significant break on your car insurance.
Minnesota law requires insurers to provide qualifying drivers with a premium reduction of at least 10% after they successfully complete an approved accident prevention course.
The current original course is just four hours long, and approved options are available both online and in person.
Am I Eligible?
Minnesota’s insurance discount applies to insured drivers who are 55 or older and successfully complete an accident prevention course that meets state requirements.
The discount applies to qualifying private passenger vehicle insurance policies issued, delivered, or renewed in Minnesota.
You can read the requirement directly in Minnesota Statute 65B.28.
How Much Could I Save?
Minnesota law requires an appropriate premium reduction of at least 10% for qualifying drivers.
The important phrase here is “at least.”
That means 10% is the minimum reduction required by the statute, not a maximum.
Your actual dollar savings will depend on your insurance premium.
For example, if the portion of your premium subject to the reduction were $1,000, a 10% reduction would equal $100. Your insurer can explain exactly how the reduction applies to your policy.
How Long Is the Class?
The current Minnesota requirement for the original accident prevention course is four hours.
That’s important because you may still encounter older information online describing a longer course. Minnesota law was changed, and the current statute specifies a four-hour original course.
To remain eligible for the insurance reduction, you’ll need to successfully complete the original course again or an approved refresher course every three years.
The refresher course may be up to four hours, so don’t assume it will necessarily be shorter than the original course.
What If I Let My Eligibility Expire?
There’s good news if you qualified in the past but haven’t taken another course in more than three years.
Minnesota law specifically addresses this situation.
If you’re 58 or older and more than three years have passed since you were last eligible for the premium reduction, successfully completing the original course or an approved refresher course can reinstate your eligibility.
Where Can I Take an Approved Course?
Don’t sign up for just any defensive driving class.
The course needs to meet Minnesota’s requirements for the insurance reduction.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety maintains a list of approved accident prevention courses, including both classroom and online options.
Approved providers include organizations such as the AARP Driver Safety Program, Minnesota Safety Council, and St. Cloud State University’s Precision Driving Center, along with other approved providers.
You can review the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s approved accident prevention course list before enrolling.
Course prices and availability can vary by provider, so compare your options before signing up.
How Do I Get the Insurance Reduction?
After successfully completing an approved course, you’ll receive proof that you’ve completed the required training.
Minnesota law requires qualifying insurers to provide the applicable premium reduction when the requirements are met.
However, the statute doesn’t spell out one universal process that every insurance company must use for submitting your course-completion information.
Because of that, contact your insurer and ask how it wants your proof of course completion submitted and when you should expect the reduction to appear on your policy.
Keeping a copy of your completion certificate for your records is also a good idea.
Does My Insurance Company Have to Offer It?
For qualifying policies and insured drivers, this isn’t simply a promotional discount an insurance company can choose whether to offer.
Minnesota law requires an appropriate premium reduction of at least 10% when the statutory requirements are met.
The requirement applies to qualifying private passenger vehicle policies issued, delivered, or renewed in Minnesota.
If you’re unsure whether your particular policy qualifies, contact your insurer and reference Minnesota Statute 65B.28.
What If I See Different Information Online?
You may find websites that still describe Minnesota’s original accident prevention course as eight hours long.
That information may be outdated.
The current Minnesota statute specifies a four-hour original course.
You may also see websites describing the insurance reduction as “up to 10%.” That’s not how the current statute describes it.
For qualifying insureds, Minnesota law requires an appropriate premium reduction of at least 10%.
When information from a course provider conflicts with the statute, check the current law and Minnesota Department of Public Safety resources before enrolling.
Relief Recap
Minnesota drivers 55 and older may qualify for a car insurance premium reduction of at least 10% by successfully completing an approved four-hour accident prevention course.
To remain eligible, you’ll need to complete the original course again or an approved refresher course every three years.
Before enrolling, check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s approved course list to make sure you’re choosing a qualifying course.
After you finish, contact your insurance company to find out how it wants your course-completion information submitted.
For more transportation savings, check out our guides to vehicle registration assistance and free and low-cost transportation programs.
