Geico Defensive Driving Course: All the Details

We all know that driving a vehicle can be an intimidating experience. Despite that, it’s something most of us can’t avoid. Although a vehicle can be dangerous in the wrong hands, you can take steps to ensure you’re up-to-date on the rules of the road. Doing so can help make driving safer, and far less stressful.

Below, we outline the details of Geico’s defensive driving course program, and how it can help you become not just a better driver, but also help lower your premiums as well.

How much do defensive driving courses cost?

Online defensive courses for Geico customers cost as little as $14.50, and $27.95 for non-customers (a nearly 50% discount for Geico drivers). Additional Geico customer benefits include:

• Long-term premium discount. Following course completion, your premium discount can continue with you for up to three years.
• Immediate certificate of completion. Your discount is processed within 30 minutes of completing your defensive driving course.
• Around-the-clock support. When needed, you can access a Geico representative 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
• Certified courses. Geico-approved defensive driving courses are all certified by the DMV.
• Online only. Courses are 100% online, with no requirement to visit a physical facility for testing or instruction. You may also use any device convenient to you to complete your course whether that’s a phone, tablet, or computer.

Geico also promises that minimum effort is required to sign up and complete approved defensive driving courses.

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Coverage Options Offered by Geico Defensive Driving Course

When it comes to protecting yourself and your vehicle, Geico offers a range of coverage options to suit your needs and provide peace of mind on the road. Here’s an overview of the coverage options available:

• Liability Coverage: Bodily Injury Liability which helps pay for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages of other people involved in an accident you are found responsible for and Property Damage Liability that covers the cost of repairs or replacement of another person’s property if you’re at fault in an accident.

• Collision Coverage: If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, collision coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement, regardless of fault.

• Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from non-collision-related incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you and your passengers if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance coverage.

• Medical Payments Coverage: This coverage helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault, in the event of an accident.

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP coverage provides more extensive coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs, even for non-accident-related injuries.

• Rental Reimbursement Coverage: If your vehicle is in the shop for repairs after an accident, rental reimbursement coverage helps cover the cost of renting a substitute vehicle.

• Roadside Assistance: Geico’s roadside assistance service provides help when you’re stranded due to a breakdown, flat tire, or other issues, ensuring you’re not left high and dry.

• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance: This coverage goes beyond traditional warranties to help pay for unexpected mechanical failures and repairs.

• Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage: If you’ve enhanced your vehicle with custom parts or accessories, this coverage ensures they are protected in the event of damage or theft.

• Accident Forgiveness: Geico’s accident forgiveness option prevents your premium from increasing after your first at-fault accident.

• Defensive Driving Course Discount: Completing an approved defensive driving course can earn you a discount of up to 10% on your premiums.

• Multi-Policy Discount: Bundling your auto insurance with other policies like home or renters insurance can result in significant savings.

• Good Student Discount: If you’re a student with good grades, you may be eligible for a discount on your auto insurance.

• Military and Federal Employee Discounts: Geico offers special discounts to active and retired military personnel, as well as federal employees.

• Usage-Based Insurance: Geico’s DriveEasy program allows you to save based on your driving habits and mileage, promoting safe and efficient driving. (For more information, read our “Geico DriveEasy App Review“).

Consult with a Geico representative or use our online tools to customize your coverage options and ensure you have the protection that best suits your needs. Your policy can be tailored to meet your unique circumstances, helping you drive with confidence and financial security.

Discounts Offered by Geico Defensive Driving Course

Geico’s defensive driving course program not only enhances your driving skills but also rewards you with significant discounts on your auto insurance premiums. Here are the key discounts you can receive through the program:

1. Long-Term Premium Discount: Upon successful completion of an approved Geico defensive driving course, you can enjoy a premium discount that can last for up to three years. This long-term benefit means you’ll continue to save on your auto insurance for an extended period.

2. Immediate Certificate of Completion: Your discount is processed swiftly, typically within 30 minutes of finishing your defensive driving course. Geico ensures that you can enjoy the cost savings without delay.

3. Around-the-Clock Support: Geico offers 24/7 access to their representatives. If you ever need assistance or have questions about the defensive driving course or your discount, help is just a phone call away, day or night.

4. Certified Courses: Geico-approved defensive driving courses are certified by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This certification ensures that you’re receiving quality and recognized instruction that promotes safe driving practices.

5. Online Convenience: Geico’s defensive driving courses are 100% online, eliminating the need to visit a physical facility for testing or instruction. You can complete your course on your preferred device, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or computer, providing flexibility and convenience.

Discounts and approved courses may vary state to state, and by the insurance company. Take a look at our Geico insurance review to learn more about Geico auto insurance coverage.

Exploring Geico’s Claims Process

Ease of Filing a Claim

Geico’s claims process is designed to be hassle-free for its customers. Whether you prefer the convenience of filing a claim online, making a quick call over the phone, or utilizing their user-friendly mobile app, Geico offers multiple channels to report a claim. This flexibility ensures that you can choose the method that suits you best, making the claims process as convenient as possible.

Average Claim Processing Time

Geico is committed to swift and efficient claim processing. While the exact processing time may vary depending on the specifics of each claim, Geico strives to handle claims promptly. They understand that getting policyholders back on the road quickly after an accident is essential, and they work diligently to minimize any disruptions caused by accidents or incidents.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

Geico has received positive feedback from its customers regarding the resolution of claims and payout processes. Policyholders appreciate Geico’s responsiveness and willingness to address their needs. While each claim situation is unique, the overall customer satisfaction with Geico’s claim handling process reflects the company’s dedication to its policyholders.

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Navigating Geico’s Digital and Technological Features

Mobile App Features and Functionality

Geico’s mobile app is a robust tool that empowers policyholders with a wide range of features and functionalities. From accessing policy information to filing claims and even requesting roadside assistance, the app offers a comprehensive suite of resources at your fingertips. It streamlines the insurance experience, allowing you to manage your coverage and access support with ease.

Online Account Management Capabilities

Managing your car insurance policy is convenient and straightforward with Geico’s online account management capabilities. Policyholders can log in to their accounts to review policy details, make payments, update personal information, and track claims. These digital tools simplify administrative tasks, ensuring that you stay organized and well-informed about your coverage.

Digital Tools and Resources

Geico provides policyholders with a wealth of digital tools and resources to enhance their insurance experience. These resources may include educational materials, articles on safe driving practices, and tools for estimating insurance costs. By offering these digital resources, Geico empowers its customers with knowledge and support to make informed decisions about their coverage.

Customer Reviews of Geico Defensive Driving Course

Let’s hear directly from the customers who have had real-life experiences with Geico:

“Geico has been my insurance provider for years, and I couldn’t be happier. Their customer service is top-notch, and their app makes managing my policies a breeze. When I had a minor fender-bender last year, their claims process was quick and hassle-free. I’d recommend Geico to anyone looking for reliable car insurance.” – Sarah W.

“Switching to Geico was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only did I save money on my car insurance, but their website and mobile app are incredibly user-friendly. When I needed roadside assistance, Geico was there for me. It’s a company that values its customers and goes the extra mile to provide excellent service.” – John D.

“Geico’s rates were competitive, and I appreciated their commitment to safe driving with the defensive driving course. It’s a great way to save on insurance while becoming a better driver. Geico’s claims process is straightforward, and they handled my claim efficiently. I’m a satisfied customer.” – Emily K.

These reviews offer valuable insights into the firsthand experiences of Geico’s customers. Their positive feedback highlights Geico’s dedication to customer service, user-friendly technology, and a commitment to promoting safe driving.

History and Mission of Geico Defensive Driving Course

Geico, which stands for Government Employees Insurance Company, has a storied history dating back to 1936 when Leo and Lillian Goodwin founded the company. Originally catering to government employees and military personnel, Geico quickly expanded its customer base and became a household name in the insurance industry.

Over the decades, the company has consistently evolved and innovated to provide cost-effective insurance solutions while maintaining a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Geico’s mission is rooted in offering accessible and affordable insurance to a wide range of customers. They believe that everyone deserves quality coverage without breaking the bank. Geico aims to provide not only excellent customer service but also a suite of digital tools and resources to empower policyholders in making informed decisions about their insurance.

With a strong focus on road safety, Geico encourages smart driving practices through defensive driving courses, contributing to safer roads for all. This combination of history and mission underscores Geico’s dedication to delivering value, safety, and exceptional service to its customers.

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What is Geico’s defensive driving course program?

Car insurance companies tend to reward their safest drivers. Defensive driving courses approved by Geico teach safe driving and accident prevention. Even better, taking a Geico-approved course can help lower your monthly auto policy premiums by as much as 10%. Discount details and eligibility are dependent on your state of residence.

Geico believes that making the roads a safer place is important to the overall safety and well-being of all drivers. Providing the incentive of a premium discount is a worthwhile exchange for helping customers become better drivers. Additionally, defensive drivers are considered lower risk, and therefore cheaper to insure in the long run.

How does Geico’s defensive driving course program work?

Eligibility and discount levels vary by state. Simply enter your state of residence, and Geico will provide all approved schools and courses available to you. Additionally, benefits and details of eligibility are conveniently outlined for you.

If you have an unlisted driving course in mind, Geico offers 24/7 customers service to help you determine if it will qualify. By and large, Geico makes signing up for the course of your choice easy. Doing so will bring you one step closer to your awarded safe driver discount. (For more information, read our “Geico Safe Driver Discount: How much can you save?“).

Do I qualify for an approved Geico defensive driving course?

Geico defensive driving course requirements vary by state. For those living in most states, Geico requires that participants be 50 years of age or older to participate. Additionally, Geico asks that course enrollees take classes voluntarily, and are not being required to do so by a government entity or court order.

Upon course completion, and for those who qualify, receiving your premium discount is made easy. Simply provide your course certificate to Geico, and your premium discount is applied to your auto insurance policy once confirmed.

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What can I expect to learn in a defensive driving course?

Overall, taking a defensive driving course through Geico provides well-rounded driving instruction that will help you to operate a vehicle in the best interest of everyone on the road. Below are a few key takeaways you can expect from completing an approved defensive driving course.

Accident prevention

Being aware of other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians can go a long way to help in preventing accidents. Regularly checking your mirrors and keeping your eyes on the road at all times is also important in helping you anticipate unexpected maneuvers from those you share the road with.

Defensive driver techniques

Making smart and safe decisions on the road can help minimize the threat of an accident. Focusing on things such as speed control, keeping a safe distance, expecting the unexpected, and staying alert are also important when ensuring your safety, as well as other drivers.

Speed control

Keeping your car moving at a controlled speed should always be a top priority for a driver. To accomplish this, it’s important to observe posted speed limit signs at all times.

Keeping a safe distance

One of the most effective ways to avoid collision is to keep a safe distance from other drivers on the road. Additionally, it’s key to keep an eye on other vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and any other obstacles on the road, and provide at least three feet of space when applicable.

New drivers can also benefit from taking a defensive driving course. Defensive driving courses usually provide more detailed information than a standard driving course and therefore be more ultimately beneficial to all drivers.

Are there other benefits to taking a defensive driving course?

Other than gaining a premium discount on your auto insurance, there are many other benefits you can get by taking a defensive driving course.

• Remove a driving violation. In qualifying states, taking a defensive driving course can help remove a driving violation from your record.
• Preventing a ticket from hitting your record. A defensive driving course can serve to prevent a ticket from appearing on your permanent driving record. Accomplishing this can keep your premiums low.
• Reclaiming your license. In the event your license has been revoked or suspended, taking a defensive driving course can be the first step toward getting it back.

Of course, the ultimate benefit to completing a defensive driving course is keeping your driving skills sharp. Doing so can keep both you and other drivers safe on the road.

Online Versus In-Person Driving Courses

Geico exclusively offers online course options. If you are not a Geico customer, selecting an online or in-person defensive driving course can be a tough choice to make. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when making your selection:

• Online advantages
  • More cost-effective
  • Complete the course from the comfort of your own home
  • Schedule flexibility
• Online disadvantages
  • Can take longer
  • No live instructor to offer support
  • Some programs may not be accredited
• In-person advantages
  • Live instructor to offer support
  • Typically just one session
• In-person disadvantages
  • Not as convenient
  • More expensive than online options

If you aren’t a Geico customer, check with your insurance company to clarify what options are available to you.

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The Bottom Line on Geico Defensive Driving Courses

The best way to keep your driving skills sharp is by enrolling in a defensive driving course. Doing so not only helps to ensure your safety on the road but the safety of others on the road as well.

In addition to helping to ensure a clean auto record, completing a Geico-approved defensive driving course can lower your monthly premiums by as much as 10%. Take the first step in earning your policy discount by researching participant eligibility in your state.

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