In New York, drivers benefit from the Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP). Under this program, drivers are able to complete DMV approved courses designed to improve driver safety and knowledge, and in return get a discount on automobile insurance and a reduction in points on their driving record.
Defensive Driving Courses in New York
Unlike many other states, drivers in New York are not able to remove a driving violation from their driving record by taking a defensive driving course. After completing a defensive driving course, your violation, conviction, and points will remain on your driving record for up to four years, and violations and convictions involving alcohol or drugs will remain on your driving record for ten years.
However, with the Point and Insurance Reduction Program, New York drivers have the option to reduce some of the negative effects associated with traffic violations. Namely, drivers can reduce points on their driver's license, and receive a reduction in insurance premiums. Most drivers who receive a traffic violation will receive points on their license and an increase in insurance premiums, so this program mitigates some of the damage. It can even help you save your license: if you receive 11 points for traffic violations in an 18 month period, your driver's license may be suspended, but defensive driving can reduce your points below this threshold.
It's important to note that the Point and Insurance Reduction Program does not remove the requirement to pay a driver responsibility assessment. This assessment is a fee that is required by the Department of Motor Vehicles if you accumulate six or more points on your driving record within 18 months, or are convicted of certain traffic offenses such as DWI or refusing to take a blood alcohol content test. If this assessment is not paid, your driver's license may be suspended until you make your payment.
New York Defensive Driving Course Eligibility
All New York drivers are encouraged to improve their driving knowledge and safety by taking defensive driving courses. However, the point reduction and insurance benefits do not apply to all drivers. Some situations where point reduction does not apply include:
- violations that occurred more than 18 months in the past
- point reduction will not apply if your license has already been revoked or suspended, or your violation hearing has already been scheduled
- mandatory revocation or suspension for violations include DWI, DWAI, or three speeding violations within 18 months
Additionally, point reduction cannot be used to reduce your point total below zero, and it can't be used as credit against future violations or points. Drivers in New York can only used the Point & Insurance Reduction Program to reduce points once in an 18 month period.
If you're planning to enroll in a Point and Insurance Reduction Program course, be sure to verify with the state that you will be eligible for point reduction and/or insurance benefits.
New York Point Reduction with Defensive Driving
Enrolling in a Point and Insurance Reduction Program in New York is simple. Because the program is not directly tied to traffic violations, you do not need to seek permission to take the course from the court or any other entity. You simply enroll, and after you complete the course, your course sponsor will send a notification to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 weeks of completion. The DMV will reduce the active points on your driving record by up to four points.
If you enroll in the course but do not complete it, there is no penalty, but you will not receive point or insurance benefits if you do not complete the course.
Defensive Driving Courses Available in New York
Approved courses in the Point and Insurance Reduction Program will teach drivers about important information and skills in accident prevention and highway safety. Courses are six hours long and can be offered online or in person, with varying lengths of session times. New York defensive driving course curriculum includes:
- collision prevention
- alcohol and drug use contributions to collisions
- occupant restraints
- driver attitude and behavior risk factors
- mental and physical conditions of drivers
- traffic laws in New York
Defensive Driving for Car Insurance Discounts in New York
Often, drivers in New York enroll in a defensive driving course with the Point and Insurance Reduction Program primarily to reduce points after receiving a traffic violation, but it's important not to forget that the program offers an insurance benefit as well. Drivers who enroll in and complete a defensive driving course will receive a 10% reduction of the base rate of auto or motorcycle insurance premiums. This benefit lasts for three years and can be renewed as needed.
New York Defensive Driving Insurance Discount Eligibility
All drivers in New York are eligible and encouraged to complete a defensive driving course for insurance discounts. The discount applies as a 10% reduction on your current liability, no fault, and collision base rate premiums. It is important to note that the Point and Insurance Reduction Program discount will not protect you from general premium increases, and will not stop premium increases due to violations or accidents. However, your discount will still apply even in these situations, so it can be helpful. Contact your insurance company for more information about specific situations, such as young drivers who are already receiving a reduction in rates for driver education.
Insurance Defensive Driving Courses Available in New York
In New York, elective insurance defensive driving courses are the same courses that drivers take to reduce driver's license points and insurance rates. The course is six hours long and is available both online and in person. The curriculum includes instruction in:
Enroll in a New York Defensive Driving Safety Course
If you're ready to enroll in a defensive driving course through New York's Point and Insurance Reduction Program, don't delay. Sign up for a course in our directory to get started with your point and insurance benefits today.
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