What is a Safe Driving Bonus? | Clearcover Insurance

Insurance companies use a number of different factors to calculate your risk and as a driver and determine insurance rates. One of these factors is how safely and responsibly a person drives. Being a good driver with a clean driving record goes a long way toward securing a low insurance premium. According to DefensiveDriving.org, safe drivers with a clean driving history can save up to 20% on their auto insurance premiums.

Safe driving bonuses are a way for your auto insurance company to reward you for good driving habits. Generally you would receive a premium credit in return for your safe driving record.

We’ll discuss safe driving behavior, safe driving bonuses and discounts, and eligibility requirements for such programs.

What Is Considered Safe Driving?

Being a safe driver means avoiding accidents by following road rules and having an excellent driving record. Generally, a safe driver demonstrates the following:

Follow the speed limit: In 2019, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that "speeding was a contributing factor in 26% of traffic fatalities." We are all busy and ready to get where we're going, but speeding is too dangerous to risk. Slow down, take your time, and always follow the posted speed limit.
Pay attention: Distracted driving can be as risky as drunk driving. Put down your phone, keep your hands on the wheel, and focus your mind on the road. Avoiding distracted driving reduces traffic accidents and helps you maintain a clean driving record.
Obey the laws: Know the laws in the state where you're driving, as many traffic laws are regulated on a state-by-state basis. Understanding your state's seatbelt laws, passing laws, and other regulations can save you from getting hit with an expensive traffic ticket.
Drive defensively: Avoid drama on the road by staying away from vehicles driving erratically—including rude drivers that cut you off. While giving them a few hand gestures may be tempting, take the high road and focus on safely getting where you're going.
Accident-free history: Whoever said "the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior" was probably an insurance agent. If you have a record of good driving behavior, you're likely to be considered a good driver. If your driving history is full of tickets, DUIs, or car accidents, you have a tarnished driving reputation and would be considered a higher risk to insure.

Examples of Safe Driving Bonuses and Auto Insurance Discounts

For most people, getting an auto insurance discount is a great incentive to maintain a good driving record.

Before we dive into the details it’s important to note that with Clearcover, your safe driving record is factored into your rate, however we don’t itemize or break down the different discounts. We simply give you the best rate we can offer you.

Safe driving bonuses come in several flavors, so let's dive into some of the safe driving discounts that can be included in a safe driving discount benefits and how to qualify.

Accident-free discount: A policyholder who hasn't been involved in an auto accident can receive a healthy discount. Depending on the auto policy, the policyholder needs to be accident-free for three to five years.
Moving violation discount: Being ticket-free may make you eligible for a moving violation discount on your insurance rates (not to mention the money you save from not having tickets to pay).
Safe driver discount: Some car insurance companies give a safe driving discount to every policyholder who is accident-free and violation-free.
Telematics program: This type of auto insurance discount is usage-based. A mobile app or device installed in your vehicle tracks your driving and gives you driving discounts based on how safely you maneuver. A recent MarketWatch review estimated that signing up for a telematics program can net you a 5% to 10% discount.
Deductible rewards: Safe drivers can take advantage of this rewards program to help lower their deductibles. Your good driving habits earn rewards you can use to lower your deductible. For example, if your deductible is $500 and you earn $250 in deductible rewards, you save half on your deductible.

Other Benefits of Safe Driving

While we all like to save money, especially on our auto insurance, there are better reasons to drive and stay safe on the road. When you're behind the wheel, you're responsible for a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds and is moving at fast speeds—that's a big responsibility.

Regardless of whether or not you receive a discount, here are just a few other benefits of being a safe driver:

Keep you and your family safe: Drivers who practice defensive driving, pay attention to the road, and obey traffic laws are acting responsibly for themselves and their passengers.
Keep others safe: When you're behind the wheel, your actions can have consequences for you and the other drivers around you.
Decrease your stress level: Some people automatically stress out when they drive. They yell at other drivers, speed, drive erratically, and may even break the law. Your morning drive to work could set your mood for the whole day. By slowing down, paying attention to the road, and maintaining a good attitude, good drivers can stay more relaxed on and off the road.

How To Get a Safe Driving Bonus

Drivers who want to use their good driving records to save some money on their auto insurance should start by talking to their auto insurance agent. Your agent can look at your driving history and explain the options available to you, advise you about enrollment requirements, and go over every disclaimer associated with the discount.

Accident-free discounts, telematics discounts, violation-free discounts, and safe driver discounts can add up to big savings via a premium discount.

Are There Other Available Driving Discounts for Insurance Policies?

Take heart if you're looking for ways to decrease your insurance premiums but you have an accident or a few tickets on your record. In addition to safe driving bonuses, there are other ways to get car insurance discounts:

Accident forgiveness: Ask your insurance company if they offer accident forgiveness. If you're involved in an auto accident, this gives you a pass and keeps your premiums the same. You should be able to add it to your insurance policy on the front end.
Defensive driving courses: Taking a class that outlines good driving habits can keep points off your driving record, helping your insurance premiums decrease in some cases.
Combine auto insurance with homeowners insurance: Most insurance companies offer discounts to customers who cover their vehicle and home. You may also get a discount if you cover more than one vehicle. Ensure your insurance agent knows that you want them to cover both when asking for insurance quotes.

Learn more about how to get car insurance discounts—the easy way.

Drive Safe and Save With Clearcover

Adopting safe driving habits is key to avoiding tickets, accidents, and high insurance premiums. Not to mention, it's the smart thing to do to keep you, your loved ones, and other drivers and passengers safe. Paying insurance premiums can be a hassle, so it pays to investigate how you can get discounts on your insurance policy. Talk to your insurance agent to see how much money your good driving behavior could help you save.

Do you need an insurance company to provide car insurance that's hassle-free, fast, and easy to understand? Clearcover is straightforward car insurance that offers transparent quotes, fast payments, and friendly support, helping you make smart decisions every step of the way. Get started today with a quote to find coverage you'll love!