NY drivers can get a reduction in their auto insurance premium by completing a qualifying “Point and Insurance Reduction Program” (PIRP) course. This course is nicknamed the “Accident Prevention Course” or the “Defensive Driving Class”. It’s a six-hour class that reviews safety precautions drivers should take to have an added measure of safety while behind the wheel.

As the name indicates, drivers with “points” on their license – assigned as the result of a ticket or traffic violation – can reduce the number of points on their license by taking the course.

You can also save on your car insurance by taking the class. From the date you complete the course, and for three years, you will save ten percent on the liability, no-fault (PIP), and collision premiums. You can get credit for the primary vehicle driven by each person completing the course (once per vehicle, once per driver).

The course can be taken in a classroom – either all in one day, or split over two or more days. Contact your public library or chamber of commerce for more information about where this class is held in your area.

Many people prefer the convenience of taking the course online. One online provider is offering the course for $25 per person. See http://www.newyorksafetycouncil.com/?lgr=065cdde0-9a4b-de11-895f-00c09f3f0f12 to enroll in an online course.

Sometimes we get questions about how the discount works. Here are some scenarios:

• Two drivers,  two cars – Both drivers would be eligible for the discount.
• Two drivers, with one car – Whether one takes the class or the other, you only get the discount once.
• Two drivers, three cars – If both drivers take the class, two of the vehicles would receive the discount.