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Does Delaware require lower insurance rates after a defensive driving course?

Delaware law tells the Commissioner to require a reduction in rates for a 3-year period. That covers any person who voluntarily attends and finishes a motor vehicle accident prevention course the Division of Motor Vehicles approves. A course a court orders, or the Division requires for violations of Title 21, is not voluntary. The text we read gives no percentage.

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The rule, fact by fact

Rule
Delaware Code section 2503, Making of ratesCite section 2503 when you ask your insurer about the discount.
Verified. delcode.delaware.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Who needs it
Any person who voluntarily attends and finishes an approved courseThe Commissioner has to require the lower rate for that person.
Same source and date as above
Valid for
A reduction in rates for a 3-year periodAsk your insurer when the 3 years start.
Same source and date as above
Agency
The Division of Motor Vehicles approves the courseAsk the provider to confirm that its course carries that approval before you pay.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Make sure you are taking the course on your own. A course a court orders, or the Division of Motor Vehicles requires for violations of Title 21, is not voluntary.

  2. Step 2. Pick a course the Division of Motor Vehicles approves. Ask the provider to confirm that it does.

  3. Step 3. Take the course and finish it. We haven't confirmed whether Delaware lets you take it online, so ask the provider and your insurer.

  4. Step 4. Ask your insurer what proof it wants, then send it. Ask when the lower rate starts and how much it takes off.

Before you pay

Pay for a course only after you ask your insurer what it takes off. Ask for the exact figure in writing.

Questions

What does the law say a Delaware course must cover?

It must teach you about traffic stops by a law-enforcement officer. Any test must include at least 2 questions on traffic stops.

Which vehicles does the discount cover?

Any individually owned vehicle classified as a private passenger vehicle. If not every member of a group has finished the course, the discount is scaled to the number who have.

Do course instructors get the discount?

Yes. Instructors the Division of Motor Vehicles has certified get the same cut in rates as people who finish a course, in the way set in the rules.

What to do next

Ask your insurer before you pay. The full text is in the Delaware Code.

delcode.delaware.gov

Sources we read