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Is there an Illinois insurance discount for a defensive driving course?

Illinois drivers over 55 may get a car insurance discount. They must pass an approved defensive driving course. The amount may vary by company. Ask your insurer first.

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The rule, fact by fact

Who needs it
Drivers over 55 who passed an approved defensive driving courseAsk your insurer which approved defensive driving courses count.
Verified. Illinois Department of Insurance · Auto Insurance Shopping Guide (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Agency
Illinois Department of Insurance publishes the Auto Insurance Shopping GuideIf the link below stops working, search the department's site for that title.
Same source and date as above
Program
Defensive driver discountLook for the entry labeled "Defensive driver" in the state guide.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check your age. The Illinois Department of Insurance lists this discount for drivers over 55.

  2. Step 2. Call your insurer and ask about discounts. Ask if it gives one for a defensive driving course and which courses it accepts.

  3. Step 3. Take the course your insurer says it accepts. The type and amount of a discount may vary by company, so get its terms first.

  4. Step 4. Send your insurer proof that you passed. Then ask when the discount starts and how long it lasts.

Before you pay

Ask what your insurer takes off before you pay. The Illinois Department of Insurance says the type and amount of discounts may vary by company.

Questions

Is the Illinois defensive driving discount guaranteed?

The Illinois Department of Insurance lists it under "Discounts That May Be Available." Ask your insurer whether it offers one before you sign up for a course.

What is the mature driver credit in Illinois?

A separate discount for drivers over a certain age, usually 50, as the Department of Insurance describes it. Ask your insurer which one you qualify for.

Does the discount lower my whole premium?

Not always. The Department of Insurance says some discounts affect a portion of your coverage. Others may affect the entire premium.

What to do next

Ask your insurer before you pay. The Illinois Department of Insurance explains how to shop for auto insurance in its shopping guide.

idoi.illinois.gov

Sources we read