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Does Washington give a car insurance discount to drivers 55 and older?

Washington drivers 55 and older can get a lower rate after a course that meets Department of Licensing criteria and runs at least eight hours. The law requires it on personal auto liability and physical damage coverage, but not underinsured motorist coverage. It lasts two years after the course.

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The rule, fact by fact

Rule
RCW 48.19.460, premium reductions for older insuredsCite this section when you ask your insurer about the discount.
Verified. lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Who needs it
Insureds 55 or older who finish a course meeting the Department of Licensing criteriaUnderinsured motorist coverage is left out of the reduction.
Same source and date as above
Valid for
A two-year period after finishing the courseAsk your insurer which renewal dates fall inside that window.
Same source and date as above
Course hours
A minimum of eight hours, or more if the Department of Licensing sets more by ruleAsk the provider to confirm its course meets the department's criteria before you pay.
Same source and date as above
Online accepted
Yes, the reduction is allowed for courses given by internet, video or other technologyCourses given in a classroom setting qualify as well.
Verified. lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check that you are an insured on a personal auto policy and that you are 55 or older. The reduction covers liability and physical damage, and it runs for two years after you finish the course.

  2. Step 2. Pick a course that meets the criteria of the Department of Licensing and runs at least eight hours. Ask the provider to confirm that it does.

  3. Step 3. Finish the course in a classroom, or by internet, video or other technology if the Department of Licensing has approved that way of delivering it.

  4. Step 4. You are issued a completion certificate. Ask your insurer how to submit it and what your rate reduction will be.

Courses

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Before you pay

Pay for a course only after you ask your insurer what it takes off and for how long. Get the exact amount in writing.

Questions

How does an online course show that I finished it?

The provider has to include a process to confirm that participants finished. It could use timers that limit how fast the course can be viewed, quizzes, or questions that check the person taking it.

Who can teach the classroom course?

A public or private agency the Department of Licensing approves. An agency that seeks approval to offer a course by internet, video or other technology does not have to run classroom courses too.

Does an online course provider keep a record that I finished?

Yes. Providers of online and video courses keep records of participants who finish and get certificates. They give those records to the Department of Licensing on written request.

What to do next

Ask your insurer before you pay. The full text is in RCW 48.19.460.

lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov

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