According to the National Safety Council, the overall number of motor vehicle crashes per 100,000 people decreases steadily as drivers age. Drivers ages 65 to 74 make up 13.3% of all licensed drivers in the U.S., but they account for only 7.1% of all drivers in crashes.
Based on a combination of this kind of statistical data, risk assessment, and business strategies, insurance companies like Progressive often offer discounted auto insurance premiums to older drivers. These discounts reflect senior drivers’ experience behind the wheel, conservative driving habits, tendency to file fewer claims than younger drivers, and insurance companies’ desire to retain them as loyal, low-risk policyholders. If you’re an older driver looking to save on your Progressive auto insurance, the Progressive mature driver discount might be for you.
Ready to learn about the Progressive mature driver discount, including who qualifies, how to obtain the discount, how long it lasts, and more? Read on for all the details.
What Is the Progressive Mature Driver Discount?
The Progressive Mature Driver Discount is a rate reduction offered by Progressive Insurance to reward mature or older drivers who demonstrate safe driving behaviors. This discount acknowledges the experience, stability, and often safer driving habits of mature drivers.
Eligible drivers can enjoy a reduction in their auto insurance premiums. This discount serves as an incentive for older drivers to maintain their safe driving habits.
Keep in mind that the availability and specifics of the mature driver discount can vary based on state regulations. For the most accurate information on the Progressive mature driver discount, including current eligibility criteria and savings percentages, it’s a good idea to contact Progressive Insurance directly.
What Are the Requirements for the Progressive Mature Driver Discount?
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the eligibility requirements for the Progressive mature driver discount:
- Age: Typically, drivers who are 50 years or older might be eligible for this discount, although the exact age may vary by state.
- Driving record: A clean driving record, with no recent at-fault accidents or major traffic violations, is required for eligibility.
- Mature driver course: In some states, drivers may also be required to complete a mature driver improvement course to qualify for the discount (more on that below).
You’ll also need to have an active Progressive insurance policy on at least one vehicle.
What Are the Requirements for the Progressive Mature Driver Discount in California?
In California, the requirements to qualify for the Progressive mature driver discount are:
- To be 55 years of age or older.
- To complete a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) approved mature driver improvement course. These courses are designed to refresh driving knowledge, cover the effects of aging on driving, and provide tips for older drivers.
- To maintain a clean driving record. A history of recent at-fault accidents or significant traffic violations could affect eligibility.
- To have a valid California driver’s license.
How to Get the Progressive Mature Driver Discount
Obtaining the Progressive Mature Driver Discount involves following the steps below. While the exact process can vary based on location and specific policy details, these steps should get you started — and you can always reach out to your Progressive Insurance agent or broker for help or guidance if you need it.
1. Check your eligibility. Ensure you meet the age requirement for the discount, which is 55 years in California. Review your driving record to ensure it’s clean, as this can be a key factor in qualifying for the discount.
2. Sign up for a California DMV-approved mature driver course. These courses are sometimes called defensive driving courses. The course will help you refresh your driving knowledge and skills and adapt to age-related changes that can affect your driving, like loss of hearing or changes in your reaction time. At Traffic Safety Institute, we offer a convenient, online course that’s approved by the California DMV and accepted by Progressive Insurance, as well as all other major insurance carriers in California.
3. Complete the course and pass the final exam. Once the course is completed, you’ll receive an insurance discount certificate as proof you completed it.
4. Contact Progressive about your discount. Reach out to a Progressive representative or agent. You can do this by phone, online through the Progressive website, or in person if there’s a local office near you. Inform them that you’ve completed the mature driver course and you’d like to apply for the discount. Submit the certificate or proof of completion from the mature driver course. Progressive may also request other documents or information, like details from your driving record.
5. Receive your mature driver discount and enjoy your savings. Once all documents are received, Progressive will review the information. If everything is in order and you meet the criteria, the discount will be applied to your policy. The exact savings will vary, but it can lead to a significant reduction in your premium.
How to Maintain the Progressive Mature Driver Discount
The Progressive mature driver discount lasts for three years at a time for California drivers. If you want to maintain it for longer than that, follow these steps:
1. Take a renewal course. You don’t need to take the full mature driver course again — but you do need to take a DMV-approved renewal course, which covers similar topics but is shorter. Once you pass the renewal course, you’ll receive another insurance discount certificate that’s good for another three years. This can be repeated every three years indefinitely for as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria for the program.
2. Maintain a clean driving record. Avoid at-fault accidents — being at fault in a car accident could jeopardize your discount. Traffic violations, especially severe ones like DUIs, can also disqualify you from the discount.
3. Stay up-to-date with policy changes. Insurance policies and discount requirements can change. Periodically review your policy and the terms of the discount to make sure you’re in compliance.
4. Regularly review your insurance policies. It’s a good idea to review your policy and discounts periodically to ensure you’re getting the maximum benefits and to check if there are other discounts you might qualify for.
FAQ About the Progressive Mature Driver Discount
If you have any other questions about the Progressive mature driver discount, keep reading! Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the program.
What’s the Progressive Mature Driver Discount Age?
The typical starting age for the Progressive mature driver discount is 50 years old. However, the exact age at which one becomes eligible for the discount can vary by state and specific policy details. In some states, the age requirement might be 55 years old or another age threshold. In California, drivers must be 55 or older to qualify for the program.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on the age requirement for the Progressive mature driver discount in a specific state, it’s best to contact Progressive Insurance directly.
Do I Automatically Receive a Mature Driver Discount When I Become Old Enough?
No, reaching the eligible age is just one of the criteria. You’ll also need to maintain a clean driving record and, in some states (like California), complete a DMV-approved mature driver course.
How Long Is the Progressive Mature Driver Discount Valid?
In California, the discount lasts for three years before it either expires, or you need to take a renewal course to keep qualifying. That can vary in other states.
How Much Can You Save With the Progressive Mature Driver Discount?
The exact discount percentage can vary by state, or even by individual insurance provider, so it’s a good idea to check with your Progressive agent to see how much you can save by qualifying for the mature driver discount.
However, in California, the average savings for Progressive customers who qualify for the mature driver discount is 10%. When you apply that savings to the average annual cost of auto insurance premiums in California — $2,291 — it means the average driver would save $687.30 over the three years the discount is valid. If you renew the discount, you can save even more.
At Traffic Safety Institute, we guarantee you’ll save at least $100 on your car insurance by taking our mature driver course — but as you can see, it’s easy to save much more than that.
Can a Mature Driver Discount Be Combined with Other Discounts?
Yes, Progressive allows policyholders to stack multiple eligible discounts. This means you can combine the Mature Driver Discount with other discounts you qualify for, maximizing your savings.
Does Progressive Offer Any Other Discounts?
Yes, Progressive offers a variety of discounts to its policyholders to make insurance more affordable and to reward specific behaviors and conditions. Some of these discounts include:
- Multi-policy discount
- Multi-car discount
- Autopay discount
- Pay-in-full discount
- Paperless discount
- Homeowever discount
- Anti-theft device discount
- Military discount
This is not an exhaustive list, and availability can vary based on location, changes in company policies, and other factors. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on discounts and to understand which ones you might qualify for, contact your Progressive agent or broker.
How Long Is the Mature Driver Course?
The California DMV-approved mature driver course contains 13 modules. When you take the course in a classroom, you’re required to sit for 400 minutes of instruction for the initial course, and 240 minutes for the renewal course.
But when you take the mature driver course online, one of the best features is the ability to complete it at your own pace. You can take your time — or complete it in a single sitting (many students do!). The online course offered by Traffic Safety Institute meets the DMV length requirements, and can be completed from the comfort of your home (or anywhere with an internet connection) from your computer, tablet, or even a mobile phone.
How Do You Get the Progressive Mature Driver Discount?
First, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. Then, take and pass a DMV-approved mature driver course, get your insurance discount certificate, and give it to your Progressive Insurance agent or broker. They’ll apply the discount for you so you can enjoy up to three years of savings (or longer, if you choose to renew the discount).
Will I Lose the Discount If I’m Involved in an Accident?
It depends on the circumstances of the accident and if you were at fault. Progressive will review the details and determine if any changes to your discounts apply.
Does Every State Offer the Progressive Mature Driver Discount?
Most states offer mature driver discounts, but the criteria and savings amount can vary. It’s important to check with Progressive or your local representative for availability in your state.
Sign Up for Your Mature Driver Course for Free with Traffic Safety Institute
Ready to take a mature driver course and start saving?
You have a lot of options. Many online traffic schools offer mature driver courses costing between $40 and $70 per course — but they don’t tell you about their hidden fees. In fact, many of them charge extra fees just to get your insurance discount certificate once you finish and pass the course.
Traffic Safety Institute offers a California DMV-approved mature driver course for just $24.99, with no hidden fees — guaranteed.
Here’s everything that’s included for the $24.99 course fee:
- DMV-approved course
- Guaranteed to pass
- Electronic certificate copy
- Free and fast shipping for your physical certificate copy
- 24/7 live chat support
- Audio read along
- $100 insurance savings guarantee
Our course is accepted by Progressive — plus all other major insurance carriers in California, so if you change your insurance, you can keep your mature driver discount.
Ready to get started — and start saving? You can start your course today, for free. There’s no credit or debit card required, and you don’t have to pay until after you pass.
Start saving money on your Progressive car insurance. Sign up for a Mature Driver Course today and get started for free.