The discount for good driving in California is 20% for residents who have had a valid driver's license (from any state) for the last 3 consecutive years, who have no more than 1 point on their driving record, and who have no serious driving convictions. In our analysis, “good drivers” were not aware of any traffic violations; a “discount for driving well” was included in this profile. Our “good” and “bad” credit rates are based on credit rating approximations and do not take into account the specific rating criteria used by insurance companies. The most important thing to remember is that insurance rates, discounts, safe driving programs, and other factors vary by insurance provider, state, age, and many other factors.
Since newer vehicles typically have the latest in safety features, some insurance companies also offer discounts for driving a newer car. If you qualify but are not currently receiving this discount, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If you drive safely, you can generally save 10 to 30% on your car insurance, depending on your company. Keep in mind that the types and amounts of discounts may vary, and the best way to find out what discounts are available is to contact your insurance provider directly.
To help you find the best company for you, NerdWallet compared the rates of California's largest insurance companies for hypothetical drivers aged 35 and 20 with a speeding ticket, ranking companies from the lowest average increase to the largest. Keep in mind that if you get another speeding ticket or have an accident because of you, certain companies, such as Wawanesa, which sells policies only to drivers without many traffic violations, may deny you coverage. Less time behind the wheel means less likely to encounter a dangerous driving situation, plus it's safe to drive in areas where you're very familiar with roads. If you think that the information in your driver history is incorrect, you can report this problem by completing an incorrect registration report form (DL 20) or the incorrect driver registration report form (DL 207A), which you can find online.
However, if you're in California, you may qualify for the California good driver discount, which is mandatory by the state and guarantees savings of at least 20%. Points can stay on your record for three to seven years, but insurance surcharges typically last one to three years. In California, state law states that insurance companies must offer their customers a 20% discount if they meet certain criteria. Meanwhile, Geico is the second cheapest option for young drivers with a speeding ticket, followed by Kemper.
That's why many companies offer usage-based discounts that lower insurance premiums for people who don't drive much.
