You might be wondering — can one defensive driving course help you save on insurance and get a ticket dismissed at the same time in Texas? The answer depends on your court’s policy and your insurance provider. Let’s break down how it works.
Defensive Driving: One Course, Two Benefits
A TDLR-approved defensive driving course can provide both benefits — ticket dismissal and an insurance discount — but only under specific conditions.
- Ticket dismissal: Requires court approval before you start the course.
- Insurance discount: Requires your insurer to accept the same course certificate.
In many cases, the same course qualifies for both — you just need to submit your completion certificate separately to each place.
How It Works for Ticket Dismissal
When you receive a moving violation, you can often request permission from the court to complete a Texas defensive driving course. Once you finish:
- You’ll receive a Certificate of Completion from the provider.
- You must submit the certificate (and possibly your Type 3A driving record) to the court by the deadline.
- If accepted, your ticket will be dismissed and no points will be added to your record.
How It Works for Insurance Discounts
Many insurance companies in Texas offer a 5–10% discount for drivers who complete a defensive driving course every 3 years. To claim your discount:
- Contact your insurer to confirm they accept TDLR-approved defensive driving courses.
- Submit a copy of your course certificate directly to your insurer (separate from the court copy).
- Ask how long the discount lasts — most remain active for three years.
Can You Use the Same Certificate for Both?
In most cases, yes — as long as:
- The course is approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
- The court accepts it for ticket dismissal.
- Your insurance provider accepts it for a discount.
Just be aware that some courts require an original certificate to be mailed, while your insurer may accept a digital copy. Always order or download both versions if needed.
Tips for Doing Both at Once
- Ask your course provider for two copies of your certificate — one for the court and one for your insurance.
- Submit each copy to the correct destination separately.
- Track your court deadline first, since dismissal has strict timelines.
- Keep digital copies of both certificates for your records.
What If My Insurer Doesn’t Accept It?
Some insurers have separate approved lists. If your course doesn’t qualify, you can still take an additional Continuing Education course specifically designed for insurance savings.
Earn Discounts and Dismiss Tickets the Easy Way
Whether you’re looking to clear a ticket or lower your insurance bill, a TDLR-approved defensive driving course can do both — all from your laptop.