Do You Have to Tell Your Insurance About a Virginia Driver Improvement Course?

Finishing a Virginia driver improvement course can save you money on car insurance—but only if your insurance company actually knows you took it. This is the step that trips up a lot of drivers, so let's clear it up: the DMV does not tell your insurer for you. If you want the discount, you have to speak up.

Here's exactly who gets notified, what you need to do to claim your savings, and the one important choice you'll need to make before you start.

Who Gets Notified When You Finish the Course?

When you complete a Virginia DMV-approved driver improvement clinic, your completion is reported electronically to the Virginia DMV, usually within 24 hours, and you'll receive a certificate of completion. That part is automatic and free.

What's not automatic is the message to your insurance company. The DMV updates your driving record, but it doesn't share your course completion with private insurers. So while the state knows you finished, your agent won't—unless you tell them.

The DMV is notified automatically, but your insurance company is not—claiming a discount is always your move to make.

How to Claim Your Insurance Discount

The process is refreshingly simple. Once you've earned your certificate, just follow these steps:

• Call your insurer first. Confirm they offer a discount for DMV-approved driver improvement courses and ask how they want the proof.

• Send your certificate. Submit your completion certificate however they prefer—email, app upload, or through your agent.

• Confirm the discount applied. Ask when it takes effect and how long it lasts so you can watch for it on your next bill.

Discounts vary by company, but a voluntary course often earns roughly a 5% premium reduction for about three years. Drivers under 55 who take the course voluntarily are commonly eligible, and many insurers offer mature-driver discounts for policyholders 55 and older. Our guide on whether a driver improvement course lowers insurance in VA has more detail.

The One Choice You Have to Make: Discount or Safe Driving Points

Here's the part many drivers don't realize until it's too late. With a single Virginia driver improvement course, you can take one benefit—not both. You'll choose between:

• +5 safe driving points added to your DMV driving record, or

• An insurance discount from your carrier.

You cannot receive safe driving points and an insurance discount from the same course, so it pays to think about your goal up front. If your record has taken a hit from demerit points, the +5 safe driving points may be the smarter pick. If your record is already clean, the insurance savings might win out. Learn how the points work in our posts on earning 5 safe driving points and the Virginia safe driving point system.

A quick note on your record

The highest safe driving point balance you can carry in Virginia is 5, and you can earn the +5 from a voluntary course once every 24 months. Those points help offset demerit points from violations and signal that you're a responsible driver.

What About Commercial Drivers?

If you hold a CDL, this course can still help you keep your personal driving record clean, which is exactly what employers look at when hiring drivers. Just know that ABC Driving Improvement does not provide CDL training, endorsements, ELDT, or skills testing—for any of those CDL-specific needs, contact the Virginia DMV directly at dmv.virginia.gov. For keeping your record in good shape, though, our 8-hour course is a great fit.

Ready to Earn Your Benefit?

Whether you're after an insurance discount or +5 safe driving points, it starts with the same friendly, 100% online course. Our Virginia DMV-approved 8-hour driver improvement course is just $74.99, and you can finish it from home on your own schedule. Enroll today for $74.99, then send that certificate to your insurer and enjoy the savings. You can also explore everything the course offers on our Virginia driver improvement page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Virginia DMV tell my insurance company I took the course?

No. The DMV is notified of your completion automatically, but it does not share that information with private insurers. You must submit your completion certificate to your insurance company yourself to claim a discount.

Can I get safe driving points and an insurance discount from one course?

No. A single Virginia driver improvement course earns you one benefit—either +5 safe driving points on your DMV record or an insurance discount. You choose which one, so decide based on your goal before you enroll.

How long does the insurance discount last?

It depends on your insurer, but a voluntary driver improvement course commonly earns about a 5% discount for roughly three years. Always confirm the exact amount and length with your own insurance company.