Defensive driving courses help seniors sharpen driving skills, develop safe driving strategies, and brush up on rules of the road. An approved course must provide eight hours of classroom instruction and meet standards set by the National Safety Council or the Illinois Secretary of State. Individuals that finish the course receive a certificate of completion.

Forward a copy of this certificate to your auto insurer. Most add the discount on the policy's next renewal date. The credit lasts three years from the date of completion. The amount of discount is not stipulated by law, and can vary by insurer.

The discount does not apply to commercial vehicles, vehicles uprated for claim experience, drivers that have traffic violations within the last year, drivers that have a revocation or suspension within the last 36 months, or group auto insurance programs.