Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Congratulates Mature Driver Safety Class

SCRANTON, PA -- Sept. 24, 2015: Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller today presented certificates to approximately 25 Pennsylvanians who successfully completed a mature driver safety class in Lackawanna County at the North Penn AAA. Commissioner Miller also reminded participants that state law requires a minimum five percent discount for drivers age 55 and older who complete PennDOT-approved motor vehicle driver improvement courses.

"I congratulate everyone who made the commitment to take this course for becoming safer drivers and contributing to the safety of everyone on our roads," Commissioner Miller told the participants in the mature driver safety class. "Governor Wolf has made consumer protection a top priority of his administration, and my department is working to ensure that all drivers who qualify for this safe driver discount receive it from their insurance company."

State law mandates a premium discount of no less than five percent for each motor vehicle on a policy under which all named insureds are 55 years of age or older and have successfully completed a motor vehicle driver improvement course that meets the standards of the PA Department of Transportation. These discounts are good for three years beginning with the next policy period following the successful completion of the course.

"As important as the premium reduction is, what is more important is that everyone who completes a safe driver course is becoming a better driver," Commissioner Miller said. "I commend those completing this course and AAA for providing these classes for mature drivers."

Commissioner Miller also advised those participants who are parents to talk to their insurance professional about discounts for teens who complete safe driver courses. She noted that safe driver courses are often available through schools and other organizations for teen drivers. While state law does not mandate auto insurance reductions for teens who have successfully completed these courses, many companies do offer discounts.