Protect With Insurance

As the saying goes, ‘A penny saved is a penny earned.’ However, in today’s complex financial landscape, this anachronism may not hold as much water as it used to. Instead, we are faced with a myriad of investment and financial options that can make or break our financial stability.

One such option that you might have heard about is a reverse mortgage – an intriguing financial tool designed primarily for senior homeowners who want to tap into their home equity without selling their homes.

In essence, a reverse mortgage operates in an inverse manner compared to your conventional home loan. Rather than making monthly payments to the bank, the bank pays you instead based on your home equity. But before jumping headlong into this potentially lucrative opportunity, it’s essential that you fully understand how it works.

This article aims to peel back the layers of complexity surrounding reverse mortgages and provide you with comprehensive insights into its mechanics. From defining what exactly constitutes a reverse mortgage to understanding the operational process behind it and even exploring factors one should consider before opting for one – we’ll delve deep into each aspect so that you can make an informed decision about whether this product suits your specific needs and circumstances.

Key Takeaways

• Reverse mortgage allows senior homeowners to access their home equity without selling their homes.
• The bank pays the homeowner based on home equity instead of the homeowner making monthly payments.
• Eligibility criteria for a reverse mortgage include being 62 years or older, owning the home outright or having substantial equity, and living in the home as the primary residence.
• Repayment of a reverse mortgage typically occurs when the property is sold, the homeowner permanently moves out, or passes away.

Defining a Reverse Mortgage

You’ve probably heard the term ‘reverse mortgage’, but do you really know what it means? It’s essentially a loan that allows you to convert part of your home equity into cash, while still maintaining ownership.

Rather than making monthly payments to a lender, as with a traditional mortgage, the lender makes payments to you. However, many misconceptions surround reverse mortgages; they’re not free money and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The loan must be repaid when certain conditions are met, such as selling your home or upon your passing.

The eligibility criteria for a reverse mortgage is closely regulated by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and other governing bodies. To qualify, you must be 62 years or older and own your home outright or have substantial equity in it—typically at least 50%. You also need to live in your home as your primary residence and stay current on property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and any homeowner association fees.

Remember, understanding these financial principles and regulations are crucial before deciding if a reverse mortgage is right for you.

The Operational Process of a Reverse Mortgage

Delving into the details, you’ll discover that the operational process of this unique loan arrangement allows you to tap into your home’s value while maintaining ownership.

The journey starts with accessing your Mortgage Eligibility, which is primarily based on three factors: age, home value, and equity amount. You must be at least 62 years old, own a significant portion of your home outright or have a low mortgage balance that can be paid off with the reverse mortgage proceeds.

The appraised value of your home also plays a crucial role in determining how much money you can draw from it as a loan.

Once these eligibility criteria are met, you move onto understanding the Repayment Terms. Unlike traditional mortgages where monthly payments are made to reduce debt and increase equity, reverse mortgages work differently. Here, there are no monthly principal or interest payments required as long as you live in the house and keep up with property taxes and insurance.

Repayment only begins when you sell your property, permanently move out, or pass away. At this point, either you or your heirs will repay the loan — often through selling the house — after which any remaining equity belongs to you or your heirs.

This careful orchestration of rules ensures that while enjoying financial flexibility during retirement years, homeownership remains intact until decided otherwise by circumstances beyond control.

Factors to Consider Before Opting for a Reverse Mortgage

Before jumping headfirst into Ameriverse Mortgage, it’s crucial to weigh all pros and cons, taking your personal financial situation and long-term goals into account.

First and foremost are the Eligibility Criteria. This type of mortgage isn’t for everyone – homeowners must be at least 62 years old, live in their home as their primary residence, and have substantial equity in their property. It’s also important that you’re able to keep up with property taxes and insurance payments; failure to do so could result in foreclosure.

Secondly, take time to fully understand the Financial Implications of a reverse mortgage. These include:

1. Closing costs: Just like traditional mortgages, reverse mortgages come with several closing costs such as origination fees and third-party charges.
2. Interest rates: The interest is not paid until the loan is due which means it accumulates over time – this can significantly increase your loan balance.
3. Tax implications: Although the proceeds from a reverse mortgage are not taxable, they may impact your eligibility for some government benefits.

Lastly, consider how a reverse mortgage fits into your overall retirement plan. It may provide financial security by tapping into unrealized assets but remember that it also depletes home equity – an asset many people rely on in later life stages or intend to leave for heirs. Therefore, ensure you’ve considered all potential alternatives before deciding if a reverse mortgage is right for you.

Conclusion

So, you’ve grasped the concept of a reverse mortgage. You understand its operation and the factors to consider before diving in.

However, it’s not enough to simply know; it’s crucial you comprehend the intricate weave of financial principles underpinning this option.

Think about your decision as a chess game – every move counts! A reverse mortgage may seem enticing, but remember, each choice should align with your financial goals and future security.

Shades are a common feature in many homes. They come in a variety of colors, styles and materials and are easy to install.

Window treatments offer a variety of benefits, including energy efficiency and light control. They also elevate your home’s style in a variety of ways.

Energy Efficiency

Window shades are often overlooked by homeowners when it comes to energy efficiency. However, they can make a huge difference in your home’s comfort level and utility bills. They can keep heat out in the winter and warm air out in the summer, as well as control how much light enters your home.

You can purchase blinds, shutters, or other treatments from a variety of retailers. These products include vinyl options, faux wood, composite, hard and composite woods. You can also purchase a variety of fabric-based coverings, including curtains, draperies, and Roman shades.

Many of these window treatments come in a variety of colors and materials, so you can match them with your existing decor. They are also available in a variety styles, from casual to formal, rustic and contemporary.

These window coverings can be manually tied or motorized, so you can open and close them with a remote control or smart-home app. Although motorized shades and blinds can be more expensive than manual options due to the labor involved in pulling strings and chains, they are much more convenient.

Some window coverings are better than others for insulation. It is important to choose the right one based on your home’s climate. Cellular shades are among the best insulators, thanks to their honeycomb pockets of air that create separation between your home and the windows. You also have the option of solar and roller shades as well as a variety Roman shades with insulating liner options.

When choosing a window treatment, another important consideration is how often you will use it. Roman shades or roller shades are more convenient if you plan on using it often.

As an added bonus, energy efficient window shades can lower your mortgage insurance costs. They can increase the resale value of your home and make it easier to borrow money in future.

You can also get an energy efficient mortgage to help you finance your eco-friendly home upgrades or the purchase of an eco-friendly home that has already been remodeled to meet certain efficiency standards. These types of loans are available from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), as well as from other nationwide lenders, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs. These energy-efficient mortgages are designed to allow borrowers to cover the upfront costs of eco-friendly home improvements that lead to savings on monthly utility bills.

Light Control

Window coverings are available in a variety of sizes, styles and colors to fit any budget. Typically, these treatments are divided into hard and soft categories. Blinds and shutters can be considered hard, while valances and cornices, Roman shades, draperies, and valances are considered soft. However, in recent years there has been a significant uptick in the number of products that fall into the soft category. The best way to find out what products are right for you is to take the guesswork out of the process and consult with a trusted professional.

In my humble opinion, there is no substitute for a face to face discussion with a trained professional who can answer all of your questions. This can also help you save a lot of time and money when you are working on home improvements. There are many companies that can help you with this task. So, be sure to ask your mortgage broker or local insurance agency if they have an expert on call who can help you with this crucial decision making task.

Privacy

There are many types of window treatments available, including blinds, shutters, and awnings. Most window treatments fall into one of two categories: hard (wooden, faux wood, composite, and vinyl) or soft (curtains and draperies, valances and cornices). The plethora number of window covering products made from fabric is a new trend. These products are both stylish and functional. In fact, there are many more options to choose from than one might think. This is especially true when it comes to energy efficient window treatments. For example, a good window shade may help you save money on your monthly mortgage insurance payments, or at least keep your bills down. It may also be the best way of controlling the light in your home. You can choose from the more expensive, high-tech shades, or the more affordable ones, depending on your preferences. We can help you make the right choice.

Style

When you think about window treatments, you may be thinking about blinds or shutters that are made from solid materials like wood, faux wood, composite wood and vinyl. Fabric-based draperies and curtains might also be considered. Window shades are a category that is often overlooked when shopping for coverings.

A great way to lower your mortgage insurance costs is to make sure that you have a high-quality, energy efficient window treatment. This will keep your home warm and cool in winter, and reduce the amount of energy it takes to heat and cool.

Another benefit of choosing a good window treatment is that it can also help improve your style. For example, a roller shade can be super sleek and minimal in appearance, while a cellular shade is a honeycomb construction that expands when you lower the shade to let in light.

You will feel more confident in yourself and your personality if you take the time to discover your style. You will notice a greater interest in you and a greater willingness to listen to your ideas.

Learning about your style will help you feel more confident and happier. This is a huge benefit you won’t want to miss. Don’t hesitate to start a journey towards improving the style of your life today!

Mortgage insurance is an important part of your investment, and the best way to protect your home is to make sure you purchase the right coverage. The wrong insurance could end up costing you more than you realize. It is crucial to have the right protection for yourself and your family.

Term life insurance

If you’re thinking about buying mortgage insurance, there are several options available. It is important to understand what you are getting into before you buy.

Mortgage life insurance is a type life insurance that pays off your mortgage balance in the case of your death. This insurance is typically sold by your mortgage lender. It is important that you choose a reliable and trustworthy company to purchase it from.

Term life insurance is a more affordable alternative to mortgage life insurance. This type of coverage can be purchased for a range of lengths, from five to thirty year. When choosing a term policy, it is important to choose a face value that is equal to the amount of the mortgage.

Term life insurance can be an asset for your family. This policy can be used to pay for college tuition, funeral expenses, and other expenses that are not covered by your home loan.

The 20-year term is the most popular. A 30-year term life policy is also available, though this will expire before you’re able to pay off your house.

Term life policies are less expensive than their mortgage life counterparts, and offer more flexibility. They let you choose the amount of coverage and the beneficiary. Unlike mortgage life, the benefit from a term policy doesn’t decrease over time.

Term life is a good option for young married couples, especially if one of the partners dies. Purchasing a term life policy can help the remaining homeowner stay in their home after the other’s death.

However, term life insurance is more exempt than mortgage protection insurance. It does not require a medical examination. You can also return the premiums at the end of the policy. While this can be a good option if you aren’t planning to take a medical exam, it can be expensive.

You can also use term life to protect your assets. For example, you can add the face value of your mortgage to your life insurance policy.

Insurance to protect your mortgage

Mortgage protection insurance is a great option if you want peace of mind when buying a home. These types of policies are designed to cover the remaining years of your mortgage in the event that you die or become disabled.

The policy can provide a lump sum of cash, or it can cover your final expenses. The benefit is exempt from tax in both cases. There are however limitations.

Most lenders do not require mortgage protection insurance. It’s a good idea not to be afraid to shop around and ask questions about your options. You can also compare quotes from multiple insurers.

You should carefully read the fine print when you are looking into a mortgage protection plan. The premium you pay will vary depending on your age, the amount of coverage you need, and the terms of the policy. You may be able buy a plan that will pay off your entire mortgage but there may be a maximum amount.

Unlike life insurance, however, you don’t need to go through a medical exam to qualify for this type of policy. Some insurers will waive the medical test if you have a health problem.

Mortgage protection plans offer different benefits, as with all life insurance plans. They can be tailored to meet your individual needs.

You will typically have a time limit to purchase the policy. This could be for a few months or several years. There are many riders that can extend the term.

There are two main types of mortgage protection insurance. A “death-benefit” policy and a “decreasing-term” policy.

In the event of your death, the “death-benefit” plan will usually pay off the entire balance of your mortgage. The “decreasing term” plan will also lower the amount it pays with each mortgage payment.

A mortgage protection plan is a great way for you to protect your investment, even though it’s not as flexible and flexible as a term-life policy. The premiums you will pay are often very affordable. Buying a plan is not as difficult as you might think.

Homeowners insurance

If you have a home mortgage, you’re probably required to have homeowners insurance. This type of insurance can pay for repairs and medical expenses, as well as legal fees if you are sued.

There are several different types of homeowners insurance policies. These policies range from the most basic to the most complex. When shopping for the best policy, make sure you read all the fine print. This can help you decide if you need additional insurance for your unique situation.

Homeowners insurance can cover damage or loss of personal property, such as a laptop stolen from your office. Insurance will also likely cover any additional expenses if you need to find temporary housing.

It can be difficult to buy a house. You may be wondering how to get the right homeowners insurance for your needs. To get a clear picture of what to expect, take an inventory of your belongings. Compare your findings to what your insurance provider offers.

It is important to remember that homeowners insurance premiums can vary greatly. You may need to purchase more insurance depending on where you live and what your state is.

There are many factors that can affect your homeowners insurance premiums. Your location and crime rates could have a significant impact on your insurance premiums. Your credit score can also impact how much you pay. A lower premium will be possible if you have a better credit score.

It is also possible to buy homeowners insurance without a mortgage. Many companies offer this type of insurance. However, you should first check with your lender.

Some insurers allow you to use the return-of-premium feature. This is a great way to get your money back. This can be expensive.

You can also purchase a guaranteed replacement cost insurance policy. It will cover the actual replacement value of your home. Although this is an impressive feat of insurance technology, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will receive the same amount of money in the event of a claim.

Stacking life insurance policies

You might consider stacking life insurance policies to protect your investment in mortgages. This strategy will allow you to get the coverage you need at different stages of your lives. It also saves money over time. Before you begin stacking, take some time to assess what you actually need.

A life insurance policy can provide financial security for your loved ones in case of your death. You will need to set up a plan that fits your current budget and future needs. A professional agent can help you compare policies to find the best price.

Your financial situation will determine how many policies you need. A term policy is a good option if you’re just starting out. You can also choose to buy a permanent policy. Both options will be cheaper than purchasing a policy that only covers you for your mortgage investment.

As you age, you will require less life insurance. You may still have to pay premiums. Stacking more than three policies will make it more difficult to maintain your coverage and will be more expensive. Another reason to stack is to have the flexibility to adjust your policy when you need it.

Life insurance provides peace of mind for your loved ones. You should have the right coverage, no matter if you’re retiring or bringing a child into the world. Independent agents can help you find the right amount of life-insurance. They will help you find the best deal and protect you in the event you die.

Stacking life insurance can provide you with the protection you need and save you money. There are many options available. It is important to assess your financial situation and create a plan that fits your future and current needs. This strategy can help you save thousands of dollars. Take the time to learn more about laddering life insurance today. Your loved ones will thank you for it! It’s not recommended for those who cannot predict their future financial situation.

There are many important things to think about when deciding on whether you want to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) or Low-Priced Mortgage Insurance (LPMI) for your mortgage. Fortunately, a new guide has been published to help you understand the differences and determine which is best for you.

Private mortgage insurance

Private mortgage insurance is an insurance product designed to reduce the risk that a lender lends to a borrower. It protects lenders in the event of a borrower defaulting on their mortgage. Typically, the premium for private mortgage insurance can be up to a few hundred dollars a month. To avoid paying PMI, a down payment is required.

Private mortgage insurance can seem like a hassle at first but it can be a smart investment when you consider the long-term benefits. In addition to reducing your monthly mortgage payment, it can also help you get into your dream home faster. It’s a win-win situation because the interest on the smaller loan can be deducted from your federal taxes.

Mortgage insurance is an important component of any home purchase, whether you are buying a new home or refinancing your current one. If your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price, lenders will usually provide this protection. This coverage may not be necessary if there is enough equity in your home.

This type of insurance can be confusing, as the premiums vary depending on your loan and down payment. It is usually a part of your monthly mortgage payment, but it can also be paid in one lump sum. Generally, the cost of mortgage insurance is determined by your down payment, the amount of your monthly payments, and your credit score.

Depending on the lender, the monthly premium can be as little as $30 or as much as seventy. You will need to discuss this with your lender and compare the cost of the insurance to the cost of the mortgage. If your down payment is small, you should be prepared to pay more.

Although private mortgage insurance can be costly, it is worth shopping around to find a great deal. It is a good idea that you check with three lenders before you commit to a mortgage. The right lender can save you thousands and make you a happy homeowner.

Low interest rates are the best time to purchase a home. This is the best time to get into the market, with interest rates at historic lows. On the other hand, falling behind on your mortgage can put you in a poor financial situation. Lenders can be very expensive when you foreclose. By having enough equity in your home, you can use the equity to cover your loan balance in the event of a foreclosure.

While there is no way to determine the exact cost of your mortgage insurance premium, it can be estimated that the premium will add up to one to two percent to your total mortgage. You may have to pay upfront to be eligible for the FHA program.

LTV (loan-to-value ratio)

The loan to value ratio is a way to weigh your debt obligations against the value of your home. Lenders often use it to decide whether to approve a loan and what interest rate to offer. This number should not be the only thing you focus on. It is important to understand the full scope of this metric, as it can help determine the best mortgage for your needs.

To calculate the LTV, you need to divide your total loan amount by the appraised value of your property. Most lenders require a minimum of 80% LTV ratio. However, some lenders allow exceptions for high income and large investment portfolios as well as lower debt. A lower LTV is better than a higher one. Having a lower LTV can be a good thing, because it means you will have less to pay each month and a lower interest rate.

Your down payment is another factor to consider. A borrower with a large downpayment will have a lower loan-to-value ratio. Getting a larger down payment can be a great way to buy a house, since it provides a huge incentive for making your mortgage payments. It is not always easy to save up for a large down payment. If you are short on funds, you can consider shopping for a home with a higher value. This will increase your chances of getting a loan approval.

Lenders also consider your credit score, employment history, and debt-to-income ratio. These factors may help you qualify for a loan, but your application could be denied if your LTV is too high.

You might be eligible for a VA loan, FHA loan, or USDA loan, depending on your situation. These loans are intended to help rural homebuyers with low or moderate incomes. They also have flexible qualifications, which could benefit you if you are not sure about a conventional mortgage. Also, you can check out Freddie Mac’s Home Possible(r) program, which accepts applicants with LTV ratios as high as 97%.

Using the loan-to-value calculator is a great way to get a sense of how a larger down payment can affect your LTV. A larger down payment not only reduces your loan amount, but it also improves your chances of being approved for a mortgage. However, you should keep in mind that your interest rate is likely to be higher. If you are unable to afford a large downpayment, you will likely have to pay private mortgage insurance. This is not free.

The LTV is a good indicator of your ability to make mortgage payments. However, you should do your homework when choosing a loan to ensure that you can meet your monthly payments without having to resort to borrowing money from family or friends.

PMI vs LPMI

You need to weigh your options and know the pros and cons of each option when deciding between PMI (private mortgage insurance) or LPMI (lender-paid mortgage insurance). There are many differences between the two options that could have a significant impact on your financial future. Before making your final decision, you should talk with a loan officer. They can help you make an informed decision that is right for you.

PMI is an extra cost tacked onto your monthly mortgage payments that varies from 0.3 to 1.5 percent of your loan amount. The cost of PMI varies depending upon your individual situation, the type and length of your mortgage. For example, if you have a $300,000 mortgage and you are paying a 5% interest rate, you will pay $125 to $250 per month in mortgage insurance. If you have a 10% down payment, you may end up paying even more in the long run.

LPMI is a built-in insurance policy that you can use to qualify for a bigger home or a lower monthly payment. This insurance costs you more than a traditional PMI, but it can save you money in the long run. LPMI can also be a good choice if you plan to live in your home for a long time.

Although it is a good idea, LPMI has a higher interest rate. You also have less control over the provider and the price. It is best to get help from a lender to ensure you can afford the premium. To get rid of the insurance, you may need to refinance your mortgage.

In addition to the higher rate, you will also have to pay a one-time, lump-sum fee at the start of your loan. Some lenders will allow you to mix and match LPMI and monthly PMI, but you will have to pay the remaining balance in your monthly mortgage payments.

A LPMI can be cancelled, unlike a traditional PMI. However, this is not the case for every homeowner. LPMI can be cancelled if you reach 20% equity on your home, or if you refinance your mortgage to get a lower interest rate.

Although you might be able to cancel the LPMI at any time, you will need to refinance your mortgage. There is no time limit for cancelling lender-paid PMI. However, you can usually get rid if you have 20% equity in your home. You will need to have good credit and a history making on-time payments.

Ultimately, you should consider both LPMI and traditional PMI when you are deciding whether to purchase or refinance your home. Each option has its advantages, but it is a good idea to speak to a loan officer before making a final decision.

Whether you have had an accident or not, you should be aware that your car insurance will increase after an accident. This article will give you information about how much your rates can rise and what options you have to reduce them.

Average annual rate of increase for full coverage prior to and after an incident

Car insurance costs can rise by more than twice the national average after an accident. The exact amount of the increase will depend on the state, type of accident, type of car, damages and driver’s record.

Statistically speaking, at-fault accidents increase rates more than minor accidents. For example, after two at-fault accidents, your premium will go up by over a thousand dollars. For an accident that is not at fault, the cost of insurance can rise. The rate is typically about 4% higher. However, you may have not-at fault accidents that remain on your driving record for years, which could result in a permanent rate rise.

A study conducted by the Consumer Federation of America showed that some companies will raise auto insurance rates by as much as 10%. Insurers will often refuse to renew policies for drivers with poor driving records. This is because they believe they are more likely to file claims in the future.

Fortunately, there are ways to lower your car insurance rate after an at-fault accident. You might be eligible for a discount if your driver’s license is suspended or you sign up for a crash forgiveness course. You might also be able to lower your deductible.

If you’re having trouble finding cheap auto insurance, consider switching insurers. Allstate is the lowest-priced of the top five national car insurance companies. The average annual rate for Allstate is less than $2000

You can also shop around to find an insurance provider that won’t increase your premium for a not at fault accident. If your damage was less than $1,000, some states won’t allow you to see an increase.

Rate increases are affected by the type and severity of an accident, the insurance company you choose, your driving record, as well as your age. Young drivers, who are considered high-risk, will see the biggest increases. You may not need to have comprehensive coverage if your car is older.

The location of your policy will also impact the rate you pay. Delaware was the location with the lowest increase in premiums. The largest increase was also seen in Texas.

Increase in the average rate for comprehensive insurance

The insurance company may increase your premiums depending on the extent of the accident. The rate hike may last for several years or just for a few weeks. The exact amount of the rate increase will depend on the policyholder’s driving history, the type and state of the accident.

It’s estimated that the average driver will get into an accident once every 17.9 years. This means that the average rate increase for comprehensive car insurance after an accident is 47 percent. The good news is that most drivers will experience a decrease in their rates within a few years.

However, it is possible for your insurance rates to go up after an at fault accident. Some companies will increase your rates by as much as 20 percent or 25 percent. It’s also possible to avoid having your rate go up by paying for the repairs out of pocket.

The amount of damage sustained and the type or company that you have determine the size of an average rate increase for comprehensive auto insurance. The largest increase was recorded by Geico.

Progressive was the smallest. It was 62.5% more than the average after an accident at fault. It was not as dramatic, but it was still a significant rise.

Some states also prohibit an auto insurance carrier from raising your rate after an injury. California and Oklahoma are the exceptions. If you are a resident of these two states, you should consider buying a separate policy that will cover your car.

Accident forgiveness is offered by some carriers. This will protect your premiums if there has been one at-fault incident. You may want to check with your insurer to determine which discounts you qualify for.

Comparing rates with multiple carriers is the best way to find out how much an average rate rise for comprehensive car insurance after an accident at fault will cost. This will allow you to determine which company has the lowest premiums. It is also a good idea to contact an insurance agent to learn more about your options.

Discounts for taking a defensive-driving course – Abogados de Accidentes de Auto en Riverside

Taking a defensive-driving course and Abogados de Accidentes de Auto en Riverside after an accident can help you save money on your car insurance. Depending on your state, you can expect to get discounts of between 5% and 20%. The discount can vary from company-to-company, but it can add up over three years to as much as $500 in savings.

Defensive-driving courses are available online or in person. Some may take several hours to complete, while others may only take a few days. It doesn’t really matter if you are taking a class in person or online. It is important that you find a quality organization.

Typically, defensive-driving courses teach drivers about dangers on the road. They can also show them how to avoid accidents and prevent tickets. A defensive-driving course can be beneficial for both teen and senior drivers.

There are many places that offer defensive driving courses, including your local community centre. If you take a class in person, you may experience a more meaningful learning experience. Also, check with your insurer to determine if they offer any discounts.

Depending on your state, you may have to satisfy certain criteria in order to receive a discount. New York, for example, requires that your car insurer provide a 10% discount for three years after you have completed a defensive driving course. Other states might have a more specific requirement, such as a certain amount of time on the road.

Whether you take a defensive-driving course in person or online, it’s worth your while to research the best course. There are many different options, but you should confirm details with your insurer before enrolling.

The first step is to find a defensive-driving course that meets your insurer’s requirements. Some companies offer discounts for taking approved courses, while others will honor specific instructors. Often, a defensive-driving course will include a certificate of completion that you must present to your insurer.

For information on how to get a discount on defensive-driving courses, contact your agent. A usage-based insurance program tracks your driving habits and gives you a discount when you sign up.