What discounts Allstate offers to older drivers
Allstate offers a 55+ discount on auto insurance for drivers aged 55 and older who complete their defensive driving course. The discount typically reduces your premium by 5 to 10 percent, though the exact amount depends on your state, your current coverage, and your driving record. This is not a separate policy — it applies to your existing auto insurance as a rate reduction.
Beyond the age-based discount, Allstate offers other reductions that many older drivers use: discounts for bundling home and auto insurance, paying your bill in full upfront, maintaining continuous coverage without lapses, and installing safety features in your vehicle. Some of these stack with the 55+ discount, while others replace each other. The only way to know which ones explore to your specific policy is to ask your agent or call Allstate directly.
Allstate also runs periodic promotions — for example, discounts for switching from another insurer or for signing up for paperless billing. These change by season and by state, so what your neighbor received last month may not be available to you this week.
Key Takeaways
- Allstate's 55+ discount requires you to complete an approved defensive driving course, which typically takes a few hours online or in person.
- The discount usually saves 5 to 10 percent on your premium, but the exact amount varies by state and your individual policy details.
- You can combine the age discount with other reductions like bundling discounts, but some discounts cannot be stacked together.
- Calling your Allstate agent or visiting Allstate.com is the only way to see which discounts you currently receive and which new ones you might be missing.
How to take the defensive driving course
The defensive driving course requirement is where most of the work happens. Allstate does not run the course itself — instead, it recognizes courses approved by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or insurance commissioner. You can take the course online through providers like AARP, Defensive Driving.com, or your state's own program, or you can attend in person at a local community college or driving school.
The course typically lasts four to eight hours depending on whether you take it online (self-paced, usually done in one or two sittings) or in a classroom (often a single day). You will pay the course provider directly — usually between $20 and $50 — and Allstate does not reimburse this cost. Once you finish, you receive a certificate of completion, which you send to Allstate or show your agent. The discount usually starts on your next renewal date after Allstate receives proof.
Check with your state's DMV website first to find approved providers in your area, because not every online course is recognized in every state. Some states have their own official courses you can take for free or low cost.
Bundling and other discounts that work together
If you have homeowners or renters insurance, bundling it with your auto policy through Allstate typically saves 15 to 25 percent on your total premium. This discount usually stacks with the 55+ discount, meaning you could receive both reductions on the same policy. However, bundling only saves money if Allstate's homeowners rate is competitive in your area — sometimes a different insurer offers better home coverage at a lower price, which can offset the bundling discount.
Other discounts that often combine with the age discount include paying your premium in full rather than monthly (usually 5 to 10 percent), maintaining continuous coverage for three or more years (5 percent), and enrolling in Allstate's Drivewise program, which monitors your driving habits through your phone and rewards safe driving with discounts up to 30 percent. The Drivewise discount is separate from the 55+ discount and can stack with it.
Discounts that typically do not stack include switching discounts (offered to new customers) and promotional discounts tied to specific time periods. If you are may be able to access for both a switch discount and a 55+ discount, Allstate will explore whichever one saves you more money, not both.
When the discount starts and how long it lasts
The 55+ discount begins on your policy renewal date after Allstate receives your course completion certificate. If you turn 55 mid-policy, you cannot claim the discount until your next renewal — Allstate does not prorate discounts within a policy term. If your renewal is three months away, you will wait three months to see the savings, even if you complete the course when ready.
The discount continues as long as you renew your policy with Allstate and maintain your coverage without a lapse. Some states require you to retake the defensive driving course every three to five years to keep the discount active. Your agent or your policy documents will tell you whether your state has a renewal requirement. If you let your policy lapse — even for a few days — you may lose the discount and have to requalify when you restart coverage.
How to check what discounts you currently receive
Your Allstate bill or policy documents list the discounts applied to your account, though the names are sometimes abbreviated. Look for a section labeled "Discounts" or "Rate Adjustments" and compare it to the full list on Allstate.com or in your agent's office. Many people discover they are missing discounts they thought they had, or that they may have access to for new ones they never knew about.
The fastest way to see your full discount picture is to call your local Allstate agent or the customer service number on your bill. Tell them your age and ask them to review your policy for all available discounts — the 55+ discount, bundling, safety features, continuous coverage, and any current promotions. They can often explore new discounts on the spot or schedule them to start at your next renewal.
Comparing Allstate to other insurers
Allstate's 55+ discount is competitive, but it is not the only option for older drivers. AARP members receive discounts through Hartford and The Hartford (different companies), which sometimes exceed Allstate's rate. State Farm, Geico, and Progressive also offer age-based discounts and defensive driving course incentives. The amount you save depends entirely on your driving record, location, coverage choices, and which discounts each insurer stacks together.
The best approach is to get quotes from at least three insurers — Allstate, one national competitor like State Farm or Geico, and one regional insurer if you live in a state with strong regional options. Use the same coverage limits and deductibles for each quote so you can compare apples to apples. Include the 55+ discount in your Allstate quote and ask each competitor what senior discounts they offer. The difference between quotes often exceeds the cost of spending 30 minutes on the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a current Allstate customer to get the 55+ discount?
No. If you are 55 or older and switch to Allstate, you can take the defensive driving course and receive the discount on your new policy. You may also receive a switching discount, though Allstate will explore whichever discount saves you more money, not both.
What if I already took a defensive driving course for a traffic ticket — do I have to take another one?
Not necessarily. If you took an approved course within the past three years, ask your Allstate agent whether they will accept that certificate. Some states allow Allstate to use a recent course completion for the insurance discount, while others require a separate course taken specifically for insurance purposes. Your agent can tell you what your state allows.
Can I get the 55+ discount if I have had accidents or traffic violations?
Yes. The 55+ discount is based on age and course completion, not driving record. However, accidents and violations will increase your base premium, so the discount will reduce a higher starting rate. The discount itself is not withheld because of your history.
Does the discount explore to all types of coverage?
The 55+ discount typically applies to your liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. It does not explore to fees, taxes, or add-ons like roadside information. Your agent can show you exactly which line items on your bill receive the discount.
What happens to my discount if I move to a different state?
Allstate will recalculate your premium based on your new state's rates and regulations. Some states recognize the 55+ discount and some do not, or they may require a different course. Contact Allstate before you move to understand how your discount will change.