A CLASS TO SAVE CASH ; Defensive Driving Courses Can Provide

By Emma D. Sapong

It's 9 a.m. Saturday and 15 Western New Yorkers are already engrossed in Buffalo Driving School's defensive driving course. For six straight hours, they reviewed and learned about traffic safety laws and defensive driving techniques in the Bailey Avenue classroom.

And the drivers didn't mind trading most of their day for the time in class because completion of the course ensures a 10 percent saving on car insurance for three years.

"With the economy the way it is, it's good that you're able to do this to save some money on insurance," said Shaunte McMillion, a 34- year-old Buffalo resident, during a 10-minute break from the class.

Taking the course also reduces points on driving records after a traffic infraction, but the majority of the students on this Saturday morning -- and most Saturdays -- wanted to save money on their car insurance.

"People definitely take the course for the insurance discount," said Sam Dalfonso, owner of the driving school. "Nowadays, people are looking for ways to save money and this is one of the ways."

Cheryl and Larry Budd enrolled to lower the insurance cost on their two cars. "The six hours today is worth the money you save for three years," said Larry Budd, a 63-year-old Buffalo resident who took the course five years ago.

His wife, Cheryl, 56, said they have been meaning to take the course but had been putting it off. But with the turn in the economy, they felt the time was right to save money.

The course is offered throughout the area and can cost $30 to $40. Motorists receive certificates of completion as proof for the 10 percent discount. The savings, in some cases, is applied instantly, but some insurance companies authorize the discount at renewal.

The course has to be taken by the principal driver listed on the policy and entitles the driver to a 10 percent discount in collision, liability and personal injury protection.

So in the case of the Budds, each of them is listed separately on their two vehicles as the principal drivers, enabling them to save on both cars.

Last year, 750 people took the course at the Buffalo Driving School. And in recent months, Dalfonso has seen an increase in the number of drivers signing up.

The course covers traffic safety laws, defensive driving habits, attitude and behavior, alcohol and drugs through a book, videos and classroom discussion.

"It's very interesting; I'm learning a lot," McMillion said.

Local car insurance agents said motorists can obtain similar savings with possible changes in their policies or by taking advantage of other discounts.

"If you get all the right discounts, you can save a lot of money," said Kathleen Wilkie, an Allstate agent with an office on Niagara Street.

Here is a sampling of some of the other policy modifications to save on insurance costs:

* Collision and Comprehensive Coverage. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium, so motorists, depending on their situation, might want to consider a $500 or $1,000 deductible to lower costs.

* Multipolicy discount. Most insurers extend a 5 percent to 10 percent discount if you insure your home and automobile with the same firm.

* Usuage discount. If you drive your vehicle less than 7,000 miles a year, you can save up to 10 percent.

* Payment plans. Most insurers offer a 2 percent to 5 percent discount for paying your six-month premium in full or arranging a monthly automatic debit.

* Good grades discount. A report card average of a B or better for students, ages 16 to 25, can equate to a savings of 15 percent.

* Resident child away. When your child goes away to college, insurers can lower cost since the student is now considered an "occasional driver."

Safety features on a car, such as daytime running lights, anti- lock brakes and OnStar in-vehicle safety and security system, can also provide savings up to 15 percent.

Patrick Powers, an AAA insurance sales manager, said motorists "should not sacrifice coverage for price when shopping for insurance. You want to make sure liability coverage will cover your assets."

In the case of collision and comprehensive coverage, Powers said if the deductible is too high, it's more costly to the motorists in case of an accident.

"If they have $200 in their checking account, then they don't want to take a $1,000 deductible policy," he said, adding "$500 is a good starting point, but it varies by car and by driver."

Also, as a vehicle ages, motorists can also lower insurance costs by keeping liability but removing collision coverage. "But only do that if the value of the car isn't worth holding that coverage," Powers said.

e-mail: esapong@buffnews.com

Originally published by NEWS STAFF REPORTER.