The answer to the question Am I eligible for a good driver’s discount is covered in Proposition 103, which states:
“The rate charged for a Good Driver Discount policy shall comply with subdivision (a) and shall be at least 20% below the rate the insured would otherwise have been charged for the same coverage.”
Although that may sound confusing, unless you have more than one negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) pointdue to a traffic ticket conviction or an at-fault accident, you are entitled to a 20% good driver’s discount from your auto insurance provider.
How Much Can a Good Driver’s Discount Save Me on Auto Insurance?
Since the average California driver will pay approximately $2,973 for full coverage car insurance annually in California, you could save $593.60 annually by keeping your driving record clean.
“The average cost for state minimum coverage is $715 per year. Nationally, full coverage costs $2,638, and minimum coverage costs $767 on average per year, so California is an expensive place to buy insurance.”— Bankrate.com.
However, Fresno County drivers pay 7% less than the average or $2,766 annually for full coverage, unlike LA drivers, who pay an average of 38% more or $4,036 per year.
Further, families that add a 16-year-old driver could add nearly $4,000 annually ($6,938 total) to their policy.
How Can I Keep My 20% Good Driver’s Discount?
Although there is no guarantee after you receive a ticket, the best method is to consult a traffic attorney.
Many believe paying the fine or self-represent is cheaper and more convenient. However, you should consult an attorney because they might recommend traffic violator school (TVS), a Trial By Declaration (TBD), or to dispute the ticket in traffic court with the assistance of a Central Valley traffic ticket defense attorney.
However, TVS is not always the best option or you may not even be eligible. In some cases, it could cost more to attempt to use that option without consulting an attorney.
You can only use it to mask a minor infraction conviction or paid fine every 18 months:
You must plead guilty and pay the full fine.
You must have a valid CA driver’s license.
You must not have been operating a commercial motor vehicle when stopped.
No DUI, speeding over 100 mph, misdemeanors or felonies, or tickets with a mandatory court appearance.
There are many other considerations, and you should always consult an attorney. Multiple tickets could cancel out your attendance, and if you don’t complete the course on time, your guilty plea could go on your record and raise your auto insurance premium.
Likewise, never use TVS for a “correctable” or “fixit” ticket, such as loud exhaust or no proof of insurance. Just get it fixed and bring your receipt to the police station where you received the ticket.
Call Bigger & Harman on your Fresno County, CA ticket.
If you are faced with a traffic ticket in Fresno County Courthouse that could add NOTS points to your record, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our convenient, easy-to-use contact form.
References:
The CA DMV Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) Webpage.
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
CVC 12810, Issuance and Renewal of Licenses.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.
The Consumer Watch Dog article, Right to Good Driver Policy.