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Point, insurance reduction program beneficial

Unfortunately, in New York State, there is no requirement that drivers take refresher courses periodically. With numerous vehicle and traffic laws implemented regularly, without refresher training, many drivers do not receive proper information regarding changing laws, signs, pavement markings, signals, and instructions on how to understand and obey these new requirements.

However, the Point & Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP), approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles, is available through private companies or corporations, called “course sponsors”, throughout New York State.  Each qualifying course must meet strict standards for the safe driving information presented and program effectiveness. If you complete an approved PIRP course:

1. It will help refresh your driving knowledge with a review of time-tested safe driving tips and an overview of today’s vehicle and traffic laws.

2. You may be eligible to reduce as many as four (4) points on your driving record. The DMV computer will automatically note your eligibility to receive the reduction. “Point reduction” means the DMV will not count up to four points on your driving record toward license revocation or suspension. Point reduction applies only to points assessed for violations that occurred within the eighteen months immediately before course completion.  It does not affect points for earlier violations, and cannot be used as “credit” against future violations or points. It cannot reduce your point total lower than zero. If your license has already been revoked or suspended, or if a violation hearing has already been scheduled, point reduction will not affect that action. Furthermore, point reduction does not prevent or cancel a mandatory revocation or suspension for violations such as DWI, DWAI, or three speeding violations within 18 months.

3. If you are the principal operator of a motor vehicle, you will receive a minimum 10% reduction in the base rate of your automobile and motorcycle liability and collision insurance premiums each year for three years.

There are two options for completing the PIRP course. They are the traditional classroom method or an Alternate Delivery Method, such as the Internet or other DMV approved method. Regardless of the delivery method, each course is at least six hours long.

Essential information about traffic safety issues such as driver attitude and behavior, defensive driving techniques, and Vehicle & Traffic Law is presented in each course. For both the classroom and ADM methods, additional content, approach, materials and fees vary from one sponsor to the next.

I just completed the course through AARP, as I have done every three years for the past 10 years or more. For the cost of $20 as a member of AARP, I save hundreds of dollars on my car insurance over the three-year period covered by the course. In the course, we reviewed many driver-related issues that are vital to safe driving.

The PIRP is a great tool for sharpening your driving knowledge. Take advantage of it. You’ll be glad you did.

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