Starting July 1, individuals who take driver safety courses will no longer receive an automatic discount on their insurance premiums as a result of completion of the course. This is the result of the passage of HB 1034, which repealed all state law governing the administration and discounts offered through older driver safety courses.

Despite a concerted grass roots effort and AARP South Dakota’s strong opposition to this legislation, its passage by the South Dakota Legislature nonetheless rolls back several decades of incentives for older drivers to take driver safety courses.

Policy holders should not see any direct increase in their 2011 premiums but may see an increase in 2012 if their company previously offered a discount for completing a driver safety course. Policy holders are encouraged check with their insurance carrier to see how this may impact the cost of their individual auto policy.