The New York State Point & Insurance Reduction Program Facts for Consumers

The New York State 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 to day's vehicle and traffic laws.
  2. You may be eligible to reduce as many as four (4) violation points on your driving record. The DMV computer will automatically note your eligibility to receive the reduction.
  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.


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The Course

Q. How much time does the PIRP course take, what is it like and what does it cost?
A. Each course is six to eight hours long, and presented in one or two classroom sessions. Essential information about traffic safety issues such as driver attitude and behavior, defensive driving techniques and the Vehicle and Traffic Law must be presented in each course. No formal testing is required to complete the course. [back to top]

Q. After I complete the PIRP course, how do I receive the point reduction?
A. The PIRP sponsor will notify the DMV within eight weeks after you complete the course. A notice will then be entered on your driving record, and the DMV computer will automatically reduce your active point total by up to four points. Important: Completion of a course under the Point & Reduction Program does not remove, delete, subtract or erase any violation, conviction or notice of original number of points from your driving record. Point reduction will affect only points accumulated during the 18 months prior to course completion. Even after you complete the course, most violations, convictions and points assessed will continue to show on your driving record for up to four years. Violations and convictions involving drugs or alcohol will remain on your driving record for ten years. "Point reduction" means the DMV will not count up to four points against your driving record toward revocation or suspension of your driver license. [back to top]

Q. How do I know my driving record shows my PIRP course completion?
A. If you need to verify the course completion has been entered on your record, you may request a copy of your driving record from the DMV. To do so, you must complete a "Request for Driver and/or Vehicle Record Information" (form MV-IS), available at any motor vehicle office. You may also download this form from the DMV Internet site at www.nydmv.state.ny.us. lf your course completion is not noted on your driving record more than eight weeks after you completed it, contact the course sponsor. [back to top]

Q. What effect does point reduction have on my license and driving record?
A. Point reduction applies only to points 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. Point reduction 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. 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. Points may be reduced only once in any 18-month period. [back to top]

The DMV point system and insurance company "point" systems are separate and not related. Point reduction in your driving record does not affect points assigned by your insurance company for violations and accidents.

Insurance Reduction

Q. After completing the PIRP course, how do I receive the insurance reduction?
A. The course sponsor will mail you a completion certificate shortly after you complete the course. If you present your certificate to your insurance company or agent within 90 days after course completion, your liability and collision premium reduction will begin immediately, retroactive to the date you completed the course. If you present your certificate more than 90 days after course completion, the insurer may issue the premium discount effective from the date presented. If you do not receive your certificate within eight weeks after completion, immediately contact the program sponsor. You may take the course only once every 36 months for insurance reduction benefits. [back to top]

Q. Will the PIRP course prevent my insurance company from raising my premiums?
A. No. Insurance reduction does not prevent general premium increases, or premium increases due to violations or accidents. It provides a 10% reduction for three years, from the base rate of your current liability. no-fault and collision premiums. [back to top]

Q. What if more than one person named on a policy completes the PIRP course?
A. The insurance premium reduction applies to all motor vehicles principally operated by the motorist who completes the course. The discount can be applied to only one driver for each covered vehicle. [back to top]

Q. If I complete a DMV approved motorcycle safety/accident prevention course, does the insurance reduction benefit extend to my automobile coverage?
A. Yes. The reduction applies to the liability and collision insurance premiums for both your motorcycle and automobile. [back to top]

Q. Will youthful operators and drivers participating in assigned risk pool receive the insurance premium discount?
A. Yes. Any insured motorist who is the principal operator and completes a Point & Insurance Reduction Program course will receive the discount. [back to top]

Q. If a youthful operator is already receiving a driver education discount, can the PIRP discount also be applied?
A. Check with your insurance company or agent to find out if both discounts will be given at the same time. [back to top]