§ 27-9-7.1. Premium reduction for completing a motor vehicle accident prevention course. (a) Every schedule of rates, rating plan, or rating system for automobile liability and physical damage insurance filed with the commissioner shall provide for a reduction in premium charges for those persons fifty-five (55) years of age and older who successfully complete a motor vehicle accident prevention course approved by the division of motor vehicles. All insurers shall allow a reduction in the premium deemed appropriate by the commissioner to persons successfully completing that course.

(b) Motor vehicle accident prevention courses shall be taught by instructors who may be members of the American Association of Retired Persons, and are certified or approved by the division of motor vehicles. Courses, may be approved which provide for a form of instruction, including, but not limited to, online courses, classroom, or driving instruction for a minimum number of hours determined by the division of motor vehicles. Instructors may or may not receive compensation.

(c) Each person who completes an approved course shall be issued a certificate by the course sponsor, provided that person has no chargeable accidents or convictions within a three (3) year period. Any certificate issued shall be valid for a period of two (2) years from its issuance, provided the holder has had no chargeable accidents or convictions within a three (3) year period. Any person who desires to renew or extend a certificate shall be required to successfully complete another course.

(d) Nothing provided in this section shall preclude an insurer from increasing the premium or charging an insured a surcharge for motor vehicle accidents and/or motor vehicle convictions during the two (2) year period for which a certificate was issued.

(e) This section shall not apply to any group automobile insurance policy under which premiums are broadly averaged for the group rather than determined individually.

History of Section. (P.L. 1984, ch. 414, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 300, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 322, § 1.)