After Finishing Texas Defensive Driving: What Should You Do with Your Certificate?

After completing Texas Defensive Driving to dismiss a ticket, an important question arises: should you send your certificate to both the court and your insurance company, or only to the court?

Understanding the Process

Depending on your state, the certificate you receive after completing a defensive driving course may serve different purposes. Primarily, it can help you either remove points from your license or drop a fee associated with the ticket. However, unless the ticket itself is removed from your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), your insurance company may not see it as necessary.

The Two Types of Points

Many states differentiate between two types of points: license points and insurance points. These are not always the same, and the rules vary greatly depending on your location.

In Texas, for instance, a severe accumulation of points on your license can lead to suspension. To mitigate this, you must complete a defensive driving course to have those points removed, thus reviving your license.

Verification and Submission

While it is generally recommended to send the certificate to both the court and your insurance company, experts advise handling the process with caution. For instance, some strongly suggest hand-carrying the original certificate to both the clerk of the court and your insurance agent. This ensures that both entities can verify that you have actually completed the course and possess the original document.

This method is particularly beneficial because the court and insurance company may not simply copy a document you created on your own. By handing over the original, they can confirm your authenticity, adding a layer of security and trust to the process.

Role of the Court

The court's primary role is to mask the conviction from your insurance agency. By submitting the certificate to them, you ensure that the incident no longer impacts your insurance record, potentially saving you money on premiums in the future.

Both Court and Insurance

Ultimately, according to many professionals, it is beneficial to send a copy of the certificate to both the court and your insurance company. This dual submission helps to cover all bases and ensures that both entities can act on the information. The court handles the legal aspect by potentially dismissing the ticket from your MVR, while the insurance company can provide a rate reduction, typically saving you money in the long run.

Conclusion

Completing a defensive driving course in Texas to dismiss a ticket is a step in the right direction to improve your driving record. By understanding the importance of submitting your certificate to both the court and your insurance company, you can ensure that you reap the full benefits of this course, both legally and financially.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Defensive Driving?
tA: Defensive driving is a course designed to improve your driving skills and reduce the likelihood of accidents. It is often mandated by courts to help drivers avoid further penalties. Q: Can completing a defensive driving course remove points from my license?
tA: Yes, in many states, including Texas, completing a defensive driving course can help reduce or remove points from your license, preventing suspension. Q: Is it mandatory to hand-carry the original certificate to the court and insurance company?
tA: While it is not mandatory, experts recommend hand-carrying the original certificate for verification purposes. This ensures that both entities have confidence in the authenticity of your completion.