Consumers looking for a 10% discount on their automobile or motorcycle insurance in New York can now save some money on their polices by proving their knowledge of how to avoid accidents.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has approved a number of online accident prevention course providers, according to the state’s insurance department. Successful completion of an online or classroom course can result in savings of 10% on the base rate of their liability and collision insurance premiums each year for three years.

Acting New York State Insurance Superintendent Kermitt J. Brooks applauded the DMV’s move to have courses online as “another customer-friendly option” for New Yorkers, making it easier for many to access.

“Accident prevention courses help lead to safer roads and lower insurance costs for everyone,” Brooks said in a statement. “DMV-approved courses must meet strict standards for the safe driving information presented and program effectiveness, whether provided online or in person.

The courses are part of the DMV’s Point & Insurance Reduction program, reviewed, tested and approved by the department and posted on its website. Additional courses are expected to be added in the future.

“The goal of expanding the classroom-based program to include new delivery methods is ultimately to educate more drivers and to reduce the number of crashes in New York caused by unsafe driving habits,” said DMV Commissioner David J. Swarts.

The DMV urges consumers to verify that any course – online or in the classroom – is approved by their office as those are the only ones that qualify for the premium reduction. To receive the discount, consumers must get a course completion certificate from the course sponsor.

If the consumer presents that certificate to the insurance company or agent within 90 days after course completion, the liability and collision premium reduction will begin immediately, retroactive to the date the course was completed. If the consumer presents the certificate more than 90 days after course completion, the insurer may issue the premium discount effective from the date presented, according to the DMV.