Top Driver Video, MetLife Auto In Expanded Discount Arrangement

More states are offering auto insurance discounts to Top Driver video-based driver education graduates, according to Sebastian Giordano, Top Driver chief operating officer. "State insurance departments are realizing that the more drivers who successfully complete one of our courses, the less accidents and insurance claims will be suffered in their state."

As of January 1999, MetLife Auto has received approval from the insurance departments of 23 states to offer discounted auto insurance rates to those who successfully complete a Top Driver course. The company will seek approval to offer auto insurance discounts in more than a dozen additional states this year.

"Our affiliation with Top Driver reinforces our goal of becoming a preeminent safety-conscious insurance company," said MetLife Auto & Home President and CEO Daniel Cavanagh. "We are confident that through this program, we will ultimately save lives."

Ohio and some California counties have also approved the video as a violator training course. This means that drivers who receive a fine for a moving violation and successfully complete the course can have the violation removed from their driving record.

The Top Driver interactive program teaches defensive driving and safety techniques and includes a 75-minute video, a 62-page illustrated workbook, and a 50-question test. Drivers can complete the program at their own pace and review segments for additional clarification. Anyone who receives a passing score of 86 or above can take advantage of reduced auto insurance rates if permitted in their states.

Also available to corporate fleets, the course requires approximately two hours to complete. It addresses concepts not taught in basic driver education including skid control, corner maneuvering and steering in emergency braking situations