Possible insurance discount for having a CDL license

[BobGed]

I have all of my vehicles, including the motorhome, insured with Geico. I was talking with an agent today and the subject of driver’s licenses came up.I live in NV and have a non-commercial Class B license.

While she was reviewing the discounts I was already receiving, she made a comment that if I had I standard commercial driver’s license (CDL) I would be entitled to an additional discount. When I questioned her on her statement, she explained that they give the discount to CDL holders in recognition of their additional training and testing, but of course the insurance coverage only applies to those that are operating a qualifying RV for personal use.

She told me if I had a CDL the discount would be $100 per year, so I said I might look into it to see if it made sense as I believe all I would need is an annual physical, which at my age I do anyway.

She then asked me if I could hold for minute, to which I agreed.When she came back on the line she told me she had received approval to give me the discount without having to obtain a CDL.

So for those of you that have a non-commercial class license, particularly with Geico, you might want to check and see if this discount is available to you. I realize it’s not much, but every little bit helps.

[stuhly]

The cost of the CDL Physical every two years would wipe out any discount pretty fast.

[TQ60]

Plus points are double on those as well so tickets are worse.

[UncleBilly]

I have a CDL from CA and dropped it when I moved too TX. I'm not driving for work and don't want too face the double points and higher fines. If I ever work all I need is new Med card and I'm good...


1996 Country Coach Intrigue 😜

[slemnah]

I believe the points are double in CA only if you are stopped while driving a commercial vehicle. If you are in the Rv or a car I don't believe you pay that penalty.
Steve

[srx-6]

Originally Posted by slemnah

I believe the points are double in CA only if you are stopped while driving a commercial vehicle. If you are in the Rv or a car I don't believe you pay that penalty.
Steve

If you are the holder of a CDL(commercial driver license) the points and fines are higher no matter what you are driving on duty or off duty. Traffic tickets cannot be dismissed by taking a defensive driving course. You are held to a higher standard because you are a professional driver.

[GaryKD]

I was going to get a CDL just for something to do. If I did this my insurance would go up. This project never went any further.

[ka7suz]

I think the message was, consult with your insurance company.

JoAnn

[docj]

Originally Posted by stuhly

The cost of the CDL Physical every two years would wipe out any discount pretty fast.

In SD I can self-certify that I am not engaged in any driving for which I would be required to have a medical card. Hence, no extra costs for having a CDL, but the discount I'm getting from my insurance company is a lot less than $100.

[docj]

Originally Posted by srx-6

If you are the holder of a CDL(commercial driver license) the points and fines are higher no matter what you are driving on duty or off duty. Traffic tickets cannot be dismissed by taking a defensive driving course. You are held to a higher standard because you are a professional driver.

I've not found that to be the case. In fact, twice a LEO reduced or dropped the charge in order to avoid putting points on my record. Some of the things that are repeated on the internet as fact simply aren't true.

[Ray,IN]

I just insured our MH through Winnebago RV Insurance (Allied Insurance) the agent asked if I had a CDL, when I said no, she didn't say more.

[Pds47]

we took the driver certification course at Lazy-daze and our ins gave us the discount. I had a cdl for many years but gave it up years ago.

[stuhly]

That may be the case for you docj, but what was stated previously in post # 6 is in fact true. If you don't think so check with the DOT in your state.

[docj]

Originally Posted by stuhly

That may be the case for you docj, but what was stated previously in post # 6 is in fact true. If you don't think so check with the DOT in your state.

With all due respect it is not fact. Federal regulations provide certain specific penalties that are imposed on CDL holders for certain major and serious traffic violations. There is NO blanket rule with respect to all fines and penalties being doubled, etc.

Furthermore, the federal rules relate to suspension or revocation of the ability to drive a commercial vehicle, not your overall right to drive and the federal offenses are only applicable while driving a CMV. Normal state law still holds with respect to your right to drive a private vehicle. In other words, your CDL can be suspended or revoked for 6 months or a year because of certain infractions in accordance with federal law, but your regular license will be suspended or revoked in accordance with the laws of the state you are licensed in.

Here is the appropriate section of the South Dakota CDL manual that pertains to this subject:

Serious Traffic Violations (while operating a commercial motor vehicle)
*Speeding 15 mph or more over limit
*Reckless driving
*Careless driving
*Improper or Erratic Lane Change
*Following too close
*Failure to stop
*Failure to yield right of way
*Failure to stop for school bus
*Failure to stop at signal of law enforcement
*Improper Passing
*Driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL; without having the CDL in possession; or without the
proper class or endorsement
*A violation of any state or local traffic law resulting in a fatal accident
• Convicted of two serious traffic violations within a three-year period - 60 DAY DISQUALIFICATION.
• Convicted of three serious traffic violations within a three-year period - 120 DAY DISQUALIFICATION.
(disqualification period will be in addition to any existing disqualifications)
• Falsify Information on Application or Certification - 60 DAY DISQUALIFICATION
Violation of an Out-of-Service Order
• Convicted of first violation of an out-of-service order - 90 DAY DISQUALIFICATION.
• Convicted of two violations of out-of-service orders in10-year period - ONE YEAR
DISQUALIFICATION.
• Convicted of three violations of out-of-service orders in 10-year period - THREE YEAR
DISQUALIFICATION.
***If any of the above violations occurred while transporting hazardous material required to be placarded or while operating a motor vehicle
designed to transport more than 15 passengers, the person is disqualified for a period of 180 days, three years, or five years. ***

Effective July 1, 2010 first conviction - 180 day disqualification (minimum $2,500 civil penalty); second conviction - two year disqualification
(minimum $5,000 civil penalty).
Disqualification for Grade Crossing Violations
Convictions for railroad crossing violations committed while driving a commercial motor vehicle result in a
commercial driver license disqualification.
1st conviction – 60 day disqualification
2nd conviction within a 3 year period – 120 day disqualification
3rd or subsequent conviction within a 3 year period – 1 year disqualification
One Year Disqualification
Any person is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for a period of no less than one-year if
convicted of a first violation of:
• Driving a CMV while privileges are withdrawn
• DWI .08 or above, while driving a commercial or non-commercial motor vehicle
• Driving a CMV with .04 to .07 BAC
• Hit and Run/Leaving the Scene of an Accident while driving a commercial or non-commercial motor
vehicle
• Using a commercial or non-commercial motor vehicle in the commission of a felony (non-traffic)
• Refusal of the Chemical Test in a commercial or non-commercial motor vehicle
• Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a commercial motor vehicle
If any of the above violations occurred while transporting hazardous material required to be placarded or while operating a motor vehicle designed to
transport more than 15 passengers, the person is disqualified for a period of 3 years.
Lifetime Disqualification (may be reduced to 10 years)
Two or more of any of the convictions listed under “One Year Disqualification.”
Permanent Lifetime Disqualification
• Additional major offense (listed under “One Year Disqualification”) after reinstatement of 10-year
disqualification.
• Commission of any felony in commercial or non-commercial motor vehicle involving the manufacture,
distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance.