Ready to unlock potential savings on your State Farm auto insurance and become a safer driver at the same time? If you're a young driver or have one in your household, the State Farm Steer Clear program might be exactly what you're looking for! It's designed to help new drivers build safe habits and, as a reward, offers a discount on your policy. Let's dive deep into how this program works, step by step, and what you can expect on your journey to safer driving and lower premiums.
Understanding the State Farm Steer Clear Program
The State Farm Steer Clear program is more than just a discount – it's a comprehensive safe driver training initiative. Primarily aimed at drivers under the age of 25 (though new drivers of any age with less than three years of experience may also qualify in some states), it combines educational modules with real-world driving practice to foster responsible driving habits. The ultimate goal is to reduce the risk of accidents for young drivers and, consequently, reduce their insurance costs.
The program uses a smartphone app to track progress, provide feedback, and deliver educational content. It focuses on key driving behaviors like braking, acceleration, cornering, and avoiding distracted driving, helping participants to understand and improve their techniques.
Eligibility Requirements: Are You Steer Clear Ready?
Before embarking on your Steer Clear journey, it's crucial to confirm your eligibility. Here's what State Farm typically looks for:
Age: You must generally be under age 25. In some states, new drivers over 24 with less than three years of driving experience may also qualify.
Valid Driver's License/Learner's Permit: You need to hold a valid driver's license or learner's permit.
Clean Driving Record: You should have no at-fault accidents or moving violations during the past three years (or for as long as you've been driving, if less than three years).
State Farm Auto Insurance: Your vehicle (or all vehicles in your household, if you're a household member being added) must be insured with State Farm.
Note: Eligibility requirements can vary by state, so always confirm with your local State Farm agent.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to the State Farm Steer Clear Program
Now that you know what it's all about and if you qualify, let's walk through the process of completing the Steer Clear program and earning your discount.
Step 1: Engage with Your State Farm Agent
This is where your journey truly begins! Don't just jump into downloading the app. Your first and most important step is to contact your State Farm agent.
Initial Consultation: Your agent will confirm your eligibility, explain the program specifics for your state, and answer any initial questions you have. They'll also tell you the estimated discount you could receive.
Enrollment: Your agent will help you officially enroll in the Steer Clear program. This is a crucial step as it formally registers you for the program and its associated benefits.
Understanding Expectations: They'll outline the exact requirements for completion, including the number of driving hours, trips, and modules. Clear communication with your agent from the start will ensure a smooth process.
Step 2: Download and Set Up the Steer Clear App
The Steer Clear app is the central hub for your program participation. It's available for both iOS and Android devices.
Find the App: You can usually find the Steer Clear app by searching "State Farm Steer Clear" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Alternatively, your agent might provide a direct link, or you can text "STEER" to 42407 to receive a link.
Log In/Create Profile: Once downloaded, you'll log in using your State Farm account credentials or create a new profile if prompted.
Mentor Connection (If Applicable): For younger drivers, especially those under 19, a mentor (a licensed driver over 25, usually a parent or guardian) may be required to supervise a certain number of trips. The app facilitates this connection, allowing the mentor to monitor progress (though recent updates may have limited mentor's direct viewing of progress within the app, drivers can still share it).
App Permissions: Grant necessary permissions for the app to track your driving, such as location services and motion activity. This is essential for the app to record your trips accurately.
Step 3: Complete the Educational Modules
The Steer Clear program isn't just about driving; it's also about learning. The app features a series of educational modules designed to enhance your driving knowledge and awareness.
Module Content: These modules typically cover a wide range of topics critical for safe driving, including:
Car Basics and Maintenance: Understanding your vehicle's features and basic upkeep.
Focus and Distraction: The dangers of distracted driving (texting, phone use) and impaired driving (drowsy, under the influence).
Residential and City Roads: Navigating intersections, parking lots, and sharing the road with others.
Highway Driving: Merging, maintaining safe following distances, and lane changes.
Special Driving Situations: Driving in adverse weather, at night, in rural areas, and handling emergencies.
Interactive Learning: The modules often include videos, driving scenarios, and quizzes to make the learning engaging and reinforce key concepts.
Pacing: You can complete these modules at your own pace, but remember that there's a six-month window to complete the entire program.
Step 4: Log Your Driving Hours and Trips
This is where the rubber meets the road! The Steer Clear app will automatically track your driving.
Minimum Requirements: You'll typically need to complete 5 hours of driving over at least 10 separate trips. For drivers under 19, the requirements might be higher (e.g., 20 trips, with 15 supervised).
Automatic Tracking: The app uses your phone's GPS and sensors to monitor your driving behavior, including:
Acceleration: How smoothly you accelerate.
Braking: Avoiding hard, sudden stops.
Cornering: Taking turns at appropriate speeds.
Speed: Staying within speed limits.
Phone Distraction: Minimizing phone use while driving.
Feedback and Scoring: After each trip, the app provides feedback and a score based on your driving. This allows you to identify areas for improvement. You may also earn badges for good driving habits, adding a gamified element to the program.
Consistent Practice: The goal is not just to log hours, but to consistently practice safe driving behaviors over your recorded trips. The more you drive safely, the better your scores will be, and the more ingrained these habits will become.
Step 5: Program Completion and Discount Application
Once you've met all the requirements, you're ready to reap the rewards!
Certificate of Completion: Upon successful completion of all modules and driving requirements, the app will issue a program completion certificate.
Notifying Your Agent: You can typically send this certificate directly to your State Farm agent from within the app via text or email, or you can bring it to their office. This signals that you've finished the program and are ready for the discount to be applied.
Discount on Premium: State Farm will then apply the Steer Clear Safe Driver Discount to your auto insurance policy. This can result in significant savings, often up to 15% or more, depending on your state and specific circumstances.
Maintaining Your Discount
The Steer Clear discount isn't necessarily a one-time thing. As long as you continue to meet your state's eligibility requirements (e.g., staying under age 25 if that's the primary qualifier, or maintaining a clean driving record), you can continue to receive the discount. However, be aware that if you incur at-fault accidents or moving violations, you may lose the discount.
Benefits of the State Farm Steer Clear Program
Beyond the financial savings, the Steer Clear program offers several key advantages:
Improved Driving Skills: The primary benefit is becoming a safer and more confident driver. The educational content and real-time feedback help you identify and correct poor driving habits.
Reduced Accident Risk: By fostering safer habits, the program aims to lower the likelihood of accidents, which is beneficial for both your safety and your insurance record.
Potential Insurance Savings: The discount is a tangible reward for your commitment to safe driving, making auto insurance more affordable for young drivers who typically face higher premiums.
Parental Involvement (Optional): For parents of young drivers, the program offers a way to be involved in their teen's driving education and monitor their progress, providing an added layer of peace of mind.
Flexible Learning: The app-based format allows for self-paced learning, fitting into busy schedules.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about the State Farm Steer Clear program, with quick answers:
How to enroll in the State Farm Steer Clear program?
You enroll by contacting your State Farm agent directly. They will guide you through the eligibility requirements and formal enrollment process.
How to download the State Farm Steer Clear app?
You can download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching "State Farm Steer Clear," or by texting "STEER" to 42407 for a direct link.
How to qualify for the State Farm Steer Clear discount?
To qualify, you generally need to be under 25 (or a new driver with less than 3 years experience in some states), have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record (no at-fault accidents or moving violations in the past 3 years), and have State Farm auto insurance. You must also complete all program requirements.
How to complete the driving requirements for Steer Clear?
You must complete at least 5 hours of driving over a minimum of 10 trips, with the Steer Clear app tracking your driving behaviors like acceleration, braking, and cornering. Requirements may be higher for drivers under 19.
How to check my progress in the Steer Clear program?
Your progress on educational modules and driving trips is tracked directly within the Steer Clear mobile app.
How to get the Steer Clear discount applied to my policy?
Once you complete all program requirements, the app will issue a completion certificate. You can send this certificate directly to your State Farm agent, who will then apply the discount to your auto insurance policy.
How to maintain the State Farm Steer Clear discount?
You can typically maintain the discount as long as you continue to meet the program's eligibility requirements, such as remaining under age 25 (if applicable) and maintaining a clean driving record without at-fault accidents or moving violations.
How to find a mentor for the Steer Clear program?
If required, your mentor must be a licensed driver over the age of 25, typically a parent or guardian. The app provides a way to connect your profile with your mentor's.
How to get help if the Steer Clear app isn't working correctly?
If you encounter issues with the Steer Clear app, first try troubleshooting steps like restarting your phone or reinstalling the app. If problems persist, contact State Farm customer support or your agent for assistance.
How to determine if the Steer Clear program is worth it for me?
The Steer Clear program is highly beneficial if you're a young driver looking to improve your skills, reduce your risk of accidents, and potentially save on your auto insurance premiums. Consult with your State Farm agent to understand the specific discount applicable to your situation.
