For parents of teenagers and young adults, few moments are as nerve-wracking as handing over the car keys for the first time. The statistics are sobering: teen drivers have higher accident rates than any other age group on the road . This reality often translates into significantly higher insurance premiums for families with young drivers.
State Farm, the largest private auto insurer in the United States, recognized this challenge and developed the Steer Clear program—a structured safe driving initiative designed specifically for drivers under 25. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the program, including its features, eligibility requirements, potential savings, and how it compares to other safe driving options.
What Is the Steer Clear Program?
The Steer Clear program is a safe driving education and training initiative offered by State Farm exclusively to young drivers . Unlike traditional driver’s education courses that focus on basic vehicle operation and road rules, Steer Clear emphasizes reinforcing positive driving behaviors through a combination of educational modules and real-world practice.
The program is designed to help new drivers develop safer habits behind the wheel while potentially qualifying them for auto insurance premium adjustments upon completion . It represents State Farm’s commitment to teen driver safety and accident prevention, addressing the fact that young drivers face unique risks on the road.
How the Program Works
The Steer Clear program operates primarily through a dedicated mobile application available on both iOS and Android platforms . The app serves as the central hub for all program activities, tracking progress through pre-set learning modules and driving exercises.
Educational Modules
Participants begin by completing interactive learning modules that cover essential safe driving topics. According to State Farm’s official app description, these modules include content on:
- Bluetooth and hands-free device usage
- Distracted driving prevention (texting and gaming)
- Special driving situations and hazard awareness
These educational components are designed to be completed relatively quickly—some users report finishing the modules in under an hour . The content is updated periodically to address emerging safety concerns and changing technology.
Driving Practice and Trip Tracking
Once the educational modules are complete, participants must log driving practice sessions through the app. The Steer Clear application automatically tracks trips, eliminating the need for manual record-keeping .
During each driving session, the app monitors three core driving behaviors:
- Braking – How smoothly the driver stops
- Acceleration – How gradually the driver speeds up
- Cornering – How smoothly the driver navigates turns
Drivers receive scores and feedback based on their performance in these areas, helping them identify specific habits that need improvement.
Gamification and Rewards
To keep young drivers engaged, the Steer Clear app incorporates gamification elements. Participants can earn badges that recognize specific driving accomplishments, such as achieving a certain score percentage on a particular driving behavior . These virtual status symbols serve as motivational tools, encouraging continued participation and improvement throughout the program.
Eligibility Requirements
The Steer Clear program has specific eligibility criteria that potential participants must meet:
- Age Requirement: Drivers must be under 25 years old
- New Driver Status: The program is designed for new drivers or those with limited driving experience
- State Availability: The program is not available in all states . Interested drivers should check with their local State Farm agent to confirm availability in their area
Some states may also offer eligibility for drivers over 24 who have less than three years of driving experience . This provision recognizes that new drivers come in all ages, not just teenagers.
Potential Savings and Discounts
One of the primary motivations for completing the Steer Clear program is the potential for auto insurance premium savings. While State Farm does not publicly guarantee a specific discount percentage, various sources indicate that savings can be substantial.
Discount Range
Industry analysts and insurance comparison websites report that the Steer Clear program can result in discounts of up to 15-20% for qualifying drivers . According to some sources, completing the five modules within six months of starting the program can make drivers eligible for these premium adjustments .
Comparison with Drive Safe & Save
It’s important to distinguish Steer Clear from State Farm’s other usage-based program, Drive Safe & Save. While both programs offer potential savings, they operate differently:
Drive Safe & Save offers an initial 10% discount just for enrolling, with the potential for up to 30% savings based on actual driving performance . However, unlike some competitors, State Farm does not penalize drivers with premium increases for poor driving habits under the Drive Safe & Save program .
Stacking Discounts
Young drivers and their families can maximize savings by combining the Steer Clear discount with other State Farm discounts:
- Good Student Discount: Up to 25% for full-time students maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Driver Training Discount: For completing an approved driver education course
- Student Away at School Discount: For students under 25 who attend school more than 100 miles from home and leave their car behind
- Multi-Vehicle Discount: When insuring multiple cars on the same policy
- Bundling Discount: When combining auto insurance with home, renters, or life insurance
Program Completion Process
Upon successfully completing all program requirements, participants receive a program completion certificate through the app . This certificate can be:
- Texted directly to the policyholder
- Emailed for digital record-keeping
- Printed and brought to the local State Farm agent’s office
The agent then applies the appropriate premium adjustment to the policy. It’s worth noting that the discount may remain in effect for as long as the young driver remains on the policy, though participants should confirm the specific duration with their agent.
User Experiences and Feedback
Like any mobile application, the Steer Clear app has received mixed reviews from users. On the Google Play Store, the app maintains a rating of 4.5 stars based on over 3,600 reviews . However, user feedback reveals both positive experiences and areas for improvement.
Positive Feedback
Many users find the educational modules straightforward and easy to complete. One reviewer noted, “The modules are easy to follow. I think it took me less than an hour to complete” . The streamlined nature of the educational component makes the program accessible for busy students and young adults.
Common Complaints
Several users have reported technical issues with the trip tracking functionality:
- Incomplete Tracking: One user reported that a three-hour driving session was barely tracked, showing only a fraction of the actual driving time
- Calibration Problems: Another user noted difficulties when using the phone in landscape orientation for GPS navigation, stating that the app “needs a mode for long drives and a way to calibrate in all positions”
- Sensitivity Concerns: A reviewer mentioned that the app sometimes flagged phone movement as problematic even when the device was securely mounted in a holder
These technical limitations are worth considering for families planning to use the program. Some users have suggested that State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save app provides a better overall experience with less aggressive scoring .
Steer Clear vs. Traditional Driver Education
Parents often wonder how Steer Clear compares to standard driver’s education courses. The two programs serve different but complementary purposes:
Traditional Driver Education:
- Focuses on basic vehicle operation and traffic laws
- Typically includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training
- Often required for teen drivers to obtain a license
- Provides foundational knowledge and skills
Steer Clear Program:
- Emphasizes reinforcing positive driving behaviors
- Uses telematics to provide specific, actionable feedback
- Focuses on habit formation and risk awareness
- Offers potential insurance savings upon completion
Rather than choosing one over the other, families are best served by viewing Steer Clear as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, comprehensive driver education .
Program Limitations and Considerations
Before enrolling in the Steer Clear program, families should be aware of several limitations:
State Restrictions
The program is not available in all states. Potential participants must verify availability with their local State Farm agent before beginning the program .
Age Restrictions
While primarily designed for drivers under 25, the age cutoff may vary by state. Some states offer exceptions for older new drivers, but this is not universal .
Technical Requirements
The program requires a compatible smartphone with the Steer Clear app installed. The app uses location services even when not actively open, which can decrease device battery life . Families should ensure their young driver has an appropriate device before enrolling.
Privacy Considerations
The Steer Clear app collects various types of data, including user content, identifiers, usage data, and diagnostics . While State Farm indicates that data is encrypted in transit and users can request deletion, privacy-conscious families may want to review the complete privacy policy before enrollment.
Comparison with Competitors
State Farm is not the only insurer offering safe driving programs for young drivers. Progressive’s Snapshot, Allstate’s Drivewise, and Nationwide’s SmartRide all provide similar telematics-based options. However, Steer Clear’s focus on education and training, combined with its lack of penalty for poor performance, distinguishes it from many competitors.
Unlike some programs that can actually increase premiums for risky driving behavior, State Farm’s approach is purely incentive-based—drivers can only save money, never lose existing discounts . This makes Steer Clear a lower-risk option for families concerned about potential negative consequences.
Tips for Maximizing the Program
For families considering the Steer Clear program, the following strategies can help maximize benefits:
- Combine with Drive Safe & Save: Some families may benefit from enrolling in both programs, though participants should confirm with their agent whether this is permitted
- Use a Phone Mount: To avoid false readings from phone movement, invest in a quality phone mount that secures the device firmly
- Complete Modules Quickly: The educational components can be finished in a single sitting, allowing participants to focus on the driving practice requirements
- Practice Intentionally: Use the feedback provided by the app to identify specific areas for improvement and practice those skills deliberately
- Maintain Good Grades: Stack the Steer Clear discount with the Good Student discount for maximum savings
Conclusion
The State Farm Steer Clear program represents a thoughtful approach to addressing the unique challenges facing young drivers. By combining educational content with real-world practice and feedback, the program helps new drivers develop safer habits while potentially reducing the financial burden of auto insurance.
While the app has received some criticism for technical issues, the overall value proposition remains strong: a free program that promotes safer driving and offers insurance savings upon completion. For families with young drivers on State Farm policies, Steer Clear is well worth investigating.
As with any insurance decision, interested families should contact their local State Farm agent to confirm program availability in their state, understand the specific discount amount they may qualify for, and determine whether the program makes sense for their particular situation. After all, when it comes to teen driving, the ultimate goal isn’t just saving money—it’s saving lives.
