What You Need to Know About Car Insurance for Students

As students graduate high school and head off to college, everything changes at home. One of the changes you may need to make is a change to your auto insurance policy.

Student drivers don’t have as much experience as long-time drivers, causing them to be at a higher risk. As a result, you can expect to pay higher car insurance premiums at least until they reach the age of 25 or so.

Car insurance follows the car, so your student driver is covered under your insurance policy while they are away at school whether they take a car with them or not, as long as you keep them listed as a driver on your policy. Some policies require students to be over 100 miles from home to qualify for the student away discount.

It is not necessary for your college student to get their own car insurance policy if they’re taking a car to school, although, there are circumstances where you may want to. For example, if your student driver has a bad driving record, your car insurance will be cheaper if they get their own policy. Furthermore, if you are certain your child will not be returning home after college or graduate school, it might make sense for them to have their own policy.

It’s common for car insurance companies to offer a discount for student drivers who are away at school without a car. Be aware that you need to notify your insurance company if they drop out of school or graduate.

And what about insurance coverage for student passengers in your student’s car? It’s common for college students to hitch a ride with other students who brought cars to school. Your auto insurance policy will cover your child’s friends and other passengers just it would if your child were driving your car around your neighborhood.

Another way to reduce the impact of a student driver on your car insurance premium is to see if the company offers a good student discount. If they do, it is an incentive for your child to get top grades, so you continue to qualify for the discount. You may need to show proof that your student has a certain grade point average or is listed on the Honor Roll or Dean’s List. You may also have to provide the insurance company with proof that your student is enrolled at a college or university.