Congratulations! You’re leaving your parents’ home for freedom and independence. This is especially true if you’re taking your car with you to campus. Among the many new adult responsibilities you’ll have to manage is car insurance. Find out how to mitigate car insurance for college students below.
The Downsides of Young Drivers: An Insurer’s View
According to many studies, young drivers are way more likely to get into accidents than those who are older and have more experience on the road. What does this mean for you, newly independent driver? It means that your car insurance premiums are going to be truly expensive until you turn 25. However, being a safe driver is one surefire way to manage your car insurance costs. Not only will you not endanger others on the road, but your rates won’t be as high as the frat brother who doesn’t heed the countless warnings he received about drinking and driving.
Ways You Can Cut Insurance Costs
As we all know, car insurance can be prohibitively expensive, especially for young drivers. As a young college student who may only be able to work part-time, mitigating car insurance costs should be of the utmost importance. If possible, ask your parents if you can remain on their policy while you’re in school. Since you know your parents the best, only you can determine if your mother and/or father will go for this option. It might help your case if you offer to help pay for the additional cost, for instance.
Ways You Can Cut Insurance Costs: Defensive Driving Classes
If your parents nix your staying on their auto insurance policy, you still can take advantage of discounts. One such discount can come from taking a defensive driving course. Defensive driving courses are classes that teach drivers how to navigate their vehicles in the event of inclement weather or mechanical emergencies. Passing one of these courses can take a significant chunk off your premium. You can find defensive driving courses at your local Department of Motor Vehicles or in the private sector.
Other Discounts
If you feel really confident in your ability to handle your vehicle in the event of an emergency, you’ll still have the opportunity to take advantage of other discounts. For example, many insurance companies will chop 10% off your premium if you have a B average in your college classes. Another way to save is through what’s called a low mileage discount. You can utilize this program if you’re going to college at least 100 miles away from your hometown and you don’t plan on taking your car. Before you scream bloody murder, think about the money you’ll save. If you take your car from Ohio to New York City, you’ll have to pour a whole lot of coffee to pay that premium.
Getting car insurance for college students has its hazards, especially if you decide to take your car to campus. Whether you decide to ask your parents to stay on their policy or become your own savings guru, it’s entirely possible to get cheap car insurance if you’re a college student.