Finding affordable car insurance for students can be something of a challenge. Insurance companies tend to classify students as “higher risk” along with teens and new drivers. And of course, most students need all the savings they can possibly get. Unfortunately, car insurance isn’t cheap – a typical student pays anywhere from $3,500 to $13,000 in insurance premiums in a year.
Obtaining a lower rate for your car insurance starts when you still in school – you can often get a discount just by providing your most recent school report card. Most insurance companies consider students who have a grade ‘B’ average, to be lower risk drivers. If your school or college offers a drivers education course, take the class and let your insurance company know.
If you have membership in any school or professional organizations, let your insurance company know. Some insurance companies offer significant discounts for membership of various alumni, fraternity and student associations; for example the Golden Key National Honor Society.
Let your insurance company know if you are also working while attending school. If you work close to your home and use your car primarily to go to and from your workplace, your insurance company will generally offer a discount. Students who live close to their school or college and generally don’t drive much may be eligible for a “low-mileage” discount.
It is also less expensive to add a student’s name to an existing auto insurance policy, rather than take out a new one; although if the student is the primary driver or owns the car, they may be required to have a separate policy.
Whatever the amount of your insurance premium, never do what some students choose to do – and drive without car insurance altogether. If you are uninsured, just one minor accident can ruin your credit rating for up to 10 years as well as possibly make it difficult to get a job