Best Car Insurance for College Students in 2024 (Top 10 Companies Ranked)
State Farm, USAA, and American Family have the best car insurance for college students. The average monthly cost for 18-year-olds is $146. However, college students can qualify for big savings, such as a "Student Away at School" discount. We'll help you find affordable and reliable coverage for college students.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 24, 2024
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UPDATED: Sep 24, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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2,180 reviewsYou can find the best car insurance for college students at State Farm, USAA, and American Family. Our top pick for the best college student car insurance company is State Farm because of its competitive rates for all drivers and good student discounts.
Car insurance for college students costs around $146 monthly for an 18-year-old driver. Insurers charge younger drivers higher rates since they have less driving experience and are more likely to drive distracted.
Our Top 10 Company Picks: Best Car Insurance for College Students
| Company | Rank | Student Away Discount | Good Student Discount | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | #1 | 25% | 25% | Many Discounts | State Farm |
 | #2 | 25% | 25% | Military Savings | USAA |
 | #3 | 25% | 20% | Student Savings | American Family |
 | #4 | 15% | 15% | Cheap Rates | Geico |
 | #5 | 20% | 10% | Online Convenience | Progressive |
 | #6 | 35% | 20% | Add-on Coverages | Allstate |
 | #7 | 10% | 15% | Usage Discount | Nationwide |
 | #8 | 15% | 25% | Local Agents | Farmers |
 | #9 | 30% | 22% | Customizable Policies | Liberty Mutual |
 | #10 | 20% | 8% | Accident Forgiveness | Travellers |
However, there are various car insurance discounts to ask for as a college student, including good student discounts.
Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above to find the cheapest and best insurance companies for college students.
- Our top pick for the best college student car insurance company is State Farm
- Car insurance for an 18-year-old college student costs around $146 monthly
- Save with student away at school or good student discounts
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#1 – State Farm: Top Pick Overall
Pros
- Discounts for College Students: State Farm also has several discounts catered to college students, such as its good student discount, which gives offer savings if you maintain a 3.0 GPA (B average) or higher. You can also get a student away at school discount if you live 100 miles away from home for college and don’t bring a car. (Read More: State Farm Car Insurance Review & Ratings)
- Easy Online Experience: Having easy-to-use online and mobile resources is important for college students. State Farm allows you to pay premiums, file claims, and manage your policy online and with its mobile app.
- Excellent Customer Service and Financial Strength: College students looking for a reputable company that pays out claims and offers good customer service will be pleased with State Farm. The company touts an A+ rating from A.M. Best and a low complaint index.
Cons
- No Gap Insurance: If you’re a college student looking to protect your brand-new car with gap insurance, you’ll be disappointed to learn State Farm doesn’t offer it. Read more about the best car insurance for gap insurance.
- Certain Add-ons Unavailable: State Farm doesn’t offer popular add-ons such as accident forgiveness, new car replacement, or a vanishing deductible, which could all help college students save in the long run.
#2 – USAA: Best for Military Families
Pros
- Great Financial Ratings: USAA has an A++ from A.M. Best, indicating strong financial success.
- Cheapest Rates: While Geico has the cheapest college student rates for all drivers, you can get even lower rates with USAA if you qualify for coverage.
- Excellent Customer Satisfaction: USAA has excellent customer service and financial ratings all around for its car insurance. (Read More: USAA Home and Car Insurance Review & Ratings)
Cons
- Limited Eligibility: USAA’s auto insurance coverage is only available to college students who served in the military or have a spouse or parent who did.
- Not the Most Affordable DUI Coverage: Other companies, such as Geico, offer more affordable DUI rates for college students. While college students pay around $185 for full coverage after a DUI with USAA, it’s only $180 with Geico.
#3 – American Family: Cheapest for All College Students
Pros
- Cheap Rates: Besides Geico, American Family is the cheapest car insurance company that’s available to all college students. So, American Family is a great option for college students on a budget. (Read More: American Family Insurance Review & Ratings)
- Low Complaints: According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, American Family has a complaint index score of 0.42, with 1.00 being the national average. So, the company has fewer complaints than average. College students looking for good customer service might find it with American Family.
- Various Coverages: American Family offers many policy types for college students: accident forgiveness, rideshare insurance, original equipment manufacturer coverage, and more.
Cons
- Not Available in All States: You can only get American Family in 19 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
- Other Companies Have Better Financial Ratings: While American Family has an A, or excellent, financial rating from A.M. Best, other top companies for college students, such as State Farm and USAA, have an A+.
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#4 – Geico: Cheapest for All Drivers
Pros
- Cheap for All Drivers: Geico is the cheapest car insurance company for all college students, since USAA is only for military families.
- Many Student Discounts: Geico DriveEasy, good student, good driver, and student organization discounts help college students get affordable coverage. Read more about the Geico DriveEasy car insurance discount.
- Great Online Tools: Its sophisticated mobile app and website makes Geico a great company for college students to easily manage their car insurance policy and pay premiums.
Cons
- Few Add-Ons: College students looking for new car replacement, vanishing deductibles, or rideshare insurance won’t find it with Geico.
- Few Local Agents: Unfortunately, Geico doesn’t have many brick-and-mortar offices for customer service. So, you’ll have to speak with a representative on the phone.
#5 – Progressive: Great Add-on Coverages
Pros
- Unique Coverages: College students can enjoy rideshare insurance, accident forgiveness, and pet injury coverage with Progressive. You could also add Deductible Savings Bank to your policy, which reduces your deductible by $50 for each six months you go without violations or claims. (Read More: Progressive Car Insurance Review & Ratings)
- Great Student Savings: Progressive’s Name Your Price tool allows customers to adjust their premiums and coverages based on their budget. In addition, Progressive Snapshot, good student, student away, and teen driver discounts help college-age drivers save. (Learn More: Progressive Snapshot Review: Pros, Cons, & Alternatives)
- Convenient Mobile App: Progressive’s user-friendly mobile app allows policyholders to pay bills, file claims, and make changes to their policy.
Cons
- Poor Customer Service: While Progressive has an A from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the BBB website has poor reviews, averaging 1.06 out of 5 stars. Progressive also has a higher-than-average complaint score from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
- Potential Rate Increases: Progressive may increase a college student’s rates after their first accident, unless they have accident forgiveness.
#6 – Allstate: Sophisticated Online Platform
Pros
- Excellent Online Presence: Allstate has an easy-to-use website and mobile app for college students to manage their policy, file claims, and pay premiums. (Learn More: Allstate Insurance Review & Ratings)
- Big Savings: Allstate’s accident forgiveness might be a good fit for new drivers, while the company’s safe driving discount could help good drivers save. In addition, teenSMART is a driver safety program that addresses six behavioral and social factors that contribute to 90% of teen crashes, and you get a discount for completion.
- Local Agents: College-age drivers looking for personalized service may be pleased to hear that Allstate has a wide network of local agents.
Cons
- Several Customer Complaints: Allstate has a 2.39 complaint index score from the NAIC, while the average is 1.00, meaning the company has more than twice as many complaints compared to similiar-sized companies. Also, Allstate’s BBB rating is a B-, with customer reviews averaging 1.1 out of 5 stars.
- Claims Handling: Customers have mixed reviews for Allstate’s claims handling.
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#7 – Nationwide: Best Usage-Based Discount
Pros
- Good Customer Service: Nationwide’s NAIC complaint index sits at 1.04, right around the national average. The company also touts an A+ from the BBB.
- Great Usage-Based Program: Nationwide SmartRide has one of the highest discount amounts of all usage-based programs at 40%. (Read More: Nationwide SmartRide Review: Pros, Cons, & Alternatives)
- Strong Financial Ratings: Nationwide touts an A+ rating from A.M. Best, an independent credit rating company. (Read More: Nationwide Insurance Review & Ratings)
Cons
- Not Available in All States: Nationwide doesn’t sell auto insurance in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, or Massachusetts.
- Not the Cheapest: Many other competitors offer cheaper rates and better financial ratings than Nationwide.
#8 – Farmers: Vast Agency Network
Pros
- Signal App: Farmers Signal is a usage-based auto insurance program that could save college students up to 30% for safe driving, and it comes with crash detection. Signal also enters you into a gift card drawing each month you maintain a driving score of 80% or better.
- Driver Education Resources: Farmers’ website includes informative articles, blog posts, and guides covering various car insurance topics, policy options, and tips for managing risk. They also plenty of information about available discounts. So, these resources could lower premiums for college students in the long run.
- Local Agents: The company as an extensive network of agents nationwide to help college students with their car insurance policies. (Learn More: Farmers Insurance Review & Ratings)
Cons
- Highest Rates for College Students: College students pay around $155 monthly for full coverage with Farmers, making it one of the most expensive companies for college-age drivers.
- Not Available Nationwide: Farmers car insurance is unavailable in Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.
#9 – Liberty Mutual: Various Discounts
Pros
- Great Digital Tools: College students can pay their Liberty Mutual bill, manage their policy, and file a claim online or with the mobile app. (Read More: Liberty Mutual Review & Ratings)
- Sells Accident Forgiveness: Liberty Mutual lets you add on accident forgiveness for a cost, where your rates won’t increase after your first accident if you don’t have accidents or tickets on your record.
- Good Discounts: Liberty Mutual offers many discounts that could benefit college students: good student, student away, RightTrack, multi-car. Students from the University of Alabama also qualify for additional savings with Liberty Mutual.
Cons
- Poor Customer Satisfaction: While Liberty Mutual has an A+ accreditation from the BBB, the website’s customer reviews average 1.08 out of 5 stars, with 1,271 total reviews. In addition, Liberty Mutual’s NAIC complaint score is three times higher than average.
- Expensive Rates: Liberty Mutual tends to have higher rates than many competitors.
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#10 – Travelers: Good Accident/Ticket Forgiveness Program
Pros
- Financial Strength: Travelers has an A++ rating from A.M Best.
- Responsible Driver Plan: With Travelers’ Responsible Driver plan, you won’t pay higher rates after your first accident or traffic violation. While the coverage costs extra, it could pay off for college students long term.
- Various Student Discounts: Travelers offers good student, student away, and driver training discounts.
Cons
- Limited Coverage Availability: You can only get Travelers’ rideshare insurance in Colorado and Illinois. In addition, you can only participate in Travelers IntelliDrive in 42 states and Washington, D.C. Read more about the Travelers IntelliDrive car insurance discount.
- Low Customer Satisfaction Ratings: While Travelers has an A from the BBB, the company isn’t accredited and has an average of 1.03 out of 5 stars for its customer reviews. However, the company has a low NAIC complaint score, so college students shouldn’t count out Travelers.
Read More: Travelers Insurance Review & Ratings
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Comparing free insurance quotes online from these providers is essential to finding the best auto insurance if you attend college.
Top Car Insurance Discounts to Help College Students Save Money
You can find the best car insurance discounts from top providers for college students.
These discounts can significantly reduce your insurance premiums and make coverage more affordable. It’s important to inquire about these discounts and compare car insurance discounts by age when obtaining insurance quotes, as they can make a substantial difference in the cost of your coverage.
- Student Away at School: College students could get an auto insurance discount if they attend classes a certain distance away at school and don’t plan to drive their car regularly.
- Good Student: The best auto insurance companies for college students offer a good student car insurance discount to full-time students under 25 who maintain a certain GPA, usually a 3.0 (B average) or higher.
- Driver Education Course: Some insurers offer driver’s education discounts to help policyholders get cheap car insurance for college students if they complete an approved driver’s education course. Read more about the best drivers education car insurance discounts.
- Membership: You could also get a membership discount for college students if you’re a member of a certain organization, such as AAA, or an alumni association. Read more about AAA car insurance discounts.
- Multi-Car: Many college students remain on their parent’s policy, qualifying them for a multi-car discount. So, college students should shop for the best multi-vehicle car insurance discounts for cheap rates.
Take a look at the table below to compare car insurance discounts for college students from various providers:
Car Insurance Discounts for College Students: Availability by Provider
| Discount Name | Allstate | American Family | Farmers | Geico | Liberty Mutual | Nationwide | Progressive | State Farm | Travelers | USAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | 5% | 5% | ✓ | 5% | ||
| Anti-Theft | 10% | ✓ | 23% | 20% | 25% | ✓ | 15% | |||
| Claim Free | 35% | ✓ | ✓ | 26% | ✓ | 10% | ✓ | 15% | 23% | 12% |
| Continuous Coverage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 15% | ✓ | ||
| Daytime Running Lights | 2% | ✓ | 3% | 5% | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Defensive Driver | 10% | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | 5% | 10% | 5% | 10% | 3% |
| Distant Student | 35% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | ✓ | 7% | ||
| Driver's Ed | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | ✓ | 10% | 15% | 8% | 3% |
| Driving Device/App | 20% | 40% | ✓ | ✓ | 30% | 40% | 20% | 50% | 30% | 5% |
| Early Signing | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 8% | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | 12% |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Emergency Deployment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 25% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Engaged Couple | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Family Legacy | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 10% |
| Family Plan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 25% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Farm Vehicle | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Fast 5 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Federal Employee | ✓ | ✓ | 12% | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Forward Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Full Payment | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | $50 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 8% | ✓ | |
| Further Education | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | 15% | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Garaging/Storing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 90% | ||
| Good Credit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Good Student | 20% | ✓ | 15% | 23% | 10% | ✓ | 25% | 8% | 3% | |
| Green Vehicle | 10% | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | ✓ |
| Homeowner | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | 3% | 5% | ✓ | |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Life Insurance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Low Mileage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 30% | ||||||
| Loyalty | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Married | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Membership/Group | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | 7% | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Military | ✓ | ✓ | 15% | 4% | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Military Garaging | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 15% |
| Multiple Drivers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple Policies | 10% | 29% | ✓ | 10% | 20% | 10% | 12% | 17% | 13% | |
| Multiple Vehicles | ✓ | ✓ | 25% | 10% | 20% | 10% | 20% | 8% | ||
| New Address | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| New Customer/New Plan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| New Graduate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| New Vehicle | 30% | ✓ | ✓ | 15% | ✓ | 40% | 10% | 12% | ||
| Newly Licensed | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Newlyweds | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Non-Smoker/Non-Drinker | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Occasional Operator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Occupation | ✓ | 10% | 15% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| On-Time Payments | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 15% | ✓ | |
| Online Shopper | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 7% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paperless Documents | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | $50 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Paperless/Auto Billing | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $30 | ✓ | $20 | 3% | 3% | |
| Passive Restraint | 30% | 30% | 40% | 20% | ✓ | 40% | ||||
| Recent Retirees | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roadside Assistance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Safe Driver | 45% | ✓ | 15% | ✓ | 35% | 31% | 15% | 23% | 12% | |
| Seat Belt Use | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 15% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Senior Driver | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Stable Residence | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Students & Alumni | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | 7% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Switching Provider | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Utility Vehicle | 15% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Vehicle Recovery | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | 15% | 35% | 25% | ✓ | 5% | ||
| VIN Etching | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Volunteer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Young Driver | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $75 |
Read on to see other car insurance discounts college students could get.
Bundling Auto Insurance With Other Policies as a College Student
Bundling auto insurance with other policies can provide several benefits for college students. College students can save on coverage by combining car and home insurance discounts alongside other types of insurance, such as renter’s or health insurance.
In addition to cost savings, bundling insurance policies simplifies your financial management. Having all your policies with one provider means you’ll only need to deal with a single company for any policy changes, claims, or inquiries. This convenience can save time and alleviate potential headaches associated with managing multiple policies.
Usage-Based Auto Insurance Programs for College Students
Usage-based auto insurance programs are becoming increasingly popular among college students. These programs use technology to track driving habits and provide insurance premiums based on usage. Check out the table below to compare usage-based car insurance availability by provider and see how much college students could save for participating:
Usage-Based Car Insurance Programs by Company & Savings
Insurance Company Program Name Earned Savings
Allstate Drivewise 25%
American Family KnowYourDrive 20%
Farmers Signal 15%
Geico DriveEasy 20%
Liberty Mutual RightTrack 30%
Nationwide SmartRide 40%
Progressive Snapshot 30%
State Farm Drive Safe & Save 30%
Travelers IntelliDrive 20%
USAA SafePilot 20%
By installing a device or using a mobile app that monitors your driving behavior, you could earn significant discounts if you demonstrate safe driving habits, such as obeying speed limits, avoiding sudden braking, and driving during low-risk times. This alternative approach to auto insurance can be a great way for college students to save money while rewarding responsible driving.
Read More: State Farm Drive Safe and Save Review
Daniel S. Young Insurance Content Team Lead
Some even offer larger discounts if you don’t drive often. Read more about the best low mileage car insurance discounts.
Other Ways College Students Can Save Money on Auto Insurance
As a college student, it’s important to save money wherever possible. Luckily, there are ways to lower auto insurance costs without compromising coverage.
One effective way to save money is to maintain a good driving record. By avoiding accidents and traffic violations, you can benefit from discounts offered by insurance companies. Additionally, taking defensive driving courses or installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle may qualify you for further discounts. Read more about how to get an anti-theft system car insurance discount.
You can also increase your car insurance deductible to lower your rates. However, it’s important to never increase your deductible to an amount you can’t afford to pay out of pocket.
Furthermore, bundling your auto insurance policy with other policies, such as renter’s or health insurance, can often lead to discounted rates. Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers is essential to get the best deal.
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What College Students Need to Know About Their Auto Insurance Coverage Options
Regarding auto insurance coverage options for college students, there are a few key factors to understand.
Firstly, liability insurance for your car is a legal requirement in most states. This coverage includes bodily injury liability, which pays for injuries you cause to others, and property damage liability, which covers damages to others’ property. College students must have sufficient liability auto insurance coverage to protect others’ assets in case of an accident.
State Farm insurance offers some of the cheapest liability rates for college students, averaging only $76 monthly. So, if you’re a college student looking for the minimum coverage, get a State Farm auto insurance quote to see if it’s your best choice.
Collision vs. comprehensive car insurance is also worth considering. Comprehensive coverage safeguards your vehicle against non-accident-related incidents, such as theft or vandalism, while collision coverage covers damages from accidents involving other vehicles. These coverages may be required if you have a car loan or lease.
Factors That Affect Auto Insurance Rates for College Students
When choosing auto insurance for college students, it’s vital to consider several factors. Firstly, consider your budget and how much you can afford to spend on insurance premiums. Additionally, evaluate your driving habits, including the distance you drive and any traffic violations or accidents you’ve had.
Various factors impact car insurance rates for college students, including:
- Coverage Level: College students will pay higher car insurance rates for full coverage than for a liability-only policy. So, consider the types of car insurance coverage you need before shopping for auto insurance for college students.
- Gender: Is car insurance cheaper for men or women? Generally, men pay higher car insurance rates than women. So, compare rates to find the cheapest car insurance for male college students.
- Location: Your location also affects your car insurance rates for college students. For example, your prices will likely increase if you move from a rural area to a big city for college.
- Vehicle Type: The type of vehicle you have will impact your college student insurance rates. So, you’ll pay more if you have a sports car vs. a sedan. Read more to find the best car insurance by vehicle.
As you can see, many factors impact how much college students will pay for auto insurance coverage.
To see how much you might pay where you live, check out the map below to compare average college student rates by state:
Another factor is the car insurance company you choose, since each one has different formulas for calculating premiums. So, comparing quotes to get cheap car insurance for college students is important.
Check out the table below to compare cheap rates from the best car insurance companies for college students:
Car Insurance Monthly Rates for College Students by Provider & Coverage Level
Insurance Company Minimum Coverage Full Coverage
Allstate $80 $150
American Family $75 $140
Farmers $85 $155
Geico $70 $135
Liberty Mutual $82 $148
Nationwide $78 $145
Progressive $83 $152
State Farm $76 $142
Travelers $81 $149
AAA $79 $147
USAA $72 $138
Keep reading to consider other factors affecting college students’ auto insurance rates.
How Driving Record Affects College Student Car Insurance Rates
Driving records have a significant impact on auto insurance rates for college students. Maintaining good driving habits is essential for college students looking to keep their auto insurance rates low. Insurance companies consider factors such as accidents, traffic violations, and speeding tickets when determining premiums.
Insurance companies value a clean driving record, which often results in lower rates for college students. However, accidents or traffic violations can lead to higher premiums since they indicate a higher risk for the insurance company. Take a look at the table below to see how much college students might pay for car insurance by driving record:
Car Insurance Monthly Rates for College Students by Driving Record
Insurance Company One Accident One DUI One Ticket
Allstate $150 $190 $130
American Family $145 $185 $125
Farmers $155 $200 $140
Geico $140 $180 $120
Liberty Mutual $160 $205 $135
Nationwide $150 $195 $130
Progressive $155 $210 $145
State Farm $145 $190 $125
Travelers $150 $200 $130
USAA $140 $185 $120
College students should maintain good driving habits and be mindful of their driving behaviors to keep insurance rates affordable.
Here are some tips to help you maintain a clean driving record and reduce the risk of accidents:
- Follow traffic laws and speed limits consistently.
- Avoid distracted driving, such as using your phone while behind the wheel.
- Stay alert and maintain focus on the road at all times.
- Avoid aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or changing lanes recklessly.
- Always wear your seat belt and ensure all passengers do as well.
- Regularly maintain your vehicle to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
By adhering to these tips and practicing safe driving habits, college students can minimize the risk of car accidents and maintain low auto insurance rates.
How Credit Score Affects College Student Car Insurance Rates
For college students, credit scores can play a role in determining auto insurance rates. Insurance companies often use credit-based insurance scores as one of the factors in calculating premiums to predict the likelihood of a policyholder filing a claim. Check out the table below to compare car insurance rates for college students by credit rating:
Car Insurance Monthly Rates for College Students by Credit Rating
Insurance Company Poor Credit Fair Credit Good Credit
Allstate $185 $165 $145
American Family $180 $160 $140
Farmers $190 $170 $150
Geico $175 $155 $135
Liberty Mutual $195 $175 $155
Nationwide $185 $165 $145
Progressive $190 $170 $150
State Farm $180 $160 $140
Travelers $185 $165 $145
USAA $175 $155 $135
As you can see, college students with good credit scores are generally less risky and may receive lower insurance premiums. On the other hand, those with poor credit scores may face higher rates.
College students should establish and maintain good credit to help secure affordable auto insurance rates. Understand how your credit score impacts car insurance here.
Find the Best Affordable Auto Insurance for College Students
Selecting the best auto insurance for college students involves considering various factors such as budget, coverage needs, and discounts available. On average, you’ll pay around $146 monthly to get the best insurance for college students.
By understanding the importance of auto insurance, comparing quotes, and practicing good driving habits, you can secure the right college student car insurance plan at a reasonable cost.
So, take the time to explore the options, ask for discounts, and make informed decisions to protect yourself on the road with the best auto insurance for college students. Then, enter your ZIP code below to compare free car insurance quotes for college students today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest car insurance for college students?
The car insurance companies with the cheapest coverage for college students include State Farm, Geico, USAA, and American Family.
How much does the average college student spend on insurance?
Auto insurance for college students costs around $146 monthly, but rates vary by driving record, demographics, and credit score.
What should college students know about the auto insurance claims process?
It’s essential for college students to know how to file a car insurance claim after an accident. First, contact your insurer as soon as possible. Give them accurate and detailed information about the accident to maximize the chances of a successful claim.
Your insurance company will guide you through the necessary steps for the claims process, including providing documentation, obtaining repair estimates, and completing any required paperwork.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when buying auto insurance as a college student?
Some common mistakes when purchasing car insurance for college students includes underestimating the amount of coverage needed. While opting for liability insurance seems tempting to save money upfront, you could be open to financial liability after an accident.
Avoiding the mistake of not disclosing accurate information is also crucial. Providing accurate details about your driving history, including any accidents or traffic violations, ensures that your insurance policy remains valid and that you receive appropriate coverage.
What are the pros and cons of liability vs. full coverage car insurance for college students?
When deciding between full coverage and liability-only coverage, college students must consider the pros and cons of each option.
Liability-only coverage is the most basic form of auto insurance and only covers damages you cause to others. While this coverage is typically less expensive, it doesn’t protect your vehicle from theft, vandalism, or damages caused by accidents with other vehicles.
Full coverage insurance, on the other hand, provides broader protection. It covers damages to your vehicle from various incidents, including non-accident-related events. However, full coverage is generally more expensive.
College students should carefully evaluate their needs, budget, and the value of their vehicle before deciding which type of coverage is best for them.
Why is it important for college students to review and update their car insurance policy annually?
Reviewing and updating auto insurance policies annually is essential for college students. As circumstances change, such as graduating, moving, or getting a different vehicle, your insurance needs may also change.
By reviewing your policy annually, you can ensure your coverage is still adequate and that you’re receiving any applicable discounts. It’s also an opportunity to compare quotes from different insurance providers to ensure you’re still getting the best rates available.
What factors should college students consider when choosing car insurance?
College students should consider factors such as cost, coverage options, discounts for good grades or completing a driver’s education course, and the insurance company’s reputation and customer service.
Learn More: Best Car Insurance Discounts to Ask for
Are there any specific car insurance companies that offer discounts for college students?
Yes, many car insurance companies offer discounts specifically for college students. Some popular companies that provide such discounts include State Farm, Geico, Allstate, and Progressive.
Does having good grades affect car insurance rates for college students?
Yes, having good grades can often lead to lower car insurance rates for college students. Many insurance companies offer a discount for maintaining a certain GPA or being on the Dean’s List.
What GPA qualifies students for an auto insurance discount?
Most auto insurance companies require full-time college students to maintain a 3.0 GPA (B average) or higher to get a good student car insurance discount.
Does your GPA affect your car insurance?
Yes, it affects your car insurance rates if you qualify for a good student discount with your company. College students can usually save up to 25% for good grades if they have a 3.0 GPA (B average) or higher. However, you won’t see higher rates if you have a low GPA. Most auto insurance companies require full-time college students to maintain a 3.0 GPA (B average) or higher.
Can I remove my son from my car insurance when he goes to college?
Usually, most insurers will allow you to remove your child from an auto insurance policy if they’re a college student who no longer lives with you and doesn’t drive your vehicle. However, if they still plan to drive, it’s usually cheaper to remain on a parent’s policy for cheaper rates.
What types of insurance is most relevant to college students?
College students should consider at least the minimum required liability coverage mandated by their state. Additionally, they may want to consider collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for added protection.
Are there any specific discounts available for college students?
Yes, college students may be eligible for various discounts such as good student discounts, discounts for completing a driver’s education course, and discounts for having a safe driving record.
Do college graduates get cheaper car insurance?
College graduates tend to have higher rates due to their driving experience and age compared to teen drivers. You could also qualify for a discount due to membership in an organization or alumni association. Read more about how you can get a loyalty car insurance discount for affiliation with a professional or alumni organization.
What type of insurance should a 19-year-old college student have?
19-year-old college students should at least meet their state’s liability requirements to drive legally. However, they should consider full coverage for the best insurance for college students.
Enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool below to find the cheapest insurance for 19-year-old students from the top providers near you.
What GPA is required for the Allstate insurance good student discount?
Unlike most other providers, Allstate only requires a 2.7 GPA or higher for college students to get a car insurance discount.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
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