Good Student Car Insurance

Reader's Question:

As if paying for my sons' college tuition fee isn't enough, now I have to look for car insurance, too. Any advice as to how I can get good student car insurance?

Jonathan

Boise, ID

For everyone under 25, car insurance can be pricey--more so since you're getting it for your son. There are ways, though, to reduce the cost and get good student car insurance.

Making good grades in school would surely qualify you for a discount, so be sure to let your son know of this. Car insurance companies will consider students with 3.0 average or better as low risk. Just present his class cards to avail of this discount. It would do you good if you consistently remind him to keep his driving record clean, too. Accidents, traffic violations and suspensions would not only call for fines, but also higher premiums. You might also consider letting him drive an older car, rather than a brand-new one. You would know from experience how car insurance companies raise rates based on the make and model of the vehicle. Taking up defensive driving course could lower the cost of student car insurance, as well. Getting your son into this course would improve his driving skills and reduce the likelihood of a road accident. Car insurance companies would consequently cut down their rates should your son finishes the course. Another option would be to list your son as a secondary driver on your existing car insurance policy. Should you get him a separate policy, this would list him as the primary driver and put him in a higher risk category.

Getting good student car insurance is just a matter of making a smart choice. Make calls, ask your agent, or better yet go online. You're sure to see one that will offer you the best deal.

Cheaper Rates on Car Insurance for Students

Reader's Question:

Shouldn't car insurance for students cost be cheaper than older people?

Jenny

Phoenix, AZ

Being once a student myself who lived on a tightly budgeted allowance, I can quite see where you're coming from with that question. Unfortunately, we can't simply change the way car insurance companies rate us. Car insurance for students is one of those that have really high rates. This is because car insurance companies sometimes use a driver's age to determine how much of a risk the driver is. Young drivers are often perceived as inexperienced and therefore more likely to get into accidents. So unless you are around 30 years old and working on your MBA, you're probably going to pay quite a sum to get your car insured.

Just like wishing for your grades to go higher, wishing car insurance for students to cost cheaper isn't going to make it so. But school grades can actually lower car insurance for students. There is a thing commonly called good student discount. Students with a high enough grade point average can actually avail of a discounted rate. Carriers that provide such a discount set different conditions for it, so it would be best to consult an insurance broker or directly contact a car insurance company regarding the finer details of this discount. Car insurance companies sometimes specialize on certain types of drivers, which mean they're better at computing rates for the type of driver they focus on. It would be advisable then to look for one that specializes on car insurance for students.

Student Auto Insurance For New Beginner Drivers

Reader's Question:

I am trying to get a drivers license. I know I'll be buying a car soon. Should I also get a student auto insurance?

Dana

Aurora, CO

Driving, for many, is one of the most exhilarating experiences a person can have. Sliding behind the steering wheel gives one a sense of independence and total control, having been able to navigate a mechanism that he at once feared and adored. Security is the last thing on a new driver's mind as he makes his way down the boulevard - but it shouldn't be the case.

Thus, the introduction of the student auto insurance in the market. This policy, which is otherwise known as the learner driver auto insurance, is advisable for motorists who are still learning how to properly drive a vehicle, along with familiarizing themselves with basic road rules and signs. The student auto insurance policy protects the driver and the vehicle from any damages that may be caused by a road mishap, may it be caused by him or by another errant driver.

Damages caused by car accidents can be quite costly, which is why the student auto insurance can be equally expensive. Insurance companies usually hike up the prices of insurance premiums in anticipation of possible liabilities that a student driver may need to pay. However, it need not cost an arm and a leg, if a driver is as vigilant to his search for a good insurance policy, as he is with his driving.

Student drivers, together with their parents, are advised to get as many insurance quotations as possible, so they may be able to assess the payment schemes and coverage plans of the insurer. This way, they may be able to get a policy that is relatively affordable and can cover all driver and vehicle necessities. Checking with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may be of help, since they provide satisfaction ratings for insurance firms that operate within the area.

Why Are Student Driver Car Insurance Rates So Expensive

Reader's Question:

I am trying to get my daughter car insurance under her name but it is much expensive than what I pay. Why are student car insurance rates so expensive?

Linda

Chicago, IL

You would think that since you are younger, your insurance premiums will be much cheaper. Quite the opposite. Student car insurance rates are much more expensive than other policies because of the hazards that combined youth and inexperience brings.

While insurance companies are in business to protect policy holders in the event of accidents, they actually detest it when people make claims, especially those carrying five-figure price tags. Unfortunately, it seems that student drivers accounts for a large percentage of drivers who rack up one violation after another or worse, figure into some of the most serious car crashes that create damage to life and property. As such, some insurance companies opt to defer from offering such a policy, because of its volatile nature.

It is because of the imminent danger and the limited options that student car insurance rates are so high. Think of it as a way for insurance companies to prepare themselves for people queuing up to get payments for a dented fender, whiplash or even the loss of a loved one.

However, there are also insurance brokers who use this lack of options to generate cash for themselves. Before buying a student car insurance policy, make sure that it is either the cheapest or the one that offers maximum coverage. It is ultimately better to invest on higher student car insurance rates that takes care of you than scrimp on something that does not provide you with that much-needed sense of security.

Student Driver Auto Insurance Discounts

Reader's Question:

Hi! I am a student from Kansas. I heard about student auto insurance discounts on premiums. What makes a student eligible for this discount? Please tell me more about this.

Venice

Topeka, KS

Yes, most companies do give incentives or student auto insurance discounts for students who have good scholastic records. Most refer to it as "good student discounts or better grades, better premiums policy." It is the auto insurance companies' notion, and statistics proved it for them, that there is a relationship between academic excellence and good driving. Statistics show that high achievers or scholars would most likely prove to be better drivers in the future. This is the basis for giving discounts on students who have good grades. It is because they are at low risk for accidents and are more likely to follow traffic rules.

A student may be eligible to enjoy this student auto insurance discount if he or she is able to maintain a high GPA of (3.0) or at least an average of B. Most auto insurance companies these days will give a reasonable offer of around 10 percent to 25 percent of discount to qualified individuals. The discounted price will be due to your academic performance, as the policy of "better grades, better premiums" implies. If you managed to pull an A average, then you are eligible for higher discounts, some going as high as 25 percent. The amount of discounts you can avail of range from around 10% to 25% depending on your academic standing. For example, auto insurance companies may give a considerable 15% off on premiums under the following condition: any unmarried and full-time students with ages ranging from 16 to 24 years who have good scholastic records, a dean's lister or a student in the honor roll. However, students should maintain their grades in order to continue enjoying this student auto insurance discount because if their grades go down the required average, then so will their discounted premiums on their student auto insurance.

Car Insurance For Students And Beginner Drivers

Reader’s Question:

I’m getting behind the wheel for the first time tomorrow, and my snot-nosed little brother is pestering me that I’m going to have to pay a fortune because I’m going to wreck the car I’m going to drive. Now that got me a little scared. How does car insurance for students who are learning to drive go about?

Paulla

Seattle, WA

Don’t worry. Car insurance for students in a driving school is usually handled by the driving school you signed up with. It’s just good business sense to insure your own cars when you know that students who have no experience behind the wheel will be driving them. Heck, no one would want to pay for every single fender-bender that their student driver cars will be punished with.

However, it’s also possible for an unscrupulous driving school to charge a fortune for their student drivers when they damage the cars. It’s unethical, yes, but it’s not going against the law.

So it’s best to be careful: play it safe and check the bill you paid for the driving school’s lesson. If you paid a slightly cheaper tuition fee, you may have skimped out on the extra benefits. Car insurance may be one of those benefits. If you don’t see any car insurance for students anywhere on the bill, it would be to your best interest that you either pay for extra insurance or switch schools if they don’t want to or simply can’t provide you with one.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when you’re driving for the first time in your life.

Buying a Car Insurance Policy For Student Drivers

Reader's Question:

What are the most popular types of car insurance policies for students? My son is looking for his own car insurance policy and I want to help him out. Many thanks

Edmund

Cleveland, OH

Probably the most sought after type of car insurance for students is the third party car insurance. This is the cheapest and most basic type of car insurance package that any parent would want for his child. This is a no-frills type of package which you may want your son to get. In most cases of road accidents or mishaps, this type of package is all that is really needed since the value of the vehicle in question may be limited.

There are other types of car insurance for students that you may want for your son. Some of them also provide extra features like legal advice, courtesy car, free car repairs and similar free services. Because other comprehensive coverage such as theft and third party fire is not considered as important as other packages, your son can look for cheaper package options offered by some insurance companies.

Contact your automobile insurance provider and ask them about their car insurance for students. Many insurance companies are now providing attractive insurance packages to young drivers because of the immense number of young motorists.

Getting Cheap Car Insurance For a College Student

Reader's Question:

My 20 year old son is about to enter his final year in college and he insists on getting his own car. I'd like to buy him one as a gift but the costs of car insurance these days can burn my pockets. How can he improve his chances of getting cheap car insurance?

Oscar

Oklahoma City, OK

If you want to get a cheap car insurance for college student then you can start by including him on your car insurance policy. You may contact your current automobile insurance firm on how your request can be accommodated.

But if you want to give him his own car insurance, then you can tell your son a couple of things. For example, he should clean up his driving record. Most college students are prone to car mishaps and traffic violations. These things will not help his bid to get cheap car insurance.

Another trick to get affordable car insurance for college student is to give him a safe and secure car. Forget the flashy sports cars since these vehicles have been proven to cost higher in terms of insurance policies. Let your son drive a modest vehicle instead.

You should also ask your son to improve his credit standing in order to get cheap car insurance for college student. Ask him to start paying his bills on time so that his credit record will improve.

Tips For Collge Students and Drunk Driving Arrests

Reader's Question:

I'm a college student here in Massachusetts right now, and I party a lot. Although I have student auto insurance coverage, I want to ask for tips on how to avoid getting arrested for drunk driving?

Dustin

Boston, MA

Dustin, I understand that partying is part of college life. It's a good thing you are anticipating that you might have to drive home from one of your soirees there in Massachusetts. If you can't really avoid drinking alcohol-laced beverages, then maybe for starters, you can limit your alcohol intake. You can buy a do-it-yourself BAC level tester. With a BAC level tester, you can monitor how much alcohol is present in your blood. If it says it's above the limit, then don't drive. Back in my college days, I remember having to draw lots with my buddies on who's going to be the designated driver. Of course, the designated driver will not be allowed to drink, so we can be sure that one of us is sober to drive us all back home. Well, this is only if we can not find someone who can pick us up. Oftentimes, we ask a dorm mate who's still up and about to come pick us up instead. We pay him a few bucks, and he gets to stretch from his reading.

I figure it should be easier for you to do the same. With the onset of cellular phone technology, it is now easier to get in touch with someone who can pick you up. Surely a friend of yours or one of your buddies' is reachable with a cell phone. Having someone to pick you up is the only reliable way I know to get home safe if one isn't sober enough. Also, remember, Dustin, you will lose eligibility for an auto insurance good student discount once you get flagged for drunk driving. Your student auto insurance might be rebuked, or not renewed. You might also be rated a high-risk driver by your auto insurance provider, so mellow down on the alcohol if you really need to drive home.

Auto Insurance Good Student Discount Florida FL

Reader's Question:

What is the best way to save on auto insurance premiums in the State of Florida when adding teenagers to the policy? Is there such a thing as an auto insurance good student discount?

Veronica

Tampa, FL

Compared to other states, Florida has higher insurance requirements because of its no-fault law. Balancing your finances and getting your teen insured adequately can be very difficult because of this.

Before getting them insured, make sure that they have successfully complied with prerequisites for getting their learners' permits. These should be carried for one whole year, so they may qualify for full valid licenses after. They should not have unexcused absences from school for fifteen days or they may lose their permits. After they have their permits ready, give your auto insurance agent an update on new drivers to be included in the policy.

To be sufficiently covered in this state means having Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and minimum liability insurance coverage for your kids, as well. It may also cause an increase of up to 50% in your premiums when you add a teenage daughter to the policy, while including a teenage son may mean a 100% increase.

But don't fret. There are guaranteed ways to lower your kids' coverage. Make them attend the certified driving class in Florida. All insurance companies are obligated to provide discounts to policyholders who have enrolled and completed the course. You may also include their cars in your policy to get multiple car discounts. Encourage them to perform well on their studies. Not only will their grades make you proud but will save you money, too. Insurance companies give auto insurance good student discounts specifically to those with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Tags: auto insurance policy, auto insurance premium, no-fault, Student car insurance, teen