Going away to college is an exciting milestone. Many students spend their time settling into a new apartment or dorm, figuring out their class schedule, learning about the resources on campus, and making friends. Auto insurance is also important to consider and can easily be overlooked.

Parents and students need to understand their personal auto insurance protection, and how it may change when a student goes away to college. Here are some key factors to consider.

Deciding If Your College Student Should Stay on Your Policy or Not

Everyone’s situation is unique. Deciding if your student needs to stay on the policy will depend on many factors, including the terms of your current policy. It’s best to contact your insurance agent directly to discuss changes.

The licensed insurance agents at InsureOnline.com can help parents understand their unique situation. They can walk you through your options and help you secure the coverage you and your student may need. Give us a call at (844) 358-5605 today to discuss or complete our online form to get started.

Generally, parents and students should consider the following:

• Is your student taking a car with them to school? This will change where the vehicle is stored, it’s use, and other factors (especially if the school is in another state). Discuss any changes with your insurance agent.
• Will the vehicle remain at home, and your student will only be driving sparingly when they’re home on breaks? This can impact your premium too. Some insurance companies may even offer special discounts for this situation, often called a distant student discount. Be sure to talk this through with your insurance agent.
• Does your student have a vehicle titled in their own name? They will need their own policy. Give our licensed insurance agents a call at (844) 358-5605 to discuss or complete our online form to see what options are available.
• Are you buying another vehicle so your student can drive while away at college? All vehicles need to be added to your policy. Your insurance agent can help you update your policy to ensure you remain protected.

Even if your student doesn’t take a car to campus, it’s usually a good idea to keep them listed on your policy. This ensures they’re still covered when they come home during break, and it may also provide liability coverage if your student borrows a car and causes an accident. Your insurance agent can discuss the specifics with you and help you make the best decisions regarding your policy.

Set Standards Regarding Cars on Campus

It’s important that parents and students discuss what’s expected if they take a vehicle to campus or borrow someone’s car while there.

Encourage your student to let you know about any changes immediately. Moving, getting a part-time job that involves driving, working for rideshare services, and anything else that changes how the vehicle is used or how often can impact your policy. Students should know to tell you (or the insurance company directly) about these changes as soon as possible.

Teach your student how to report an accident to local authorities and how to file a claim. The student should know where the insurance ID card is, what number to call in case of an accident, and how to respond if there is an accident. Preparing them beforehand with what they need to do can help them remain calm during an accident.

Discounts For College Students

Insurance companies often offer discounts specifically for college students. Common discounts companies may offer include:

• Good Student Discount: Maintaining a certain GPA can earn you a discount on your policy.
• Distant Student Discount: If the student is more than a certain number of miles from home and does not bring a vehicle with them, you may be eligible for a discount since they will not drive regularly.
• Safe Driver: Safe driving habits may also earn a discount.

Evaluate Your Coverage Limits

College campuses and college towns pose unique risks for students. Carpooling friends and driving in unfamiliar areas may all be new driving experiences for students. Keeping adequate liability coverage helps protect against costly lawsuits or damages, if an accident occurs.

A licensed insurance agent can walk you through your options and help you make the best decision possible. Sometimes the state minimum requirements make sense. Sometimes they don’t. Balancing affordability with sufficient protection is key.

InsureOnline.com’s licensed insurance agents are happy to learn more about your life situation and help guide you through the process of buying a policy that fits your needs and budget. Give us a call at (844) 358-5605 or complete our online form to get started.

Auto insurance for college students doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding policy options, taking advantage of discounts, and keeping open communication with your child, you can ensure they’re properly protected and confident with a car while away at school.

About InsureOnline.com

InsureOnline.com is a digital insurance agency that provides affordable insurance to consumers who want to shop and purchase insurance online while still having the option to work with an agent if they wish. The agency offers auto, home, life, health, and commercial as well as other specialty lines of insurance. Our goal is to provide an easy, fast, convenient, and safe online shopping experience for consumers looking for the best price by utilizing all the latest and greatest technology. Based in Bedford Park, Illinois, we are licensed to write business in many states and have a multilingual staff licensed and certified in a variety of insurance lines. We partner with many highly rated insurance companies to help provide the best insurance solutions to meet your individual needs and your budget. Buy insurance online or talk to a licensed insurance agent! It's your choice.

For information and quotes on insurance coverage, please visit InsureOnline.com or call (844) 358-5605.

The general and educational information here supports the sales, marketing, or service of insurance policies. Individuals should seek advice from their own qualified and duly licensed independent tax or legal advisors based upon their own particular circumstances.