Autumn brings with it the promise of gorgeous foliage, a change of seasons, and the start of school again. Parents of first-time college students may find the to-do list intimidating before their kid enrolls in college. Between outfitting a potential apartment and organizing the logistics of transportation, parents and students could overlook the need of managing their motor insurance policy. 

Auto insurance provides financial protection in the event of an insured accident or other unforeseen incident, making it essential for college students who drive. However, you may find yourself in a difficult position as a parent: should your college kid get their own vehicle insurance or should they be covered by yours? 

Our experts will discuss the selection process and look at the importance of vehicle insurance for college students in this article so that you and your children who are off to college may make an informed decision.

Understanding how vehicle insurance affects college students

Parents and college students should be aware of how different car insurance policies operate based on the kind of vehicle they drive and where they live. Let’s investigate this a little further.

No matter where your student lives

Ultimately, the issue is: Where does your student see themselves living on a regular basis? Put otherwise, where are they going to leave their car, stay the night, and eat for more than half the year?

Which place will it be, their residence or yours? This has to do with whether or not they choose to spend their school holidays at home. If your student moves out on their own, you will cancel your coverage for them, and they will have to get independent vehicle insurance.

Now there’s something to consider. If your child resides in a college dorm or student housing, it is not considered a permanent residence. Since they are still considered to be occupants of their parent’s home, they need to keep abiding by their parents’ rules. 

What your student is operating while driving

Regardless of where they presently dwell, your student has to get their own car insurance coverage and disclose the location of their primary house if they own the vehicle they drive (see above). 

If your names are on the title of the automobile, your student may be able to choose from: 

• Maintain your listing on your insurance as a driver (and co-owner) of the vehicle with a separate garaging address.
• Acquire a separate insurance policy in their name, naming you as a co-owner and supplying the appropriate garaging location—the area where the vehicle will be mostly stored. 

If your child drives the car either sometimes or full-time and you are the vehicle’s owner, you will continue to have your child insured by your auto insurance. To help clear things up, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance company and let them know if your student is missing from school, regardless of whether the automobile is there.

Do vehicle insurance rates go up for college students?

Fortunately, if your student has their own insurance, the same variables that affect other drivers’ premiums will most likely affect theirs as well. What is different now? The real expense of the premium. Age, place of residence, kind of vehicle, and other factors are some of the factors that influence a driver’s premium for car insurance.

Tips for students in college who want to get vehicle insurance

Getting car insurance for your teenage driver isn’t always easy. When they do need their own vehicle insurance coverage, the following guidance will help them through the process successfully: 

• Examine your surroundings. Encourage your student to do some research and compare many vehicle insurance providers. Ask them to compare quotes so they may choose one with competitive price and incentives. 
• Benefit from any student discounts that are offered. There may be insurance discounts available to college students, which might result in some financial savings for your student.
• Consider telematics-based insurance. An insurance policy based on telematics may help students save money if they drive sensibly and safely.

Auto insurers with customer service representatives and agents can help students understand the different coverages and policy details so they feel comfortable with their insurance choices. We offer telematics-based vehicle insurance to drivers that respect and reward safe driving habits.

Let’s provide your student auto insurance so we can honor their safe driving. Come on, let’s do this! It’s time to rock the classroom and the road!