Discounts on Auto Insurance for Students

College students have several bills, which can be hard to handle when on such a tight budget. Between room and board, tuition costs, book prices, as well as things outside of school, you can easily be left with very little money to play with.

Though a lot of bills aren't negotiable or can't be lowered, there is one thing you can save on as a college student - auto insurance. Though your rate won't be as cheap as someone 25 or older, there are ways to save on the costs.


1. Be a good driver:
Whenever you're on the road, make wise driving choices. Avoid talking on your cell phone, playing with the radio, and do anything else distracting. When you're a careful driver, you more than likely won't run into any tickets or traffic violations. The positive side to that? A lower insurance rate.

2. Take advantage of discounts and carpooling:
When you sign up for auto insurance for a long period of time, you will more than likely get a cheaper rate than if you were to sign up for just six months or so. Also, consider carpooling with friends. Carpooling cuts your savings in half instantly!

3. Get good grades:
Did you know that having good grades could lower your rate? Yes, it's true! Though discounts are usually only given to the top 20% of the class - those with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and have a "B" grade average, it's still possible to get a discount with certain insurance companies.

4. Consider your parent's insurance:
Compare the rates of being on your parent's insurance policy vs. your own. Based on the situation, you may find it to be a higher or lower rate.

5. Don't drive while intoxicated:
If you don't want to ruin your driving record or increase your insurance rate, never drive while intoxicated. Though this may seem obvious, there are people that still do it for some reason. Let's make it even easier - never drink and drink, ever!

6. Have a good credit score:
Having a good credit score can affect how much you pay for your auto insurance for the better. Those who have a lower credit score however, are usually charged a higher rate. Try working at your credit score to raise it, even if it's just a few points at a time.

7. Choose your vehicle carefully:
Sports cars tend to increase your premiums greatly versus a four door sedan.

8. Take a driving class:
If you didn't know already, certain vehicles can cost more to insure than others. For example, if you have a brand new Mustang, this will be higher than your average sedan. Before you choose your car or sign any paperwork, make sure you consider the model, make and year of your vehicle, as well as get a quote for what it would cost to insure.

9. Never drive without being insured:
Though driving without insurance may seem like a quick fix to saving money, it's not! In fact, if you do this and get in an accident, you can ruin your credit score for years to come, as well as get in trouble with the law, and can say bye to ever getting affordable insurance.

10. Consider not having a car at all:
Though being without a car isn't an option for some students, you should really look at your lifestyle and how much you use your car. It may be a better option to drive with someone you know to class and just pay them as you go. This can save you both money, cut out a car payment for you, as well as an insurance bill every month! This is the best case scenario for you!

Though a lot of college students have higher rates due to their age, their location, and their inexperience with driving, it is possible to lower your rate. Consider these ideas above, and see how much you can lower your monthly rate.