Posted by You can agree with me that, as you’re juggling many responsibilities, from classes and studying to extracurricular activities and social life, one thing you may not have thought about is your car insurance.
But as a college student who owns a car and doesn’t stay with your parents, you must have the right car insurance in place so that you won’t have to worry about certain expenses in case of an accident. As a result, we have provided you with some top car insurance for college students away from home, which will provide you with the best experience for you as a car owner.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, a website that provides information for consumers, the media, researchers, and the general public on a wide range of insurance topics, the average cost of a car insurance policy for a college student is $2,988 per year.
However, this cost can vary depending on many factors, like the type of coverage you choose, your driving history, the location of your school, and many more.
Before much ado, let’s quickly see the importance of having car insurance for college students away from home before we dive right into the list of those insurance providers.
Importance of Having the Right Car Insurance for College Students Away From Home
The following are the importance of having car insurance as a college student:
- Car insurance can protect you financially in the event of an accident
- It protects you against liability claims
- This insurance can help you get the best possible care if you’re injured in an accident
- Car insurance covers the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is damaged
- It can help you get back on your feet if your car is totaled
- This insurance can provide peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered if something goes wrong.
Car Insurance can Protect You Financially in the Event of an Accident
If you’re involved in a car accident, having the right insurance policy can help protect you financially.
Without insurance, you could be responsible for paying for the cost of repairs or replacement for your vehicle, as well as for any medical expenses or legal fees that may arise from the accident.
With insurance, your policy may cover these costs, depending on your coverage. In addition, insurance may also protect against liability claims, which could otherwise leave you with a large financial burden.
It Protects You Against Liability Claims
In addition to providing financial protection in the event of an accident, this insurance can also protect you against liability claims.
If you’re found liable for an accident, you could be responsible for paying for the other party’s medical expenses, property damage, and even legal fees.
The right policy may cover these costs, helping to prevent you from having to pay for them out of pocket.
This protection can provide peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered in the event of an accident.
This Insurance Can Help You Get the Best Possible Care if You’re Injured in an Accident
If you’re injured in a car accident, having the right insurance can help you get the best possible care. This is especially important if you’re injured badly and require extensive medical treatment.
Without insurance, you may not be able to afford the best possible care, which could harm your recovery.
With insurance, however, you may be able to access the best possible care, which can improve your chances of a full recovery.
Car Insurance Covers the Cost of Repairs or Replacement if Your Car is Damaged
This can help to ensure that you’re not left without a car and that you’re able to get back on the road as soon as possible.
The amount of coverage you have will depend on your policy, but most insurance policies will cover at least some of the cost of repairs or replacement.
This is an important benefit of insurance, as the cost of repairs or replacement can be very high, and without insurance, you could be left struggling to afford the repairs.
It Can Help You Get Back on Your Feet if Your Car is Totaled
If your car is totaled in an accident, your insurance policy may provide you with the money you need to replace it.
This is known as total loss coverage, and it can be a huge help if you’re left without a car. Without this coverage, you may not have the money you need to replace your car, and you may be left struggling to get around.
However, with this coverage, you’ll be able to replace your car and get back on your feet more quickly.
This Insurance Can Provide Peace of Mind
Having car insurance can also provide you with peace of mind. Knowing that you’re covered in the event of an accident can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and allow you to focus on other aspects of your life.
The peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered can be worth the cost of insurance, even if you never need to use it.
This is because the knowledge that you’re protected in case of an accident can help you to feel more secure and confident in your daily life.
How to Update Your Insurance Policy if You’re Taking Your Car to College
If you’re taking your car to college, here are a few steps you need to take to update your policy:
- Notify your insurance company of your new address
- Let your insurance company know that you’ll be using your car for commuting to and from college
- Add any additional drivers who will be using your car while you’re at college
- Make sure your policy covers any belongings that are kept in your car.
List of 5 Top Car Insurance for College Students Away From Home
Below is the list of the best car insurance companies for far-from-home students:
Details on the Best Car Insurance for College Students
State Farm
- Year Founded: 1922
- Average Annual Premium: $2,689
- Online Rating: 4.2
Pros
- Affordable rates and discounts
- Convenient mobile app
- Smooth claims process.
Cons
- No option to pay premiums monthly
- Some exclusions apply to certain discounts
- May not be the best option for drivers with bad credit or a history of accidents.
Description
State Farm is one of the top car insurance companies for college students who do not stay with their parents.
This insurer offers competitive rates and discounts for students, and their policies are easy to manage.
It also has a great reputation for customer service, which is important when you’re away from home and need help with your policy.
One of the best things about State Farm is its Drive Safe and Save program, which uses a telematics device to track your driving habits and reward you for safe driving. This can help you save money on your car insurance premiums.
GEICO
- Year Founded: 1936
- Average Annual Premium: $2,523
- Online Rating: 4.8
Pros
- Convenient mobile app
- Excellent customer service
- The Telematics program offers extra discounts
- Accident forgiveness program available.
Cons
- May not offer the best rates for drivers with bad credit or a history of accidents
- Some discounts may not be available in all states
- May not offer the widest range of products and services as other insurers.
Description
This provider is well-known for offering affordable rates and a variety of discounts to students. GEICO has a convenient mobile app that allows you to manage your policy, file claims, and get roadside assistance.
One of the best things about GEICO is its easy claims process. GEICO has a claims satisfaction guarantee, which means that they will work to resolve any claim-related issues that you have.
Also, this insurer has a 24/7 claims hotline, so you can always get help when you need it
Progressive
- Year Founded: 1937
- Average Annual Premium: $3,163
- Online Rating: 4.0
Pros
- Name Your Price tool is available nationwide
- The Telematics program offers extra discounts
- Roadside assistance is available.
Cons
- May not offer the widest range of products and services as other insurers.
Description
Progressive is another top option for college students. It also has a mobile app that makes it easy to manage your policy.
Progressive also has a unique Snapshot program, which uses a telematics device to track your driving habits and reward you for safe driving.
This can help you save even more money on your car insurance premiums.
Allstate
- Year Founded: 1931
- Average Annual Premium: $4,184
- Online Rating: 3.8
Pros
- Competitive rates and discounts
- Excellent customer service
- Convenient mobile app
- Bundling discounts are available.
Cons
- May not offer the widest range of products and services.
Description
Allstate offers a variety of discounts, including a good student discount, a safe driver discount, and a multi-policy discount.
This provider also has a convenient mobile app that allows you to manage your policy on the go. One of the best things about Allstate is its optional Roadside Advantage program, which gives you access to 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, and more.
Allstate also has a smooth claims process, and it has a reputation for being easy to work with. Overall, Allstate is a great option for college students who want a reliable and affordable car insurance policy.
USAA
- Year Founded: 1922
- Average Annual Premium: $2,374
- Online Rating: 3.8
Pros
- Competitive rates and discounts
- Excellent customer service
- Accident forgiveness program available
- No minimum amount is required to open an account.
Cons
- Only available to military members and their families
- May not have the lowest rates for all drivers.
Description
USAA is a unique option for car insurance, as it’s only available to military members and their families.
It offers a variety of discounts for students who meet the discount criteria. It also has a mobile app that makes it easy to manage your policy on the go.
What sets USAA apart from other insurers is its exceptional customer service. USAA consistently ranks as one of the top insurers in terms of customer satisfaction, and they have a reputation for being easy to work with.
Some Discounts That Are Available for College Students
The following are some discounts that you may have access to as a student:
- Good student discount
- Student-specific coverage
- Bundling discounts
- Defensive driving discount
- Multi-car discount
- Paid-in-full discount, etc.
FAQs on Car Insurance for College Students Away From Home
Do I need to notify my insurer if I'm taking my car to college?
Yes, you should notify your insurer if you're taking your car to college. You may need to update your policy to reflect the new address, and you may also need to update your coverage if you'll be driving more or less than before.
What if I'm driving someone else's car while at college?
If you're driving someone else's car while at college, you'll need to make sure that you're covered under their insurance policy. In most cases, you'll be covered under the owner's policy, but it's always a good idea to check with the insurer to be sure.
Does my coverage follow me if I drive out of state?
Generally, your car insurance will follow you if you're driving out of state. However, this can vary depending on the state and your specific policy. It's always a good idea to check with your insurer to be sure. Some policies may have restrictions on how long you can drive out of state before your coverage lapses.
Can I keep my parents' address on my policy if I live on campus?
It's generally not a good idea to keep your parents' address on your policy if you live on campus. Insurers use your address to determine your risk profile, and if your address is different from where you live, it can lead to complications in the event of a claim.
Do I need to update my policy if I change my address?
Yes, it's important to update your policy if you change your address. Even if you're just moving across town, your insurer needs to know your new address to properly calculate your risk profile and determine your premiums.
Editor’s Recommendation:
- Top 15 Best International Travel Insurance
- Best Health Insurance In Nigeria
- 10 Best Medical Insurance Companies in the Philippines
- Landlord Insurance | What It Covers And Does Not Cover
- Self-Employed Accident And Sickness Insurance.
Conclusion
There are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to car insurance for college students away from home.
First, it’s important to notify your insurer of any changes to your address or living situation.
Second, you should review your policy to make sure you have the right coverage for your needs.
Finally, you may want to consider getting non-owner car insurance if you’re planning on driving a friend’s car or renting a car while you’re away from home.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that you’re fully protected and can enjoy your time at college with peace of mind.