Does being a full-time student affect car insurance?

Asked by: Mrs. Guadalupe West Sr.  |  Last update: October 31, 2025
Score: 5/5 (70 votes)

How much does car insurance cost for students? The cost is typically higher for college students than for older adults, primarily because people between the ages of 18 and 22 can be riskier drivers. Cost savings is one of the reasons most parents keep their college-aged students on their car insurance policy.

Does being a student decrease car insurance?

While the cost of coverage for young drivers can cause sticker shock, a good student discount can help you save—if you're eligible. Here's what you need to know about qualifying for a good student discount and how much it can reduce your auto insurance rate.

Do you have to be a full-time student to stay on parents' car insurance?

Unlike health insurance, no age limit prevents you from staying on your parents' car insurance policy. Depending on your insurer, you can remain listed as a driver on your parents' policy as long as their home is your permanent address or you're a full-time student.

How much does insurance go up with a student driver?

The cost of insuring a teen (age 16-19) is $468 per month on a teen policy. The cost of adding a teenager to your auto insurance policy can increase your rate from 65% to 135%. The good news is that parents of teen drivers can save money on auto policies by taking advantage of discounts and comparison shopping.

Do college students get discounts for car insurance?

Fortunately, many car insurance companies do offer ways to cut down on car insurance premiums for college students – namely, in the form of insurance discounts. Generally, you may need to meet some qualifications to be eligible for discounts, such as: Being a full-time student. Being under the age of 25.

How Should I Handle Car Insurance for My Teenage Driver?

26 related questions found

Does my car insurance cover a student driver?

In California, teen drivers are automatically covered under their parent/guardian's insurance once they obtain a learner's permit, so no action is required until a teen gets a driver's license.

Does college degree affect car insurance?

Education. Drivers with college degrees generally pay less for car insurance.

Do full time students pay more for car insurance?

How much does car insurance cost for students? The cost is typically higher for college students than for older adults, primarily because people between the ages of 18 and 22 can be riskier drivers.

What happens if I don't add my teenager to my car insurance?

Failing to add your teenager to your auto insurance can lead to coverage denial, legal penalties and policy cancellation. Lack of driving experience and perceived higher risk contribute to higher car premiums for teen drivers.

What is the cheapest car insurance for an 18 year old?

State Farm is the cheapest major car insurance company for 18-year-olds. Midsize companies — like Erie, NJM, Farm Bureau, Auto-Owners and Shelter — typically have even cheaper rates. However, they're not an option in many states.

When should you take your child off your car insurance?

Many parents generally opt to retain teens on the family's automobile insurance policy until they graduate from college, assuming they find employment and live away from home. At this point they should be paying for their own housing, food and credit card bills, building up a positive credit rating.

What is a full-time student for insurance?

Generally, a full-time student is a student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at a post-secondary academic institution.

Can my son drive my car if he doesn't live with me?

If your son doesn't live with you but needs to borrow your car, he can do so with your permission. It is known as permissive use, which means that when someone who doesn't live with you gets permission to borrow your car, they are also “borrowing” your auto insurance coverage.

What is one way a student can save on auto insurance?

In addition to the Student Away at School discount, there are other ways students can save on car insurance: Good Student Discount: If your student maintains good grades (typically a GPA of 3.0 or higher), they may qualify for a Good Student discount, which can further reduce your premiums.

What age lowers car insurance?

Car insurance typically drops as you grow older, when you drive safely for three to five years following an accident or citation, and when you switch to a cheaper company. Both men and women see the steepest drop in car insurance costs between ages 18 and 19.

Should I add my 18 year old son to my car insurance?

Getting car insurance for a young driver can be pricey due to their lack of driving experience, so a separate policy may not be the best option. In most cases, it's more affordable to add your licensed or permitted teenage driver to your existing auto insurance policy.

Can my daughter drive my car if she is not on my insurance?

A driver who lives in your household and isn't listed on your auto policy may be denied coverage if they borrow your vehicle and are involved in an accident. Family members who live in your household and drive your vehicle, including a teenager or your significant other, should be listed as drivers on your policy.

How much will my car insurance go up when I add my 16 year old?

Insure.com found that adding a teen driver increases car insurance rates by 70% to 150%.

Is it cheaper to be full-time or part time student?

It's important to note that even if being a part-time student is cheaper in the short term, in the long run, it may ultimately cost more to graduate as a part-time student than as a full-time student.

Why do 16 18 year olds pay more for auto insurance?

As a result, drivers between age 16 and 19 have more vehicle crashes than drivers in any other age group. That's especially true for teenage boys. Until they turn 21, males generally pay 20% more than females for auto coverage—unless they live in a state like California which prohibits gender-based insurance rates.

Can a full-time student buy a car?

Yes, college students can get car loans. Some financial institutions have special student auto financing programs to meet a college student's unique needs.

Does insurance check your education?

Insurance companies see drivers with less education as more likely to take risks than a better-educated driver. The difference in insurance costs between a driver without a GED or high school diploma and a driver with a PhD is $44 per year.

Can college students stay on parents car insurance?

How long can I stay on my parents' car insurance? There is no age limit that prevents you from staying on your parents' car insurance policy as a listed driver, as long as you live at home or if you're a full-time college student. That means you're still covered when you drive your parents' vehicles.

Why does my car insurance keep going up with no accidents?

Car insurance rates can sometimes increase unexpectedly, even without being involved in an accident. This can be due to different factors, such as changes in the insurance company's rates, adjustments to your policy, or even external factors like inflation or rising repair costs.