Cheap Car Insurance for College Students
Here’s the setting: Sonny is a 19-year-old sophomore in a college located in the middle of a large US city. He is dismayed about the exorbitant amount he’s paying to insure his 4-year-old Jeep, and asks you for advice. Aside from telling Sonny to sell his Jeep and learn to walk really fast until his 25th birthday, what tips can you give him about finding cheap car insurance for college students?
What Positive Steps Can Be Taken to Earn Cheap Car Insurance for College Students?
There are several items on the DO list for individuals desiring to get cheap car insurance For college students the first step is to earn good grades. Most auto insurance companies offer lower rates to students who maintain a B average, or its equivalent. Students should also drive safely; a series of fender-benders, or one major accident will be very costly, even if no major injuries are sustained by anyone in the accident. Third, student drivers should drive only when they must. Since most urban colleges of any size have an efficient and inexpensive mass transit system, students should use it or car-pool regularly with friends. Carpooling, itself, will earn a discount with some insurance companies. Conversely, driving daily on congested streets with limited parking and jaywalking pedestrians will increase a student’s likelihood of being involved in an accident. Also, taking a safe-driver course would earn a college student a discounted rate with some insurance companies. Finally, college students should maintain a sound credit history. This may sound unrelated, but insurance companies will check credit ratings and may increase the charges to drivers who have a poor credit history.
What Actions Should a Person Avoid If He Wants Cheap Car Insurance for College Students?
The DON’T list for college students looking for cheap auto insurance contains only two items, but they are critical! First, students should never drive without auto insurance—not even once! Students who can’t afford car insurance simply can’t afford to drive. Uninsured drivers who were found liable in a serious accident could relate a very sad tale of damaged reputation, ruined credit, legal difficulties, and financial woe that can take years to recover from! Second, young people looking for cheap car insurance for college students should never, ever drive while under the influence of alcohol (DUI). DUI brings with it all of the dangers of driving without insurance, but they are heightened since the majority of the worst accidents are caused by drivers who were charged with an alcohol-related violation. Also, in many states drivers under the age of 21 incur an even stiffer penalty for a DUI violation.
What Vehicle Factors Affect a Person’s Ability to Find Cheap Car Insurance for College Students?
Driving an older model of car will reduce a co-ed’s insurance rate, as will driving a sedan rather than a Jeep or a Camaro. It may be humbling, but the college student who is desperate to lower his insurance rate should consider driving a vehicle his grandmother would appreciate! College students should also develop habits that discourage people from breaking into their vehicle. These include actions like installing a safety alarm, always locking their car doors, parking in areas with sufficient lighting, and never leaving valuables in their car.
How Can I Find the Best Rate for Cheap Car Insurance for College Students?
The key is to shop around. Five insurance companies may all advertise cheap car insurance for college students. Comparing the policies will allow the purchaser to determine how the policies differ with regard to what the policy covers and how much it costs. One efficient way to comparison shop without having to call each firm is to use a comparison website. Websites like this allow a person to “shop” the products of many firms at his convenience and without facing any pressure to buy. Enter your zip code at the top of this page to get your free auto insurance comparison quote today.