Sending your child off to college can be an exciting yet busy time, and it’s easy to overlook potential savings on your auto insurance. If your student is going to college far from home and won’t be using the family car regularly, you might qualify for the “Student Away at School” discount. This can be a simple way to lower your premiums while ensuring your child has coverage when driving during school breaks.
What Is a Student Away at School Discount?
The Student Away at School discount helps families save on car insurance when their student leaves home for college. Since the car will be used less often, insurers offer a lower rate, reducing your overall premium. This discount is ideal for full-time students attending school far from home and not driving regularly.
Who Can Get This Discount?
To be eligible for the discount, your student must meet a few conditions:
- Distance: The college must be at least 100 miles from home.
- Limited Driving: Your child should only use the car during school breaks or vacations.
- Full-Time Student: Your student needs to be enrolled full-time at a college or university.
How Much Can You Save?
Typically, you can save between 10% and 30% on your car insurance with this discount. The exact savings depend on your insurance company and your specific policy. Some companies even allow you to combine the Student Away at School discount with other discounts, such as the Good Student discount, for even more savings.
Should I Remove My College Student from My Policy?
You might be tempted to take your child off your auto insurance policy to save money. However, this can be risky if they come home and need to drive. Instead, consider changing their status to an “occasional driver,” which can still lower your premium but keep your student covered when they’re home for the holidays or summer break. This option typically applies to someone who only drives during school breaks or on weekends.
Other Discounts for College Students
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.
- Defensive Driving Discount: Some insurers offer discounts if your child completes a certified defensive driving course.
- Safety Features Discount: If your car has safety features like anti-theft devices or airbags, you may qualify for additional savings.
How Do I Apply for the Student Away at School Discount?
To get started, call your insurance provider and let them know your child is heading to college and won’t be using the car regularly. Your insurer will tell you if you qualify and how much you could save. Each insurance company has its own rules, so it’s a good idea to ask about any other discounts that might apply to your situation.
Additional Ways to Save on Auto Insurance
Here are a few other tips to help you save on your car insurance:
- Bundle and Save: Many insurers offer discounts if you bundle auto insurance with other types of coverage, such as home or renters insurance.
- Accident-Free Discount: If your student has a clean driving record, you may be eligible for an accident-free discount, which can also lower your premium.
Take Advantage of Auto Insurance Savings
As your child heads to college, now is the perfect time to review your auto insurance and explore potential savings. The Student Away at School discount is an easy way to lower your premium while ensuring your child has the coverage they need. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about other discounts, like the Good Student discount, to maximize your savings.
By adjusting your policy, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your student is covered—and save some money in the process. Reach out to your insurance provider today to learn more about how you can benefit from these discounts.
Material posted on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal opinion or medical advice. Contact your legal representative or medical professional for information specific to your legal or medical needs.
