Best Auto Insurance for a Student Away at College in 2024 (Big Savings With These 8 Companies)
The winners for the best auto insurance for a student away at college are State Farm, Geico, and Progressive. #1 in the rankings, State Farm stands out for its good student discount, offering up to 25% off monthly rates. You can find monthly rates for students away at college for as low as $86/mo.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Mar 4, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 4, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Company Facts
Avg. Monthly Rate for Students Away at College
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Avg. Monthly Rate for Students Away at College
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Avg. Monthly Rate for Students Away at College
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
State Farm, Geico, and Progressive are the winners for the best auto insurance for a student away at college. State Farm takes the lead with a standout good student discount, providing students an affordable $86 monthly rate.
High-risk status leads to under-25 rental surcharges and inflated premiums for inexperienced drivers’ vehicles. You can read more in our auto insurance for drivers under 25 years old review.
Our Top 8 Company Picks: Best Auto Insurance for Students Away at College
Company | Rank | Good Student Discount | A.M. Best | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | 25% | A++ | Personalized Service | State Farm | |
#2 | 15% | A++ | Online Convenience | Geico | |
#3 | 10% | A+ | Competitve Rates | Progressive | |
#4 | 20% | A+ | Multi-Policies | Allstate | |
#5 | 15% | A+ | Bundle Discounts | Nationwide | |
#6 | 15% | A | Affinity Discounts | Liberty Mutual | |
#7 | 10% | A++ | Military Members | USAA | |
#8 | 8% | A++ | Comprehensive Coverage | Travelers |
Parents often question auto insurance for college kids. Should they stay on the family policy? Check out our guide.
If you are also looking for insurance for college students, enter your ZIP code above to begin comparison shopping today for the best auto insurance rates.
- Drivers with under five years of experience are considered high-risk
- College students excelling academically will receive a good student discount
- Independent college students should buy their own auto insurance policy
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#1 – State Farm: Top Pick Overall
Pros
- Personalized service through a network of agents: State Farm’s extensive network of agents provides college students with personalized service and assistance. You can learn more in our State Farm auto insurance review.
- Robust mobile app: State Farm’s mobile app allows college students to access policy information and file claims conveniently.
- Educational resources: State Farm offers educational resources to help college students better understand their insurance options.
Cons
- Premiums might be higher compared to some competitors: State Farm’s focus on personalized service may come with slightly higher premiums.
- Limited availability of online quotes: State Farm’s online quoting system may not be as user-friendly as some competitors.
#2 – Geico: Ideal for Affordability and Online Convenience
Pros
- User-friendly online tools and mobile app: Geico’s intuitive online tools and mobile app make it easy for college students to manage their policies.
- Quick and efficient claims process: Geico is known for its streamlined claims process, ensuring college students receive prompt assistance.
- Variety of coverage options: Geico provides a range of coverage options, allowing college students to customize their policies, which you can learn more in our Geico auto insurance review.
Cons
- Limited agent interaction for those who prefer in-person assistance: Geico’s emphasis on online services may not be suitable for college students who prefer face-to-face interactions with agents.
- May not be the cheapest option for all drivers: While competitive, Geico’s rates may not be the lowest for every college student.
#3 – Progressive: Strong for Competitive Rates and Safe Driving Rewards
Pros
- Competitive rates: Progressive’s emphasis on competitive rates makes it an attractive option for college students.
- Name Your Price Tool: Progressive’s unique tool allows college students to set their budget and find a policy that fits within that range.
- Strong customer service reputation: Progressive is known for its commitment to customer service. You can learn more in our Progressive auto insurance review.
Cons
- Customer service experiences may vary: While generally strong, some individuals may have varying customer service experiences.
- May not have as many local agents: Progressive may have fewer local agents compared to some traditional insurance companies.
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#4 – Allstate: Well-suited for Extensive Agent Network
Pros
- Claim Satisfaction Guarantee: Allstate guarantees that customers will be satisfied with their claims experience, adding an extra layer of assurance.
- Extensive network of agents: Allstate’s broad network of agents ensures college students have easy access to in-person assistance.
- Discounts for safety features: Allstate may offer discounts for vehicles equipped with safety features. You can learn more about Allstate’s discounts in our Allstate auto insurance review.
Cons
- Premiums can be relatively high: Allstate’s premium rates may be on the higher side for some college students.
- May not offer the most discounts: While providing discounts, Allstate may not have as many discount options as some competitors.
#5 – Nationwide: Great for Vanishing Deductible and Bundle Discounts
Pros
- Nationwide On Your Side Review: Nationwide offers a personalized insurance review to help college students identify potential coverage gaps.
- Bundle discounts: College students can benefit from Nationwide’s discounts when bundling multiple policies.
- Good Student Discount: Nationwide may provide discounts for college students with good academic standing. You can find more discount options in our Nationwide auto insurance review.
Cons
- Premiums might be higher than some competitors: Nationwide’s premiums may be relatively higher compared to other providers.
- May not have as many discounts for safe drivers: While offering discounts, Nationwide may not have as many options specifically for safe driving habits.
#6 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Affinity Discounts and Coverage Options
Pros
- Various coverage options: Liberty Mutual provides a wide range of coverage options, allowing college students to tailor their policies. You can learn more in our Liberty Mutual auto insurance review.
- Online tools for policy management: Liberty Mutual’s online tools make it easy for college students to manage their policies and make updates.
- Strong customer service reputation: Liberty Mutual is recognized for its strong customer service.
Cons
- Rates may not be the most competitive for some individuals: While strong in service, Liberty Mutual’s rates may not be the most competitive in certain regions.
- May not offer as many unique discounts: Liberty Mutual may not have as many specialized discounts as some other insurers.
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#7 – USAA: Exceptional Customer Service and Coverage for Military Families
Pros
- Excellent customer service: USAA’s reputation for outstanding customer service ensures that college students receive top-notch assistance.
- Members-only benefits: USAA offers exclusive benefits for its members, enhancing the overall value for college students. You can learn more about USAA’s benefits in our USAA auto insurance review.
- Financial stability: USAA’s financial stability provides college students with confidence in the company’s ability to meet its obligations.
Cons
- Membership eligibility restrictions: USAA is limited to military members and their families, potentially excluding some college students.
- May not have as many physical branches: USAA’s limited number of physical branches may be a disadvantage for college students who prefer in-person interactions.
#8 – Travelers: Well-suited for Comprehensive Coverage
Pros
- Educational resources: Travelers provides educational resources to help college students understand their insurance options.
- Customizable coverage options: College students can tailor their policies with Travelers to meet their specific needs. You can learn more in our Travelers auto insurance review.
- Strong financial stability: Travelers’ financial stability provides assurance to college students regarding the company’s reliability.
Cons
- May not have as many local agents: Travelers may have fewer local agents compared to some traditional insurance companies.
- Rates may vary by location: Travelers’ rates may vary, and college students should compare quotes to ensure competitive pricing.
When Your College Student Is Attending School Nearby
If you were lucky enough to convince your student to attend a college in your local area, you don’t have to worry about saying the emotional goodbyes.
Some young adults want to move as far away from home as possible to enjoy their new-found independence and others understand just how much it costs to move to a new state or city.
As long as your child is living in your home while they are attending a local college or university, you should keep him or her on your auto insurance just like they were when they were in high school.
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When Your Child Leaves Your Home and Attends School Far Away
When students are attending school far away from their childhood home, there still may be a need for auto insurance coverage. It all depends on if the student takes a car with them or if they have regular access to other vehicles to commute to school or work.
You should always keep students on your insurance if they are regularly driving at college.
You know you have to insure a car that they take with them, but you should also have that barrier of protection if the student will be borrowing or renting cars.
It’s better to pay the premium than to face an uninsured loss where you could lose everything.
Reasons to Include a Student Away at College on Your Policy
You have to take a step back and assess the whole situation so that you can fully comprehend why it’s so important to approach the insurance topic the right way.
Students who are away at college are usually still dependents. When you have a dependent who drives, it always puts you at risk.Kristen Gryglik Licensed Insurance Agent
If you’re paying for room and board or you’re helping your child pay for college tuition, they are financially dependent on you, and this can work against you if there’s ever an accident.
When parents make the mistake of removing their children too soon, they won’t have any liability protection to pay for claims made by other drivers. They also won’t be entitled to having the insurance company cover the cost of legal defense.
Coverage for a College Student Still on Your Policy
You might be surprised at home many different scenarios where your teen might need coverage to drive a car when they are away. You can’t keep an eye on your college student all the time, so you don’t truly know if they will be driving.
As much as you’d like to trust your children, it’s always possible that they are doing things they aren’t telling you.
Even though the intention is innocent, if something happens while they are driving a non-owned car, that innocent joyride can turn into a nightmare.
Here are scenarios where your teen will be covered if you keep them on your policy:
- They drive a friend’s car while they are away at school
- They have to drive someone else’s car because of an emergency near the campus
- They return home and drive your vehicles or their friends’ vehicles in your local area
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Discounts Available for Students Who Go Away to College
A student who is attending school miles and miles away from you without their car isn’t quite the same type of risk as a student who stills lives with you.
Read More: Auto Insurance for Different Types of Drivers
They may still be a risk, but they aren’t exposed to the same level of risk as a student who has regular access to a vehicle and who can come and go as they please.
Most auto insurance carriers offer their customers the option to take advantage of a Student Away at College discount when their student is attending full-time school at least 100 miles from their primary residence.
For the student to qualify for the savings, they must be 24 or younger. You may have to provide proof of their attendance at a school far away.
Students Away at College Auto Insurance Discounts
Insurance Company Available Discounts
Allstate Good Student Discount, Resident Student Discount, Smart Student Discount, Multi-Policy Discount, Safe Driving Club, Premier Discount
Geico Good Student Discount, Student Away at College Discount, Multi-Vehicle Discount, Defensive Driving Discount, Federal Employee Discount
Liberty Mutual Student-Away-at-School Discount, Multi-Policy Discount, New Graduate Discount, Newly Married Discount, Advanced Quote Discount
Nationwide Good Student Discount, Student Away at School Discount, Multi-Policy Discount, SmartRide® Program, Family Plan Discount
Progressive Good Student Discount, Distant Student Discount, Multi-Policy Discount, Snapshot® Program, Continuous Insurance Discount, Multi-Car Discount
State Farm Good Student Discount, Student Away at College Discount, Multi-Car Discount, Defensive Driving Course Discount, Driver Training Discount
Travelers Good Student Discount, Student Away at College Discount, Multi-Car Discount, IntelliDrive® Discount, Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Discount
USAA Good Student Discount, Student Away at College Discount, Family Discount, Safe Driver Discount, Defensive Driving Course Discount
Ask your insurance agent if they offer insurance discounts to help get cheap car insurance for your child.
Ask About Good Students Discounts
Both local and distant students can qualify for Good Student Discounts as long as they earn a 3.0 or higher and they are attending college full-time.
These discounts for getting good grades are a great incentive for your student to do good in school and save up to 30 percent off of their premiums.
Read More: How to Get a Good Student Auto Insurance Discount
Along with discounts for student drivers, you can also check into discounts for safe drivers if the student has a good driving record. If they completed driver education, the student may be eligible for a driver training discount.
Let your college student stay on your policy for as long as they are dependent on you. When they become independent, they can start to shop for their policy. Use our online auto insurance quote tool and see what the price difference will be.
Start comparison shopping for insurance for college students today to find an auto insurance company near you that offers discounts for students!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do college students need auto insurance if they are living away from home?
Yes, college students who have a vehicle and are living away from home should have auto insurance. It is important to maintain coverage to protect against accidents, theft, and other unforeseen events.
Will my child be covered under my auto insurance policy while they are at college?
It depends on the specific policy and insurance company. Some auto insurance policies may extend coverage to children who are attending college and living away from home. It’s best to contact your insurance provider to confirm the details and any potential limitations.
What if my child doesn’t have a car at college, do they still need auto insurance?
If your child doesn’t have a car at college and won’t be driving any vehicle, they may not need their own auto insurance policy. However, it’s essential to review your existing policy to ensure it covers them adequately when they occasionally borrow or rent a car.
Can my child stay on my auto insurance policy if they attend college out of state?
In most cases, yes, your child can remain on your auto insurance policy if they attend college out of state. Auto insurance policies typically cover drivers in various locations. However, it is recommended to inform your insurance provider about the change in location to ensure your child remains properly covered.
Are there any discounts available for college students with auto insurance?
Yes, many insurance companies offer discounts specifically for college students. Common discounts include good student discounts for maintaining high grades, distant student discounts if the student is attending a college far from home, and discounts for completing driver’s education courses. Contact your insurance provider to inquire about available discounts.
Should my child notify the insurance company about their college attendance?
Yes, it’s important for your child to inform the insurance company about their college attendance, especially if they are taking a vehicle with them. Notifying the insurance company ensures that they are aware of the change in circumstances and can adjust coverage accordingly.
What happens if my child gets into an accident while at college?
If your child gets into an accident while at college, the insurance coverage should typically apply, provided they are properly insured. The claims process will proceed as it would for any other accident. It’s important to report the accident to the insurance company promptly and follow their instructions.
What are the top insurance companies for students away at college?
The top insurance companies for students away at college are State Farm, Geico, and Progressive.
What is the monthly cost for students away at college with State Farm?
You can find auto insurance for students away at college for $194 a month with State Farm.
Does State Farm offer any programs to students away at college?
State Farm offers the Drive Safe and Save Program to students away at college.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.