Best Auto Insurance for a Student Away at College in 2024 (Big Savings With These 8 Companies)

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.

#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.

#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.

#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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!