Car Insurance for College Students: What You Need to Know

Nothing is more terrifying and exciting than your child going off to college to start their adult life. In today’s blog, we answer some of the frequently asked questions we receive about car insurance for college students so you can make sure you and your child are protected.

What to Do with Auto Insurance When Child Goes to College?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for what to do with Auto insurance when your child goes to college. You’ll need to consider your specific insurance policy and where your child is going to college, as well as how often and what cars your child will be driving.

Can College Students Stay on Parent’s Car Insurance Policy?

In many cases, yes. Full-time college students can typically stay on their parent’s Auto insurance policy, assuming their parent’s residence is their primary address and that one of their parents is listed on the car’s title. This often applies even if the student is going to college out-of-state.

Even if your child is not taking their car to campus, it may still be in their best interest to stay on the policy. This will protect them if they drive your car while visiting home and give them extra coverage while driving friend’s cars or if they’re struck by a car as a pedestrian, a bicyclist, or a passenger in someone else’s vehicle. Plus, lapses in Auto insurance can lead to higher premiums when your child goes to buy their own insurance down the road.

Can I Take My College Student Off My Car Insurance Policy?

It depends on the situation. If your child is attending college more than 100 miles away from home and if they’re not bringing a vehicle to college, you may want to consider removing them from your Auto policy. You’ll also want to discourage them from driving other people’s cars while away at school, as their friend’s may lack adequate coverage to fully protect them in the event that they cause an accident. That said, if they’ll be driving your car when they’re home on breaks, it’s generally a good idea to keep them on your insurance policy or to make sure to add them back for summer and winter visits.

How Long Can a Child Stay on Their Parent’s Car Insurance?

Unlike health insurance, there is no age-limit for how long a child can stay on their parent’s car insurance policy. Instead, this distinction is based on the child’s place of residence and where the car resides. If an adult child still lives with their parents and the car remains on their property overnight, they can often stay on their parent’s Auto insurance policy indefinitely. That said, if the car is in the child’s name only, some states require they have their own Auto insurance policy, even if they’re currently living at home.

Have more questions about car insurance for college students? Contact your independent insurance agent today! In the meantime, check out our insurance blog where we cover everything from adding teenager drivers to your insurance to what you need to know about Renters insurance.

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