1. Does my student need to stay on my auto insurance policy while they’re away at college?
It depends on the student’s situation, but simply going away to school doesn’t necessarily mean they should be removed from the policy. In many cases, it may make sense for them to remain on the family policy, especially if they still have access to any vehicle (including their friends), they regularly drive a family vehicle when they’re home for holiday or summer breaks, and they are still considered a member of the household.
Coverage can get complicated when a college student is driving without being properly listed. However, there may be ways for parents to save money while still keeping their college student listed and properly covered. Because every family’s situation is different, it is important to review your options before making changes to your policy. Give our agency a call and we would be happy to discuss your options!
2. What happens to my insurance if my student takes their car to college?
If your student is taking a vehicle to college, your auto insurance coverage will generally travel with them wherever they go. However, there are some important updates that may need to be made to your policy to accurately reflect where the vehicle is being used and who is driving it.
Since the student will be driving the vehicle regularly, they may need to be rated as the principal operator of the vehicle (if they aren’t already). Additionally, the vehicle’s garaging address should be updated to the location where it is primarily kept while the student is attending college.
The location of the college and the change in principal operator can both affect the insurance premium. Keeping this information up to date helps ensure that the policy accurately reflects the student’s circumstances and your student will be properly covered in the event of an accident.
Occasional Vs Principal Operator: An occasional operator uses a vehicle only from time to time. While a principal operator is the person who regularly uses that vehicles as their primary means of transportation.
3. What if my student leaves their car at home?
If your student is leaving their car at home while they attend college, there are a few things you can do that may help lower your auto insurance premium. First, you may be able to change your student’s status from a principal operator to an occasional operator, since they will no longer be regularly driving the vehicle while away at school.
Second, you can see if your student qualifies for a Student Away at School Discount. Some insurance carriers offer discount for students who attend college a certain distance away from home, often 100 miles or more, and who do not have regular access to a vehicle while at school. Eligibility requirements vary by carrier, so it’s important to review your specific situation.
4. Can my college student get a good student discount?
Possibly! Many insurance companies offer discounts to qualifying students who maintain good grades and are considered inexperienced driver. In the state of Massachusetts, an inexperienced driver is considered to someone who has been driving for 6 years or less. To see if your student qualifies for the discount, ensure they are maintaining at least a B average and then give us a call to confirm that your insurance carrier will provide the discount!
Every college student’s situation is different, and even small changes can affect your auto insurance policy and premium. Before your student heads off to college, take a few minutes to review your policy and make sure their vehicle information, vehicle usage, and operator status are all up to date.