Help with Auto Insurance
Hi everyone! I’m a 20-year-old college student who’s had some ups and downs as a driver since getting my license at 17, including a few tickets and accidents. Now that I’ve moved to Virginia, my car insurance through my parents is costing around $600 a month, which is really tough to manage alongside tuition, rent, and food expenses. I’ve already completed a safe driving course, but I’m still looking for ways to lower my insurance costs. I no longer have my own vehicle and primarily drive my mom’s car. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
I understand how overwhelming high insurance costs can be, especially as a college student managing multiple expenses. Here are some tips that might help you lower your auto insurance premiums:
Shop Around for Quotes: Different insurance companies have different rates. Take the time to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best deal. Online comparison tools can be very helpful for this.
Ask About Discounts: Since you’ve completed a safe driving class, make sure your insurer is aware. There may also be other discounts available for students, such as good student discounts (if you have a certain GPA) or bundled discounts if you have other types of insurance through them.
Consider Usage-Based Insurance: Some companies offer discounts if you allow them to track your driving habits with a telematics device or app. If you’re a more cautious driver now, this could lead to lower rates.
Increase Your Deductibles: If you’re comfortable with a higher deductible in the event of an accident, you might be able to lower your monthly premium by choosing a higher deductible amount.
Inquire About Policy Types: Since you drive your mom’s car, it might be worth discussing with your parents if you can be added as a driver on their policy instead of having a separate policy. Family policies can sometimes offer better rates.
Consider Liability-Only Coverage: If you don’t drive often or if the car is older, you might consider switching to a liability-only policy, which is usually more economical than full coverage.
Ask Your Parents: They might have suggestions or different options based on their insurance provider, or they might be able to help you with the cost in some way.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record: While you can’t change the past, focusing on safe driving going forward will help you build a better record, which can lead to lower rates over time.
Join a Professional Organization: Membership in certain professional organizations or student associations can sometimes provide you with access to auto insurance discounts.
Review Your Coverage: Make sure you’re not over-insured for your needs. If the value of the car you drive is relatively low, it might not make sense to have full coverage.
Taking proactive steps can make a significant difference. Good luck!