There are many issues, concerns, and considerations when thinking about automobile insurance for a student. Many of them have to do with discounts and savings, some have to do with options on coverages. Let’s dive in.
If the student is just getting their driver’s license, the parents can expect to see a hike in their insurance premiums. These hikes historically have been greater for boys than girls (though statistically girls are proving to have more accidents, so this trend is reversing). It is not unheard of for premium rates to increase as much as 50 to 100 percent. Yes, you read that correctly.
That leads to one of the primary courses of action one should take (whether you’re adding a student driver to your policy or not), and that is to do some comparison shopping. Not all insurance providers are created equal and one of the greatest differences may not become apparent until you see how they handle drivers in the 16 to 25 age range. It could pay you greatly to take the time and comparison shop.
The insurance industry is all a numbers game. That is they have researched which types of people tend to be better drivers (have less accidents and claims) than others. They have found a correlation between good grades in school and fewer accidents. Therefore, if a student maintains a B average they can qualify for a “good student discount” which may be as much as 5 to 10%.
Driver’s education program have become pretty much standard fare. Discounts do apply. Some states require such courses for a teen to get their license at age 16, otherwise, it will be at age 18. Driver’s education can provide a discount of up to15%.
Related to a driver’s education program is the safe driving programs that are specifically tied to some insurance providers. Some insurance companies offer their own driver’s safety program. Teens who apply for a complete these programs can qualify for another discount of up to 15%. Check with your insurance provider, or, this may be a consideration when doing your comparison shopping.
Another consideration that can greatly affect automobile insurance premium rates has to the with the car itself. Younger drivers (and many older ones) are greatly enamored with a certain kind of car – their dream car. Many times that translates into much higher premium rates. Cars with more safety features and less horsepower can be much less expensive to insure.
One final insurance matter that often applies to students has to do with short term auto insurance. Of course, the cheapest option is for a student not to be a full-time insured driver. That’s not always possible, but many university students can get by without having or using a car regularly. But the time does come when that person is going to have to drive. Temporary insurance can be secured for as short a time as one (1) day and up to twenty-eight (28) days. That may just fit the bill for a university student needing to drive home for a break or the end of a semester.
By: David Deffenbaugh
Posts Tagged ‘Shop Insurance’
Auto Insurance Student Driver
November 25th, 2009Is Short Term Car Insurance For Everyone?
November 25th, 2009
As you know, once you start driving a vehicle you will need to be insured as well as your vehicle. You want to make sure if anything would occur that it would be taken care of and you would not have to worry about how you will pay for damages. Short term car insurance is one option for a few but not for all. If you are someone who does not drive frequently or stops driving when the severe weather gets here, this may be for you.
Short term car insurance is just like your annual auto insurance that many have. The short term policy will cover the same such as liability, collision repair, and medical. It will be just like having a yearly vehicle insurance policy but not contracted out. Short term car insurance will usually last an individual for about six months or less. Once you are authorized you have the option to pay all at once or to pay monthly. Many choose to pay all at once so they do not have an additional bill lingering on their desk monthly. It would be a once paid for and done situation.
Other individuals will choose short term car insurance if this is for a rental car or even for a vacation. It could be someone else’s car which you are borrowing for the trip rather than using your own. Other issues could be due to seasonal protection such as individuals who do not like to drive in snow will cancel their services for the winter seasons and receive other transportation for those few months.
There are many businesses which will offer short term car insurance as well as quote you on a price for your specific needs. Many are available online or even from popular insurance companies around your area. Many feel it is quite easier to shop online for auto insurance rather than having to call around. Which ever is your option you want to make sure you receive the best price available in your area for your coverage.
Other reasons many choose short term car insurance is if someone else is driving your vehicle. If you have a yearly policy you do not want to add them to your insurance incase something would occur while they were driving such as an accident. You do not want your insurance to rise due to their faulty driving. The short term car insurance that is available is the same type of coverage as other annual coverage and almost about the same price depending on the individual’s age. Another great advantage with short term car insurance is if the person whom is driving your vehicle is unable to be placed on your insurance if they are not family. The only other way they are able to drive your vehicle is if they have their own insurance policy. They can then choose how long they would need their coverage as they drive in your vehicle.
By: Robert Linley