Saturday, July 21, 2012

Car Insurance for Students

Many college students now drive their cars, and one common complaint is the high cost of car insurance for college students. The first thing to put in mind is that car insurance is seen by almost everyone to be expensive. It is viewed as an added expense, and because it is enforced, it does not have consumer-friendly connotations. Some people think having an insurance for your car is absolutely necessary. For students, it probably is.
Why is it expensive?
However, it cannot be denied that the students are hit the hardest by high insurance cost. The rationale behind the high cost of car insurance for college students is due to mainly one factor-their age.
The Age Factor
Car insurance is perhaps an area wherein age is an advantage. Insurance rates get better as you grow older. Nascent drivers are still learning how to drive and train their reflexes. The chances that they may bump their car into a signage or lamp post are high. Also, they are less equipped with skills and reflexes to avoid accidents.
The Gender
The gender of the student partly determines the cost of their auto insurance. Usually, college boys will have to pay more than college girls. Statistics indicates that teenage boys are susceptible to driving accidents and violations, most probably because they are new to the activity and they want to be adventurous. But the practice of insurers to offer more expensive insurance for males has been viewed by some critics as a form of discrimination.
Looking for Favorable Deals
It may be a challenge for students to save on car insurance. One way is to look for quotes online. There should be a few insurers who are willing to offer cheap car insurance for students. Shopping for insurances can be daunting for young drivers. You may want to get advice from mom or dad.
Opting for Temporary Insurance
Students who use their cars occasionally may opt for temporary student car insurance, which is the cheaper alternative. This allows you to avail of the coverage only when you use your car. A similar insurance product is the pay-as-you-go policy. However, check with your state authorities if insuring a car on temporary basis is legal.
Choosing the Right Car
Insurance companies classify cars in several groups, depending on price, newness, features, engine size, and so on. Usually, inexpensive cars would qualify for low premiums. The problem with many college students is that they want new stuff-new gadgets and new cars. If the car is not sleek, it will most likely be left in the garage. But new and classy cars are likely to get high insurance costs.
Adding Your Parent to the Policy
When you add a more experienced driver, like your father, on your insurance, the insurer will assume that the driving is shared. Doing this will reduce insurance premiums. Parents should not insure a car under their name if the main driver or user is their son or daughter. This is illegal.
Taking Care of Your Car
Reckless driving has several negative repercussions. One is your car can get damaged. Another is you can damage someone's car. You may crash into a property or hit a pedestrian. All the recklessness can incur liability and rise in the cost of your insurance.