Car Insurance for Students
- College students pay an average of $250 to $450 per month for car insurance, with USAA and GEICO offering the best rates.
- Consider staying on a parent's policy, and ask about specific coverage and discounts for college students.
Car insurance for students
Drivers between the ages of 16 and 25 pay more than any other age group for car insurance. Car insurance companies see young drivers as more likely to drive recklessly, commit moving violations and file insurance claims. If you’re a student, this can make finding affordable car insurance difficult.
Below we've outlined the best cheap car insurance companies for high school, college and grad school students, along with some tips on how to save on auto insurance.
Car insurance for college students
USAA and GEICO were the cheapest auto insurance companies for college students on average, according to our data. However, these companies might not be the perfect match for you, as your rates will depend on your unique driving profile. Consider our information as a reference point when starting your search— you should always compare auto insurance quotes from as many companies as possible. See below rates from some of the best car insurance companies for college-aged drivers.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. Monthly Premium | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $475 | $2,850 |
| Farmers | $381 | $2,287 |
| GEICO | $262 | $1,571 |
| Nationwide | $393 | $2,359 |
| Progressive | $339 | $2,037 |
| State Farm | $425 | $2,552 |
| USAA | $247 | $1,483 |
Source: The Zebra
Rates include average premiums for drivers aged 18-22, with 18 and 19-year olds on their parents' policy.
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Compare car insurance options and find the right policy for you.
As a college student, do you need your own insurance policy or can you stay on your parents' insurance?
Whether or not you need your own car insurance policy as a college student is a fairly straightforward decision:
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You live away from your parents’ home and drive a car full-time.
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Your insurer could deny coverage or a claim if they find you’re living elsewhere with a vehicle.
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You’re living on your own and need renters insurance (bundling renters & auto can help lower premiums).
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You’re not driving while away from your parents’ home but want to stay insured for visits.
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You’re attending college in the same city or not driving while away at school.
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Your parents’ policy includes a permissive use clause, which may cover you during occasional visits (typically fewer than 12 times a year).
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You’re living more than 100 miles away at school and not driving—your parents may qualify for a “student away from home” discount with proof of your address.
There’s no clear rule on when to remove a child from your policy, and there is no age limit . Drivers under 25 typically pay higher rates, so keeping them on your plan can help reduce their costs as they build an insurance history. Plus, most insurers require anyone in the household with access to a vehicle to be listed on the policy. Still, it may raise your premiums, especially if they have bad credit or a DUI. Once your child moves out for good—not just for school—it’s likely time for them to get their own policy.
Car insurance for high school students
Car insurance for high school students brings two key considerations: timing and cost. Teens should typically be added to a family policy when they get a license, but expect a sharp increase—usually over $100 more per month. That’s because insurers see young drivers as high-risk due to their inexperience and greater likelihood of accidents. As a result, teenagers are the most expensive age group to insure.
Want to see how much? Here's a look at average teen rates from top insurers.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. Monthly Premium | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $538 | $3,229 |
| Farmers | $369 | $2,213 |
| GEICO | $336 | $2,015 |
| Nationwide | $421 | $2,529 |
| Progressive | $365 | $2,190 |
| State Farm | $490 | $2,942 |
| USAA | $317 | $1,901 |
Make an informed decision: compare insurance rates today.
Car insurance for graduate students
Graduate students may see lower car insurance rates than undergrads, thanks to a mix of education level and driving experience. Insurers tend to reward both: a bachelor’s degree can signal responsibility, and being a few years older often means a better rate behind the wheel.
To help you spot savings, we compared rates for 22- to 29-year-old drivers across top insurers. Your rate will vary, but this gives you a solid place to start—and a reminder that comparing quotes is always worth your time.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. Monthly Premium | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $347 | $2,082 |
| Farmers | $267 | $1,605 |
| GEICO | $192 | $1,151 |
| Nationwide | $258 | $1,551 |
| Progressive | $236 | $1,417 |
| State Farm | $285 | $1,710 |
| USAA | $180 | $1,078 |
Source: The Zebra
Community highlights
College students and parents offer practical advice
"I am not a college student, but a mom of college students. We have 7 cars on our car insurance (5 kids), and I shop for quotes at every 6 month renewal time. It is time consuming, but often worth it."
-Reddit user on r/Frugal[1]
"If you can, insure [your car] on your parent’s policy because you will be getting all of their discounts... and most importantly, you will be getting insured with a company and/or a plan that you don’t qualify for on your own. If you just got your license, you WILL be surcharged as an inexperienced driver no matter where you go."
-Quora user[2]
Auto insurance discounts for students
Most insurance companies offer student discounts—though you usually must maintain a certain GPA, academic standing, or enrollment status.
🍎 Good student: Available with most insurers, students with a B average or better are eligible.
👨🎓 Student away from home: Distance requirements may vary, but students living on campus or otherwise out of their parents' home can qualify for this.
✏️ Driver training: At any age, drivers can take an approved driving course online to unlock this discount.
💡 Affiliation: Some insurance companies offer exclusive discounts to members of certain organizations. This may include some university and alumni associations, honor societies, or military status.
Telematics car insurance for students
Telematics programs can help students lower their car insurance by tracking driving habits through a smartphone app or plug-in device. These tools monitor things like speed, hard braking, and how many miles you drive. If you’re a safe or low-mileage driver, you could earn discounts or qualify for a usage-based insurance plan—where driving less means paying less.
Major insurers like Allstate, State Farm, GEICO, and Progressive offer telematics programs, along with newer insurtechs like Root and Mile Auto. For students who don’t drive often, pay-per-mile insurance could be a great way to cut costs.
| Car insurance company | Student Discounts | Telematics Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | Good student, safe driving program, student away from home | Drivewise |
| Farmers | Good student | Signal |
| GEICO | Good student, driver education course | DriveEasy |
| Liberty Mutual | Good student, student away at school | RightTrack, ByMile |
| Nationwide | Good student | SmartRide |
| Progressive | Good student | Snapshot |
| State Farm | Good student, driver training, student away at school | Steer Clear, Safe & Save |
| USAA | Good student, driver training | SafePilot |
Temporary car insurance: how to pause your policy
You can’t technically pause car insurance, but if you're leaving your car behind for a summer internship or study abroad, storage coverage could be a smart workaround.
Storage coverage drops your policy to comprehensive-only—protecting against theft, vandalism, and weather—while cutting costs. Just know your car can’t be driven during this time, and not all insurers offer this option.
Before switching, check your state’s registration rules. Some states require liability coverage to keep your registration active, so make sure you won’t run into issues while your car’s off the road.
Frequently asked questions
Additional resources
It's important to remember that car insurance changes as you progress through life phases. Graduating from school or celebrating a birthday presents an opportunity to save on auto insurance.
Car Insurance for Teen Drivers
Follow our guide to finding affordable auto insurance for teen drivers and how to get the best value for your policy.
Cheap Car Insurance for Young Adult Drivers
Let's walk through the best ways to save on auto insurance in your early 20s — starting with our list of the most affordable auto insurance companies for young drivers.
Car Insurance for Recent Graduates
On average, recent graduates pay $1,200 more than the national average for auto insurance. But there are ways to find cheap insurance, including good student discounts.
- Car insurance for 16-year-olds
- Car insurance for 17-year-olds
- Car insurance for 18-year-olds
- Car insurance for 19-year-olds
- Car insurance for 20-year-olds
- Car insurance for 21-year-olds
- Car insurance for 22-year-olds
- Car insurance for 23-year-olds
- Car insurance for 24-year-olds
- Car insurance for 25-year-olds
Compare quotes from over 100 providers.
RECENT QUESTIONS
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.