Car Insurance for College Students in California: Saving Tips for Young Drivers 

Navigating expenses while pursuing higher education can be incredibly challenging. Juggling the cost of car insurance for college students in California can feel even more daunting since young drivers often pay higher insurance premiums than older people. However, finding car insurance coverage isn’t just useful. It helps protect your finances in the event of an accident. 

Why Car Insurance Is Crucial for College Students in California 

In California, all drivers, including college students, have to carry at least minimum liability insurance to operate legally on the road. That means a minimum of $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injury or death to multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.  

Failure to carry car insurance not only leaves you personally liable for the damages from an accident. It can mean fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment, all of which can further increase your costs.  

It’s not just minimum car insurance that is important, either. As a college student, you have to carefully consider whether you can afford to replace your vehicle if you cause an accident or if a natural disaster—including flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires—leads to vehicle damage.  

Carrying comprehensive or collision coverage from a budget-friendly car insurance company can make a big difference in your ability to replace your vehicle if those events do happen. If you have a loan on a new car, you may also have to carry collision or comprehensive insurance to meet your lender’s terms.  

Cost Factors to Consider 

When you’re purchasing car insurance for college students in California, there are a lot of cost factors to take into account. 

How Much Coverage Do You Need? 

It may be tempting to take out minimum auto insurance coverage while attending school. But if you have a valuable vehicle, you need to make sure that you have adequate coverage to replace or repair it in the event of an accident or disaster.  

What Factors Influence Your Personal Costs? 

Depending on your insurance provider, many factors can contribute to your insurance costs, including your age, your driving history and accident record, and even your specific location. While some factors are out of your control, acting on others, like the value of your vehicle, can help you lower your insurance costs.  

Are There Budget-Friendly Options for Students? 

Fortunately, as a student, you have several options available that can help you manage your car insurance costs. Getting the cheapest car insurance in California involves searching for good service, fair baseline pricing, and discount opportunities.  

Utilizing Student Discounts 

Talk to your provider about good student discounts and other available options that can decrease your costs. It may surprise you just how much you can save! 

Exploring Usage-Based Insurance Programs 

Usage-based insurance programs can mean big savings for some college students. If you’ll be spending most of your time on campus, you may significantly drop the number of miles you drive on a regular basis—and that can mean car insurance discounts.  

On the other hand, if you have a long commute to school, it can mean an increase in your insurance premiums, so you may want to choose a different type of policy. 

Tips for Reducing Premiums 

Want to decrease your car insurance costs? Try these strategies for cost-effective car insurance for college students in California.  

• Talk to your insurance provider. Ask about full-time student discounts and other available solutions. Even high school students may be able to access student discounts.   

• Shop around. Some providers have considerably lower rates than others.  

• Stay on your parents’ policy for as long as possible. You may be eligible for multi-car discounts and other cheaper solutions. 

• Think about the benefits of usage-based insurance. 

• Keep your driving record clean. 

• For parents: Select a safe vehicle for teens, ideally one with low theft instances.  

With these strategies, many college students find they can lower their rates while still getting the coverage they need.  

Common Mistakes Students Make 

College students often make some of the same common mistakes when managing their insurance coverage.  

1. Carrying Only Minimum Coverage 

Minimum liability coverage may keep you legal, but it’s often not enough to account for your needs. Talk to your insurance provider about what coverage you need to keep you on the road.  

2. Missing Out on Discounts 

College students and their family members may not know what car insurance discounts are available, and that may mean that they’re paying more than necessary. Talk to your insurance provider to get a better idea of what discounts you are eligible for. 

3. Removing Students from Parent Policies 

If students leave their cars at home when they go off to college, some parents will go ahead and remove them from the policy. Unfortunately, that may mean that the student won’t have coverage when they are at home and driving or if they get behind the wheel for any reason while away at school.  

Get a Quote Today and Start Saving on Student Car Insurance 

Car insurance can be expensive for college students because of their age and relatively short driving histories. But comparing different providers and researching available discounts can help you save money every month.  

Cost-U-Less Insurance understands the challenges that often arise when navigating insurance needs for college students. To speak to an independent insurance agent, call (800)390-4071 or visit a nearby office. You can also request a quick, free car insurance quote online. 

FAQs About College Students and Car Insurance

Should students have their own car insurance policy or stay on their parents’ policy?  

The decision to get your own car insurance policy or stay on your parents’ is often based on your own unique circumstances. However, staying on your parents’ policy can help lower your car insurance costs.  

How does living out of state affect my coverage? 

A student who sets their permanent address in their new state may need to obtain a policy from their new provider. In addition, you may want to make sure that you have the right car insurance for the state where you’re living. Talk to your provider to make sure you are fully covered.