Save With a Good Student Discount

A good student discount is exactly what it sounds like—a price break on your car insurance if you’re doing well in school. It’s typically offered to full-time high school and college students who meet certain academic standards and are seen as responsible drivers.

Insurance companies offer this discount because studies show students who take school seriously are often more focused, disciplined, and careful, traits that tend to carry over to the road. When a driver shows signs of being low-risk, insurers are more likely to reward that behavior with lower premiums.

This isn’t just about saving a few bucks—it can lead to meaningful reductions in your rate, especially for younger drivers who typically face higher insurance costs.

And while Cost-U-Less is known for helping drivers find the cheapest available rates, we don’t stop there. We also look for every car insurance discount you might qualify for—including the good student discount—to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

While the exact rules vary by insurance company, most providers have similar requirements when it comes to qualifying for a good student discount. Here’s what they’re typically looking for:

• You’re a full-time high school or college student
• You’re under the age of 25
• You maintain strong academic performance (such as a B average or better)
• You have a clean driving record with no recent accidents or violations

Some companies may also consider your placement on the honor roll or Dean’s List, and a few may accept strong standardized test scores—like the SAT or ACT—as proof of academic achievement.

The main idea? Insurance companies want to reward students who are showing responsibility, both in and out of the classroom. If you’re putting in the effort at school, you’re showing signs of being a safe, reliable driver—and that could lead to real savings on your policy.

Although exact grade requirements can vary, most insurers expect students to maintain at least a “B” average, which is typically a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Some may accept slightly lower GPAs or look at academic honors instead.

If your school uses a different grading scale—like pass/fail or a 100-point system—that’s okay. Most insurance agents can help interpret your transcript and determine if you still qualify. Typically, you will submit your transcript at the end of each semester or grading period to receive your discount.

Savings from a good student discount can range anywhere from 5% to 25% off your total car insurance premium, depending on your provider and location.

To put that in perspective: if your annual car insurance is $2,400 and you qualify for a 10% discount, you could save $240 per year—just for keeping your grades up.

And if you combine this with other available discounts, those savings can really start to add up.

For families with teen drivers behind the wheel—who often face some of the highest insurance rates—this discount can make a meaningful difference.

Applying is usually a straightforward process, and it only takes a few simple steps to get started. Whether you’re a student looking to save or a parent helping out with the paperwork, the process is quick—and the savings can last all year.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Contact your insurance provider. Ask if they offer a good student discount and what documents you’ll need to submit.
2. Gather your paperwork. Most companies will ask for a recent transcript, report card, or a signed statement from your school.
3. Submit your documentation. You may be able to upload your files online, email them, or hand them off to your local agent.
4. Stay on track. Be sure to maintain your grades and resubmit proof each term or policy renewal cycle, as required by your provider.

It’s a one-time task that could result in year-round savings.

Good grades are just one way to save—but they’re far from the only way. Most insurance providers offer a wide range of car insurance discounts that reward safe habits, smart choices, and even how you set up your policy.

Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just looking to cut costs, here are some other common car insurance discounts you may qualify for:

With the right combination of discounts—like good student perks, low-mileage savings, and paperless billing—saving on car insurance for college students doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you figure out the right coverage for your needs, it’s worth comparing car insurance companies that offer discounts. Even with recent rate increases in California, these savings can help lower your overall costs.