Car insurance for college students

College students often get the best car insurance deal, and greater convenience, when they stay on their parents' policy. However, it's ultimately up to each family and where the student is attending school. For example, depending on the school's ZIP code, getting a separate car insurance policy for the student may result in more affordable rates, but that could make it more of a hassle to share cars when the student is home. For out-of-state college students, a separate car insurance policy may be required by some states and insurers.

Can I stay on my parents' car insurance if I move out for college?

In most cases, college students can stay on their parents' car insurance when they go to school — if you haven't moved out permanently. Many families decide to keep their college students on their policies for the following reasons:

1. More savings

   Sharing one policy is usually more affordable, as you split the cost of certain coverages.

2. You can share cars

   You're both covered when driving each other's cars, so you don't have to let the insurance company know who's driving which car when.

3. Convenience

   It's easier to manage a single policy rather than two. Plus, the student is covered when they return home for the summer or winter break.

As long as you keep your parents' home as your permanent residence, you can usually stay on your parents' insurance through college. If you decide to fully move out and keep your car at your own residence, however, you'll need your own policy.

Pro Tip for Parents:

What do you do with car insurance if your child moves out permanently? Your child must get their own policy under their new permanent address. If they don't drive your cars anymore, you can remove them from your policy and likely lower your premium.

What about car insurance for out-of-state college students?

Most states allow out-of-state college students to stay on their parents' car insurance if their primary address is still the parents' residence. However, depending on your state, insurer, and other factors, you may be required to get your own policy instead. Your insurer can let you know if you'll need your own policy after clarifying the following:

• If you're taking a car to college (and who owns it)

• The ZIP code where the car will be parked

• Whether you're living on or off campus

What about car insurance for international students?

Car insurance doesn't cover drivers abroad unless you're a U.S. student going to Canada. If you're studying in another country, you'll need your own car insurance policy that's valid wherever you plan to drive. Learn more about international car insurance.

What if I only drive when I'm at home?

As a college student, you should remain on your parents' car insurance policy if you come home on weekends or school vacations and drive your parents' cars. In fact, Progressive requires college students who are away from home but occasionally drive their parents' cars to be on their parents' policy.

Are there age limits for students to stay on their parents' car insurance?

Car insurance rules don't change whether you're an 18-year-old at home, a 19-year-old college student, or an adult living with your parents. If you share a permanent address, or if the car is usually kept overnight at your parents' house, you can continue sharing a car insurance policy — regardless of your age. Learn more about kids staying on their parents' car insurance.

How do I add a college student to my car insurance policy?

If you plan to add or keep a college student on your policy, you should notify your car insurer before your child moves out. You'll need to provide the college's ZIP code, verify that your home is still your student's primary address, and go over any restrictions for covering out-of-state students.