Best Car Insurance for College Students (2026)
Compare rates, student discounts, and coverage options to find affordable car insurance, whether you stay on your parents’ policy or get your own.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
4.7 / 516K reviews
)
Written byKatie Powers
)
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Featured in
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Edited byChris Schafer
)
Chris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
15+ years in content creation
7+ years in business and financial services content
Featured in
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Reviewed byMark Friedlander
)
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
)
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
)
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Updated
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
When it comes to getting car insurance in college, the right policy for you depends on your situation. Although it’s often more affordable to stay on a parent’s policy, it’s not always a viable solution. Regardless of your situation, shopping around and seeking out discounts can help lower your car insurance costs significantly.
Here’s what you should know about the intricacies of getting car insurance in college and how to find the cheapest rates for your situation.
Quick Facts
Many insurers offer good student discounts to college students, which can lead to savings of 10%–15%.
Many insurers also offer away-at-school discounts to college students who live more than 100 miles from campus and don’t have a car on campus.
Generally, it’s cheaper for students to remain on their parents’ policy versus purchasing standalone coverage.
Average car insurance cost for college students
College students, like most young drivers, pay more for car insurance than their older counterparts due to limited driving experience and high accident rates.[1] Generally, drivers see their car insurance costs fall over time.
The table below outlines the average car insurance costs for college drivers. But keep in mind that the rate you’ll pay for car insurance under age 25 will vary based on your unique circumstances.
Driver Age | Average Monthly Quote: On Their Own Policy | Average Monthly Quote: On Parents’ Policy |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | $307 | $233 |
| 19 | $293 | $222 |
| 20 | $281 | $214 |
| 21 | $270 | $205 |
| 22 | $258 | $196 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
Find Cheap Car Insurance for College Students
Check quotes from 120+ top insurance companies
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 16,189 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Cheapest car insurance for college students
If you want to find the cheapest car insurance as a college student, you need to shop around. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers gives you the best chance to find the most affordable policy for your situation.
The table below highlights the average car insurance costs for drivers with clean driving records, good credit, and potential student discounts.
The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only |
|---|---|
| Country Financial | $56 |
| Auto-Owners | $64 |
| USAA | $66 |
| State Farm | $69 |
| Erie | $87 |
| American Family | $90 |
| Allstate | $92 |
| GEICO | $93 |
| Mile Auto | $97 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $103 |
| Root | $111 |
| National General | $111 |
| The General | $112 |
| Dairyland | $116 |
| Direct Auto | $116 |
| GAINSCO | $116 |
| Travelers | $120 |
| Mercury | $125 |
| Farmers | $126 |
| Bristol West | $126 |
| Elephant | $126 |
| Clearcover | $126 |
| Plymouth Rock | $137 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $142 |
| Anchor | $142 |
| Chubb | $149 |
| Liberty Mutual | $153 |
| 21st Century | $166 |
| Shelter | $168 |
| State Auto | $193 |
| The Hartford | $202 |
| CSAA | $246 |
| Amica | $312 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Best car insurance companies for college students
The right car insurance company for you varies based on your situation. But some of the best car insurance companies consistently offer cheap car insurance rates to college students. Here, you can see how rates stack up from some of the nation’s largest insurers.
Insurance Company | Average Cost to Insure a College Student Per Month |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $183 |
| State Farm | $221 |
| GEICO | $250 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
Auto-Owners: Best for affordable coverage for college students
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $45/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $87/mo |
4.3
Best choiceBased on 356 verified driver reviews and ratings
Auto-Owners's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.6 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 155 Auto-Owners reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in North Carolina on August 1, 2026
Very easy to deal with.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Florida on July 30, 2026
Good. I never had to file a claim.
Verified Review
Reviewed in South Carolina on July 24, 2026
It’s expensive, but claims are handled quickly.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
654
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.46
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
Auto-Owners offers some of the most affordable coverage for teen drivers and college students. In addition to cheap rates, it also offers ample discounts. Some discounts are specifically for students, like a good student discount, an away-at-school discount, and a teen driver monitoring discount.
Pros
Above-average customer satisfaction
48,000 agents across the country
Extensive discounts
Cons
Available in only 26 states
Can‘t purchase policy online, must finalize insurance quote with agent
TrueRide telematics program can raise your rates if it detects poor driving habits
State Farm: Best for discount opportunities
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $52/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $105/mo |
4.1
Best choiceBased on 20,167 verified driver reviews and ratings
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 7,889 State Farm reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in Arizona on August 1, 2026
Too expensive.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Georgia on August 1, 2026
I haven't made a claim yet, so I can't say how they are.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Florida on August 1, 2026
I've only had good experiences.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
657
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
State Farm offers a range of discounts for students and their families. A full-time student can save up to 25% for earning good grades and qualify for a “student away at school” discount if they move to school and use the vehicle only during vacations and holidays.
Additionally, young drivers under age 25 can earn discounts by participating in the Steer Clear education and usage-based insurance program and taking driver’s ed classes and a defensive driving course.
Pros
Above-average customer satisfaction
Numerous discounts and bundling opportunities
Rideshare insurance available
Cons
Can't purchase policies online
Gap coverage only available to State Farm Bank customers with an auto loan
Doesn't offer accident forgiveness coverage
GEICO: Best for digital experience
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $79/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $146/mo |
4.0
Best choiceBased on 19,891 verified driver reviews and ratings
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.8 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about GEICO
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 8,016 GEICO reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in New York on August 1, 2026
Honestly, I’m disappointed. We had to file two claims within three years—one was weather-related—and they dropped us. Isn’t the point of insurance to use it when something goes wrong? Others I’ve spoken to have had the same issue with Geico. Terrible experience.
Verified Review
Reviewed in California on July 31, 2026
One vehicle could have been moved to the commercial division, but instead they canceled all three cars after 15 years and no claims.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Utah on July 31, 2026
GEICO made me add a person who would never drive my vehicle, and then doubled my premium because of it.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
637
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
GEICO offers a highly rated mobile app that makes it easy for drivers to pay bills, get a digital ID card, call for 24/7 roadside assistance, file claims, and more. For students comfortable navigating paperwork with a smartphone, it’s an ideal choice.
Students with a B average or better can snag a good student discount through GEICO. Plus, students may qualify for savings through alumni or university organizations.
Pros
Highly rated mobile app
Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
A++ (Superior) rating from AM
Cons
Limited network of local insurance agents
Below-average customer satisfaction
Doesn‘t offer gap coverage
Should college students stay on their parents’ insurance?
It’s generally much more affordable for you to remain on your parents’ policy, largely due to multi-car discounts and shared coverage.
This option is ideal if you’re living at home and driving a car in your parents’ name or living at school without a car you drive regularly.
But if you don’t live with your parents, don’t own a car in your name, or have changed your primary address to somewhere other than your parents’ house, then it’s usually not possible to remain on the family car insurance policy. If you move to a new state, it’s even more likely you’ll need to get your own policy.
The table below explores some common situations college students face and highlights where you’ll generally find the most affordable car insurance.
Situation | Car Insurance Policy Options |
|---|---|
| Living at home | Staying on your parents’ policy is typically the cheapest option. |
| On-campus with car | Staying on your parents’ policy is typically the cheapest option. But if you’ve changed your permanent address, then you might need your own policy. |
| Out of state | Staying on your parents’ policy is typically the cheapest option, though make sure your permanent address remains the same as your parents‘ home and the parents still own the vehicle. |
| No car at school | If you aren’t driving at all, then removing yourself from your parents’ policy is often the best option. Another cheaper option to explore is the student away at school discount if leaving behind your vehicle is inconvenient. |
Save on Your Next Auto Insurance Policy
Compare rates from the nation’s leading insurance companies
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 16,189 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
College student car insurance discounts
If you qualify for a car insurance discount, the savings can add up quickly.[2] That’s especially true if you’re able to tap into multiple discount opportunities. For example, earning a good student discount and completing a defensive driving course could significantly lower your car insurance costs.
The table below highlights the most common car insurance discounts available for college students.
Discount Name | Eligibility Criteria | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Good student | Maintain a B average or higher as a high school or college student | 10%–15% |
| Student away at school | Live on a college campus at least 100 miles from home without access to a vehicle | Varies by insurer |
| Defensive driving course completion | Complete an acceptable driver’s education course and meet other insurer requirements | 5%–20% |
| Telematics/usage-based programs | Meet or exceed the safe driving habits required by a telematics program | 10%–30% |
| Low-mileage | Maintain a limited mileage during your policy term | Varies by insurer |
| Multi-car discounts | Insure multiple cars under one policy | 7%–25% |
| Good driver | Maintain a clean driving record with no incidents, such as an at-fault accident, speeding ticket, or other moving violation, for a set period of time | Varies by insurer |
Car insurance for college students FAQs
If you have questions about car insurance for college student drivers, the following answers may help.
Can you stay on your parents’ car insurance in college?
Yes, you can stay on your parents’ car insurance policy while you’re in college.
What is a good student discount for car insurance?
Many auto insurance companies offer good student discounts that reward an academic performance of B or better. Every insurer has its own rules on what grades or academic standing qualify a driver for a good student discount.
How does the away-at-school discount work?
If you go to college located at least 100 miles away and leave your vehicle at home, your parents may be able to take advantage of the away-at-school discount. This discount reflects the lower level of risk to the insurer for a vehicle that won’t be driven as much.
Do you need car insurance if you don’t have a car at college?
If you aren’t bringing a car to college and don’t have one at home, you may not need car insurance unless you plan to drive another vehicle – which is why it‘s important to consider the student away at school discount.
How much is car insurance for a 19-year-old college student?
Teenage drivers across the nation pay an average of $347 for a full-coverage car insurance policy, according to Insurify data.
When should you get your own car insurance policy?
Although there isn’t an age limit on how long you can stay on your parents’ car insurance policy, it’s usually a good idea to get your own policy if you buy or lease a car in your name or if you no longer use your parents’ address as a permanent residence.
Is car insurance cheaper for college students with good grades?
Sometimes. Many car insurance companies offer a discount to college students with good grades.
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Insurance Information Institute. "How to save money on car insurance."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
)
Cheapest Car Insurance for Teenagers in 2026
Teen drivers pay an average of $347 per month for full coverage, but the right insurer, discounts, and vehicle choice can cut that cost significantly.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers Under 25
Drivers younger than 25 pay an average of $258 per month for full coverage, but rates vary widely by company, age, and discount eligibility. Comparing quotes is the fastest way to find savings.
)
Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds: Rates and Best Companies
Car insurance for 21-year-olds averages $154 per month for liability-only coverage and $292 per month for full coverage — less than teen drivers but still higher than rates at 25.
)
Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers Under 21
Country Financial, Auto-Owners, and USAA have the cheapest rates for teen drivers nationwide, but comparing quotes will help you find the most affordable option for you.
)
Cheapest Car Insurance for International Students
Mile Auto, Safeco, and Kemper offer some of the cheapest car insurance for international students.
)
Cheapest Car Insurance for Graduate Students
Car insurance can be expensive if you’re in grad school, but graduate students can get cheap rates and special discounts from GEICO, Nationwide, and USAA.
)
Cheap Car Insurance for 20-Year-Old Drivers (August 2026)
Auto-Owners, State Farm, and USAA are some of the cheapest car insurance companies for 20-year-old drivers.
)
Good Student Discount: What It Is and How It Works
Many car insurance companies offer discounts for young drivers who achieve good grades in school. Here’s how to get the savings.
)
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Featured in
Chris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
15+ years in content creation
7+ years in business and financial services content
Featured in
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology