Cheapest Car Insurance for Recent Graduates (2023)

Graduating from college is an achievement worth celebrating. College graduation is the true beginning of adult life — and that includes handling your auto insurance needs. Whether your parents still cover you or you have your own policy, graduating college is an ideal transitional time to reevaluate your auto coverage needs.

Before you spend endless hours researching insurance coverage options, check out Insurify. You can easily compare car insurance rates from multiple companies in a matter of minutes and select the best option that meets your budget. Cheap car insurance is just a few clicks away.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for college grads

If college taught you anything, it was the importance of looking for the best deals, so it makes sense that you’re on the hunt for the cheapest car insurance. The average college graduate pays $1,955 per year for auto insurance. Here are the best and cheapest car insurance quotes we could find for recent grads:

Average car insurance rates by age and gender

Many things can affect the insurance rates a driver pays. For instance, gender and age are two factors that have a significant impact on cost. Even though college students pay less for monthly car insurance premiums than high schoolers of the same age, analysis of car insurance rates by age shows all young drivers pay more on average, regardless of schooling.

Except for states that prohibit the practice (California, Massachusetts, and North Carolina, to name a few), male college students will pay more on average than their female classmates of the same age for car insurance premiums. Insurance companies generally see male drivers as high-risk and more likely to file claims.

How much does car insurance cost for recent college graduates?

The price of an average auto policy for college students is determined by a number of factors, but recent college grads pay an average of $284 per month. This cost differs if a recent grad is paying for their own policy or on their parent’s car insurance policy. In most cases, it’s cheaper to be added to a pre-existing policy.

Car insurance discounts for recent college graduates

Aside from purchasing the correct type of insurance coverage, you’ll also want to explore the many discounts available before making a decision. The initial quote you receive from an insurance provider often doesn’t take into account specific lifestyle factors that could help you save.

Student discounts for college grads

Popular companies like Liberty Mutual, Progressive, and State Farm all provide significant savings on your policy rates while you’re in school. However, each company has qualifying factors you must meet to take advantage of those savings. Graduate students can save too.

Newer-car discount

Money can be tight after college graduation, especially if you have to start paying off your student loans. However, many car insurance companies offer lower rates to those who drive newer vehicles. Not only are these cars equipped with more robust safety features, but they tend to be more reliable as well, often making your rates pretty reasonable.

Bundling discounts

Since you’re already thinking about auto insurance, now might be a good time to consider your other insurance needs, too. You’ll likely find an insurer that offers bundling discounts. Consider bundling auto and renters insurance needs to see if you’re eligible for extra savings.

Multi-driver discounts

Speaking of roommates, you might consider adding roommates you trust to your policy to enroll in a multi-driver discount. Keep in mind that their driving history will affect your rate, so it’s best to speak with an insurance agent to see whether this will save you money.

Credit score savings

Your credit score is used as a factor in determining your auto insurance rates. Insurers also may offer a good credit discount. Staying on top of your student loan payments and credit cards can help you save on your auto insurance policy. Each insurer will offer a different array of savings options, so carefully consider which one best meets your needs.

Telematics programs

Often, the companies that integrate telematics into policy features are also the best for college grads. A small device inside your vehicle tracks your driving habits, and your safe behavior on the road could bring you big savings.

How to get cheaper car insurance

Life as a new college grad is busy, but it doesn’t take much time to save on car insurance. The number one thing to do isn’t to cut back on your coverage, and saving on car insurance might not even mean having to move or buy a new car.

Shop around for car insurance

Regardless of age, shopping around for car insurance can often be one of the most effective ways to save money. Each auto insurance company offers different discounts and weighs certain factors differently, making it more important to compare insurance before selecting a provider. Free online quote-comparison tools like Insurify can make it easy.

Remain on your parents’ policy

In most cases, it’s much cheaper for parents to add their student driver — whether in high school or college — to their pre-existing auto insurance policy than having them get their own car insurance.

Drive an older, safer car

While it might be tempting to roll up to your college dorm in a flashy sports car, it’s cheaper to go for practicality. Students who drive older cars will be happy to pay less on repairs, and cars with enhanced safety features usually mean lower car insurance premiums.

Select a high deductible

Lower costs before getting yourself into a tricky situation. With a high-deductible plan, you pay a lower premium each month but more when an accident does happen.

Keep a clean driving record

Regardless of age or whether you’re a student, keeping a clean driving record always has benefits. Staying free of collisions and claims means paying less on a monthly car insurance premium.

Maintain a good credit score

Drivers in college are typically still young and may have poor credit. Parents can help their children by showing them the importance of paying their student loans and credit card bills on time, as well as leading by example and teaching them financial literacy. Drivers with good credit benefit from the lowest car insurance rates.

Take advantage of discounts

Cash in on all the car insurance discounts you might be eligible for. Some might include:

• Anti-theft discount

• Accident forgiveness

• TeenSMART driver education

• Defensive driver course discount

• Married couple discount

• Good student discount

The best way to compare and get cheaper car insurance

Graduating from college is a huge accomplishment. You likely have your sights set on a number of major life changes, but don’t forget about your car insurance. Take some time to enjoy your freedom from studying and find the job of your dreams, but make sure you visit Insurify, too.

You can compare auto insurance quotes from a range of car insurance providers with a few simple clicks, and you’ll save money before you know it.