Auto Insurance for Out-of-State College Students
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- Out-of-state college students don’t have to change their insurance, registration, or license unless they become permanent residents
- Staying on a parent’s insurance policy saves money and avoids changes
- Out-of-state students may qualify for extra car insurance discounts to lower rates
If you’re an out-of-state college student, you may wonder if you need to make any changes to your car insurance. Fortunately, you only have to make changes if you use your college address as your permanent address.
For example, if you only stay at school for classes, you can leave your address as your parents’. However, if you live there year-round, you’ll need to change your driver’s license, registration, and car insurance.
As long as a parent is listed as an owner of your vehicle, you can stay on their insurance and leave your address the same. Keep reading to learn more about car insurance for out-of-state college students and when you need to make changes.
Do out-of-state college students need to get a new driver’s license?
You only need a new driver’s license if you change your permanent address. So, if you keep your permanent address as your parent’s address, there’s no need to get a new driver’s license.
However, if you move out permanently, you’ll need to change your driver’s license to your new state. Each state decides how long you have to update your driver’s license and charges fines if you don’t make the update within the allotted time.
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Do out-of-state students need to register their car in the new state?
Again, it depends on your permanent address. If you don’t change your address, you can leave your vehicle registered in your state. However, your registration must match your driver’s license, so your car should be registered in the state with your driver’s license.
If your car is registered in your parent’s name, there’s no need to change the address when you move to college.
Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name? Although it’s always mandatory, having your car insurance and your registration in the same name helps speed up insurance claims.
Do out-of-state college students need to change their car insurance policy?
The answer also depends on your permanent address. Typically, you don’t need to change your car insurance even if you move out of state if you haven’t changed your license and registration.
However, you do need to let the car insurance company know where the car will be most of the time. Since your rates partially depend on the ZIP code where you will park the car, your rates may go up when you take your vehicle to college if crime rates are high in the area.
As a college student, you’ll want to use your permanent address where your car is registered for auto insurance quotes. Additionally, stay on your parent’s car insurance policy if possible. For young drivers, car insurance rates are very high, but staying on your parents’ insurance typically gets lower rates.
This table shows average car insurance rates for young drivers from top insurance companies.
Not only will your rates be lower by not getting your own policy, but you’ll also be eligible for more car insurance discounts. For example, if you’re not taking a car to college with you, a distant student discount may be available.
Be sure to check with your car insurance company when moving out of state for college. It can help you decide if you need to change your driver’s license, registration, and insurance.
Out-of-State College Students: The Bottom Line
When you move out of state for college, you don’t have to change your license, registration, and insurance if you keep your home address. Additionally, if your parents are listed as owners of your car, the address doesn’t need to change.
However, your license, registration, and insurance address need to match. So, if you change your driver’s license state and your car is in your name, you’ll need to change your registration and insurance.
Also, you need to let your insurance company know your situation. Since you will park your car in a different location, your rates may change.
Contact your car insurance company to determine if your address, registration, and insurance should change. If you have to change your insurance, shop around to ensure you’re getting the best deal in your new state.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new driver’s license if I move out of state for college?
No, as long as your permanent address is the same as before, you don’t need to update your driver’s license. However, if you become a resident of your new state, you’ll need to update your license.
Can college students stay on their parent’s car insurance policy?
Yes, you can stay on your parent’s insurance policy while in college. Most car insurance companies allow you to stay on your parent’s insurance policy until age 25.
However, if you move out permanently, you’ll need to get your own car insurance policy.
Can my parents insure my car if it’s in my name?
No. Typically, only the owner of a car can insure it. However, if the vehicle is in your name and a parent is also listed as an owner, it can be insured by either of you. Staying on a parent’s car insurance policy saves money since you’ll get much lower rates.
As a college student, do I use my home address or college address for auto insurance quotes?
You’ll use your permanent address where the car is registered. However, car insurance rates are very high for young drivers, so staying on a parent’s policy will typically lead to lower rates.
Asked January 21, 2013 by Meggan McCain
1 Answer
If you are an out-of-state college student with a car, you will need to ensure that you have the appropriate auto insurance coverage in place. The specific requirements for auto insurance can vary depending on your state of residence and the state where you are attending college, so it's important to review the laws and regulations in both states to ensure that you are properly covered. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to auto insurance for out-of-state college students:
- State requirements: Each state has its own minimum requirements for auto insurance, such as liability coverage or personal injury protection. If you are driving a car registered in your home state while attending college in another state, you will need to ensure that you meet the minimum insurance requirements in both states. You may also need to register your car in the state where you are attending college if you plan to drive it there regularly.
- Coverage options: In addition to meeting state requirements, you may want to consider additional coverage options for your car, such as collision or comprehensive coverage. These types of coverage can help protect your car in the event of an accident, theft, or other covered loss. You may also want to consider uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which can provide additional protection if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have sufficient insurance coverage.
- Discounts: As a college student, you may be eligible for certain discounts on your auto insurance, such as a good student discount or a discount for taking a defensive driving course. Be sure to ask your insurance provider about any available discounts that may help reduce your insurance premiums.
- Insurance provider: If you currently have auto insurance with a provider in your home state, you may want to check if they offer coverage in the state where you are attending college. Some insurance providers may have restrictions or limitations on coverage for out-of-state drivers or may require you to purchase a separate policy in the state where you are attending college.
Answered January 21, 2013 by Anonymous
