BUDGETINGLIFESTYLE & TRAVEL

Good Grades = Better Insurance Rates

According to MoneyGeek, good student discounts can save drivers between $148 and $594 annually on full coverage car insurance, depending on the insurer. Considering most lenders require you to have comprehensive car insurance, this is most likely an expense coming out of your budget — or your family member’s budget if you’re on their insurance.

What is a good student discount?

A good student discount allows teens and young adults who maintain a strong academic performance to save on the cost of car insurance. Discounts can vary from 0% in certain states like Hawaii and up to an average of 19% in Vermont. Insurance companies provide these discounts based on data showing that students with good grades tend to be more responsible drivers with fewer accidents and claims.

How can you qualify for good student discounts?

To qualify for good student discounts, insurers require some basic information such as grade documentation and student status information. Insurers often require full-time enrollment in high school, college or trade school. Most insurers offer good student discounts to those 16 to 24 years old with a 3.0 GPA or higher, although some may offer discounts to those with a 2.7 GPA or higher. Some insurers offer discounts to students who are on the dean’s list, honor roll or in the top 20% of their class. Accepted documentation to prove you qualify for the good student discount usually includes official transcripts or current semester report cards, dean’s list certificates, honor roll verification, administrator-signed grade verification forms or standardized test scores (for home-schooled students). Insurance companies typically require proof each semester or annually and new documentation within 30 days of policy renewal.

Which insurance companies typically offer good student discounts?

Many insurance companies such as State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, Nationwide, Progressive, USAA and more have good student discounts available. It’s important to explore your options to see how you can save. Check with your insurer to see if they offer a good student discount or shop around to see if you qualify for a better rate with a good student discount through another insurance company.

Additional ways to save on car insurance

You may also be able to take advantage of other discounts in combination with the good student discount. Some insurance companies offer a driver’s education discount for those who complete an approved driver’s education course. There may also be multi-policy discounts you can take advantage of along with the good student discount. Graduate students and students in continuing education programs may also qualify for good student discounts. Alternative discounts not based on academics include safe driving discounts for maintaining clean driving records, defensive driving course completion discounts, low mileage discounts for students who don’t drive frequently, programs that monitor safe driving behavior, and more.

It’s important to review all your options so you can take advantage of savings opportunities and find the best car insurance rate for you. Talk to your current insurer or the person paying your insurance if you were added to an existing policy to determine if they offer good student discounts or other discounts you qualify for. Consider getting quotes from different insurance companies too so you can shop for the best rate. Gather any necessary documentation to send to your insurer as proof that you qualify for the discount(s). Once approved, you can start saving on your car insurance each month.

Sources:

https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/good-student-discounts/