What Car Insurance Do University Students Need?
How does your car insurance policy cover your child who’s away at university and is only driving occasionally?
You may be able to list your child who is away at school as an occasional driver on your car insurance policy instead of a primary driver. This can save you money. If your child is moving to a new province or city for university or college, you may want to remove them from your car insurance policy to save money.
Can I keep my child at university/college on my car insurance policy?
Yes, you can.
When your child returns home for holidays or the summer, they’ll be able to legally drive your car and will be covered by insurance.
If your child has a good driving record, they can stay on your car insurance policy for as long as they regularly drive your car(s) and live at home.
Determine how often your child will use your car once they go to university or college. Update your insurance provider with this information.
Why you should keep your child away at school on your car insurance policy
Keeping your child on your car insurance policy keeps them with continuous insurance coverage. This can be helpful when your child gets their own car.
A continuous record of accident-free insurance coverage can help your child get a lower car insurance rate when they get their own car.
Speak to your Western Financial Group car insurance expert about how your car insurance should cover your child who is way at university or college.
What if my child who’s away at school has their own car?
If your child has their own car and a separate address from yours while at university or college, they will need their own car insurance policy.
If your child doesn’t have their own car, though, they can stay on your car insurance policy to maintain a continuous insurance history.
If your child has their own car and their own car insurance, you could ask for a multi-vehicle discount with your car insurance provider, which should bring a discount.
How to buy a car for your young or new driver
A car for your teen or new driver shouldn’t be too small. A small, light vehicle doesn’t usually provide enough protection if they’re involved in multi-vehicle crashes.
A car shouldn’t be too big because a new driver may have trouble handling its size when it comes to parking, passing, breaking, and navigation.
A mid-sized car for your new or young driver tends to give them a better balance of crash protection and crash avoidance.
If you can’t afford to buy a new car for your young driver, pick a used car that’s only a few years old and a model that has a strong safety record.
Driving tips for young or new drivers
- Obey all traffic rules
- Don’t speed
- Make sure the car is in good condition
- Wear your seatbelt
- Avoid distractions such as your phone and texting
- Don’t drive impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Don’t follow too closely
- Watch the weather
- Watch your surroundings on the road
