The Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students

If you're a college student, you're likely on a strict budget. You already have to pay for tuition, room and board, text books, and more. But if you're driving, you also need to have car insurance. Auto insurance for college students is usually in the back of your mind. 

Nobody thinks about shopping for car insurance. In fact, most college student students simply opt for the same insurance their parents have... even if it's not the cheapest.

But the simple fact is, auto insurance for college students can make up a huge part of your limited budget. And auto insurance rates change all the time. The "good deal" you got as a college freshman might be a bad deal today.

Plus, the average cost of car insurance for a 20 year old is $3,816 per year, or $318 per month! That's a lot of money!

That's why it's essential that you shop around and look for the best auto insurance rates. We've made it simple by putting together this simple comparison tool.

Compare Overall Auto Insurance For College Students

Here's our full comparison list for car insurance for college students. Remember, rates vary by state. Enter your zip code below and get started to find the lowest price near you.

Biggest Factors To Consider When Shopping For Car Insurance

Shopping for car insurance is tough because there are so many variables involved in what price you pay. If you already entered some information above, you might be surprised by the results. 

Everything from your history, your vehicle, where you live, and more all influence the price you're going to pay for car insurance for college students. And the fact is, the insurance companies have done the math. They know the risks of every area, car, driving habit, and more.

When it comes to shopping around for car insurance as a college student, make sure you take into consideration the following factors:

How Much Coverage Do You Really Need?

Some policies will try to oversell you on coverage. But you also shouldn't come up short. Every state also have different insurance minimums (which we highlight below), that you must follow. But the minimum might not be enough.

There are a lot of guides out there that can help you decide how much coverage you need, but it really comes down to a few factors:

1. If you have a lot of assets, do you have enough coverage to protect yourself?
2. If you don't have any assets, do you need as much coverage as you're paying for?
3. Are you getting all the discounts you're eligible for (we talk about this below)?

Your History And Your Vehicle

Your driving history and your vehicle play a big role in the price of your car insurance. If you don't drive much, you might consider an alternative that we discuss below. That might save you a lot of money, especially if you don't even need to have car insurance as a college student!

Your vehicle also plays a big factor in your coverage. Some vehicles will be cheaper than others to insure. 

Policy Discounts

These are discounts that apply to the entire policy, and are usually based on actions you take as a driver.

Other Discounts

These are other discounts that you might get from your car insurance company, but they typically require special actions on your part. Always ask to see if you qualify. 

For students, the big discounts to take advantage of are the good student discount and the multi-policy discount. The multi-policy discount is typically the biggest dollar-amount discount that insurance companies will provide. However, for teenage and college student drivers, the good student can help a lot with rate reduction.

Is Switching Car Insurance Worth It?

Most of the time, changing your car insurance company for the company with the lowest rate is definitely worth it. Unlike banks or credit cards, changing your car insurance is easy. You can do it in about 10 minutes online, and your new policy is active. Then, you just need to cancel your old car insurance policy.

Another thing that can make switching car insurance worth it is combining it with renters insurance. College students need renters insurance. If you get a car insurance and renters insurance policy at the same company, your renters insurance can be free (or you can view it as a significant discount on your car insurance).

How Much Car Insurance Do You Need?

This is a tough question and it can vary from person to person. To complicate matters, some states require a base-line level of insurance for any policy (don't worry, the companies in the list above will all comply with local insurance laws so you don't have to worry about it).

If you're looking to get the cheapest policy possible, you can buy an insurance policy that is only liability. This means it only covers you for injuries and damages you cause to others, but it won't help pay for damage to your car. Typically, most experts recommend having at least $50,000 per person in liability coverage.

You can then add in collision or comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage will cover your vehicle for damages suffered in a collision. Comprehensive adds even more coverage, such as if your vehicle is stolen. Given that this insurance will cover more, it will also make it more expensive.

Car Insurance Minimums By State

Every state has different insurance requirements, which makes it so hard to compare insurance policies. That's why we have this tool that allows you to enter your zip code and see what policies you can apply for. They do vary quite a bit from state to state. 

What You Need To Compare

The first things to know is what you need to compare when it comes to states. There are four main types of insurance minimums that apply:

1. Bodily Injury Liability: This is defined per person and the maximum amount your policy will pay if someone is injured.

2. Property Damage Liability: This is defined per accident and covers damage you do to property (not your own vehicle). 

3. Personal Injury Protection: This is what you insurance company will cover for your injuries, and is defined per person and per accident.

4. Uninsured Motorist Protection: This is defined per person and per accident, and covers you if you're involved in an accident by an uninsured motorist.

It's important to note that these are just minimum amounts of insurance. You can also get comprehensive insurance that covers your vehicle in events like storm damage, theft, and more - but states don't require that.

Also, note that the minimums might not be enough for you. You need to assess your own personal finance situation and see if you might need more insurance. If you have an above average net worth, you might need more protection. 

Here is the full list by state. Note: these numbers are subject to change. Other restrictions to insurance may apply.

Alabama 

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Alaska

• Bodily Injury: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person and $100,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Arizona

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Arkansas

• Bodily Injury: $15,000 bodily injury liability per person and $30,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident

California

• Bodily Injury: $15,000 bodily injury liability per person and $30,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $5,000 property damage liability per accident

Colorado

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $15,000 property damage liability per accident

Connecticut

• Bodily Injury: $20,000 bodily injury liability per person and $40,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $20,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person and $40,000 per accident

Delaware

• Bodily Injury: $15,000 bodily injury liability per person and $30,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident

Florida

• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident
• Personal Injury Protection: $10,000 personal injury protection

Georgia

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Hawaii

• Bodily Injury: $20,000 bodily injury liability per person and $40,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident
• Personal Injury Protection:  $10,000 personal injury protection

Idaho

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $15,000 property damage liability per accident

Illinois

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $20,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident

Indiana

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident

Iowa

• Bodily Injury: $20,000 bodily injury liability per person and $40,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $15,000 property damage liability per accident

Kansas

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident
• Personal Injury Protection: $4,500 in medical expenses, up to $900 per month for disability or loss of income, $25 per day for in-home services, $4,500 for rehabilitation, $2,000 for funeral burial or cremation costs

Kentucky

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident
• Personal Injury Protection: $10,000 aggregate

Louisiana

• Bodily Injury: $15,000 bodily injury liability per person and $30,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Maine

• Bodily Injury: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person and $100,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person and $100,000 per accident
• Personal Injury Protection: $2,000 medical payments coverage

Maryland

• Bodily Injury: $30,000 bodily injury liability per person and $60,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $15,000 property damage liability per accident

Massachusetts

• Bodily Injury: $20,000 bodily injury liability per person and $40,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $5,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $20,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person and $40,000 per accident
• Personal Injury Protection: $8,000 aggregate

Michigan

• Bodily Injury: $20,000 bodily injury liability per person and $40,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident

Minnesota

• Bodily Injury: $30,000 bodily injury liability per person and $60,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident
• Personal Injury Protection: $40,000 aggregate

Mississippi

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Missouri

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident

Montana

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident

Nebraska

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident

Nevada

• Bodily Injury: $15,000 bodily injury liability per person and $30,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident

New Hampshire

Car insurance is not mandatory in New Hampshire. While you don't have to purchase insurance, there is a law which will hold you responsible for paying for damages. You should purchase at least the minimum car insurance to protect yourself and your family.

New Jersey

• Bodily Injury: $15,000 bodily injury liability per person and $30,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $5,000 property damage liability per accident
• Personal Injury Protection: $15,000 aggregate

New Mexico

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident

New York

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Death Liability: $50,000 liability for death per person and $100,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident
• Personal Injury Protection: $50,000 aggregate

North Carolina

• Bodily Injury: $30,000 bodily injury liability per person and $60,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $30,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person and $60,000 per accident and $25,000 uninsured motorist property damage coverage per accident

North Dakota

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident
• Personal Injury Protection: $30,000 aggregate

Ohio

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Oklahoma

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Oregon

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $20,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident
• Personal Injury Protection: $15,000 aggregate

Pennsylvania

• Bodily Injury: $15,000 bodily injury liability per person and $30,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $5,000 property damage liability per accident
• Personal Injury Protection: $5,000 in medical benefits

Rhode Island

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident

South Carolina

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident and $25,000 uninsured motorist property damage coverage

South Dakota

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident

Tennessee

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $15,000 property damage liability per accident

Texas

• Bodily Injury: $30,000 bodily injury liability per person and $60,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Utah

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $65,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $15,000 property damage liability per accident
• Personal Injury Protection: $3,000 aggregate

Virginia

You do not have to buy car insurance, but Virginia law requires that all drivers to pay for injuries or property damage resulting from a car accident. Minimum car insurance is one way to meet this requirement. These are the Virginia minimums:

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $20,000 property damage liability per accident

Vermont

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person and $100,000 per accident and $10,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage per accident

Washington

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident

Washington D.C.

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident and $5,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage per accident

West Virginia

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident and $25,000 uninsured motorist property damage coverage

Wisconsin

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident

Wyoming

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $20,000 property damage liability per accident