Insurance costs for students are way higher than those of other drivers. But this is not an excuse to drive around without insurance. Suppose you get involved in an accident that leaves a third party badly injured or one that badly damages your car and that of the other driver? How would you get out of the mess and where would you get the money needed to compensate the injured persons and repair the car? What you need to do is search for cheap student car insurance which is affordable and reliable.

Although auto insurance premiums for students are generally high, (averaging between $3,600 and $13,800) some factors accelerate them further such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI). Your driving record and type of car count too. If you go for a trendy, sporty car, be ready to pay more to have it insured. All these are things you can control to work in your favor. Drop the alcoholic act while driving and opt for a simple car and you will pay lower premiums.

Your area of residence will affect your rates too. The closer you are to the city, the higher your premiums will be. City dwellers pay the highest rates because of the higher risk associated with urban settings – crime, accidents and such. If you are a girl, you will enjoy lower rates than a male driver your age.

How to lower your premiums

You can easily do this by taking a few measures:

• Improve your performance in class. Insurance companies give great discounts to students who maintain good grades. All you need to do is present a copy of your academic transcript as proof and the discount will be yours to enjoy.

• Aim for a low-mileage discount. This is given to people who drive less. If you live close to your college, use alternative means to get to school so that you do not drive every day. It will qualify you for low mileage discounts.

• Enroll for a defensive driving course.

• Opt to be listed as a secondary driver on your parent’s policy.

• Install safety devices in your car such as alarms, anti-theft devices, tracking systems, air bags, automatic seat belts and the like.

• Go for higher deductibles. It will lower your premiums.

• Drive an older car rather than a new one.

All the above will earn you lower student car insurance rates. Maintain a good driving record and you will enjoy low rates consistently.