Student car insurance

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As a student, your life can be quite hectic, and you’ll likely want to keep your expenses as low as possible. If you plan to bring your car to university, it’s crucial to have a grasp of car insurance so that you can locate a policy that matches your requirements and financial plan.

This article serves as your guide to comparing student car insurance.

Do I need car insurance as a student?

Yes, as a student who owns and drives a car, you are required by law to have car insurance. Even if you’re only using your car occasionally or for short journeys, you still need insurance coverage. In fact, driving without insurance is illegal and can have serious consequences.

If you already have car insurance before heading off to university, you should make sure to update your policy with your new term-time address and indicate that you are a student. Some insurance providers offer specific policies for students, so it’s worth exploring your options to find the policy that fits your needs and budget.

If you are caught driving a vehicle without insurance, you could face a fixed penalty of £300 and six points on your licence. In addition, your car may be seized or even destroyed. If the matter is referred to the courts, you could be given an unlimited fine and disqualified from driving, which can impact your ability to continue your studies and overall quality of life. It’s best to avoid these risks by ensuring that you have proper car insurance coverage.

At a glance

Student car insurance tends to be more expensive than insurance for non-students.
Providing incorrect information about your address or occupation could void your policy and leave you without coverage.
As a student, there are multiple ways to reduce your car insurance costs.

Why is car insurance for students so expensive?

Car insurance for students tends to be more expensive due to various factors. If you’re a university student or a young driver who’s just starting out, owning and driving a car can be quite expensive. Here are some of the reasons why:

Age: Young drivers, who are the most common demographic of students, are statistically more likely to get into accidents. Insurance providers take this increased risk into account when setting premiums, making car insurance more costly for young drivers and students.
Lack of no-claims discount: As a young driver or a new car owner, you won’t have had the time to establish a no-claims discount. This discount, which you earn for not making claims on your policy, can help reduce your car insurance premiums over time.
Location: Where you live can also affect your insurance premiums. If you live in a densely populated area, park your car on the street overnight, or reside in an area with a high rate of car-related crimes, the likelihood of something happening to your car increases, and so does the premium you’ll be required to pay. Learn how your postcode impacts your car insurance policy.

Despite these factors, there are still ways for students to lower their car insurance costs. For instance, you can choose a car that falls under a lower insurance group, build a good driving record by avoiding accidents and driving responsibly, and consider telematics or “black box” insurance policies that assess your driving behaviour and adjust your premiums accordingly.

How much can you save on student car insurance?

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Do students get a discount on car insurance?

Although car insurance providers don’t typically offer specific discounts for students, there are still several ways that students can save money on their car insurance premiums. Here are some options to consider:

Paying in full: Instead of opting for monthly payments, paying the yearly premium in one lump sum can often result in lower overall costs.
Telematics devices: Installing a telematics device, also known as a “black box,” can provide insight into your driving behaviour and potentially result in lower premiums if you are a safe driver.
Comparing quotes: Comparing car insurance quotes from different providers with Comparoo can help you find the best deal on your coverage. By doing so, you can identify any potential discounts or special offers that could help reduce your premium.

In addition to these options, there are other ways to lower your car insurance costs as a student, such as choosing a car that falls under a lower insurance group and building a good driving record.

Ultimately, it’s essential to consider all of your options and shop around to find the best car insurance policy that fits your needs and budget.

How can I reduce the cost of student car insurance?

Car insurance can be costly for students, but there are several ways to make it more affordable. Here are some tips to help you reduce the cost of your student car insurance:

Choose a practical car: Opt for a smaller car with a smaller engine that falls into a lower insurance group. This will not only be cheaper to insure but also more affordable to run.
Pay your premium in one go: It’s typically cheaper to pay your annual insurance in a single lump sum instead of opting for a monthly payment plan that may include interest charges.
Shop around: Compare different quotes with a comparison service like ours to find the best deal for your coverage.
Check different levels of cover: Don’t assume that third-party insurance is the cheapest cover and comprehensive is the most expensive. Check different types of cover to see if a cheaper premium could meet your needs.
Increase your voluntary excess: Consider increasing your voluntary excess to lower your monthly premium. Just make sure you can afford the compulsory excess set by your insurance provider, as well as your voluntary excess and any young driver excess if you need to make a claim.
Improve security: Fitting additional security features, such as an industry-approved alarm or immobiliser, to your car could help reduce your premiums. Check with your insurance provider first about any possible discounts.
Look for secure parking: If you can assure your insurance provider that you have secure off-road parking, you may get a lower quote for your car insurance.
Add an experienced driver: Adding an experienced driver to your policy, such as a parent or older sibling, could save you money. Just make sure they actually drive the car occasionally and don’t falsely list them as the main driver, this is called ‘fronting‘ which is illegal.
Limit your mileage: Declare a low annual mileage estimation if you plan to use your car only during holidays or weekends, as this could cut the cost of your premium.
Take out telematics cover: Consider a black box or telematics policy that monitors your driving behaviour and rewards safe driving with lower premiums.
Pay-as-you-go: Pay-per-mile car insurance charges you for the number of miles you drive, plus a flat fee that covers your car against damage or theft while it’s parked. This could be a cheaper option if you’re not a frequent driver.
Build up your no-claims discount: Drive safely, pay for small repairs yourself, and build up your no-claims discount over time.
Avoid modifications: Avoid modifying your car from its factory settings, as it can be considered high risk by insurance providers.
Take a Pass Plus course: Consider taking a Pass Plus qualification with your driving instructor in the first year after passing your driving test, as some insurance providers may offer a discount on your car insurance for completing this course.

Related: What is a DSG gearbox?

How much can you save on student car insurance?

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What are the different types of car insurance?

When it comes to car insurance, there are three main types of coverage to choose from:

Third-party insurance: This is the most basic form of car insurance you need to legally drive on UK roads. It covers the costs of damage or injury you may cause to another vehicle or person in the event of an accident, including any passengers in your car.
Third-party, fire, and theft insurance: This type of coverage includes the same benefits as third-party insurance, but with additional protection, if your car is stolen or damaged by fire.
Fully comprehensive insurance: This is the most extensive type of car insurance and includes all of the benefits of third-party, fire, and theft coverage, as well as providing coverage for damage to your own car in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It may also provide coverage for any injuries you sustain, although this isn’t always the case, so you should check your policy’s terms and conditions.

It’s important to note that while fully comprehensive insurance may offer the most comprehensive coverage, it’s not always the most affordable option. It’s worth comparing the costs and benefits of different coverage options to find the right policy for your needs and budget.

Where can I find cheaper student car insurance?

You can find cheaper student car insurance by using our price comparison service, which allows you to compare trusted insurance providers and see an overview of the deals available on the market. Our aim is to help you find the right coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Student car insurance quote

What do I need to get a quote?

To get an accurate quote for car insurance, you need to provide some basic information about yourself and your car. Here are some additional details about each of the required pieces of information:

Car registration: This is your car’s registration and is used to confirm your vehicle details.
What you use your car for: Do you use your car for commuting to work or solely for personal use? The purpose of use can affect your premium.
Where you keep your car: Your car’s location can affect your insurance premium, with those parked in a garage or on a driveway usually being cheaper to insure.
Your annual mileage: This is the number of miles you expect to drive in a year. The more you drive, the higher the premium is likely to be.
Where you live: Your postcode affects your insurance premium, with some areas being more expensive than others due to higher crime rates or accident rates.
Your driving history: Your past driving record can also impact your premium, including any previous claims, accidents or driving convictions.

Frequently asked questions

What is ‘fronting’ and how should I avoid it?

Fronting is when someone falsely claims to be the main driver of a car, while an additional person named on the policy drives it more.

To avoid fronting, it’s essential, to be honest with your insurance provider and ensure that the main driver named on the policy is the person who drives the car the most.

This will help to reflect the “high-risk driver” status and prevent any legal issues.

Do I have to say I’m a student when applying for car insurance?

Yes, it is essential to disclose that you are a student when applying for car insurance. Providing false information to your insurance provider could invalidate your policy, result in costly consequences, and impact your future insurance options.

Moreover, driving without appropriate insurance can lead to legal fines, points on your licence, or even more severe consequences.

Can I get car insurance for a short time?

If you are a student who does not need to drive all year round, temporary car insurance may be the best option.

Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or attending a festival with friends, temporary insurance allows you to take out coverage for a short period.

Comparoo offers temporary insurance for up to 28 days, and some providers may offer coverage for up to 84 days.

What extras can I get with car insurance?

When it comes to car insurance, there are several optional extras you can add to your policy to provide extra protection and peace of mind. These include:

Breakdown cover: This provides roadside assistance if your car breaks down, giving you access to support and repairs.
Courtesy car cover: If your car is written off or undergoing repairs, this will provide you with a temporary replacement vehicle to ensure that you can still get around.
Legal expenses: This coverage can help pay for legal fees that result from a car insurance claim, providing an added layer of financial protection.
Lost keys cover: This offers coverage for the cost of replacing your keys if they’re stolen or lost, providing peace of mind in case of an unexpected situation.
Windscreen cover: This pays for repairs to your windscreen if it’s chipped, cracked, or needs to be replaced. It can help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure that your car remains safe to drive.

Related: Named driver car insurance

Remember to compare the costs of each optional extra and determine which ones you truly need to add to your policy.

What should I say my address is for my car insurance?

When applying for car insurance, it’s important to provide your accurate and current address. This address should reflect the place where your car is primarily kept throughout the year, as it affects the cost and validity of your policy.

Providing false information or an incorrect address could result in your policy being invalidated, as well as legal consequences and future insurance issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that you provide the correct address to your insurance provider to avoid any issues.

What if I decide to leave my car at home?

If you choose not to take your car with you to university, there are several options when it comes to your car insurance:

Maintain your insurance: You can keep your policy active and let your insurance provider know that you won’t be using the car regularly. However, you may still need to tax and insure your vehicle, even if it is not being driven frequently.
Register your car as SORN: If you’re not planning to use your car for an extended period, you can make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). This allows you to declare that your vehicle is off the road and not in use, which means you won’t have to pay road tax or maintain insurance coverage. However, while SORN, you cannot drive or park your car on a public road.

It’s essential to consider your options carefully and make the appropriate decisions based on your individual circumstances to ensure that you remain legally compliant and avoid any potential issues with your insurance policy.

How do modifications impact my insurance price?

Modifications made to your car can impact your insurance price, as insurance providers consider modified vehicles to be more attractive to thieves, resulting in increased premiums.

Car modifications refer to any alterations made to your vehicle that differ from the manufacturer’s original settings. Modifications could include performance upgrades such as an upgraded exhaust or cosmetic changes like tinted windows or new speakers.

When modifying your car, it’s essential to consider how these changes may impact your insurance policy and consult with your insurance provider to ensure that you have the appropriate coverage.

Do I need insurance when I’m learning to drive?

If you’re learning to drive with a professional driving school, the cost of your driving lessons typically includes insurance coverage for you to drive in the instructor’s car.

However, if you’re practicing with a friend or family member’s car, you’ll need to get insurance coverage, even if it’s just for occasional practice between lessons. It’s essential to ensure that you have appropriate insurance coverage during your driving lessons to protect yourself, the vehicle, and other road users.

What happens when I leave university?

When you leave university, it’s important to inform your insurance provider and update your policy with your new occupation and address.

Failing to update your policy with accurate information could result in your insurance policy being invalidated, which can be costly if you need to make a claim.

Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your insurance provider up to date with any changes in your circumstances to ensure that you have appropriate coverage.

I’m a mature student – does this mean I’ll pay more for my car insurance?

As a mature student, you may find that your car insurance premiums are more expensive than expected. This is because insurance providers typically consider the occupation of a “student” to be a high-risk category.

However, insurance providers also consider other factors when calculating your premium, such as your age, driving history, and where you live. Therefore, it’s essential to shop around and compare car insurance quotes from different insurance providers to find the best coverage at an affordable price.

Is it cheaper to insure a car as a student?

While there are no specific discounts for students when it comes to car insurance, there are various ways to reduce the cost of your insurance.

One option is to consider telematics, or black box insurance, which can help lower your premiums. With this type of insurance, a device is installed in your car to monitor your driving habits, and your insurance premium is based on your driving behaviour.

Additionally, shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers with Comparoo can help you find the most affordable coverage that suits your needs and budget.

How much is car insurance for students in UK?

Car insurance for students in the UK is generally more expensive due to the perception by insurance companies that students are higher-risk drivers.

On average, student premiums can cost just over £1,000, compared to the national average of £470 for UK drivers.

However, the actual cost can vary depending on factors such as where you attend university and what type of car you drive.