Searching for the cheapest car insurance for students involves taking a look at your current insurance situations and seeing how it weighs against what car insurance underwriters take into consideration when deciding what to charge for coverage. Many students fall into a high risk category that automatically disqualifies them for lower insurance rates. So how can a student obtain cheap insurance rates?

Even though there are many older students who are returning to college to further their education, most students looking for car insurance fall into the 16 to 25 age range. Teenagers and young drivers under 25 tend to have the highest number car accidents–most within their first year of driving, are more likely to speed and less likely to wear seat belts. In addition, many students have much less driving experience than older drivers, which can make getting cheap insurance a real challenge.

Knowing what criteria insurance companies use can give you an idea of what kind of premiums to anticipate. Underwriters use your age, gender, vehicle year, make and model, driving record, driving experience, where you live, where your car is parked when not in use, the purpose of your car and how often you use it, among other factors when determining your premiums. It is also a good idea to research your state’s minimum insurance requirement. Insurance requirements vary from state to state, and you must meet them in order to be able to drive legally. Driving without insurance can result in losing your driving privileges, a fine and jail time.

Liability coverage, which includes bodily injury and property damage liability, covers bodily injury to other parties resulting from an accident in which you are at fault and covers you if your vehicle damages someone else’s property, respectively. In most states, liability insurance is mandatory.

Comprehensive coverage cover damage to your car that results from causes other than collision, such as theft, fire, flood or animals. Collision coverage cover damage to your car resulting from your car hitting or being hit by another car or object. Comprehensive and collision coverage are optional coverages for older vehicles. Lien holders of new or leased vehicle usually require that you purchase this additional coverage. Adding the additional coverage will significantly increase your premiums, but you can lessen the impact by paying a higher deductible.

Another coverage that is required in some states but not in others is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage. This coverage covers bodily injury to you, passengers or insured members of your household as a result of an accident caused by an uninsured/underinsured driver.

If your interest in the cheapest car insurance for students is fueled by a near-future vehicle purchase, you may be interested to know that sports cars are high on the list of high-risk cars, while SUVs and 4-door sedan are considered safer vehicles and less expensive to insure. Luxury cars aren’t as risky as sports cars, but they cost most to repair or replace if they are damaged in an accident.

Student drivers would be wise to start establishing good credit. A spotless credit file, like a clean driving record, will go along way toward guaranteeing the lowest quotes for car insurance for years to come. A good credit history tells underwriters that the insurance company can expect timely payments and not worry about cancellations or non-renewals down the road.

It goes without saying that keeping your driving record clean will increase your chances for lower premiums down the road. Obey the rules of the road, and avoid driving while intoxicated. Traffic violations and DUIs/DWIs on a driving record can increase your premiums three to five times as much, and you’ll be paying these higher premiums until your convictions fall off your record, which can take years.

There are many car insurance companies to choose from, so it’s a good idea to shop around. Going with the insurance company that’s been the family’s for generations does not guarantee you will get the best rates. Insurance companies have to rate each policy based certain criteria, regardless of having a long business relationship with you or your family.

Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a select few insurance companies, call to speak to an agent. You may not want to endure a sales pitch, but it will be a small price to pay if it results in saving you money on car insurance. Ask about discounts you may qualify for. Student drivers with good grades can get a good student discount. Those students who don’t drive much may qualify for a low-mileage discount. Having your vehicle equipped with safety features can also get you a discount. There are also discounts for completing defensive driving or driver safety classes. Don’t be afraid to ask. A good insurance agent will be happy to do whatever he can to save you money, because they want your business.

You should also speak with an agent is to address any questions you may have regarding the different types of coverage available. An agent can advise you on the type of coverage that will fit your needs. Speaking with agents from different companies will also give you a feel for the kind of customer service you can expect. Be sure to ask how they handle and process claims. It would be good to have an idea of how your claim would be handled in the event you should ever need to file one.

Your search for the cheapest car insurance for students may not result the cheapest rates you hoped for, but with proper due diligence, you can still find a good car insurance policy at a price you can afford even if it’s a bit more than you planned on paying. Don’t skimp on your research. Many people end up paying more for car insurance than they should because they failed to arm themselves with knowledge. Knowledge is often the difference between getting a good car insurance policy at a relative cheap price and paying way more than you should.