How Bringing a Car to College Can Affect Premiums

Bringing the Car to College: What Parents Should Know

It’s that time of year again — students are packing up, heading back to campus, and for many, that means bringing a car to college for the first time. While it may seem simple to hand over the keys, parents should take a few important insurance considerations into account before their student hits the road.

At Barnum Property & Casualty, we know how important it is to make sure your family is properly protected — whether your child is driving across town or across state lines.

Why You Should Notify Your Insurance Company

When a student takes their car to college, the garaging address (where the vehicle is primarily kept) changes. This update is crucial for your auto insurance policy, since location affects risk factors such as theft, accidents, and parking conditions.

Failing to report this change could lead to complications if a claim needs to be filed. Always notify your insurance carrier of your child’s school address to keep coverage valid and ensure accurate premium calculations.

Who’s Driving Matters

Your auto insurance typically covers any driver who has permission to use the vehicle. That means if your child’s roommate or friend borrows the car and gets into an accident, your policy may be responsible for the damages.

Insurance underwriters may also ask who your child is living with at school and could request driving records for anyone with access to the vehicle. If those individuals have poor driving histories, it could impact your coverage or premiums.

How Bringing a Car to College Can Affect Premiums

Allowing your college student to bring their car can lead to an increase in your auto insurance premium, especially if:

• The car will be kept in a higher-risk area (such as a busy city or near campus housing)

• Multiple drivers have access to the vehicle

• Your student is under 25, as younger drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents

  
  

However, students who maintain good grades may qualify for good student discounts, and keeping the vehicle primarily at home could reduce costs if it’s not used often. Talk to your Barnum Property & Casualty agent about what makes sense for your situation.

Stay Protected While They’re Away

Before your child takes their car to college, take a few minutes to:

• Review your auto insurance policy

• Confirm coverage for both liability and comprehensive protection

• Update the garaging address and contact information

• Discuss safe driving habits and who is allowed to use the vehicle

  
  

A quick review with your Barnum Property & Casualty advisor can help ensure your student — and your policy — are ready for the school year ahead.

Final Thoughts

College is an exciting new chapter, but it’s also a time to stay smart about safety and protection. By updating your insurance policy and understanding how coverage works, you’ll keep your family protected on and off campus.

For questions about auto insurance for college students or to review your policy, contact Barnum Property & Casualty today. We’re here to help you protect what matters most.