As you go through all your acceptance letters to the various colleges you got into, you can’t help but be so extremely proud of yourself. All the hard work through several years of school finally paid off. You think really long and hard about which one is the best fit for you. Then, it picks you. The college that is right for you basically jumps out and hits you in the face. As the summer after senior year comes to a close, you realize all the price tags that come with moving away. Tuition, that’s a hefty one. You send in your check for the first semester of college and you’re already in debt. The national average for the 2015-16 year is $15,610. Next comes everything you need in your dorm. This includes things like a bed spread, a laptop or desktop, blankets, towels, etc. That stuff isn’t all so cheap either. Debt on top of debt adds up in a few short years. Think of everything else you have to pay for; gas, books, food, insurance, phone bill, the list is quite long. I can help you out with saving on auto insurance while living on the college budget.
• Low Mileage and Pay As You Go Discount
Understand that PAYD plans usually require your mileage and driving to be monitored. That means allowing some sort of tracking device to be installed on your car or recording your mileage through systems, such as On-Star. Yes, someone is watching you drive, but that special someone is also giving you cheap car insurance.
• Classic Car Insurance
If your car is 25 or more years old and gets only occasional use, you may be able to get a less expensive “classic car” policy. Insurers can charge less because classics are generally driven less and cared for more. Ordinarily, to get a classic car policy, your vehicle must be garaged and not used as your primary mode of transportation. These policies can save up to 45 percent over insurance for daily drivers.
• Occasional Divers Discount
If the insurance policy is in your parents’ names and you are only driving the car when you come home for breaks, you should be listed on the policy as an “occasional” driver, which accesses your parents’ (probably) lower rate while protecting you. Do not reward your parents’ generosity by letting your friends drive your car.