Ah, being a student. The joys of lectures, deadlines, and the eternal quest for cheap car insurance. If you’ve recently passed your driving test, got your hands on a shiny new car, and now you’re trying to figure out how to make car insurance fit into your limited student budget – we’ve all been there.
Here’s the thing: as a student, you’re probably aware that car insurance isn’t exactly cheap. In fact, it’s one of those expenses that can make your eyes water faster than your student loan. But don’t despair – there’s hope! Car insurance companies in the UK do offer student discounts. The trick is knowing where to look and how to make the most of them.
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about getting a car insurance student discount in the UK. We’ll give you insights, tips, and even some examples to help you get the best deal. So, let’s dive in!
Why Are Car Insurance Costs So High for Students?
Before we get into how to score a student discount, let’s quickly talk about why car insurance is so expensive for young drivers, particularly students.
It all boils down to risk factors. Young drivers, especially those under 25, are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. In fact, according to the UK Department for Transport, young drivers (aged 17-24) are involved in around one in five road accidents. So, insurance companies take these higher risks into account when setting premiums, which is why car insurance for students tends to be pricier than it is for older, more experienced drivers.
But don’t worry – it’s not all doom and gloom. Some insurers offer discounts to help ease the financial burden.
How to Get a Car Insurance Student Discount
The good news is that some insurers do offer discounts specifically for students. These discounts can vary, but they’re often linked to specific factors, such as your academic achievements, your university course, or your involvement in safe driving courses.
Here are the most common ways students can score a car insurance discount:
1. Good Student Discount
This is probably the most straightforward discount available. If you’re a full-time student with good grades, some insurance providers will reward you with a discount. For example, if you’ve achieved at least a 2:1 or equivalent, you could save up to 10-15% on your premium.
2. University or College Deals
Many insurance companies partner with universities to offer special student rates. You might be able to access a discount just by proving that you’re a student at a participating university or college. It’s worth asking your university’s student services or looking for specific deals online.
3. Telematics (Black Box) Insurance
Telematics insurance, also known as black box insurance, is where your driving habits are monitored through a device installed in your car. The idea is that if you drive safely, you can earn discounts. This can be an excellent option for students, especially if you’re a cautious driver. Some insurers offer discounts of up to 30% for safe driving, which could make a significant difference in the long run.
4. No Claims Discount (NCD)
If you’ve been driving for a few years and have built up a no-claims bonus (i.e., you haven’t made any claims), you could get a discount when you apply for car insurance. While this doesn’t specifically apply to all students, if you’ve had your car insurance for a while and managed to stay claim-free, it’s worth mentioning.
5. Multi-car Discounts
If your family already has a car insurance policy with a particular insurer, you may be able to get a multi-car discount by adding your car to the policy. This can be particularly helpful if you’re living at home or have access to a family vehicle. Some providers offer discounts when multiple cars are insured under the same household.
Top Insurers Offering Car Insurance Student Discounts
Not all insurers offer student discounts, so it’s worth shopping around to find one that suits you. Here’s a list of some of the best insurers in the UK that offer student discounts, along with the kind of deals you might be able to snag.
| Insurer | Discount Type | Possible Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Aviva | Good Student Discount | Up to 10% off |
| Direct Line | Good Student Discount | Up to 15% off |
| Admiral | Multi-Car Discount, NCD | Discounts for good students |
| Tesco Car Insurance | Student-specific policies | Up to 10% off |
| LV= | Telematics Insurance | Up to 30% off |
| Endsleigh | University Discounts | Varies by course |
It’s important to note that these discounts may vary based on your personal details, including your age, the car you drive, and where you live. So always get a quote to see how much you can save.
Extra Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium as a Student
While student discounts are great, there are also other steps you can take to lower your car insurance premium as a student:
1. Choose a Small, Safer Car
The type of car you drive plays a significant role in your insurance premium. Smaller, less powerful cars are typically cheaper to insure, as they are statistically less likely to be involved in serious accidents. Cars with high safety ratings can also help reduce your premium.
2. Increase Your Excess
Increasing your voluntary excess can lower your premium. However, be careful with this option – it means you’ll need to pay more upfront if you make a claim. Only increase your excess if you’re confident you could afford it.
3. Drive Less
The fewer miles you drive, the less likely you are to be involved in an accident. Some insurers will offer discounts if you can prove that you drive a low number of miles annually.
4. Pay in One Lump Sum
Many insurers will charge you interest if you choose to pay your premium monthly. If you can afford it, paying in one lump sum could save you a fair bit of money.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth Getting a Student Discount?
In short – yes, a student discount is definitely worth pursuing. It can save you a significant amount of money on your car insurance premium, making it more affordable. But don’t stop there – shop around, compare quotes, and consider other ways to reduce your premium. Safe driving, choosing the right car, and taking advantage of various discounts will all add up to a better deal.
FAQs About Car Insurance Student Discounts
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about student discounts on car insurance in the UK. We’ve covered everything from eligibility to tips for finding the best deals.
1. Am I eligible for a student discount on car insurance?
Yes! As a student, you may be eligible for discounts, especially if you have good academic grades or are a full-time student at a university or college. Insurers often provide discounts based on academic achievements (such as a 2:1 or higher) or if you’re enrolled in certain safe driving programs.
2. How much can I save with a student discount?
The savings vary depending on the insurer and your personal circumstances. On average, you could save 10-15% on your car insurance premium if you qualify for a student discount. Some insurers, like LV= with telematics, can offer discounts of up to 30% if you drive safely and install a black box in your car.
3. How do I prove my student status to get the discount?
To qualify for a student discount, insurers typically require proof of your student status. This can include a valid student ID, a university acceptance letter, or proof of full-time enrollment. Some insurers may also ask for your academic results (e.g., a 2:1 degree or equivalent).
4. Can I get a discount if I don’t have a 2:1 degree?
Yes! While many insurers offer discounts for those with higher academic achievements, you can still find car insurance deals aimed at students even if your grades aren’t perfect. It’s worth checking with different insurers, as some may offer discounts for good students without specific grade requirements.
5. What’s the best way to find a student discount on car insurance?
The best way to find a student discount is by shopping around. Start by researching insurance providers that offer discounts for students, either through their website or by contacting their customer service. Use price comparison websites, but make sure to also visit the insurers’ sites directly, as they may have exclusive student discounts.
6. Will my insurance premium be high as a young driver?
Unfortunately, young drivers (under 25) are considered high-risk by insurers, which typically results in higher premiums. However, student discounts, no-claims bonuses, and safe driving courses can help reduce your premium. You can also consider getting telematics insurance (black box insurance) to track your driving behavior and potentially earn discounts for safe driving.
7. Can I add a student discount to an existing policy?
If you’re already insured and later become eligible for a student discount, it’s worth calling your insurer to ask if they can apply the discount to your current policy. Some insurers allow policyholders to adjust their premiums during the policy term, especially if you qualify for new discounts.
8. Can I use a student discount with other discounts?
Yes! In many cases, you can combine student discounts with other discounts, such as a no-claims bonus, multi-car discount, or telematics discount. Always ask your insurer if any other discounts apply to your policy. Combining discounts can lead to significant savings.
9. Does a student discount apply if I don’t have a car yet?
Some insurance providers may offer discounts for students who are learning to drive but don’t yet own a car. If you’re planning on getting a car soon or you’ve recently passed your test, it’s worth asking your insurer about their student discount policy.
10. How can I make my car insurance even cheaper as a student?
In addition to securing a student discount, here are some tips to further lower your car insurance:
- Opt for a smaller, less powerful car.
- Increase your excess (but only if you can afford it).
- Consider a telematics insurance policy to monitor your driving behavior.
- Limit the number of miles you drive each year.
- Pay your premium in a lump sum rather than monthly installments.
