As your child goes away to college, you should consider your decision about letting them take a car with them. Even though they may have been driving unsupervised for years already, taking a car to college may not be a great idea. Living away from home with a vehicle is a huge responsibility and it can affect your child’s safety. Aside from that, your finances will be affected, as well as insurance rates. Here are some things you should consider before letting your child drive off to college.
Save your teens from themselves.
When it comes to safety, college students are better off not having a vehicle on campus. Although they have a year or two of driving experience, it can make a difference for them. Keep in mind that teens are three times more likely to experience fatal crashes than drivers who are 20 years or older.
Although your child may drive without any incidents and violations at home, avoiding accidents can be pretty difficult in a new environment. Even if your child is under your car policy, a crash they’ll cause can increase your rates quickly. And even if your child stays out of trouble, their friends borrowing the car might not.
They are easily tempted to drink and drive.
It’s no longer a secret that college life is flooded with parties and alcohol. With no parents around, many students find it difficult to drink moderately. And that is not exactly the best time to have a car.
Aside from the risk of injuring themselves and others, drinking and driving may cripple your finances significantly. Even if you’re confident in your child’s better judgment, one slip-up can cause a steep insurance rate - or worse, a lawsuit.
There may be discounts for leaving their car at home.
Some insurers typically offer discounts to parents who send their children to college without a vehicle. This offer lets you save should your child decide to attend school far from home.
To know more about auto insurance policies and discounts, don’t hesitate to talk to your agent. Here at American Trust Insurance, we have competent agents who can walk you through the confusing world of auto insurance. We have a list of insurance carriers that can offer you policies that you just might need. Get a free quote from us today and discuss your options with us. Call us at (305) 270-2220 or visit us at our office.
When it comes to safety, college students are better off not having a vehicle on campus. Although they have a year or two of driving experience, it can make a difference for them. Keep in mind that teens are three times more likely to experience fatal crashes than drivers who are 20 years or older.
Although your child may drive without any incidents and violations at home, avoiding accidents can be pretty difficult in a new environment. Even if your child is under your car policy, a crash they’ll cause can increase your rates quickly. And even if your child stays out of trouble, their friends borrowing the car might not.
They are easily tempted to drink and drive.
It’s no longer a secret that college life is flooded with parties and alcohol. With no parents around, many students find it difficult to drink moderately. And that is not exactly the best time to have a car.
Aside from the risk of injuring themselves and others, drinking and driving may cripple your finances significantly. Even if you’re confident in your child’s better judgment, one slip-up can cause a steep insurance rate - or worse, a lawsuit.
There may be discounts for leaving their car at home.
Some insurers typically offer discounts to parents who send their children to college without a vehicle. This offer lets you save should your child decide to attend school far from home.
To know more about auto insurance policies and discounts, don’t hesitate to talk to your agent. Here at American Trust Insurance, we have competent agents who can walk you through the confusing world of auto insurance. We have a list of insurance carriers that can offer you policies that you just might need. Get a free quote from us today and discuss your options with us. Call us at (305) 270-2220 or visit us at our office.
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