When it comes to insuring college-aged children, New Jersey car insurance requirements and rates vary based on your particular circumstances and from one carrier to the next. That’s why speaking with an independent insurance agent provides invaluable guidance to ensure your scholar is adequately covered.
Your College Student’s NJ Car Insurance
While every situation is different, proper planning can ensure that your college-aged child remains covered under your auto insurance policy.
Most New Jersey auto insurance plans allow college students to stay on their parent’s policy under the following conditions:
- If the student is under 25 years old
- If the student attends college within 100 miles of home
- If the student attends a school more than 100 miles from home and only drives the insured vehicle(s) when visiting
In the situation where a student declares residency in another state, or changes their address on their driver’s license to one outside the family home, they can no longer be included on their parent’s auto insurance. Similarly, if the vehicle’s title is in the student’s name, they are required to carry their own insurance. This usually means paying more than if the student remains on their parent’s policy.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
College-aged students carrying their own policies, or who are covered by their parent’s policy, will be covered by New Jersey’s mandated Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage or “no-fault insurance” for auto-related accidents while they are away at school — including pedestrian accidents. PIP coverage can be purchased for up to $250,000, but the minimum required is $15,000 in New Jersey.
Making the Most of NJ Car Insurance Discounts
Different insurers offer different discounts on New Jersey car insurance. Be sure your college student receives all the savings that he or she qualifies for. For example:
- Good student discounts: For students who maintain at least a B average.
- Multi-policy discounts: For using the same carrier for multiple insurance policies.
- Affinity discounts: For members of select organizations, such as certain sororities, fraternities or honor societies.
- Safe driver/defensive driving discounts: For completion of formal driver training courses. Online courses are available through the National Safety Council at www.drivesafe.com or the American Safety Council at www.safemotorist.com.
- Low mileage discounts: For driving shorter distances.
You want the best auto insurance policy for your college-aged driver and an independent insurance agent can help. There are a lot of factors to consider, but as in all things, you can find the right coverage for your situation when you understand your options. Your New Jersey independent insurance agent has the expertise to provide custom quotes from multiple carriers, so you can check “car insurance” off your college-bound to-do list.