BREAKDOWN COVER INSURANCE FINANCIAL SERVICES BUY A CAR DRIVING TRAVEL Sign in Member benefits Shop Business Newsroom Home Insurance Car insurance Student car insurance Student car insurance How to save money on your car insurance If you're leaving home for college or university, then car insurance may not be at the top of your 'to do' list. But finding the right cover for your car could save you money, and may help your student loan go further. Car insurance for young drivers can be expensive, so here we look at the cover that's available and offer some tips which could help you save money. Levels of car insurance cover Third Party only – a basic level of cover for claims made against you by other people following an accident. It covers your liability for injury to others and damage to their property Third Party Fire and Theft – provides the same level of protection as third party only, but also covers your vehicle against fire damage or theft Comprehensive – provides all of the above, and includes accidental damage cover for your own car, plus other benefits such as cover for personal possessions or medical expenses Third Party Fire and Theft is usually not much more expensive than Third Party only, but it provides important cover against fire and car theft. If you're a student in a large city then cover against theft is worth considering. Make your no-claims discount a priority The insurers of your parent's car may not wish to continue providing cover if you take their car with you to university. So leaving home to become a student could be the point where you switch from being insured as an additional driver of a parent's car to insuring your own car. Once you have your own insurance policy your goal should be to earn a no-claims discount. By driving sensibly – following the Highway Code and staying within the speed limit – you can avoid making claims, which could earn a reduction in your premium when you renew your policy. The car you drive The age, model and engine size of your car will all affect the cost of your motor insurance. Generally, the smaller and less powerful the car, the cheaper the policy should be. When buying a car, look for a vehicle in a low car insurance group. Think about your mileage If you reduce your annual mileage by living closer to the college or university campus then you are likely to receive cheaper car insurance quotes. Car security Keeping your car off the roadside at night, or better still in a locked garage, could contribute to a lower premium. If you have to park on the street outside your your student accommodation, then park in a well-lit area and do not leave any valuables in the vehicle that can attract thieves. If you're living off campus in an area where you're concerned about car theft, it may be worth installing extra security devices to your car. Insurance companies can give you advice – tracking devices and immobilisers are likely to attract a discount on your premium. AA Car Insurance Get a quote Insurance advice Car insurance advice Car insurance jargon buster Car insurance groups Cheap car insurance How to compare car insurance quotes Performance car insurance Student car insurance quotes Women's car insurance Young drivers' car insurance Car insurance Classic car insurance Short term car insurance Car insurance for learner drivers More insurance Short-term car insurance Learner driver insurance Motorcycle insurance Travel insurance Breakdown Breakdown cover European breakdown Breakdown repair cover Motorbike breakdown Business breakdown Insurance Car insurance Home insurance Travel insurance Life insurance Business insurance Home cover Boiler and heating cover Home emergencies Home membership One-off repairs Cover for landlords Finance Savings Loans Credit cards Travel currency cards Wills Driving Driving school Tyres Windscreen repairs Car batteries Travel European breakdown IDP driving permits Book a hotel Car hire Route planner Contact us Investor relations Jobs Newsroom AA Charitable Trust AA history Accessibility Privacy policy Cookies Terms & conditions © Automobile Association Developments Ltd 2014