Auto insurance can get very expensive for young drivers, and students may find coping with high premiums particularly difficult. Car insurance for students is generally higher than for drivers above 25 years of age, primarily because of the perception that young drivers are invariably rash and prone to accidents. While this sounds like a sweeping generalization, there is also a grain of truth behind this that sets auto insurance premiums at a static high for students.

Typically though, college students may be covered under their parents’ insurance as long as the student shares his primary address with the parents. Car insurance for students can get expensive if you are looking to take separate policies, so keep the following pointers in mind before picking the right policy:

1. Safe Driving Helps: Now this sounds ironic, but the lesser the traffic violations and tickets the more affordable the premium tends to be. Driving history is a significant factor that can impact policy premiums.

2. Make Carpools Work: Keeping your total mileage levels not only reduces maintenance costs, it also keeps a check on premiums. Carpooling is therefore a great option for students who commute longer distances. Some insurance providers offer discounts for shorter commutes and students who live on or near the campus may be entitled to lower premiums.

3. Credit History and Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies do check your credit ratings and often base your risk levels and premiums on credit history. This is bad news for students who, in general, may not have high scores since their credit history is relatively brief. Credit Scoring as it is referred to by insurance companies derives its logic from the fact that a person who acts responsibly when it comes to finances is likely to exhibit similar behavior on the roads. Managing your credit cards better and paying bills on time will help avoid hefty premiums.