Kurt asked:


I live in New Jersey where the auto insurance is relatively expensive. However, I go to college in South Carolina where the auto insurance is a lot cheaper than in New Jersey. How can I get the cheaper South Carolina auto insurance? Do I need a South Carolina driver’s license to do this? Should I buy a car from a South Carolina dealership?

Lillie

David
February 21st, 2010

Jacob

You can’t legally–you have to register and insure the car in your state of legal residence, in this case NJ. However, call your agent and check into a “college” rate–many companies give a discount if you’re at school over a certain distance from home. That may help.

sensible_man
February 24th, 2010

Francis

Your drivers license, registration and insurance all need to be from the same State. You could buy a vehicle in SC, if you meet the proof of residency, and then get all the items needed.

Nate W
February 27th, 2010

Rebecca

The car should have insurance with the state that it’s registered in. So if you have NJ plates, you need NJ insurance. There are several discounts that can be put on the policy such as a resident student discount, good student discount and short mileage discounts.

Wrenching Monkey
March 1st, 2010

Jeanne

You get insurance from the place where you live. Period.

jjman2010
March 2nd, 2010

Rhonda

It might be possible. How long do you live in the state you attend college?

Best auto insurance
March 6th, 2010

Audrey

Automobile Insurance

You should consider these factors in determining your auto insurance needs while you are in college:
Required Coverage

If you are attending school in another state, check with your insurance company or agent to make sure you have enough coverage to comply with any minimum insurance requirements in that state. If you get caught driving without auto insurance in Illinois, you face a fine and suspension of your license plates. Illinois law requires all motor vehicle owners to have the following coverage:

*

Liability insurance – Pays for bodily injury to another person or property damage you cause due to the negligent operation of a vehicle. Required amounts are; $20,000 per person, $40,000 per occurrence, and $15,000 for property damage. If affordable, higher liability limits of at least 100/300/100 are better.
*

Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) – Pays for your bodily injury caused by a hit-and-run driver or an at-fault driver who has no liability insurance. Required amounts are $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. If affordable, higher limits are available.

Note: If you purchase larger amounts of UM coverage, underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UIM) is also required.
Other Coverage

* Medical payments – Covers medical and funeral expenses for you or your passengers if injured or killed in an accident in your vehicle. It also covers you and your family members if struck by a vehicle while walking or riding in another vehicle. This coverage pays even if you cause the accident.

* Physical damage – Pays for damage to your auto. You may have to pay for part of the loss, called a deductible. Illinois law doesn’t require physical damage coverage, but your lender may. Depending on the value of your car, you may decide the cost of physical damage coverage is not worth the additional premium.

Vehicle Ownership

* If your parents own the vehicle – If your parent or guardian’s name is on the title of the vehicle, you can be listed under their auto insurance policy as an additional driver, but their premium will be higher.

* If you own the vehicle – If your name is the only name on the title, you will need your own individual auto insurance policy. As a young driver, you will pay higher premiums. Male drivers generally pay more than female drivers.

Location

* Your insurer does need to be notified of a change in location of a vehicle. Even if the vehicle will be garaged in another state, the insurance provider needs to be notified.

Discounts

* If you attend school more than 100 miles away from home and don’t have your car there, your parents should contact their insurance agent to see if they can save on their auto insurance.

* Many companies offer a good student discount to young drivers who maintain a “B” average or better.

More information:

Elvis
March 8th, 2010

Diana

i always partied when i was in school