When you’re a student, one of the most exciting things is getting your driver’s license so you can drive yourself to the places you want and need to go. Unfortunately, it’s one of the things many parents dread, partly because it means insurance premiums go way up. One way to relieve some of the financial burden is to look for ways to qualify for student discount car insurance deals that will help lower your rates.

The main reason that auto insurance is so much higher for students is because they lack driving experience. This age group is just learning how to drive and how to respond to emergencies, which put them at a higher risk for accidents. This makes the insurance companies worry they’ll have to pay out so they charge you more up front just in case.

One thing that parents and students alike are thankful for is that you can get roadside assistance for the same low price as older, more experienced drivers. Even though this type of insurance is optional, no driver should be without it. Here are a few ways to make your auto insurance more affordable, too.

Make Good Grades

The more you do to show that you are a good, careful driver will help to lower your insurance rates. Statistics show that students that make good grades have fewer accidents. Perhaps they’re more careful and pay more attention to things. Whatever the reason for this, years of studies and keeping track show that good students are better drivers. Therefore, being a good student can help you qualify for student discount car insurance.

Other Ways to Save

If you haven’t already, take a defensive driving course to show that you know all the rules of the road and that you know how to handle a vehicle. When you do this, you’re showing that you have a real interest in being a safe driver.

Driving an older car and reducing your drive time as much as possible, especially at night, will also help to earn you some discounts with certain companies. When you avoid driving at night and reduce the amount of time you spend on the road, you’re also reducing your risks of having an accident and some companies will take that into consideration.

Be Cautious

Making good grades is the main student discount car insurance option because it usually makes a big difference in the amount you pay for your premium. However, being a cautious driver now will save you money in the future too because it’ll prove you are a safe driver.

Invest your savings in a good roadside assistance plan. This way, you can rest easy when on the road knowing that help is just a phone call away when you run into an emergency. Your roadside assistance coverage will complement your student discount car insurance perfectly, so you’ll have maximum protection every time you drive.