<p>We also have Amica. Our daughter just got her license after her freshman year (she was in no hurry), and were also told that we could take her off the policy when she was at school. However, the agent stressed that if she would be driving anyone else’s car at school at any time she should be on the policy. </p>
<p>According to our daughter, kids drive each others cars quite often at her school, taking turns being the designated driver or other reasons. Just because your kid does not have a car at school does not mean they will never drive.</p>
<p>We have auto insurance with AAA. When our D is at school, we delete her from the policy and she knows she is not to drive anyone’s car. When she is home for breaks, we add her back. It is a bit of a pain but saves a lot of money. Unfortunately, she will have a car at school starting in the Fall so we will be paying year round.</p>
<p>Be aware that an agent’s advice is not legally binding. For example, while an agent may say a kid “does not need to be on the policy”, if an accident happens and the company disagrees, you and your kid may have a problem.</p>
<p>Since most states have gone to plain english policies, it might be a good idea to read through your policy (gasp!!) and see what it says about occasional drivers. You might also look for any language that talks about family members not listed as drivers. </p>
<p>You could also ask the agent to point you to the language that “protects” you and your family in this situation. </p>
<p>insurance is a curious business, where many decisions regarding coverage are made after the fact - after an accident, so a bit of homework is very important.</p>
<p>I agree. If a child is not listed as a driver on a policy, DO NOT LET THEM GET BEHIND THE WHEEL OF ANY ONE ELSE’S CAR while at home or at school other than your own car. And be careful of what the definition of an occasional driver. This varies from state to state. If your kid is “kept” off the policy, I would be sure that they understand they should NEVER EVER OPERATE a friend’s car. And I would carry an umbrella policy. If there is injury or damage while one is driving a friend’s car–the car may be insured (maybe not) but your kid can be held responsible/sued and you will not have any coverage. It is one thing for the car to be covered. It is another for the driver to be covered.</p>
<p>In reponse to annnthony’s original question - we live in NH and our son will be attending school in NY, nearly 200 miles away. Our policy is through The Hartford/AARP, and they do have a special rate for students attending school over 100 miles away. I haven’t gotten the revised bill yet because it won’t start until mid-August, but I understand that the savings may be substantial because the student is treated as a “casual” driver. New Hampshire is one state that DOES offer the special rate.</p>
<p>Consider this possibility: If there are 3 vehicles in the house w/ three drivers and you’re going away to school over 100 miles (in NJ) you could stay on your folks policy as a student away at school w/o a vehicle. Turn in your plates and drop the coverage on your car (need to keep physical damage if financed) and just borrow a parent’s car on the infrequent trips home.</p>
<p>If you DO take a child off your policy while they are at school; consider the use of ZipCar now on many college campuses. The insurance is part of the user’s enrollment and fees.</p>
<p>JMMOM, what state do you live in and what ins co do you use? Mostly the other companies I have seen listed are for 100 miles away discounts. We are 60 miles, too far to drive regularly, but not 100 (but with traffic, may as well be 1000!) Thanks</p>