For the average student living at university, car insurance costs around £1,560 which is quite a bit more than the average of £861(4). The amount you pay depends on several factors, such as:
Where you live during University: Students staying at home tend to pay £2,427, while those living on campus pay £1,559*. This difference could be because students living at home often commute more, increasing their mileage.
Your study field: Student teachers or nurses usually pay less, likely because they’re often a bit older.
Your age: Younger drivers generally face higher costs. The average cost for a comprehensive policy for someone aged 17 is £2,524, compared to £1,311 for someone who is 25.
| Type of student | Average cost (living at home) | Average cost (living away) |
|---|---|---|
|
All students
|
£2,427
|
£1,695
|
|
Students 17-25
|
£2,448
|
£1,827
|
|
Mature students 25+
|
£1,357
|
£1,872
|
|
Student nurses
|
£1,805
|
£1,514
|
|
Student teachers
|
£1,527
|
£1,378
|
*Confused.com data Q2 2024.
Being a student can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to bring your car insurance costs down. Here are some top tips:
You could save up to £452*** by shopping around. But be careful about running too many quotes, as they can lead to your account being suspended.
Paying for your insurance in one go can save you around 38%* compared to monthly payments. It's a larger upfront cost but will save you money in the long run.
Black box or telematics insurance can be a more affordable option for younger drivers, especially if you don't have a No Claims Bonus (NCB) yet. It rewards safe driving with lower prices. Get in !
If you don’t drive often, consider a pay-as-you-go policy. You pay a flat fee plus a cost for each mile driven. It’s perfect for occasional drivers
Parking your car on a driveway instead of the road can save you around 26%*. Keeping your car in a secure location can reduce how much you pay.
Timing is everything. The best time to buy your insurance is 18 days* before your current policy expires. If you snooze you lose! Plan ahead to get the best rates.
If you’re still car shopping, choosing a car in a lower insurance group can save you money. The higher the group, the more you pay. Check the group of any cars you’re considering.
Despite offering a higher level of protection, comprehensive insurance tends to be cheaper. Our data shows students living at university pay £1,559 for fully comprehensive, compared to £2,112* for third party. Yay!
*Confused.com data Q2 2024
***Based on data provided by Consumer Intelligence Ltd, www.consumerintelligence.com. 51% of consumers could save up to £523.17 (taken from July 2024).
As with other age groups, mature students tend to pay more for their car insurance. Insurers often see the occupation ‘student’ as riskier than others.
This is likely due to the high numbers of young drivers in this category, who tend to make more claims than older drivers, leading to higher costs for all those in that category.
Even as a mature student, this can see you paying above the average.
| Age | Student* | All occupations2 |
|---|---|---|
|
26-30
|
£1,655
|
£1,270
|
|
31-40
|
£1,334
|
£946
|
|
41-50
|
£1,300
|
£740
|
|
51-60
|
£1,207
|
£575
|
|
61-70
|
£1,101
|
£472
|
On average, students living away from home pay £1,695 for comprehensive car insurance2. But how much you actually pay depends on several risk factors, including:
Here's a breakdown of how much students can expect to pay based on living in some of the top university cities:
| University 3 | Avg fully comp policy price 4 |
|---|---|
|
University of Birmingham
|
£1,201
|
|
University of Cambridge
|
£664
|
|
The University of Edinburgh
|
£701
|
|
Lancaster University
|
£627
|
|
University of Leeds
|
£1,013
|
|
University College London
|
£1,738
|
|
University of Manchester
|
£1,185
|
|
Newcastle University
|
£767
|
|
The University of Nottingham
|
£810
|
|
University of Oxford
|
£690
|
|
The University of Sheffield
|
£874
|
|
University of Southampton
|
£714
|
|
University of St Andrews
|
£635
|
|
The University of Warwick
|
£890
|
2Based on Confused.com data April - June 2024.
3Universities have been taken from the 2024 UniRank league table. We've added just one London-based university as all would show the same car insurance price, based on West Central London. Prices are based on averages for the cities the universities are in.
4Confused.com price index Q3 2024.
There are 3 levels of insurance to choose from. The level you need will depend on your personal circumstances.
With our price comparison, you can find the best deals and save up to £452***on your car insurance.
We offer exclusive deals you won’t find anywhere else, giving you more value for your money.
We work hard to beat your current renewal price, ensuring you get the best possible deal.
**Single annual policy. New and former Paramount+ subscribers only who sign up at ParamountPlus.com. Subscription required. Auto-renews unless cancelled. 18+. Just Eat website account required, geographical exclusions apply. The year-round reward is provided by Greggs, and consists of one regular hot drink per month for a year, only available via the Confused.com app. T&Cs apply.
It can be, as it offers younger drivers a way to keep their costs down. As 76.25% of our student customers are aged 17-20, this could be an option for them.
Black box insurance works by fitting a device in your car that monitors your driving habits, such as speed, braking, and mileage. Safe driving can lead to lower costs.
"Being a student often means juggling finances, and car insurance can feel like a hefty burden. But cutting corners isn’t the way to go. Always be honest with your insurer, to avoid invalidating your cover. There are savvy ways to lower your costs though, like parking in a secure spot, adding a named driver, or opting for a black box policy."
Students can often get discounts on everything from shopping to eating out, but student discounts don’t normally extend to car insurance.
But although students usually have to pay more for their insurance than other older and more experienced drivers, there are ways to bring your costs down.
No, you can't. The driver who uses the car the most must be the main driver, otherwise you could be accused of fronting.
Lets you prove you're a safe driver, and save money on your policy, even if you're inexperienced or seen as high risk.
Offers cover for owners of classic cars. For insurance purposes, a classic car can be any car that’s older than 15 years.
Covers you if you use your car for work, including travelling between offices or across the country.
Is a legal requirement if you're driving in the UK. Find out more about choosing the right cover at the right price.
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Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) is a tax on general insurance premiums, added to the cost of car insurance policies by insurers.
Page last reviewed: 16 October 2024
Reviewed by: Louise Thomas
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