Car insurance for your cadet - save some $$$

Dadandgrad

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2009
Messages
151
Wanted to share this tip for parents with cadets - since your son/daughter won't likely be driving a car anytime soon your insurance company may be able to show them as an "inactive driver" and lower your premiums. USAA is my provider and they were able to do this. If you're like me and have a son and remember the sticker shock when you added them to your insurance this is a nice adjustment! Of course when they come home for leave or eventually get a car you'll have to reinstate them (or they can get their own insurance) but every little bit helps.
 
A word or warning regarding dropping auto insurance coverage on your cadet.

Although cadets are not allowed to have cars at USMA until the spring semester of their junior year, cadets will borrow cars from upperclass cadets. Some will also rent cars on the weekends for trips.

Cadets loaning cars to cadets is something for parents with upperclass cadets with cars at USMA to keep in mind. Despite your advice to the contrary, your cadet may loan his or your car to other cadets.
 
USAA also offers a "non-owner operator" poilcy for a very reasonable amount, much less than keeping them active on your policy. This covers your cadet for those times at USMA (and home) when they do borrow someone elses car. My second one was also often wrangled into being the designated driver for his brother and/or his friends. There are lots of instances in which your cadet could find him/herself driving someone elses car.
 
A word or warning regarding dropping auto insurance coverage on your cadet.

Although cadets are not allowed to have cars at USMA until the spring semester of their junior year, cadets will borrow cars from upperclass cadets. Some will also rent cars on the weekends for trips.

Cadets loaning cars to cadets is something for parents with upperclass cadets with cars at USMA to keep in mind. Despite your advice to the contrary, your cadet may loan his or your car to other cadets.

Auto insurance covers the vehicle, not the driver.
 
We are a 3-car family with USAA - husband, wife, and NC son respectively as the primary driver for each vehicle.

When I called USAA, I told them of son now being at West Point.

I was switched to a special account agent who knew how to handle the service academy. Son is still on our account, but as an inactive driver with no access to his vehicle here at home. Rate was reduced, but he is still covered for liability when back home, or borrowing a vehicle while away from home.

For son's car here, I lowered the annual mileage to 2000/yr, and stated that I would likely drive the car on occasion to keep it running properly.

Saved a few hundred.

So, in a word, contact your insurance company to explain the situation, and see what they can do.
 
Auto insurance covers the vehicle, not the driver.

My agent suggested taking him off the policy for now, since he has no access to the car. Since insurance covers the vehicle, he is covered if he borrows a car. He would be treated like any other person who drives my car in the event of an accident: covered by the existing policy. He will get USAA policy once he gets his car during cow year.
 
Back
Top