Deferred Driver: What is a Deferred Driver and How Does It Work?

Many students choose to leave town or cross state lines to go to school.  There are some options you can take advantage of to update your auto insurance policy with regard to your son’s coverage.  Note that not every insurance company does things the same way, so check with yours to be sure.  Many insurance companies have the status of  “Distant Student” or another similar title.  This refers to a member of your household who is away at school for a long period of time and has no access to a car until he or she comes home for vacations, breaks and summer.  Your son could be eligible for a distant student discount if he meets specific criteria, such as not having access to a covered vehicle while at school, and attending school a specific distance from home.  Some insurers say over 100 miles with no access to another vehicle and under age 23, and others want it to be further away for the discount to make sure they’re not coming home every weekend and driving the vehicle.

A “deferred driver” is a little different.  It typically means that the student is taken off the policy until you put him back on when he comes home for his breaks.  The problem with the deferred status is that you have to remember to add him back onto the policy every time he comes home.  Since each insurance company differs both in their terminology and their requirements, you should speak to your agent about your options, the savings, and your son’s and your liability should there be an accident while he is “deferred” or “distant”.  If you can envision a scenario where he might borrow someone’s car at school, you want to make sure he is (and you are) covered should there be an accident there, as well.