Two carrier flagship programs promise cheaper insurance for young drivers: State Farm Steer Clear and Allstate Smart Student. Both can cut your premium by around 20%, but they work differently. In short: Steer Clear is easier to qualify for and delivers faster; Smart Student can save more but only if you stack several discounts you actually qualify for.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | State Farm Steer Clear | Allstate Smart Student |
|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Drivers under 25 with a clean record | Students under 25 (good grades + more) |
| Max discount | Up to 20% | Up to 20%+ when stacked |
| How to earn | App course + driving log | Good Student + Distant Student + teenSMART/auto |
| Effort | Low (self-paced app) | Medium (proof each term) |
| Best for | Most teens & college students | Strong students who also live away |
How Steer Clear Works
Steer Clear is an app-based safe-driving course. You watch short modules and log a set number of supervised or independent trips. When you finish, your State Farm agent applies the discount at your next renewal — no classroom, no test with an instructor. In our review it was the simplest path to a double-digit saving for drivers 16-24.
How Smart Student Works
Smart Student is really a bundle: a good-student discount (B average / 3.0), a distanced-student discount (car garaged away at school), and often a telematics or teenSMART component. Each piece is separate, so your total saving depends on how many you claim. A student with good grades who lives on campus can realistically beat Steer Clear — but only if they keep the paperwork current.
Reddit Reality Check
"Steer Clear took me two weeks of logging drives. 15% off at renewal, zero hassle."
"Smart Student sounds great but I forgot to resubmit grades and lost the discount for a term. Set a calendar reminder."
How to Maximize Both
- Pick the program your carrier offers — you cannot stack the two against each other.
- Enroll before your next renewal, not after.
- Keep a clean record during the program.
- Resubmit grades/proof every term without fail.
- Add telematics on top for compounded savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which saves more: Steer Clear or Smart Student?
It depends on your profile. Steer Clear is easier to qualify for (drivers under 25 complete an app-based course) and typically returns up to 20%. Allstate Smart Student can exceed 20% but only if you stack good-student, distanced-student, and teenSMART/automatic — you must qualify for several pieces at once. For most students, Steer Clear is the faster, more reliable discount.
How do I enroll in State Farm Steer Clear?
Download the Steer Clear app, complete the modules and a driving log (usually a set number of trips over a few weeks), then your agent applies the discount at renewal. No classroom required.
Does Allstate Smart Student require good grades every term?
Yes. The good-student portion requires proof of a B average (3.0 GPA) each term, and the distanced-student portion requires the car to be garaged away from the parents during the school year. Missing either cancels that slice of the discount.
About the Author
Written by Sarah Mitchell, founder of Student Car Insurance Guide. Sarah spent 8 years as a licensed insurance agent helping young drivers and their families find affordable coverage. Every guide on this site is fact-checked against current state regulations and real quote data from major insurers.
Have a question about this topic? Email our editorial team at 1404555604w@gmail.com.