Back to School Means More Than School Supplies: Insurance Considerations for College Students

Back to school season means new classes, new schedules, and, for many families, a student heading off to college. Between buying textbooks and packing up a dorm room, insurance may not be something you are thinking about.

However, college students often bring valuable belongings with them, including laptops, tablets, phones, bicycles, clothing, and other personal items. Understanding how those belongings are insured can help prevent surprises if something is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Are Your College Student's Belongings Covered?

If your student is living in a college dorm, typically belongings are covered under your homeowners insurance policy up to a stated limit. However, coverage can depend on the specific circumstances and the terms of your policy.

There may also be special limits for certain types of personal property, so it is important to know what your policy actually provides before your student heads off to school (your agent can help with this!).

What If They Live Off Campus?

Students living in an apartment or other off campus housing usually have different insurance needs.

A renters insurance policy can provide coverage for the student's personal belongings and personal liability. The landlord's insurance typically covers the building, but it does not cover the student's personal property.

Depending on the carrier and policy, renters insurance can also provide liability protection if the student is found responsible for accidentally causing damage to property or someone is injured in their rental.

Don't Forget About Electronics

College students often take expensive electronics with them to school. Laptops, tablets, gaming systems, headphones, and other devices can add up quickly.

Before your student leaves, take some time to consider what they are bringing with them and whether your current policy provides adequate coverage for those items. Most policies provide coverage up to a certain value for electronics, it's important to confirm with your agent that your items will fit into this category of coverage.

It can also be helpful to keep receipts, photographs, or other documentation for valuable belongings. If you ever need to file a claim, having a record of what you own can make the process much easier. Pro tip: take a video of the dorm room once your child is all moved in! Make sure to include valuables in drawers, clothing in the closet, and anything else of substance. This can be provided as proof of ownership in the event of a claim.

What About a Car?

If your college student is taking a vehicle to school, be sure to let your insurance agent know where the vehicle will be located.

Where a vehicle is primarily kept can affect your auto insurance, and there may be other considerations depending on whether the student is attending school nearby or in another state.

If your student is leaving their vehicle at home while they are away at school, that may also be worth discussing with your agent. There may be coverage options or discounts available depending on the circumstances that could save you premium while the vehicle is not being used.

A Good Time for a Policy Review

Sending a child off to college is a major change for your household, and it can be a good opportunity to review your insurance policies.

Your insurance needs can change as children leave home, vehicles are used in different locations, and valuable belongings move from one household to another.

A quick conversation with your insurance agent can help you understand what is covered, where coverage applies, and whether any changes should be made before the school year begins.

College comes with plenty of new responsibilities. Making sure your student's insurance coverage is in order is one thing you can check off the list before they head out the door.

(207) 363-7894 | www.tapleyagency.com | 300 York St . PO Box 808 . York, Maine 03909