Central Insurance Blog

Heading off to college is an exciting milestone—new freedom, new responsibilities, and often, a new city or state to call home. But while you’re shopping for dorm supplies or scheduling a campus tour, there’s one essential item that shouldn’t be overlooked: insurance.

From protecting their belongings in a dorm room to preparing for what to do after a fender bender, making sure your student is properly covered can provide peace of mind during an otherwise stressful transition. 

Here’s a look at some of the key coverages every college student (and their parents) should consider.

1. Homeowners or Renters Coverage

Whether your child is staying in a dorm, apartment, or off-campus house, it’s important to understand how their belongings are protected.

• Living in a dorm? Many homeowners policies will extend personal property coverage to a student as defined in your policy (enrolled in school full time who was a resident of your household before moving out to attend school and under the age of 24 and your relative or under the age of 21 and in your care or the care of a resident of your household who is your relative) living on campus, usually up to 10% of the policy’s personal property limit. For example, if your home has $100,000 in personal property coverage, up to $10,000 may apply to dorm belongings.
  
• Living off-campus? Many homeowners policies will extend personal property coverage to a student living off campus, usually up to 10% of the policy’s personal property limit. For example, if your home has $100,000 in personal property coverage, up to $10,000 may apply to off-campus housing belongings.

Please Note: Many policies specifically define what a “student” is, so be sure to read your policy carefully.

• Don’t rely on the landlord’s policy. If your student is renting, make sure they understand that their landlord’s insurance likely covers the building—not their belongings. Renters insurance is an affordable way to protect personal property like laptops, bikes, or furniture in case of theft, fire, or water damage.

Pro Tip: Be sure to take a household inventory before your student leaves. It’ll make things easier if you ever need to file a claim.

2. Auto Insurance

If your student is taking a car to school—or even just driving one occasionally—they need the right coverage in place.

• Staying on your policy: Students who still consider your home their permanent residence can usually stay on your personal auto policy, even if they attend school out of state. Just make sure your insurer knows where the car will be kept.
  
• Discounts may apply: Ask your agent about good student discounts or reduced rates if your child is away at school without a car.
  
• Accident awareness: It’s just as important to prepare them for what to do in case of an accident. Make sure they know to stay calm, call 911, gather information from all parties involved, and notify your insurance company promptly.
  

3. Identity Theft Protection

College students are especially vulnerable to identity theft—often because they’re new to managing their finances and may not be checking their credit regularly.

• From online shopping to public Wi-Fi and social media use, students face many risks that could expose their personal data.
  
• Look into adding cyber protection to your homeowners or renters policy. It’s a low-cost endorsement that can provide credit monitoring, fraud resolution assistance, and reimbursement for costs associated with restoring their identity.

4. Liability Coverage

Accidents happen, especially in shared spaces like dorms or college apartments.

• If your student accidentally causes damage to their unit (or someone else’s property), they could be held financially responsible.
  
• Personal liability coverage, typically included in homeowners or renters policies, can help cover legal costs or damages if your student is found liable for an accident.

Insurance Is One Lesson You Don’t Want Them to Learn the Hard Way

College is a time of growth and independence, but that doesn’t mean students should go unprotected. Ensuring they have the right insurance coverage in place is one of the best ways to set them up for success (and save yourself a few headaches down the line).

Take the Next Step

Connect with your Central agent today to review your current policies and see if your student’s situation is fully covered. Whether you need a renters policy, want to add identity theft protection, or just have questions about student coverage, we’re here to help.