By now, their dorm room is set up, their class schedule is finalized, and everyone has settled into a new routine. You’ve covered tuition, textbooks, meal plans and the biggest nagging worry is whether your student is actually doing laundry.
But there’s one thing that may have been overlooked in the rush of getting them settled: insurance.
If your college student is living away from home, now is a good time to take a few minutes to understand how your homeowners insurance applies to them—and whether there are any gaps worth addressing.
The good news? Your student may already have some protection through your homeowners policy. The important part is understanding how much coverage they have, what limitations may apply and whether additional coverage makes sense.
Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover My Student at College?
Often, yes—but there can be limitations.
Many homeowners insurance policies provide some coverage for a dependent child’s personal property while they’re away at college. However, belongings kept away from the insured home, including items in a dorm room, may be subject to a lower limit than the personal property coverage available at home.
For example, some policies may limit coverage for property kept away from the primary residence to 10% of the policy’s personal property limit. If your policy provides $50,000 in personal property coverage, that could mean a $5,000 limit for covered belongings at school.
Students who remain eligible dependents may also have personal liability coverage under their parents’ homeowners policy. But the details can vary by policy and by living arrangement.
Now That They’re Settled In, Take a Look Around
Here’s an easy way to approach the conversation: think about what your student actually took with them.
Their laptop. Their phone. Maybe a tablet, bicycle, gaming system, TV, camera, musical instrument, or other expensive belongings.
Add it all up.
Would you know what those items are worth? Would you know whether your homeowners policy provides enough coverage for them while they’re away at school?
And if something were stolen or damaged tomorrow, would you know what to do?
Don’t wait for something to go wrong to find out.
What If Your Student Doesn’t Live in a Dorm?
The living arrangement matters.
A student living in an on-campus dorm may be treated differently under a homeowners policy than a student who rents an apartment off campus. Living in a fraternity or sorority house or another type of residence may also affect how coverage applies.
So if your student has already moved off campus—or is planning to later this school year—don’t assume the coverage that applied to their dorm room will automatically follow them.
That’s a great reason to call your insurance agent now.
College is About Independence. Insurance Can Help Protect It.
Take a few minutes to review your student’s situation with your Deeley insurance advisor and Be Sure you understand what coverage is in place, what limitations may apply and whether anything has changed since your student left home. We’re here to answer these, and all your insurance questions!
Reach out to review your student’s coverage and talk through the options that may make sense for your family. Call or text the friendly experts at Deeley Insurance Group today at 410.213.5600.
