student coverages

As students head off to college, it's vital for parents to review their insurance coverage—beyond packing dorm essentials—to ensure students’ belongings and liability remain protected.

Many homeowners insurance policies extend personal property protection to full-time students under age 25, but the level of coverage can vary significantly. Some policies treat a campus residence as a secondary home and offer coverage up to a specified percentage—often around 10%—of the home’s personal property limit (e.g., $7,500 out of a $75,000 limit).

Other policies provide broader protection by including the student’s possessions and liability as part of the existing personal property limit without a defined percentage, offering more seamless coverage.

Alternatively, families may consider taking out a separate renter’s insurance policy in the student’s name—especially if the student will live off-campus or otherwise maintain a residence away from home for most of the year. Renter’s policies typically include liability protection but could be more costly, and roommates may each need their own policy.

If your student will have a car at college, make sure to notify your insurance agent and update the “garaging address” to reflect the school location. Even if they won’t drive year-round, their change in residency status could affect your policy’s premiums—potentially reducing costs in some cases.

In short, whether through adjustments to your family’s homeowner policy or by securing a separate renter’s policy, reviewing coverage now—and consulting with your independent agent—can provide peace of mind and proper protection while your student is away at school.