Is Your College Student Properly Insured?

Heading off to college is an exciting milestone for both students and parents. Between shopping for dorm essentials, finalizing schedules, and preparing for move in day, insurance probably isn’t at the top of your checklist.

However, taking a few minutes to review your insurance coverage before your student leaves for campus can save you from costly surprises later.

Here are four important areas every family should review before the school year begins.

1. Is Their Personal Property Covered?

Today’s college students often bring thousands of dollars’ worth of belongings to school, including:

• Laptop computers
• Tablets
• Smartphones
• Gaming systems
• Televisions
• Bicycles
• Musical instruments
• Jewelry

If your student is living in a dorm, many homeowners insurance policies provide limited coverage for personal belongings away from home. Coverage limits and deductibles vary, so it’s important to understand exactly what your policy covers.

2. Moving Off Campus? Renters Insurance Is Worth Considering.

If your student will be living in an apartment or rental house, renters insurance can provide valuable protection.

A renters policy may help cover:

• Personal belongings damaged by covered events
• Theft
• Liability if someone is injured in the apartment
• Additional living expenses after certain covered losses

Many renters insurance policies are surprisingly affordable and can provide important peace of mind.

3. Taking a Car to College?

If your student is bringing a vehicle to campus, make sure your auto insurance reflects where the vehicle will primarily be located.

You should also ask about available discounts, including:

• Good Student Discounts
• Multi Vehicle Discounts
• Safe Driver Programs
• Telematics Programs that reward safe driving habits

Updating your policy before your student leaves can help ensure proper coverage and avoid unexpected issues.

4. Review Liability Protection

College students are becoming more independent, which means they may also face situations where liability coverage becomes important.

Whether it’s an accident involving a bicycle, damage to someone else’s property, or an unexpected incident while living off campus, reviewing your family’s liability protection is a smart step before the semester begins.

Don’t Wait Until Something Happens

Every family’s situation is different, and insurance needs can change as students move from living at home to dorms or off campus housing.

Before your student heads back to school, take a few minutes to review your homeowners, renters, and auto insurance policies. It’s a simple conversation that can help ensure your family has the protection it needs throughout the school year.

At Kelly Insurance, we’re always happy to answer your questions and help you understand your coverage, so you can focus on celebrating this exciting new chapter with confidence.

Safe travels, have a great semester, and good luck to all the students heading back to school!