Back-to-school season always sneaks up on us. One moment you’re shopping for notebooks and bedding for a dorm room, and the next you’re packing the car or waving as your child heads off to start a new chapter. It is an exciting time, but it is also the perfect time to pause and make sure your insurance is keeping up with the changes.
When kids move away to college, whether they are living in a dorm, sharing an off-campus apartment, or taking the car with them across state lines, your insurance policies may need a few adjustments. Here are some of the most important things to consider before move-in day.
Auto Insurance and the “Student Away” Discount
If your child is going away to school and will be more than 100 miles from home without a car, let’s talk. Many insurance companies offer a “student away” discount that lowers your premium while still keeping your child covered when they come home to visit and need to drive.
On the other hand, if your student is taking a car with them, you will want to confirm that your auto policy extends to the new location. Sometimes it is as simple as updating the garaging address, and other times it may require a separate policy. It is better to clarify this before something happens to the car parked in a college lot.
Dorm Life and Homeowners Coverage
When a student lives in a dormitory, most homeowners policies consider that a temporary residence. This means your child’s belongings, like their laptop, sports gear, or that pricey set of headphones, can be covered under your existing homeowners insurance.
However, keep in mind that your deductible still applies. If you have a $1,000 deductible and the item that is stolen is a $700 computer, you may not be filing a claim. Think about what your student is bringing with them. For some families, a dorm room is full of nothing more than clothes and a phone charger. For others, it includes expensive electronics, musical instruments, or high-end athletic equipment. A quick inventory can help you decide how important this coverage will be.
Renting Off-Campus and Renter’s Insurance
For students who are signing a lease for an apartment or house, things change significantly. A lease means responsibility, and with that comes the need for a renter’s policy. Renter’s insurance protects both personal belongings and liability.
Liability coverage matters more than many families realize. If your child has a guest over who trips on the stairs, if a kitchen fire damages the unit, or if their dog bites a visitor, a renter’s policy helps protect them. This protection is specific to your child, so even if they are sharing a space with friends, each person should have their own policy. Your student’s roommate’s insurance will not cover your student’s things or their liability.
Personal Liability Follows the Person
One of the most valuable parts of a homeowners or renter’s policy is personal liability coverage. Unlike premises liability, which is tied to a physical property location, personal liability follows the person. That means if your child injures someone while playing sports, accidentally damages property while away from home, or even gets involved in a situation where someone decides to sue, your policy can provide legal defense and coverage.
It is a layer of protection that goes wherever they go, which is especially reassuring when young adults are experiencing their first real independence.
Pets and Special Considerations
Pets can complicate things. If your student is taking a dog, cat, or even something less common like a ferret or lizard, you need to understand how your policy treats animal liability. Some companies exclude certain breeds of dogs entirely, while others may exclude all animals. Service animals are usually an exception, but it is worth asking about the fine print.
Consider not only your own child’s pet, but also the pets of their roommates or frequent visitors. If someone’s dog bites a guest in the apartment, the lawsuits tend to name everyone even loosely connected. Do not assume that because you don’t own the pet, you have no exposure.
A Quick Back-to-School Insurance Checklist
- Call us if your student is more than 100 miles away to ask about auto discounts, or if they are bringing the car with them.
- Review what belongings your student is bringing to the dorm and how they line up with your homeowners deductible.
- Get a renter’s policy if your child signs a lease, no matter how many roommates are involved.
- Understand the difference between premises liability and personal liability, and how coverage follows your child.
- Ask about pet exclusions if your student has a dog, or even if one is just part of their new household.
Final Thoughts
Sending your child off to school comes with enough emotions and logistics without adding insurance surprises to the mix. A fifteen-minute conversation with us can make sure your family has the right protections in place. Every situation is unique, so it is always best to talk through your specific needs rather than assuming coverage applies automatically.
With the right planning, you can head into this school year confident that your student is protected, leaving you free to focus on what really matters: cheering them on as they learn, grow, and take the next big steps in life.
