Heading off to college is an exciting milestone for students and their families. Whether your child is moving into a dorm, leasing an apartment, or commuting from home, now is the perfect time to review your insurance coverage. College brings new experiences—but also new risks. From laptops and bicycles to healthcare and liability, it’s important to make sure your student is properly protected. This back-to-school insurance checklist will help ensure you’ve covered the essentials.
1. Health Insurance
Health insurance is one of the most important types of coverage for college students. Accidents and illnesses can happen at any time. Make sure your child has adequate coverage, whether they’re attending college in-state or out-of-state.
If your child is under 26, they can likely stay on your family health insurance plan. However, check whether your plan has a provider network near the school. If not, you may need to explore alternatives, such as:
- Student health plans offered by the college or university
- Marketplace plans through healthcare.gov
- Medicaid, depending on the student’s income and state rules
Also, ensure your student has a copy of their insurance card and knows how to use it in the event of an emergency.
2. Renters Insurance
If your child lives off-campus in an apartment or rental house, renters’ insurance is a must. This coverage protects their personal belongings in the event of fire, theft, water damage, or other covered situations. It also includes liability coverage if they accidentally damage the property or if someone is injured while visiting.
Even if your student lives in a dorm, some renters’ policies can offer extra protection beyond what the college may cover. While homeowners’ insurance may extend limited coverage for dorm possessions, it often has a high deductible. A separate renters policy can provide broader coverage at an affordable cost—usually $10 to $20 a month.
3. Auto Insurance
If your student takes a car to school, review your auto insurance policy. Inform your insurance company about the vehicle’s new location, especially if it’s in a different state. This could affect premiums and coverage requirements.
For students who leave their car at home or won’t be driving regularly, you may be eligible for a reduced “student away at school” discount.
Also, discuss who’s allowed to drive the vehicle and whether any changes need to be made to the policy’s named drivers. Make sure coverage limits are adequate and consider adding roadside assistance for extra peace of mind.
4. Electronics and Personal Property
College students often carry expensive electronics, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and gaming devices. These items are not only costly to replace—they’re also prime targets for theft.
Verify whether your homeowners or renters’ insurance covers electronics used outside the home. If not, or if you want additional protection, consider these options:
- Scheduled personal property endorsements to cover high-value items
- Standalone electronics insurance or protection plans
- Laptop insurance offered through the school or a private company
Encourage your student to back up files regularly and use security tools like tracking apps and password protection.
5. Liability Insurance
Liability coverage is often overlooked, but it’s critical. If your student accidentally injures someone or damages property, they could be held financially responsible.
Most renters’ and homeowners’ policies include liability protection. However, if your family has significant assets or if your student is involved in higher-risk activities (like hosting parties or owning a pet), you may want to consider an umbrella policy. This provides extra liability protection beyond the limits of standard insurance.
6. Tuition Insurance
Tuition is a big investment. If your student has to withdraw from school due to a serious illness or mental health issue, you may lose thousands of dollars in non-refundable tuition, housing, or meal plan costs.
Tuition insurance can help reimburse these expenses if a covered event forces your student to leave school. It’s not for everyone, but it can offer financial protection in uncertain situations. Some colleges partner with providers to offer it directly at the time of enrollment.
7. Identity Theft Protection
College students are often targets for identity theft due to frequent use of public Wi-Fi, online banking, and credit applications. A stolen identity can lead to major financial and legal issues.
Look into identity theft protection services or see if your homeowners or renters’ insurance includes identity recovery. Encourage your student to monitor their credit, use strong passwords, and avoid sharing personal information.
Final Thoughts
As students transition into college life, having the right insurance coverage can offer both protection and peace of mind. While it might seem overwhelming, a little planning now can prevent major problems later. Review each of these areas with your student and talk to Tom Needham Insurance about any gaps in coverage. By preparing ahead, you’ll help set them up for a safe and successful school year.
Learn more about Tom Needham Insurance in Greensboro, NC.