Is your recent high school graduate leaving for college this fall? Every year, countless students leave home to attend college – many of them living on their own for the first time. The Higher Educational Research Institute at UCLA reports that while some will attend school locally such as Washburn University, or Baker University, nearly 2 in 3 students who pursue higher education choose to do so at a school more than 50 miles from home. Most of them take their vehicles with them to school and live in campus housing or an off-campus apartment. While the many college students are concerned with packing the essentials, one of the most important things a parent can send a child to school with is the peace of mind that comes with knowing the student is fully insured against unexpected circumstances that may arise while away from home. Find out more about the insurance options for the college-bound student.
Personal Property Insurance for College Students
In the past, college students spent their time scouring textbooks and scribbling down notes in class. Today, technology rules most campuses, with students toting around laptops, tablets, smartphones, advanced calculators, and more. Combined with other personal belongings, such as clothing, a TV, a bike or a mini-refrigerator, it is easy to see how the value of a student’s campus possessions could total thousands of dollars. In most cases, a parent’s homeowner’s insurance will pay for a full-time student’s covered losses while living on a college campus. However, that coverage is typically limited and is often capped somewhere close to $10,000 for the average, middle-class family. Keep in mind that a parent’s homeowner’s coverage does not always extend to off-campus housing or part-time students.
Other Insurance for College Students
If your student is driving a personal vehicle to college, his or her car should already be insured. In most cases, coverage will follow a student who is away at school, though the policy should be updated to include accurate garage location information and to ensure the coverage is in compliance with the local minimum liability requirements. If your student plans to leave the car at home, however, you may qualify for a “student away” discount.
Your child will also need adequate health insurance – something required both by law and by most major colleges and universities. The Affordable Care Act allows your child to remain on a parent’s health plan until age 26. It is important, however, to ensure your child has access to your provider network while away at school, as some health insurance plans have limited coverage in certain areas. In these cases, it may be time to seek out an individual policy or otherwise examine your own personal health coverage.
Get a No-Obligation, Free College Insurance Assessment and Quote Today
Do not let your child go off to college without knowing you are fully protected against the unexpected. The insurance needs of college kids can vary significantly from student to student. Don’t let your family suffer the effects of preventable insurance mistakes. Insurance for students can be very affordable and easy to acquire. For more information or to request your free quote, contact our office to speak with one of our helpful agents today and find out if your student may experience coverage gaps while away at school. Thank you for choosing us for your college insurance needs. We look forward to serving you soon.
