Sending Your Child to College? Here’s the Insurance Guide Every Parent Needs

It’s an exciting time to send your child to college, but it’s also a period filled with questions and, sometimes, anxiety—especially when it comes to protecting your child’s belongings and financial future.

You might be wondering:

• Is my child’s laptop covered if it’s stolen from their dorm?

• What happens if they accidentally damage school property or someone else’s belongings?

• Do we need to change our auto insurance if they take a car to campus?

• Are there special policies just for college students?

• What’s the real risk of theft or loss at college?

Let’s walk through everything you need to know, with real statistics, practical advice, and some insider tips you won’t find in the generic brochures.

The Real Risks: What Do the Numbers Say?

Before we dive into insurance specifics, it’s important to understand the environment your child is entering. College campuses are vibrant communities, but they’re not immune to crime or accidents.

Campus Crime by the Numbers:According to the U.S. Department of Education’s 2021 Campus Safety and Security Survey:

• Over 23,000 crimes were reported on college campuses, including burglary, theft, and vehicle-related incidents.

• Burglaries and thefts remain the most common property crimes, with thousands of laptops, bikes, and electronics reported stolen annually.

• Motor vehicle theft is a growing concern, especially at large universities and urban campuses.

These numbers aren’t meant to scare you, but to highlight that loss and liability are real possibilities. Insurance is your safety net, and knowing how to use it wisely can save you thousands of dollars—and a lot of heartache.

Are Your Child’s Belongings Covered at College?

Dorm Life and Your Homeowners Policy

If your student is living in a college-owned dormitory, there’s some good news: most standard homeowners insurance policies will extend a portion of your personal property coverage to your child’s belongings while they’re away at school. This is often referred to as “off-premises” coverage.

How much is covered? Typically, it’s 10% of your total personal property limit. So, if your policy covers $100,000 in personal property at home, your student would have $10,000 of coverage for their stuff at college. This is usually enough for most students, but if your child is bringing expensive electronics, musical instruments, or other high-value items, you’ll want to double-check those limits.

What’s NOT covered?

• Losses due to misplacement (losing a laptop isn’t the same as having it stolen).

• Some policies exclude certain types of property, like cash, jewelry, or collectibles, or have very low limits for them.

• Damage caused by “accidents” (like dropping a laptop or spilling coffee on it) is rarely covered.

Off-Campus Apartments: A Different Story

If your student is moving off-campus into an apartment or rental house, your homeowners policy likely won’t cover their belongings at all. This is where a renters insurance policy comes in. Renters insurance is affordable—often less than $20/month—and can provide:

• Coverage for personal property (theft, fire, vandalism, and some types of water damage)

• Personal liability protection (more on this below)

• Additional living expenses if the rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss

Pro Tip: Many landlords now require proof of renters insurance before signing a lease. Even if it’s not required, it’s a smart investment.

Special Items: Laptops, Bikes, and More

College students often bring high-value items that are especially vulnerable to theft or damage. Here’s how to make sure they’re protected:

Electronics (Laptops, Tablets, Phones)

These are the most commonly stolen items on campus.

• Homeowners/renters insurance: Covered for theft, but subject to your deductible (often $500 or more).

• Specialty policies: Consider a separate electronics policy or a “scheduled personal property” endorsement for high-value devices. These can cover accidental damage and may have lower deductibles.

Bicycles

Bikes are a favorite target for thieves, especially on large campuses.

• Covered under personal property: But again, check your deductible and policy limits.

• Bike-specific insurance: Some companies offer standalone bike policies with low deductibles and coverage for accidents and theft.

Musical Instruments, Jewelry, and Other Valuables

If your child is a musician or brings expensive jewelry, standard policies may not provide enough coverage.

• Ask your agent about “scheduling” these items for their appraised value.

• Scheduled property is covered for more risks (including accidental loss) and often has no deductible.

Liability: What Happens If Your Student Causes Damage or Injury?

Liability coverage is one of the most overlooked (but important) aspects of insurance for college students. Here’s why:

Personal Liability in Dorms and Apartments

If your child accidentally starts a fire in their dorm kitchen, or a friend slips and falls in their apartment, your family could be held financially responsible for medical bills or property damage.

• Homeowners policies: Usually extend liability coverage to students living in dorms.

• Renters insurance: Provides liability protection for off-campus residents.

Coverage typically includes:

• Legal defense costs if your child is sued

• Payments for injuries or property damage caused by negligence

What’s not covered?

• Intentional acts (vandalism, fighting, etc.)

• Business activities (running a business out of the dorm/apartment)

Real-World Example

A client’s son accidentally overflowed a bathtub in his dorm, causing water damage to several rooms below. The parents’ homeowners policy covered the damages, saving them thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Auto Insurance: Is Your Student’s Car Covered at College?

Car Stays Home

If your student isn’t taking a car to school and the college is more than 100 miles away, let your insurance company know. Many insurers offer a “student away at school” discount, which can lower your premium by 10-30%, since the car is being driven less.

Car Goes to Campus

If your student is taking a car to school, you’ll need to update the “garaging address” on your auto policy to reflect the college location. This can affect your rates—sometimes up, sometimes down—depending on the area’s risk factors.

Important tips:

• Make sure your student is listed as a driver on your policy.

• If they’re taking a family car, keep the title and registration in your name for easier coverage.

• Ask about “good student” discounts—many insurers reward students with a B average or better.

Parking Risks

Campus parking lots are notorious for fender-benders, theft, and vandalism.

• Comprehensive and collision coverage: Protect against these risks, but check your deductible.

• If your child is only carrying liability coverage (the minimum required by law), their own car won’t be covered for damage or theft.

Are There Special Insurance Products for College Students?

You may have heard about “college student insurance” or “dorm insurance.” These are specialty policies designed specifically for the needs of students. They can be a great supplement (or alternative) to traditional homeowners or renters insurance.

What Makes College Student Insurance Different?

• Low deductibles: As little as $25, compared to $500+ for standard policies.

• Covers accidental damage: Dropped laptops, spilled drinks, etc.

• Worldwide coverage: Protects belongings even when traveling or studying abroad.

• Identity theft protection: Some policies include reimbursement for expenses related to identity theft or cybercrime.

Who Should Consider It?

• Students with expensive electronics or musical instruments

• Those studying abroad or traveling frequently

• Students who want coverage for accidental damage

Popular providers include Gallagher, NSSI (National Student Services, Inc.), and College Student Insurance.

What About Health Insurance?

While not the main focus of this article, don’t overlook your student’s health coverage.

• Most students can stay on a parent’s plan until age 26.

• Many colleges require proof of health insurance or offer their own student health plans.

• Review coverage networks—especially if your child is attending school out of state.

Practical Steps: Preparing for College Insurance Needs

Here’s a checklist I share with every family sending a student off to college:

1. Take Inventory

Before your child leaves, walk through what they’re bringing. Make a list (with photos or video) of electronics, valuables, and other important items. Keep receipts if possible.

2. Review Your Policies

Sit down with your insurance agent (or give us a call!) to review your homeowners, auto, and umbrella policies. Ask specifically about:

• Off-premises personal property limits

• Liability coverage for students

• Exclusions for certain types of property or losses

3. Consider Renters or Student Insurance

If your child is living off-campus or bringing high-value items, compare renters insurance and specialty student policies. Make sure the policy covers both theft and accidental damage.

4. Update Auto Insurance

Notify your insurer if your child is taking a car to school, or if they’ll be more than 100 miles away without a car. Ask about discounts!

5. Educate Your Student

Insurance is only useful if your child knows how to use it. Teach them to:

• Lock doors and windows

• Never leave valuables unattended

• Know what to do if something is stolen (file a police report, contact insurance)

• Understand liability risks (no wild parties, please!)

6. Revisit Coverage Annually

Circumstances change—your student might move off-campus, study abroad, or acquire new valuables. Review your insurance every year to make sure it still fits.

Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind for an Exciting New Chapter

Sending your child to college is a proud moment, but it comes with new responsibilities. The right insurance coverage can provide peace of mind, letting your student focus on learning and growing without worrying about financial setbacks from theft, accidents, or liability.

If you have questions or want a personalized review of your family’s coverage, reach out to your insurance agent. We’re here to help you navigate this transition and make sure your student is protected—no matter where their college journey takes them.

Wishing your family a safe, successful, and well-insured college experience!