The dorm room is packed. The mini fridge somehow fit in the car. You made three trips to Target for things you didn't know they needed. And after one last hug, your college student is officially on their own.
Whether they're heading to Ohio State, Ohio University, Miami University, the University of Cincinnati, Kent State, Bowling Green or somewhere farther from home, there's one thing most families probably didn't discuss during move-in:
What happens to their insurance when they leave for college?
At Lew Griffin Insurance Group, this is a conversation we have with families every year. And like a lot of insurance questions, the answer is:
It depends.
Here are a few things parents should check.
- Are Their Belongings in the Dorm Covered?
Your student's laptop, TV, clothes, furniture, gaming system, bike and other belongings can add up quickly.
If your child lives in a college-owned dorm, some of their personal property may be covered under the parents' homeowners policy, subject to the terms, limits and deductible of the policy.
But don't assume everything is automatically covered.
Ask your agent:
- How much coverage extends to a student living away at school?
- What is the deductible?
- Are there special limits for electronics, jewelry or other valuable items?
- Would theft from a dorm room be covered?
A five-minute conversation before something happens can eliminate a lot of surprises afterward.
- What If They're Living in an Apartment?
This is where things can change.
If your student moves into an off-campus apartment or house, renters insurance may be appropriate or required by the landlord.
Renters insurance isn't just about replacing a stolen laptop or damaged furniture. It can also provide liability protection if your student accidentally causes damage or someone is injured in their apartment.
And remember: your student's landlord's insurance generally protects the building—not your student's belongings.
- “But My Roommate Has Renters Insurance.”
Great—for the roommate.
A roommate's policy generally doesn't automatically protect your child's belongings or liability.
If four students share an apartment near Ohio State and a kitchen fire damages everyone's belongings, each student's insurance situation can be different.
That's why every student—and their parents—should understand exactly whose property and liability are actually covered.
- What About Their Car?
This is one families sometimes overlook.
Maybe your student is taking their car to Cincinnati.
Maybe they're leaving it at home while attending Ohio University.
Or maybe they're going several hours away and will only drive when they're home for Thanksgiving, Christmas and summer.
Don't simply remove your college student or their vehicle from your auto policy because they're away at school.
Where the vehicle is kept, how often your student drives and whether they have regular access to another vehicle can all matter.
There may also be discounts available for students who attend school a certain distance from home without taking a vehicle, depending on the insurance carrier.
Talk with your agent before making changes.
- Don't Forget the Expensive Stuff
Today's college student can easily have thousands of dollars of technology with them:
- Laptop
- Tablet
- Smartphone
- Smartwatch
- Gaming system
- Television
- Camera
- Bicycle or e-bike
Know what your policy covers—and whether certain valuable items need additional protection.
Take photos, save receipts when possible and keep a basic inventory. You'll be glad you did if something is stolen or damaged.
The College Insurance Checkup Most Families Forget
Sending a child to college changes a lot of things.
It can also change your family's insurance needs.
Before—or even after—you finish moving them in, give your insurance agent a call and explain the situation:
Where are they going to school? Are they in a dorm or apartment? Are they taking a car? What valuables are going with them?
Those few questions can uncover gaps you didn't know existed.
At Lew Griffin Insurance Group, we believe insurance shouldn't be something you discover you misunderstood after a loss.
After all, your insurance is only as good as your agent.
Lew Griffin Insurance Group
Gahanna & Baltimore, Ohio
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