AAA recommends that all college students who will not be living at home while they matriculate create a dorm inventory. (Credit: Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

College move-in days are commencing across the country, which means parents may feel a bit overwhelmed between tuition payments, stocking dorm rooms and saying their goodbyes. While it may not be as exciting or visible as picking out the perfect room décor, however, insurance is one of the most important college considerations that parents can overlook.

If a student lives on campus, it is likely their parents' homeowners or renters policy will cover their belongings from perils like theft, vandalism and natural disasters. However, most policies cap the student’s coverage at 10% of the policy’s total personal property limits. This means that any expensive items like computers or other electronics may require additional coverage in the form of a personal property floater or policy endorsement.

Any particularly valuable items that aren’t necessary for school or daily life should be left at home when students go back to class.

If the student lives off-campus, purchasing renters’ insurance is imperative to protect not only their possessions but also to provide liability coverage in the event someone is accidentally injured on the property.

AAA recommends that all college students who will not be living at home while they matriculate create a dorm inventory. This involves listing all of the items they intend to bring with them, along with their approximate value. Having an up-to-date inventory of possessions is useful both while deciding which insurance coverage is best, and in the event the student experiences a loss and needs to file a claim.

When it comes to auto coverage, most student vehicles remain covered on their parents’ policies when they head to school. However, these rules can change if the student is going to an out-of-state school, so it is best to check with an insurance agent to ensure the coverage will follow the student.

For many students, going off to college will be the first time they are responsible for the upkeep, safety and maintenance of their vehicle, so it is imperative parents prepare them for what they will need to do to keep things running smoothly.

AAA recommends parents share the following auto care and safety tips with their students to prevent unnecessary risks:

  • Check and maintain the car’s tires by checking the pressure once a month with a tire gauge.
  • Maintain a regular maintenance schedule, including oil changes, filter replacements, batteries and brakes.
  • Identify the nearest repair shop to where the student is living so they are prepared if they need work done to the vehicle.
  • Prepare for emergencies and breakdowns by creating a roadside emergency kit. This should include things like a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, a first aid kit, bottled water, rags or paper towels, a tire gauge, a blanket, non-perishable food and basic hand tools.

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