Packing up and policy updates: Renter’s insurance for students

When your child heads off to college or university, the to-do list can feel endless. Tuition, textbooks, dorm essentials and possibly a new laptop are just the beginning. One item that often gets overlooked is renter’s insurance for students. As a parent, you'll want to make sure your child's belongings and liability are adequately protected while they're away from home.

In this article, you’ll learn how student housing affects insurance coverage, what risks to be aware of, and how renters’ insurance can offer peace of mind. 

Does your home insurance cover students living away from home?

In many cases, yes. Some insurers consider students “temporary residents,” which means their belongings and liability could still fall under your existing home insurance policy if their primary address remains the same as yours.

• Age matters: Many home insurance policies extend coverage to dependents under 21 who are temporarily away at school.
• Address matters too: Coverage typically applies only if your child’s permanent address is still the one listed on your home policy. If that changes, separate coverage may be required.
• Coverage limits: Even if your child is covered, limits are often lower for students. For example, a policy might cap belongings coverage at $10,000—an amount that may not go far once you add up electronics, clothing, and furniture.

It’s a good idea to call your insurance representative to review the specifics of your policy before your child moves out.

On-campus housing vs. off-campus rentals

Where your child lives during the school year can make a big difference in their insurance coverage:

• Dorms and residence halls: Some insurers do not offer tenant’s packages (also called renter’s insurance) for on-campus housing, meaning high-value items like laptops or gaming systems might not be fully insured. Certain universities require proof of insurance before move-in, while others may include coverage in residence fees. 
• Off-campus rentals: If your child is renting an apartment or house, tenant’s insurance for students is strongly recommended. It protects belongings and provides liability coverage in case someone is injured in the unit, or your child accidentally causes damage.

Why renter’s insurance matters for students

Even the most responsible student can’t control everything. Renter’s insurance provides peace of mind by covering:

• Personal property: Protection against theft or damage to items like laptops, phones, bicycles, furniture, and clothing.
• Liability coverage: If a visitor slips, falls, or damages property during a gathering, liability coverage can help cover related costs.
• Additional living expenses: If a fire or flood forces your child out of their unit, renter’s insurance can help cover hotels, meals, and other temporary living costs.

To make sure your student is fully protected, consider these additional tips:

• Scheduled personal property: For high-value items like musical instruments, jewelry, or specialized tech, ask about adding scheduled coverage.
• Identity theft protection: Some renter’s insurance policies offer this as an add-on, which can be useful for students managing finances and personal data online.
• Digital inventory: Encourage your child to create a digital inventory of their belongings using apps or cloud storage. Photos, receipts, and serial numbers can simplify claims and help determine coverage needs.
• Understand deductibles: A lower premium might come with a higher deductible. Make sure your student knows what they’d need to pay out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in.
• Coverage while traveling: Some policies offer limited protection for personal property while traveling, helpful for students on study abroad trips or holidays.

Don’t forget about roommates

If your child has roommates, make sure each person has their own renter’s insurance policy. Otherwise, your family could be held responsible for damage caused by someone else, even if your child wasn’t there when it happened. Encouraging roommates to secure their own policies can prevent conflicts and unwelcome surprises later.

How much does renters' insurance cost?

The good news is that renters' insurance is usually very affordable. Premiums depend on the amount of coverage required, but policies for students are typically budget-friendly. Many insurers also offer discounts if you bundle policies, such as combining a renter’s policy with your auto or home insurance.

Insurance to-dos for back-to-school season

Set your student up for success by checking off these essential insurance steps before they head to campus:

1. Review your home insurance policy. Confirm if your child’s belongings are covered while away and check for limits or exclusions.
2. Notify your insurer. Let them know your child is temporarily away from home.
3. Evaluate high-value items. Ask about additional coverage for laptops, bikes, or electronics if limits are low.
4. Consider renter’s insurance. If your child is over 21, renting off-campus, or coverage limits aren’t enough, a renter’s policy may be the safest choice.
5. Talk to your child. Encourage them to keep receipts for valuable items along with a digital inventory, lock doors and understand what’s covered.

Insurance coverage that moves with your student

Sending your child off to post-secondary school is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with new responsibilities, both for them and for you. Making sure their belongings and liability are protected will give you peace of mind and help them focus on what matters most: their education.

At Orbit Insurance Services, we make it easy to navigate insurance for students away from home. Whether your family needs to update a home policy or set up a renter’s insurance plan, our brokers are here to guide you every step of the way.

Request a free home insurance or renter’s insurance quote from Orbit today and ensure your child is covered before move-in day.

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