It’s that time of year when parents are sending kids back to school. You may think that the days of the back-to-school checklists are over once you have a college student, but often times there is even more to do!
Getting a student ready for college comes with a long to-do list. Between dorm shopping, move-in day, and helping them prepare for life away from home, insurance is easy to overlook. But before they head to campus, it’s worth taking a few minutes to review your coverage.
Review Your Auto Insurance
If your student is taking a vehicle to school, let your insurance company know. A new address, different commute, or even another state can affect your policy. If the car is staying home, ask whether your carrier offers a student away at school discount.
While you’re reviewing your policy, check for good student discounts and remind your student that lending their vehicle to friends or roommates could create unexpected coverage issues if there’s an accident.
Make Sure Their Belongings Are Protected
Many homeowners policies provide some coverage for belongings in a dorm room, but limits and exclusions vary. Before move-in day, think about everything your student is taking with them, especially expensive items like laptops, tablets, and cameras.
If your student is living off campus, renters insurance is often the better choice. It can help protect personal belongings and provide liability coverage if an accident happens in the apartment.
Review Health Insurance Coverage
Before your student leaves home, make sure you understand how your health insurance works near campus. Check whether nearby doctors and hospitals are in your network, how prescriptions will be filled, and whether the school’s health plan is worth considering.
Most young adults can remain on a parent’s health insurance until age 26, but depending on your family’s situation, another option may make more sense.
Don’t Forget Cyber Protection
College students are frequent targets for phishing scams and identity theft. Ask your insurance agent whether your policy includes identity theft or cyber protection, and encourage your student to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to help keep their information secure.
One Last Item Before Move-In
Every family’s insurance needs are different, and college is a good time to make sure your coverage still fits your situation. A quick review now can help avoid surprises later. If you have questions about your policies or need to make updates before move-in day, we’re here to help.
Updated July 27, 2026
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