Sending your child off to college is an exciting milestone filled with new experiences and challenges, but it can also come with concerns—especially about protecting their belongings.

From laptops and textbooks to furniture and other personal items, your college student is likely taking valuable possessions to school, and it’s important to ensure they are protected. As an experienced insurance agency serving Annapolis and Frederick, MD, Lindquist Insurance can give you peace of mind with practical advice on safeguarding your student’s belongings while they are away at college.

1. Check Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Review your current homeowner's insurance policy. In most cases, a child’s belongings are covered under your existing policy, even when they are living in a dorm or off-campus housing. Most homeowners' policies extend coverage for personal property away from home, including items your college student brings with them to school.

However, this coverage has limitations. Personal belongings typically cover perils like fire, theft, or vandalism; however, coverage may only be a percentage of the total personal property coverage on your homeowner's policy. For example, if your policy has $100,000 in personal property coverage, it may only extend $10,000 to $20,000 for items your child brings to college.

So, verify the coverage limits and whether items like electronics, bicycles, or expensive sports equipment are adequately covered. If you feel insufficient coverage, speak with your insurance agent to discuss increasing the limits or exploring additional coverage options.

2. Consider Renters Insurance for Off-Campus Housing

If your student is moving into off-campus housing, such as an apartment or house, renters' insurance is an excellent option to protect their belongings. Renters insurance covers personal property for theft, fire, or other covered perils but also provides liability protection and coverage for living expenses in case the rented space becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss (such as a fire or major water damage).

Renters insurance is typically affordable and can be tailored to your child’s needs. Consider how much personal property your students will have with them and what level of coverage makes sense. A laptop, smartphone, textbooks, clothing, and furniture can quickly add up in value, so renters insurance is a wise investment.

Have your student keep an inventory of their belongings, including receipts and photos of high-value items, to make the claims process easier should they need to file one.

3. Protecting Expensive Electronics

Electronics, like laptops, tablets, and smartphones, are among the most expensive and essential items college students bring to school. These devices are critical for completing coursework, staying connected with family, and managing daily life, so they are well-protected.

While many homeowner's and renters' insurance policies cover electronics, they may come with deductibles or coverage limits that don't fully replace lost or damaged devices. If your student’s electronics are especially valuable, consider adding an endorsement to your existing policy to provide extra coverage for specific high-value items like laptops or cameras. These add-ons usually offer broader protection against accidents, such as drops or spills, which are common in the college environment.

Another option is to invest in device protection plans or warranty coverage through the manufacturer or retailer where the electronics were purchased. These plans can cover mechanical issues, accidental damage, and other problems not typically covered by homeowners' or renters' insurance.

4. Educate Your Student on Safety Precautions

While insurance provides financial protection in case of theft or damage, taking preventative measures can go a long way in protecting your college student’s belongings. Educate your student on simple steps they can take to keep their possessions safe:

• Lock doors and windows: Whether living in a dorm or off-campus, remind your student to always lock their doors and windows, even if they are just stepping out for a short time. Dorm rooms and shared living spaces are easy targets for theft.
• Use a laptop lock: Laptop locks are inexpensive and can deter thieves. Encourage your students to use one when studying in public places like libraries or cafes.
• Store valuables securely: If your student has jewelry or cash, buy them a small safe for their dorm room or apartment to keep those items secure.
• Don’t advertise expensive items: Many students post about their college experiences on social media. Ask your child to avoid advertising new items online, like laptops or gaming consoles, as it can attract unwanted attention from thieves.

5. Car Insurance Considerations for College Students

If your college student will be taking a car with them to school, don’t forget to review your car insurance policy. Depending on whether they are attending school in-state or out-of-state, you may need to adjust your coverage or notify your insurer of the vehicle's new primary location. This can impact your premium, especially if your student is moving to an area with higher or lower traffic density, accident rates, or crime rates.

Additionally, make sure your student understands the basics of maintaining insurance and driving safely. Even if they are an experienced driver, college campuses and surrounding areas present new challenges, such as busy pedestrian traffic, unfamiliar roads, and parking issues. Review your policy to ensure it provides adequate protection for both the vehicle and your student.

6. Personal Liability Coverage

This coverage protects your student if they are found liable for causing injury to someone else or damaging someone else’s property. For example, if a visitor slips and falls in their dorm or apartment, personal liability coverage can help cover medical expenses or legal fees.

Having this added protection is important, especially in shared living environments where accidents can happen. Make sure your student understands the importance of liability coverage and how it can protect them from financial responsibility in the event of an accident.

Sending your child off to college is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. By ensuring your college student’s belongings are properly protected through homeowners or renters insurance, reinforcing safety habits, and taking extra precautions with expensive electronics, you can give yourself peace of mind while they embark on their academic journey.

At Lindquist Insurance, serving Annapolis and Frederick, MD, we can help you with the homeowners and renters insurance that your family needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you protect your child’s property and liability while at college. Call (301) 694-0008 to speak to our experienced and licensed insurance agents for a consultation and quote. 

We serve the Annapolis, MD, and Frederick, MD areas. 

*** For more information on homeowner’s coverage, visit the State of Maryland website.