As back-to-school season ramps up, many parents are helping their college-aged kids move into dorms, apartments, or off-campus housing. Amid the checklists of bedding, textbooks, and meal plans, one important item is often overlooked: renters’ insurance.
If your student is moving into their first college apartment this fall, now is the perfect time to make sure they’re protected.
Why Renters Insurance Matters for College Students
Many parents assume their homeowner’s insurance will cover their child’s belongings while they’re away at school. While this may be partially true for students living in campus housing, most policies offer limited or no coverage once your student moves off campus.
That’s where renters’ insurance comes in. It’s an affordable way to help protect your student’s personal belongings, offer liability coverage, and even help cover temporary living expenses in certain situations.
What Does Renters Insurance Typically Cover?
- Personal Property Coverage
This protects your student’s belongings – like laptops, furniture, clothing, and electronics – if they’re damaged or stolen due to a covered loss such as fire, theft, or certain types of water damage. - Liability Coverage
If someone is injured at your student’s apartment or if they accidentally damage someone else’s property (for example, a fire caused by cooking), liability coverage helps cover legal or medical costs. - Loss of Use (Additional Living Expenses)
If the apartment becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event (like a fire), this helps pay for temporary living arrangements, meals, and other expenses.
How Much Does It Cost?
Renters insurance is surprisingly affordable. Many policies cost as little as $10–$20 per month, depending on coverage limits and location. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
A Smart Step for Independence
Getting renters insurance isn’t just about protection, it’s a great first step in teaching your student financial responsibility and helping them understand how insurance works. It also helps ensure that one unexpected event doesn’t turn into a financial hardship.
Ready to Get a Policy in Place?
If your child is heading off to college and living off-campus this year, we can help make sure they’re covered. Give us a call or reach out today, we’ll walk you through your options and help you choose a policy that fits.
