Insurance for college students

INSURANCE 101 > INSURANCE BASICS> ARTICLE 10

Insurance for college students

Students who live in dorms usually have their belongings covered under their parents' homeowners policy. There may be coverage limits for computers, televisions and stereos. Students should consult their parents' insurance professional to guarantee that this electronic gear is fully covered.

Upperclassmen who move off-campus are typically no longer covered by their parents' homeowners insurance. These students should purchase a renters insurance policy to cover their belongings.

To guard against theft on college campuses students should do the following:

Always lock doors.
If you're going down the hall to the bathroom or to chat with friends, you should lock the door and keep the keys with you at all times.
Leave expensive jewelry at home.
Do not risk losing fine jewelry or other sentimental items to a thief.
Engrave electronic items.
Computers, televisions and stereos should be engraved with your driver's license number and the state in which you live. This will help police track stolen articles.
Don't leave belongings unattended on campus.
A book-bag left unguarded in the library is a quick, easy target for thieves.