Does My Insurance Cover My Kid’s Stuff at College?
As your child heads off to college, you’re likely thinking about dorm essentials, textbooks, and class schedules. But have you thought about insurance? If your student’s laptop is stolen, or they accidentally damage a dorm room, who pays for it? In this post, we’ll break down how your existing insurance may—or may not—protect them while away at school.
Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover My College Student?
In many cases, yes—but with limits.
Most homeowners insurance policies offer some extended coverage for students under age 24 who are living away from home temporarily while enrolled full-time in college. This extension typically includes:
Personal property coverage for theft or damage to their belongings
Personal liability coverage for accidental injuries or property damage they cause
However, this coverage usually applies only if:
The student’s primary residence is still your home
They’re living in a dorm or university-affiliated housing
They’re a full-time student under the age limit
If they move into an off-campus apartment, things change—which we’ll get to shortly.
What’s Actually Covered?
If your student lives in a dorm and qualifies under your policy, here’s what your homeowners insurance might protect:
Covered:
Stolen or damaged laptops, phones, or electronics
Clothing, textbooks, furniture, and school supplies
Accidental damage to university property (up to your liability limits)
Not covered:
Expensive items exceeding your personal property sub-limits (like jewelry or musical instruments)
Losses due to negligence (like leaving a laptop in an unlocked car)
Roommate’s belongings (only your child’s property is covered)
Your deductible still applies, and in many cases, the cost to replace a stolen item may be lower than the deductible itself—making renters insurance a better option.
What If My Student Lives Off-Campus?
Once your student moves into an off-campus apartment or rental house, they are typically no longer covered under your homeowners insurance. At this point, they need their own renters insurance policy.
Renters insurance is affordable (usually $10–$20/month) and covers:
Personal belongings
Liability for injuries or property damage
Temporary housing if their apartment becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss
If your student has roommates, each person should get their own policy unless they are explicitly listed as named insureds.
What About Auto Insurance?
If your student is taking a car to school, or leaving it at home, make sure to update your auto insurance accordingly. Factors to consider:
Whether the student is listed as a driver on your policy
The location of the vehicle (school ZIP code may affect rates)
Whether the student qualifies for a good student discount
If they won’t have access to a car, you may qualify for a student-away discount
Always notify your agent of changes to avoid coverage gaps or issues with claims.
Additional Protection to Consider
1. Scheduled Personal Property Endorsement
If your student is taking expensive items like high-end electronics, camera gear, or instruments, consider scheduling those items separately to ensure full replacement coverage.
2. Identity Theft Protection
College students are prime targets for identity theft. Some home or renters policies offer identity theft add-ons that monitor and respond to fraud attempts.
3. Umbrella Liability Insurance
For higher-net-worth families, an umbrella policy can provide additional liability coverage in case your student is involved in a serious accident or lawsuit.
How Hixson & Malinowski Insurance Can Help
At Hixson & Malinowski Insurance, we know the back-to-school checklist is long—but making sure your student is properly insured is one of the most important tasks. We’ll help you:
Review your homeowners policy for student coverage
Add renters insurance if needed
Adjust auto insurance for school-related changes
Schedule valuable items or add identity theft protection
We’ll make sure your college-bound child is protected—so you can focus on celebrating this exciting milestone.
Sending your child to college comes with a long list of responsibilities, and insurance is one that’s often overlooked. Don’t wait until something goes wrong—review your coverage now to make sure your student is protected, whether they live on-campus or off. Contact Hixson & Malinowski Insurance today to make sure they’re starting this chapter with the coverage they need.
