by Sherelyn Yetter Schoch
Introduction:
All of the high school graduation parties are over. We’ve shopped at Walmart, Amazon, and many other places for dorm room essentials. We’ve reviewed Pinterest to find out all the things they will need for their freshman year (and 4 years later will find that it was too much stuff!) Now, today is the dropoff day. I remember the day we dropped our oldest son off to college in Western Pennsylvania. There were a lot of emotions that day (and the days that followed!) Sending your child off to college is a significant milestone filled with all kinds of thoughts and memories. Along with the excitement and pride, there may be concerns about their safety and well-being. One important aspect to consider is whether your college student needs additional insurance coverage while away from home. Since I’ve been there as a parent and will be there for you as your agent, we’ll explore the risks they may face and the benefits of securing additional insurance to protect them and your family’s financial interests.
- Health Insurance:
Health insurance is a crucial consideration for college students. Many colleges and universities require students to have health insurance coverage. If your student is covered under your family’s health insurance plan, check if it includes out-of-state coverage or has in-network healthcare providers near the college campus. If not, you may need to explore other health insurance options to ensure they have access to medical care while away at school. We have a referral partner with our agency that can work with you if you need to review your plan or get another one.
- Renter’s Insurance:
If your college student is living off-campus in a rented apartment or house, you should seriously consider getting renter’s insurance. Renter’s insurance can protect their belongings, such as laptops, electronics, furniture, and clothing, in case of theft, fire, or other covered events. The Renter’s insurance policy can also cover your student for liability. This type of insurance is generally affordable and provides valuable peace of mind.
- Auto Insurance:
If your college student takes a car to campus, you’ll need to review your auto insurance policy. The premium might change based on where the vehicle will be primarily parked (at home or on campus). Additionally, if your student plans to use their car for activities like ridesharing or food delivery, they may need additional coverage to protect themselves adequately. Your average auto insurance policy will not cover you for Uber, Lyft, or Doordash – but we may be able to help with that!
- Life Insurance:
College tuition is a significant investment, and unexpected circumstances can disrupt your student’s academic plans. Life insurance can provide coverage for any debt for which you have a responsibility in the event of your child’s untimely passing. As soon as our boys were ready for college, they each had an additional term policy written up to cover this unexpected potential. The thought of that loss is just unbearable, but combining loss and financial devastation compounds the disaster. It’s essential to understand the policy’s terms and conditions to determine if it’s a worthwhile investment for your family. Remember, life insurance for a healthy 18 year old is often very inexpensive!
- Liability Insurance:
As young adults, college students may engage in activities or events that could expose them to potential liability risks. Liability insurance can offer financial protection if they accidentally cause property damage or injure someone else. Some homeowners’ insurance policies might extend coverage to dependents away at college, so it’s essential to review your existing policy to see if additional liability coverage is needed (or if it is covered on their Renter’s policy).
Conclusion:
While college is an exciting time for students and parents alike, it’s essential to be proactive about protecting your college student’s well-being and financial security. Assessing the potential risks and benefits of additional insurance coverage can help you make informed decisions about the protection your family needs. Consult with the insurance professionals within our office to explore the available options and ensure you have the right coverage in place to safeguard your college student’s future.
Remember, each family’s insurance needs may vary, so take the time to evaluate your unique situation and make choices that provide the best possible protection for your college student during this exciting phase of life.
Enjoy this unique time of life and take lots of pictures (even when they don’t want to cooperate with you on this)!
-Sherie
