College Students and Renters Insurance: What Parents Should Know This Fall

As college students head to campus this fall, many parents are focused on tuition, textbooks and essentials. But one often-overlooked item deserves a spot on the checklist: renters insurance. Whether your student is living in a dorm, apartment or off-campus housing, renters insurance can offer vital financial protection.

Why It Matters

College students often bring thousands of dollars’ worth of personal belongings with them, including laptops, phones, bikes, furniture and more. Renters insurance can help cover the cost of replacing these items if they’re stolen, damaged by fire or lost due to other covered events.

Dorms vs. Apartments

If your student lives in a dorm, their belongings may be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. However, coverage is typically limited and may not extend to all situations. For students living off-campus, renters insurance is usually necessary.

Liability Protection

Renters insurance also includes liability coverage. If your student accidentally causes damage to the property or someone gets injured in their apartment, renters insurance can help cover legal and medical expenses. This protection is essential in shared housing situations.

What to Look For

When choosing a policy, parents and students should consider the following:

• Coverage limits—Verify that the policy covers the full value of personal belongings.

• Deductibles—Understand how much you’ll pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in.

• Replacement cost vs. actual cash value—Opt for replacement cost coverage to get the full value of lost items.

• Liability limits—Higher limits may be worth the extra cost for added protection.

Learn More

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, take a moment to explore coverage options. For renters insurance near you, contact Darden Insurance Agency.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.