Heading to college means new independence, and new insurance questions. Is a laptop in a dorm room covered? Does the student need renters insurance? What happens to car insurance if the car stays home, or goes to school in another state? This guide walks through the main coverages for students and the parents helping them.
Belongings in a dorm
Many homeowners policies extend coverage to belongings of a full-time student who is a relative and lived in the household before leaving for school, typically if the student is under a specified age (often 24) or meets other conditions in the policy definition of "insured." But:
- Coverage for property away from the main residence is often limited, commonly to 10% of the personal property limit.
- Your deductible applies, which may be close to the value of a stolen laptop or bike.
- High-value items such as jewelry, cameras or musical instruments may have sub-limits.
- Some policies cover only students living in school-owned housing.
Check your policy's definition of "insured" and its limit for property at a secondary residence.
Off-campus apartments: renters insurance
Students who rent off-campus apartments may not be covered by their parents' homeowners policy, and landlords often require renters insurance. A renters policy covers belongings, personal liability (for example, if a kitchen fire damages the building), and additional living expenses if the apartment becomes uninhabitable. It's usually inexpensive. See our Spanish-language renters insurance guide or the live renters insurance page.
Roommates usually each need their own policy; a roommate's belongings aren't covered by your policy unless they're named on it.
Theft prevention
- Lock doors and windows, even when stepping out briefly.
- Use a laptop lock and keep valuables out of sight.
- Register bikes and use quality U-locks. See our e-bike insurance guide.
- Record serial numbers using our home inventory template.
Car insurance
- Car stays home, student goes away: many insurers offer a distant student discount if the student attends school a certain distance from home without a car. The student usually remains listed and covered when driving home on breaks.
- Car goes to school: tell your insurer the garaging address. Rates can change depending on the location, and if the school is in another state, the policy may need adjustment.
- Good student discount: often available for students with a B average or better.
- Rideshare and delivery driving: students who drive for apps need to tell their insurer; see our gig driver guide.
See our teen driver guide for more on discounts and liability.
Health insurance
- Under the Affordable Care Act, young adults can generally stay on a parent's health plan until age 26, even if they're students, married or living elsewhere: HealthCare.gov – Young adults.
- Many colleges offer student health plans and may require proof of coverage or enrollment in the school plan.
- Check whether your family's plan has in-network providers near campus, especially for HMOs and out-of-state schools.
Liability
Students can be sued, for example, for injuring someone while biking or causing damage to a rental. A parent's homeowners liability may extend to a student who qualifies as an insured, but renters insurance provides direct liability coverage for students living independently. Families with significant assets may also have an umbrella policy; check whether it covers the student. See our umbrella guide.
Study abroad and travel
- Health plans may provide limited coverage abroad. Many study abroad programs require or include international health insurance with medical evacuation coverage.
- Personal property coverage may follow the student abroad under homeowners or renters policies, subject to limits.
- U.S. auto insurance generally doesn't cover driving abroad.
The U.S. State Department's study abroad resources discuss health and safety: Travel.State.Gov – Students abroad.
Tuition insurance
Some families buy tuition insurance, which may refund tuition if a student withdraws during a term for covered reasons, such as serious illness. Check your school's refund policy first, and read covered reasons and exclusions carefully.
Working students
- Students with on-campus jobs are generally covered by the employer's workers' compensation.
- Freelancing or small businesses run from a dorm may need business coverage; homeowners and renters policies typically exclude business activities. See our home-based business insurance page.
Graduation: time to transition
After graduation, students often need their own auto, renters and eventually health insurance. Before age 26, plan for health coverage through an employer, the marketplace or Medicaid. Moving to a new city? See our moving checklist.
College insurance checklist
- ☐ Check whether the parent's homeowners policy covers dorm belongings, and the limit
- ☐ Get renters insurance for off-campus housing
- ☐ Record serial numbers and photograph valuables
- ☐ Ask about distant student and good student auto discounts
- ☐ Update the garaging address if the car goes to school
- ☐ Confirm health plan coverage near campus
- ☐ Review study abroad health and evacuation coverage
- ☐ Review liability and umbrella coverage
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545.
Frequently asked questions
Does my homeowners insurance cover my child's dorm room?
Often, if the student qualifies as an insured under the policy, but coverage away from home is usually limited, commonly to 10% of the personal property limit, and the deductible applies.
Do college students need renters insurance?
Students in off-campus apartments usually do, since a parent's homeowners policy may not cover them and landlords often require it.
What is a distant student discount?
An auto insurance discount for students who attend school far from home without a car.
Can my college student stay on my health insurance?
Generally yes, until age 26 under the Affordable Care Act.
Is my student covered when studying abroad?
Coverage varies. Many programs require international health insurance with medical evacuation, and U.S. auto policies generally don't cover driving abroad.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.