Whether you’re sending your kindergartner off to school for the first time or dropping your young adult off at their dorm, the back-to-school season is ripe with new opportunities, new routines, and new risks. That makes it the perfect season to review your insurance coverage to make sure your family is properly protected.
Let’s go over some prime areas that may have changed in the last year:
Transportation and Safety Coverage
Back-to-school means more cars on the road, buses making frequent stops, and new teen drivers gaining their independence. Accidents spike during these weeks, and young drivers especially carry higher risks.
Follow-up on the following tips to keep your family safe and your insurance rates low:
- Review your auto policy to make sure your teen drivers are properly covered
- Ask your agent about good grade discounts, safe driving apps, or driver’s education courses
- If your college student is leaving their car at home while they’re away, you may be able to adjust your coverage while still keeping them insured when they return
Student Belongings and Coverage Options
Back when you walked to school uphill both ways, you probably weren’t carrying hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of electronics and equipment. Today, backpacks are jammed with laptops, musical instruments, sports equipment, and cell phones, traveling to and from school. College students carry even more essentials and electronics to their dorms.
Keep them safe and secure by following these tips:
- Check your homeowners or renters policy to see if they cover belongings “off-premises”
- Create a photo or video inventory of your student’s possessions to make claims smoother if something is stolen or damaged
- Consider scheduling high-value items like laptops or instruments for extra protection
Renter’s Insurance for College Kids
Once your kids move into off-campus housing, your homeowners policy may no longer extend coverage. Make sure they’re covered by renter’s insurance to protect them from major losses due to theft, fire, or water damage.
These policies are usually just a few dollars a month and affordable for your student to cover. Make sure the policy includes liability coverage so they’re protected in the event of a fire or guest injury.
Liability Awareness
Children may not always consider the consequences of their actions—that’s where your guidance makes a difference. Whether your child breaks a window at school, is injured during a sporting event, or damages property in their dorm, liability coverage steps in to protect your family financially.
- Review your liability limits on homeowners, auto, and renter’s insurance to make sure they’re adequate
- Ask your Wichert agent about umbrella coverages for extra layers of protection
Emergency Preparedness and Contact Updates
Most schools require you to update your emergency contact information, but don’t overlook this important step in your college student’s life, too.
- Update your emergency contacts with your child’s school, coaches, and college housing office
- Share your Wichert insurance agent’s contact info with your students so they know who to call if something happens
- Keep both physical and digital copies of your health insurance cards and policy numbers handy