Insurance tips for college-bound students

AAA WCNY offers advice for students moving away from home

By AAA of Western & Central New York

Back-to-college season is here, and AAA Western and Central New York is reminding families to prioritize insurance as students head off to campus. The transition from high school graduate to new college student is an exciting milestone, and moving away from home is part of the process for many. With so much to think about, many college-bound students don’t even consider reviewing insurance policies. Returning students may never have considered their insurance needs until they experience a fire or theft that results in the loss of property.

“College students living away from home should know they may have limited coverage under their parents’ insurance policies,” said David Kirst, insurance manager at AAA Western and Central New York. “Before leaving for college, families should check with their insurance agent to see what risks and liabilities are covered, and before moving into a dorm or off-campus housing, create an inventory of all belongings as you pack.”

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), burglaries account for approximately 50% of all on-campus crimes. AAA offers simple steps to prevent theft and secure adequate insurance coverage.

Homeowners/renters insurance tips for students from AAA:

•If you live in a dorm, some belongings may be covered under your parents’ homeowners insurance, but deductibles and coverage limits may apply. Smaller losses may not be worth filing as claims due to high deductibles, and expensive items such as computers and other electronics may have limited coverage under a standard homeowners policy. Some states also require a special student endorsement, so families should review policy details with a licensed insurance agent before assuming coverage is adequate.

•If you live off-campus, purchase renters insurance. Renters insurance is necessary to safeguard you and your belongings and can protect you from liability if someone accidentally gets injured on the property.

•Leave valuables at home. While some valuable items, such as laptops, may be needed at college, items such as expensive jewelry are best left at home. Consider engraving electronics with your name or ID to track and identify stolen goods.

•Create a “dorm inventory.” Create a detailed inventory of all items you’ll be taking with you, including photos and receipts. If you need to file a claim, an up-to-date inventory will help make the process easier.

•Safeguard your items from theft. Always lock your dorm room door and never leave belongings unattended on campus. According to III, the library, dining hall and other public places are the primary areas where property theft occurs on campus.

Auto insurance tips for students from AAA:

•Coverage may depend on whether you move away from home or stay in the area. If you bring a car to campus and remain on your parents’ policy, coverage likely still applies. If you attend an out-of-state school, make sure your insurance coverage follows you.

•Communicate with your insurance agent. To see what discounts you may qualify for, such as good student rates, and to ensure you have adequate coverage while away at school, contact a AAA insurance agent.

For more information, call AAA Members Insurance Agency of Western and Central New York, Inc. at 888-671-7044, visit AAA.com/Insurance, or stop by your local AAA Travel & Insurance Center.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 850,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA WCNY has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.