Sending your child off to college is an exciting milestone. As they embark on this new chapter, it’s essential to consider all aspects of their well-being, including their financial investments. One often overlooked area is campus theft. With burglaries accounting for nearly half of all on-campus crimes, it’s crucial for students and parents to take proactive steps to protect valuable belongings.
Before College:
- Students living in a dorm are generally covered under their parents’ homeowners insurance through a provision called “off-premises coverage.” However, some homeowners policies may limit this amount of insurance, so it’s important to review your policy and ensure adequate protection.
- Students living off-campus typically are not covered by their parents homeowners policy. While your homeowners or renters policy might extend to some types of off-campus living situations, it’s essential to verify this with your insurance provider. To protect your student’s belongings adequately, consider purchasing a renters insurance policy specifically designed for off-campus housing.”
- Valuable electronics such as computers, smartphones, gaming consoles or TVs may carry stand-alone insurance. If these items are being purchased new, insurance or other protections against theft or loss may be offered. Additionally, credit card benefits may include purchase protection against theft or damage.
- Consider a stand-alone policy specifically designed for students living away at college – This can be an economical way to provide additional insurance coverage for a variety of disasters.
- If your student is leaving their car at home for college, inform your insurance agent. Depending on the distance to the college, you may qualify for a premium discount.
On Campus:
- Always lock dorm room doors: Most thefts happen during the day, so lock up even when stepping out briefly.
- Don’t leave belongings unattended: Keep bags, purses, and laptops with you in public areas.
- Use a laptop security cable: Deter thieves with a combination lock.
- Be aware of fire hazards: Be cautious with cooking appliances and follow safety guidelines.
