COLLEGE STUDENTS

Insurance for College Students: What Parents Need to Know

Sending your child off to college is a big step. Between tuition, housing, and travel, there’s already a lot to think about. One thing that often gets overlooked? Insurance. At Clayton Hanley Insurance, we help parents make sure their college student has the right protection, whether they’re living on campus, renting an apartment off-campus, or attending school out of state.

Let’s break it down so you know what to look out for.

Car Insurance for College Students

If your student is taking a car to school, it’s important to review your auto insurance policy. In many cases, your student can stay on your family policy, but it’s a good idea to update the policy with the college’s address. This helps avoid any issues if there’s an accident or claim. Even if your student isn’t taking a car to school, it may still be worth keeping them on your policy so they stay covered when they’re home on breaks.

If your student is going to college in another state, that can affect your coverage. Each state has its own rules for car insurance, so we’ll help you understand what changes—if any—need to be made. We’ll also look for any student discounts, like good student discounts or reduced rates if the student is living more than 100 miles from home without a vehicle.

On-Campus Living

Most colleges require students to live on campus for at least their first year. If your student is staying in a dorm, their belongings may be covered under your homeowner’s insurance—but it’s not always guaranteed. We can review your current policy to see what’s included and make sure there’s enough coverage for things like laptops, phones, and other personal items.

Off-Campus Housing

If your student is living off-campus in an apartment or house, renters insurance is usually a smart move. In most cases, your homeowner’s policy won’t cover them once they move out of the dorms. Renters insurance is affordable and protects against theft, fire, or damage to their belongings. It can also cover liability, in case someone gets hurt at the apartment or the student accidentally causes damage.

We’ll help you choose a renters policy that’s simple and low-cost but still offers solid protection. Many landlords even require proof of renters insurance, so it’s best to get this set up early.

Clayton Hanley Makes It Easy

At Clayton Hanley, we’ve helped many local families figure out the best insurance setup for their college student. Our small team takes the time to explain everything in plain language, and we’ll help you find the most cost-effective solutions. We work with multiple insurance companies, so we can compare policies and find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Bottom line? If you have a student heading off to college soon, review your policy with an honest, knowledgable agent, like the ones at Clayton Hanley. We’re happy to walk through your options and make sure your child is covered, wherever school takes them.