College students living in a dorm are often covered under a parent’s homeowners or renters policy, usually with a lower limit. Students in off-campus apartments typically need their own renters insurance. The details depend on the parent’s policy, so it’s worth a five-minute check before move-in.
Students in dorms
Many homeowners and renters policies extend some coverage to a full-time student who lives away at school, as long as the student is still considered part of the household. That coverage often has limits:
- A lower personal property limit, often a percentage of the parent’s total limit
- The parent’s deductible applies, which may be larger than the loss
- Age or enrollment conditions, such as being under a certain age and enrolled full-time
- A claim goes on the parent’s record and may affect their premium
Ask the parent’s insurer three questions: Is my student covered at school? What’s the limit? Does the deductible apply?
Students in off-campus apartments
Once a student rents their own apartment, many insurers no longer treat them as part of the parent’s household for coverage. Off-campus students usually need their own renters policy, and the landlord may require it. Moving out? Here’s how renters insurance works when you move. What landlords can require.
Does the college’s insurance cover my stuff?
Generally no. A school’s insurance protects the school’s buildings and its own liability, much like a landlord’s policy. Here’s why that doesn’t cover you.
What students most often lose
- Laptops, tablets and phones stolen from dorm rooms, libraries or cars
- Bikes stolen on campus
- Belongings damaged by a roommate’s accident or a building leak
Liability coverage also matters: if a student accidentally damages a dorm room or injures someone, liability coverage may help.
Should a student get their own policy?
A separate policy can make sense if the student owns expensive electronics, lives off campus, or the parent’s deductible is high. Renters insurance for a student with modest belongings is often inexpensive. How to choose the right amount of coverage.
Roommates
Each student’s belongings are usually covered only by their own family’s policy or their own renters policy, not a roommate’s. More on roommates.
New to this? Start with What is renters insurance?
This site offers general information, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage, prices and rules vary by insurer, policy and state, so always read your own policy and ask your insurer or agent about your situation.