Back to School + Insurance = ?
Insurance tips for the new school year
The start of a new school year usually means new routines and new responsibilities for parents and students. New classrooms, new school supplies, new clothes and new teachers. The back to school checklists can be overwhelming and insurance is probably the last thing any parents are thinking about. Whether they’re off to kindergarten or away at college, we all want to keep our favorite students safe. Here are some insurance considerations you should think about adding to your back to school check list this fall.
Back to School Tips for College Students
When you have students away at school, their safety always a big concern. To make sure they are protected with the proper coverage, talk with your agent. Every situation is different. Your agent is here to help provide you with the best solution to meet your needs.
On Campus
If your student lives on campus, even if they aren’t living under your roof, your homeowners policy may still extend to the property in their dorm rooms from theft or damage.
Off Campus
If your child is living off-campus, you should encourage them to purchase renters insurance. Even on a college student budget, this is an affordable way to protect their belongings while living outside of your home. Its a great idea to take an inventory of what your student is packing for their new off campus digs. Take photos, keep receipts and talk to your agent to make sure your renters insurance covers the replacement cost of your valuables.
Auto Insurance
If your student is on your auto policy, talk to your agent to be sure your coverage meets your changing needs. If your student won’t be taking a vehicle to school and only driving when they are home during breaks, discounts may be available for your auto insurance. If your student is actively enrolled in school and taking a vehicle with them, they are still covered under your policy. While at school, caution your child not to loan their car to friends or roommates on a regular basis. There may be special coverage considerations to think about.
Identity Theft
College students are one of the most common victims of identity theft. They are five times more likely to be a victim than the general public due to their increased vulnerability and nearly perfect credit records. College students often live in close quarters and are often exposed to situations that leave them vulnerable to ID theft. Talk to your students about precautions they can take to secure their personal posessions and belongings, then talk to your agent about ID Insurance and the options available.
Back to School Tips for High School Students
Receiving your drivers license is a right of passage for most high school students. Its an exciting time for teenagers and a terrifying time for parents. There is a lot to worry about when you have a new driver on the road. Insurance is here to help! Young and inexperienced drivers between the ages of 16-19 are have the highest risk of being involved in an accident. Texting, talking on the phone or having friends in the back seat can easily steal the attention from even the best drivers. Talk to your child about avoiding unnecessary distractions while behind the wheel. Drivers education safety courses are also available to student drivers. These programs offer the practice, knowledge and driving skills to help them become more confident and competent behind the wheel. As an added bonus, upon completion of a drivers ed program,you may be eligible for discounts on your auto insurance.
Good student discounts are also available. Its as easy as sending transcripts to your agent to save up to 20% on your auto insurance. Reach out to your agent to see if your student would qualify!
Back to School Tips for Everyone
Just because you aren’t sending a child back to school doesn’t mean you are in the clear. Parent drop off lines are backing up again, students are waiting on sidewalks, and busses are back on the road. Brush up on your driving tips when it comes to maneuvering school traffic. Be extra mindful of school zones, bus stops, and crosswalks whether you are dropping your child off or simply commuting through a school zone. Be sure your auto insurance has liability coverage in case of unexpected fender-benders in congested areas.
Back to school is an exciting time for students and parents and the start of a new season. Your homeowners and auto insurance coverage can be customized to protect the changing needs of your family and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Talk to your agent today to make sure your family, home, vehicles, and lifestyle are fully protected as you invest in your child’s future! If back to school + Insurance = questions, contact us for the answers!
