Coverage Gaps That Catch College Families Off Guard

College move-in comes with questions about what’s covered (and what’s not). Below is a quick guide for families—what to check, what to update, and how to avoid unpleasant surprises during the semester.

1) Auto insurance: car at school vs. car left at home

• Tell your insurer where the car “lives.” If your student brings a vehicle to campus, update the garaging address—rates and coverages can change by ZIP code, and your policy requires accurate info. If the car stays at home, your student is typically still covered when they drive on breaks, but notify your carrier either way.
• Look for student discounts. Many carriers offer a “student away at school” discount when the student is 100+ miles from home without a car, and good-student discounts for strong grades (often B/3.0+). Requirements vary, but typical savings range ~5%–15% (sometimes more). Ask us to check what your policy offers and the rules in your state.

2) Dorm life: what your homeowners policy usually covers

• On-campus dorms often have limited “off-premises” coverage. Many homeowners policies extend some personal-property protection to a student’s dorm room—but often with a cap around 10% of your Coverage C (personal property) limit. Example: a $150,000 Coverage C could mean about $15,000 for dorm contents. Review your limit and consider a scheduled item endorsement for high-value tech, instruments, or jewelry.

3) Off-campus housing: when renters insurance is the right move

• Apartments and houses are different. Parents’ homeowners coverage often does notprotect a student’s belongings (or liability) once they move off campus. A student renters policy is inexpensive and adds personal property, personal liability, and loss-of-use/temporary-housing benefits if a covered loss makes the place unlivable.

4) Health insurance & medical privacy forms

• Coverage to age 26. Under the ACA, most plans that offer dependent coverage must allow children to stay on a parent’s plan until their 26th birthday (married or unmarried). If your student is turning 26, we can help with the transition to their own plan.

5) E-scooters, e-bikes & micromobility: mind the exclusions

• Home & auto policies often exclude them. Standard homeowners/renters policies typically exclude liability arising from “motor vehicles,” and auto policies usually exclude vehicles with fewer than four wheels—including e-scooters. Coverage is evolving by state and carrier, so let’s review options (stand-alone or umbrella solutions) before your student rides.

6) Umbrella liability: extra protection for “what-ifs”

• Why it helps college families. Parties, roommates, off-campus leases—liability risks can spike. A personal umbrella adds an extra layer (often $1–$5 million) over home and auto liability, and can be surprisingly affordable. (Eligibility and underlying limits apply—ask us for specifics.)

7) Study-abroad & travel gaps

• Short-term travel medical & trip coverage. Your health plan may have limited out-of-network or international benefits. Consider a student-oriented travel medical/trip plan for international programs or internships. We can compare options and coordinate with your existing coverage.