The month of August makes most of us think of one thing – Back to School.  If your student is entering the exciting new school life called college, you may have questions about how this big change will affect your insurance.  Although insurance may be the last thing on your mind as you prepare to send your student to college, it’s an important time to review your insurance coverage and review your coverage with your student so everyone involved will know what’s covered.

The following article is a useful tip-list from Safeco Insurance to help increase your insurance knowledge for college life.

A Few Tips for the College-Bound 

College is expensive enough without the added cost of unexpected accidents or theft, not covered by your insurance policy. If you have a student heading away to school, below are a few tips to help you get the most out of your coverage.

HOMEOWNERS (varies by state)

• Personal Property:  Most homeowners policies will cover personal property for up to 10% of your total policy while your child is residing at school (a $100,000 policy equals $10,000 in coverage). Not all types of damage are covered, so read your policy carefully. Some items such as jewelry or expensive electronics, require special coverage. Renters insurance is strongly recommended.
• Liability Coverage:  General damage to a dorm room or apartment is not usually covered.
• Documentation:  Creating an inventory of the items your child is taking to school is a good idea. Use photographs and keep receipts.

AUTO (varies by state)

• Car Stays Home:  Keep your child listed on your auto policy if they will still drive your car while at home on school breaks.
• Car at School:  Make sure to notify us if your child will be taking a car away to school. In most cases, if the car is registered to you and listed on your policy, it will be covered.
• Driving a Friend’s Car:  Students are generally covered if they are listed on their parent’s policy and are not regularly using the vehicle. The coverage would be secondary.  The insurance for the friend’s vehicle would be the primary coverage.
• Discounts:  A full-time student meeting certain academic requirements may qualify for a good student discount. Distant student discounts may also be available. Drivers under 21 who have completed driver’s education may also get a discount.

Before your child leaves for school, call our agency at the numbers listed below. We can walk you through the steps to ensure you have the right coverage and answer any questions you have. We’re here to help!

For questions about insuring your student living away from home call:

Kuespert Insurance - Moscow office – (208) 882-0610

Panhandle Insurance - Coeur d’Alene office – (208) 664-9223

Argonne Insurance - Spokane Valley office – (509) 921-6809