What Parents of College Students Need to Know This Fall
Back-to-school season is here in the Lehigh Valley, and families from Allentown to Bethlehem are helping their college-bound students pack up for move-in day. Among the bedding, books, and backpacks, one thing’s for sure—there’s a lot of expensive tech going off to school.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your homeowners policy covers your child’s laptop, phone, or gaming console while they’re at college, you’re not alone. The good news is that your insurance may already provide some protection. But there are also important limitations to keep in mind.
Let’s take a look at what your homeowners policy covers, what it doesn’t, and when it makes sense to consider additional protection for students.
What Homeowners Insurance May Cover for Students
Many homeowners policies offer off-premises coverage that extends to belongings outside of your home. If your student is living in a dorm and still considered part of your household, you may have coverage for:
- Theft or damage of personal property like laptops, phones, or clothes
- Liability if your student accidentally causes damage or injury
However, coverage is typically limited. For example:
- Policies often restrict coverage for personal property located away from home to just 10% of your personal property limit
- Items lost or accidentally damaged (rather than stolen) are usually not covered
- High-value electronics may exceed the coverage cap unless you’ve scheduled them separately
- Claims are subject to your deductible, which may be more than the item is worth
It’s also important to confirm whether your student is eligible. Most policies limit this coverage to full-time students under a certain age (often 24 to 26) who live in school-owned housing.
This is especially relevant if your child is attending local institutions like Muhlenberg College, Lehigh University, Lafayette College, Moravian University, or Northampton Community College.
When Homeowners Insurance Falls Short
While your policy may offer some protection, there are key gaps to be aware of:
- Accidental damage (like a spilled drink on a laptop)
- Loss or mysterious disappearance of items
- Expensive equipment that exceeds sub-limits
- Students living in off-campus apartments or non-college housing
For students at schools like East Stroudsburg University (ESU) or Cedar Crest College, where off-campus housing is common, a homeowners policy might not apply at all.
When Renters Insurance Makes Sense
If your student is living off-campus in an apartment, renters insurance is often the best option. It’s a low-cost way to protect their belongings and provide liability coverage.
A renters policy typically includes:
- Personal property protection for things like electronics, furniture, and clothes
- Liability coverage if someone is injured or property is damaged
- Loss of use coverage if the apartment becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss
Many landlords and schools now require proof of renters insurance before move-in.
Back-to-School Insurance Checklist
Before your student heads to campus, take time to review your coverage. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Review your current homeowners policy for off-premises coverage limits
- Take inventory of the tech and valuables your student is bringing
- Confirm whether your student is living on-campus or off-campus
- Ask your insurance agent whether additional coverage is needed
- Consider scheduling high-value items or adding a renters policy
Start the School Year Protected
At YMI Insurance, we help families throughout the Lehigh Valley—from Stroudsburg to Emmaus—understand their coverage and make smart decisions. Whether your student is moving into a dorm at Moravian University or renting an apartment near Lehigh University, we’ll help you figure out what your current policies include and if you need additional protection.
Planning a move-in? Let’s review your policies together so your student can head to campus with peace of mind.
Get started by contacting us today.
