As students across Florida prepare to go back to school, parents are working through long checklists involving tuition, housing, transportation, healthcare, and move-in supplies.
Whether your child is attending one of Florida’s many colleges and universities or heading out of state, one important subject is often overlooked: insurance.
A student may take a vehicle to another city or state, live in a college dormitory, rent an off-campus apartment, study abroad, or bring expensive electronics, jewelry, sporting equipment, and other belongings to campus. Each situation can affect how the family’s existing insurance coverage may respond.
Dormitories and Personal Property
Parents should determine whether belongings kept in a college dorm remain covered under their Florida homeowners insurance policy and what limits or deductibles may apply. Coverage for property located away from the primary residence may be subject to different limitations.
If the student is renting an off-campus apartment or house, a separate renters insurance policy may be appropriate—and could be required by the landlord. Renters insurance can provide protection for personal property while also offering important personal liability coverage.
Vehicles Taken to College
If a student takes a vehicle to school, the auto insurance carrier should have the correct address where the vehicle will be principally garaged. This is especially important when a Florida student attends college in another state.
Families should also discuss whether the student will regularly drive someone else’s vehicle, allow roommates or friends to drive theirs, or use the vehicle for deliveries or other paid work.
Liability Beyond the Campus
College life can introduce new liability concerns. A student may host guests, join an organization, participate in an internship, study abroad, or engage in activities that were not contemplated when the family’s policies were purchased.
Parents should also review whether their personal umbrella insurance extends appropriately to a dependent college student and whether the underlying homeowners, renters, and automobile liability limits satisfy the umbrella policy’s requirements.
Before move-in day, speak with your insurance advisor about:
— Where the student will live
— Whether a vehicle will be taken to college
— What valuable belongings will accompany the student
— Whether renters insurance is needed
— How homeowners, auto, and umbrella coverage may apply
— Whether studying abroad or paid work creates additional considerations
At Axon Insurance Solutions, we help Florida families review their insurance as their circumstances change. A conversation before your child returns to school can help identify possible coverage gaps and provide greater clarity for the academic year ahead.
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