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Children Studying Away From Home And Insurance

By Marvin Stewardsen


Every year in the fall, there are university and college students that take their things and move to a campus to study away from home temporarily. Parents should discuss this with their children prior to them leaving, so they can be sure that tablets, laptops, and other important items that belong to their children will be protected while they are away.

Getting that empty nest feeling? There are a lot of anxieties that parents have when children go to school in another town. What about all the stuff they take with them to their dorm room? A lot goes with them, basic things like clothing and books, but there are more costly possessions like computers and cell phones. What happens in the case where these things are lost, or if your child is the victim of theft?

Check your insurance policy. Most home insurance policies will extend coverage to your child who is temporarily away from home, and is attending a university or college as a full time student. The coverage provided is typically limited, but if necessary, most policies allow you to add extra coverage. The majority of standard policies will have limits for property that is extra expensive such as jewelry, computers, or other electronics. To increase coverage on these kinds of items, take a look at an endorsement or personal property floater.

Keep certain things in mind when considering your child's eligibility on your home insurance as your family member: Do you pay for their school tuition?, Their health insurance? Providing financially for them in any capacity?, Does your child come home at school breaks?, Is your child claimed each year on your tax return?

There may be some other restrictions, such as the child is still financially dependent on you. Coverage is not always applied if your child is self-supporting or is working. When your child is living in a full apartment with bedroom, kitchen and living room, your policy may not be able to provide enough coverage for them. They would likely require their own renter's insurance at that point.

People who are related to the named insured and are residents of your household are covered by home insurance policies, and your child is still mostly protected by your policy while away at school. However, since wording can be different between different policies and vary from one insurance company to another, what is covered, how much is covered, who is covered, how long coverage exists, and what endorsements are available may differ, it's always best to get specifics from your own home insurance provider.

This is one of the biggest moments in the life of your child. Make sure they're properly protected.



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