Three Things To Ask Your Insurance Agents Before Your Child Heads Off To College

When your child heads off to college, you can expect a lot of changes in your home and lifestyle. During this time of change, it's important that you know exactly what is and is not covered by your auto and homeowner's insurance when your child is away living in a dorm or apartment. Here are three questions you'll want to ask your insurance agents in order to get a better idea of your coverage.

Is it necessary to still list the child as a full-time driver on the auto insurance policy?

When your child lived at home and drove your vehicles regularly, you probably had him or her insured as a full-time driver. Now that your child will only be coming home and driving occasionally, your insurance company may offer you the option of only insuring him or her as a part-time driver. This can lower your rates, so take advantage of this option if it is offered. Of course, if your child has his or her own car at college, this does not apply -- he or she will need to be insured full time.

Are there any good student discounts available for college students?

Many insurance companies will offer a discount on auto insurance (and rarely, even renter's insurance) for college students who maintain a certain average. Ask if your company offers this discount, and if they do, convey the information to your child. He or she will likely need to send in a transcript at the end of each semester so that the insurance company can verify the grades and apply the discount.

Does the homeowner's insurance policy cover theft or damage to items in the dorm?

Some homeowner's insurance policies will cover damage to expensive items like laptops and camera if it occurs in the dorm, since they do not consider the dorm a permanent residence. Other insurance companies do not offer this coverage. If your policy does not offer this coverage, you should consider purchasing a separate renter's insurance policy to cover damage to items your child has in the dorm.

If your child is leasing his or her own apartment, then separate rental insurance will definitely be needed. Ask your state farm agent if they can offer you a discount if you purchase the renter's insurance and your own homeowner's insurance through them.

Asking about part-time driver coverage, good student discounts, and renter's insurance will ensure that when your child heads off to college, he or she is properly insured at a comfortable rate. If your own insurance company does not give answers you like to these questions, this may be a sign that it's time to shop for new insurance.