08/07/2025
Do you have a household member headed off to college this season? Here are a few things to keep in mind when the time comes.
Do you need renters insurance for a form room?
If a student lives in a college dorm or other school-affiliated housing, they may not need renters insurance. Their possessions may already be covered under their parents’ homeowners policy. It’s important to check your homeowners policy to understand what coverage you may have for your child’s possessions in the dorm room.
Renters insurance for off-campus housing
If a student lives off campus in a nonschool-affiliated apartment or house, typically most landlords will require the student to acquire renters insurance as part of the lease agreement. That’s because the landlord’s insurance usually only covers the building, not the tenant's possessions.
Even if renters insurance is not required by the lease, it can still be a very smart choice. Purchasing a renters insurance policy for a student who lives off campus is simple to do and relatively inexpensive.
Do grad students need renters insurance?
Graduate students are generally not covered under their parents’ homeowners insurance, making renters insurance especially important. Typically, grad students don’t live with their parents and may be too old to be covered under their parents’ policy. They may be going out on their own for the first time and have little or no direct experience buying insurance. Get a quote online or contact your local independent agent.
