How to insure your children when they go off to college

Students who live in a dorm are usually covered under their parents' standard homeowners insurance policies – That is, their possessions are protected by "off premise" coverage. However, some homeowners policies may limit this amount of insurance, so make sure you understand your own policy.

There are three qualifiers for coverage to extend to students away at school:

• Be 24 or younger if a relative and 21 or younger in the care of a resident relative;
• Must qualify as a full time student based on the definition used by the institution; and
• Must have been a resident of the house before leaving for school

One of our insurance professionals can tell you whether your homeowners or renters policy extends to your student's living situations. If it does not, to protect student belongings, those living off campus may need to purchase their own renters insurance policy.

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