Protecting College Students' Belongings: What You Need to Know

As college students head off to campus, they may not pack a houseful of furniture, but they do bring thousands of dollars’ worth of electronics, clothing, and personal items. Between laptops, smartphones, headphones, textbooks, designer bags, and even bikes or scooters, the value of items in a dorm room can add up fast. And with theft, fire, and water damage all potential risks, protecting those belongings is more important than many families realize.

In fact, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that over 15,000 cases of dorm room theft occur each year across U.S. campuses. Then there is the risk of fire, flood, wind, and earthquake damage or loss to consider.

Does Homeowners Insurance Extend to Campus?

The good news: If your student lives in on-campus housing, most homeowners insurance policies will extend some personal property coverage. This often covers up to 10% of the total personal property limit on the parents' policy.

So, if your policy includes $100,000 of personal property coverage, your child may be covered for up to $10,000. That might sound like enough, but it’s important to:

• Take inventory of what your student is bringing.
• Check the specific coverage limits and exclusions—especially for electronics and high-value items.
• Understand that deductibles still apply, and filing a claim could affect your policy’s rates.

What If They Live Off-Campus?

Here’s where it changes. Once your student moves off campus into an apartment or other residence, your homeowners insurance typically no longer provides coverage. In that case, your child will likely need a renters insurance policy.

The good news is that renters insurance is affordable, usually around $15 to $25 per month, and it covers theft, fire, and certain types of water damage. It may also include liability protection if your student is responsible for damage or someone is injured in their apartment.

Tip: Keep Receipts and Create a Digital Inventory

Encourage your student to keep receipts or take photos of high-value items. Further, have them take photos or videos of all their belongings. They will likely remember their laptop and headphones, but not how many pairs of socks were lost in the event of a fire or natural disaster. If they ever need to file a claim, documentation can speed up the process and increase the chances of full reimbursement.

Peace of Mind Goes a Long Way

Sending your child off to college is a big moment. Make sure both of you can focus on what matters most without worrying about what might go missing. Contact our office to review your options and make sure your student is properly protected.