If you're a parent getting ready to send your child off to college this fall, you're probably swamped with to-do lists like prepping for move-in day, dorm supply shopping, and scheduling tuition payments. But there's one crucial item that often gets overlooked: your Personal Insurance coverage.

Whether your student is moving across town or out of state, this life transition can have a big impact on your Personal Insurance. The belongings they're taking with them and how they'll be living can open up new risks and exposures you may not have considered.

In today's blog post, learn how you can be better prepared to send your child off to college knowing they're fully protected and covered while away at school. Also discover how Aegis Insurance & Financial Services can support your family's changing Personal Insurance needs with each new life event.

Personal Property: Is It Covered?

Your Homeowner's or Renter's insurance might extend some coverage to your student's belongings while they're living in a dorm. That can include things like:

• Laptops and tablets
• Clothing and shoes
• Small furniture
• Jewelry or other valuables

But there are limits since coverage typically applies only if your child is a full-time student and still considered a resident of your household. The off-premises limit is also usually a small percentage of your personal property coverage, often just 10%.

If your child is living off-campus in an apartment or house, then the protection from your Homeowner's policy may not apply at all. In that case, they'll likely need a Renter's Insurance policy to protect their stuff.

Are They Taking a Car to Campus?

If your student is taking a car with them, then you should definitely review your Auto Insurance coverage, especially if they're taking the vehicle to an out-of-state school.

• Different state? Auto Insurance requirements can vary by state, so you may need to adjust coverage or update their residential address.
• No car at school? If your student leaves their car at home, you might qualify for a premium discount, but don't drop them from your policy. Keeping them on maintains continuous coverage and protects them when they're home on breaks.

If your student wants to have a car with them for driving around campus or making their way to a part-time job, then you should confirm they'll have the Auto Insurance coverage they need to protect them while they're on the road.

Liability Coverage: The Hidden Risk

Let's be real: while your child is at college, anything can happen, and they may find themselves in crazy, unpredictable situations. If your student causes damage to dorm property, gets into a dispute with a roommate, or someone gets hurt in their off-campus apartment, you and your family could be on the hook for a liability claim.

Make sure you have adequate personal liability coverage, or consider an Umbrella Insurance policy for extra protection.

Call Aegis Before You Move Them To Campus

Sending a child off to college is a huge life change, and your insurance should reflect that. At Aegis Insurance & Financial Services, we help Texas families adjust their coverage so there are no surprises down the road.

Give us a call at 713-850-7622 before your student heads off to school. We'll help you review your policies and make sure everything and everyone is protected for the college years ahead.