SCC Offers Insurance Tips for Students Heading to College

Many students are preparing to head to college, some for the first time. While college means new classes, instructors, friends and living quarters, it can also mean new insurance needs. 

If your student is heading to college, make sure your college prep checklist includes a thorough review of your insurance needs and those of your student. 

"Ensure your student has the insurance coverage they need for their health, auto, living space and belongings before they leave for college," said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White. "Make sure they understand their coverage and how to file a claim, if needed." 

The State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance encourages Virginians to shop around for insurance coverage and compare premiums and policy provisions. Read insurance policies carefully and know what is and is not covered. Also understand exclusions, deductibles and coverage limits. Contact your insurance agent or company for questions or concerns.

The bureau offers the following insurance considerations for parents and college students: 

HEALTH 

College students have several options for getting health insurance. Under federal law, students may be able to stay on their parents' health insurance until they turn 26 years old. If your student remains on your health insurance policy, make sure they have a copy of insurance cards, understand what services are covered and know how to obtain referrals, if necessary, before seeking treatment. Under some policies, your student would need to find a physician or hospital that is within your insurance carrier's provider network - except for emergency care - or pay more out of pocket if a provider is outside your carrier's network.

Students who do not have health insurance through a parent's policy, or who have limited coverage due to provider networks or service areas, may opt to purchase a student health insurance plan through their college or university. Students also may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period that would allow them to apply for a private health insurance plan through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace. 

PERSONAL PROPERTY AND HOUSING 

Many college students take valuable items with them to school such as laptops, mobile phones, televisions, gaming devices and bicycles. When reviewing your insurance needs, consider how much it would cost to replace everything in your student's dorm room or apartment if a theft or disaster occurred. 

For students who live in on-campus student housing, their parents' homeowners or renters policy may cover their belongings if they are stolen or damaged. Some policies, however, may limit the amount of coverage provided. In the event of a loss, policy deductibles also may apply. Additional coverage may be needed for certain items such as jewelry or expensive electronics.

Students living off campus should consider renters insurance, which typically covers a tenant's personal property and insures the tenant if someone is injured on their leased premises. Landlords' policies generally only cover the structure, not a renter's possessions. Renters insurance premiums vary depending on the location of the rental unit and the value of the tenant's possessions. 

An inventory of personal property will help you and your student determine how much insurance is needed and can facilitate the claims process if a loss occurs. Free smartphone apps - like the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Home Inventory - make creating a home inventory easy. 

AUTO 

For college students planning to take a car to school, parents should ask their insurance agent or company about the types and amounts of coverage required - as well as rates for the city and state where the college is located - before deciding whether to keep the student's car on the family auto insurance policy. If your student is attending college in another state, know that state's minimum requirements for auto insurance coverage. Check with your agent or insurance company about good student discounts on the vehicle's insurance premiums for students who maintain good grades. 

Students whose names are on the title for a car should be named as an insured on the auto insurance policy. However, they may be able to stay on their parents' policy if their parents own the vehicle they will use at school. Tell your insurance agent where the vehicle will be kept if the address is different from what is on the policy. 

For more information about these and many other insurance-related topics, contact the bureau toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or in Richmond at 804-371-9741 or visit its website. 

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141

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