Before heading to college or sending a child off to school, there is a lot to think about: there’s financial planning, touring the campus, and of course, potentially meeting roommates and decorating the dorm room.
As you open this exciting chapter, don’t forget to take advantage of any available savings on your insurance for college students and update your policies. Think of it this way: If the college to-do list was a syllabus, getting your insurance needs in order would be one of your first assignments.
Parents may not be aware that homeowners insurance can extend some protection to their children going away to college. Approximately 10% of the personal property coverage on your policy (also known as “Coverage C”) will cover possessions in a child’s dorm room. “So, if the Coverage C on your policy was $250,000, $25,000 would be afforded to your child’s stuff if a covered loss were to occur,” said Emily Buckley, AAA Northeast insurance sales manager in Garden City, N.Y.
Expensive items such as computers and other technology are often subject to coverage limits under a standard homeowners policy. If the limits are too low, parents may want to consider purchasing a special personal property endorsement.
Students living off-campus should consider purchasing renters insurance, which covers belongings and provides protection from liability if someone is injured on the property. It may also provide funds if a dorm room or apartment becomes uninhabitable because of a fire, burst pipe or other debilitating circumstance.
Auto insurance coverage depends on where you attend college. If you commute or stay at college in your home state and remain on your parents’ policy, coverage likely still applies. Check with your insurance provider to ensure minimum coverage requirements are met.
Parents who have kids attending school 100 miles or farther away could qualify for the student-away discount on their auto insurance policy that some companies offer. A young adult who doesn’t own a vehicle and drives the family car only when home is considered a lower risk, hence a lower rate. Full-time students who maintain at least a B (3.0) average or equivalent may also be eligible for a good student discount.
To see what discounts you may qualify for and to ensure you have adequate coverage while you or your child is at school, contact your insurance agent. “Any life event is the perfect time to give your agent a call to review and assess if any changes can be made to your policy to better protect you and your family, all the while saving you as much money as possible,” said Buckley.
Whether driving many miles to an out-of-state school or commuting back and forth every day, it’s a good idea to keep your car well-maintained and running smoothly to help avoid any risks on the road.
There are a variety of reasons why a student may need to pause or stop going to college. Tuition insurance can provide reimbursement for non-refundable expenses like tuition payments, housing and even meal fees for students who need to leave school before the end of the semester for reasons which could include any covered illness, injury or psychological condition.
Insurance coverage may differ by state. Speak to a AAA Insurance agent to learn more about how you or the college student in your life can save on insurance.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
Last updated on February 26, 2026 by AAA Staff
Marisa is AAA Northeast’s content manager. She’s been writing and editing for more than a decade at AAA, where she’s covered everything from insurance to the region’s top restaurants. A native Long Islander, she’s always up for discovering fun new day trips, drives and restaurants in and around the area. Will travel for food.
