As the excitement of college move-in season builds, it’s easy to get caught up in dorm décor, class schedules, and orientation plans. But one crucial topic that often gets overlooked is insurance. Whether your student is heading to campus for the first time or returning for another year, reviewing your insurance coverage can protect against unexpected financial setbacks.

Here’s a breakdown of the most important insurance considerations for students and their families:

Auto Insurance: Are You Covered Away from Home?

If your student is taking a car to school, make sure the vehicle is properly insured. Confirm whether your current policy covers out-of-state driving and consider adding extras like roadside assistance or towing and labor coverage

Renters Insurance: Dorm or Apartment, It Matters

Students living in dorms may have some coverage under their parents’ homeowners policy, but this typically doesn’t extend to off-campus housing. Renters insurance is essential for protecting personal belongings from theft, fire, or water damage—and it also includes liability coverage if your student accidentally damages someone else’s property

Renters insurance is generally affordable and can be tailored to cover high-value items like laptops, musical instruments, or bicycles. Be sure to review policy limits and consider replacement cost coverage for full protection

Identity Theft Protection: A Digital Safety Net

College students are frequent targets for identity theft due to their heavy use of online platforms and public Wi-Fi. Identity theft protection services can monitor for suspicious activity and help recover stolen information or funds

Insurance might not be the most exciting part of college prep, but it’s one of the most important. A few proactive steps now can prevent major headaches later.