Teen is Going to College
WHINS Insurance Agency can provide you with guidance on your insurance needs during this exciting and emotional time.
Here are the kinds of insurance you need to think about when it comes to your college student.
Auto Insurance
Even if your student doesn't take a car to school, we recommend that you keep them listed on the policy. Here's why:
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They will be fully protected if when returns home for a weekend visit and drives.
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If they drive a friend's car and the car isn't insured properly.
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If your student is hit by a car or hurt in another's car, your insurance will still cover them.
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Keeping him on your auto policy maintains continuous insurance coverage, which may be beneficial when he gets his own auto insurance policy.
As a full-time student, your child may qualify for a Good Student Discount (if he maintains a grade average of 3.0 or higher). Make sure to let us know, get the proper documentation and we'll make sure you're getting the best discount possible.
If your student takes a car to school, she or he can still remain on your auto policy. In fact, your child should, since it is usually much more expensive for young divers and students to have their own policy.
Be sure to notify us about the new garaging address: This is required by most insurance companies, but it can also save you money, especially if your student attends college in a less populated area of the state.
Full-time college students can usually remain covered on their parents’ auto policy if their primary address is the parents’ house, even if they attend college out of state. Make sure that the policy meets the minimum auto liability requirements for that state.
But remember, if your student owns the vehicle and holds the title, they'll need their own auto policy.
Here at WHINS Insurance Agency we specialize in properly insuring your college student. We will review your situation and make sure all coverage is current and adequate.
Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance
If your child stays in a dorm room on campus and you, the parents, have renters or homeowner’s insurance for your home, your insurance policy will extend to cover their belongings, up to a 10% limit of your personal property coverage.
That means, if your renter’s or homeowner’s policy has a limit of $200,000 for personal property, there will be coverage for up to $20,000 for your child’s belongings. Keep in mind that coverage is subject to your renter’s or homeowner’s policy deductible, usually $500 - $1,000.
Check with us to make sure the personal property limit on your homeowner’s policy is adequate. You might need additional coverage to insure expensive items like jewelry, musical instruments, or certain sports equipment.
Please note: Will your child return home or travel abroad for longer periods of time as part of their college experience? If they leave their belongings behind in a dorm or fraternity / sorority house for more than 45 days, your homeowners policy will no longer cover those belongings.
If your college student lives in his or her own place off-campus, or shares an off-campus house or apartment with friends, things get a little trickier, insurance wise.
You might have to set up a separate renter’s policy for your student. That will not only cover his or her "stuff", but also provide liability coverage in case somebody gets hurt in their place. These policies are very affordable (around $15 a month) which is great, because many landlords make them mandatory.
Depending on your child’s particular situation, there might be some other variables that need to be considered. This is where an independent insurance agency (like WHINS) really comes in handy!
If your student is about to move into his or her own place, give us a call. We can help you navigate through the insurance-jungle and make sure you get the best value and protection for your money.
Health Insurance
Health insurance policies differ widely, so before you kid goes off to college, you'll need to check what yours covers. Here are some things you should be aware of:
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As a full time student, he or she may be covered up to a certain age limit in California (usually age 26)
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If covered, be aware of how your coverage works in a different state:
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If you have an HMO and your student's college is not within the service area, you will be covered for emergency situations. However, follow-up care may not be covered unless you go back to your service area.
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If you have PPO and the accident is outside of the provider network, benefits will only be paid at the non-preferred level.
Please note: If your child travels while in school, make sure you check if their health insurance coverage extends to overseas travel. Many times it does not.
One-Stop Insurance Shopping
Our team at WHINS Insurance Agency specializes in family protection plans. Our family-oriented agency has helped thousands of clients get prepared for the changing insurance needs of new college students and their families, while making sure they get the best protection for their insurance dollar. We know where to look to find the discounts!
Contact us today (818) 233-0825 for a free review of you and your student's insurance plan.