Monday, September 2, 2013
Cheap home insurance when you live away at college and renting
Living on campus, and attending college is different now. Not everyone goes to college straight from high school. A lot of students are older and have lived away from home for a bit. If that's the case then your parent's home insurance may not cover your possessions anymore.
Insurance is all about paying a small price today to cover the possible catastrophe of a tomorrow; it's all about risk. Most colleges now require students living in the dorms and in the college owned housing to cover their own liability insurance, as well as their own personal property insurance. While universities and colleges have insurance, it covers only the interest of the college. The college's liability insurance only pays when the college is negligent or liable, not for a student that sets your dorm room or apartment on fire at a party gone out of control. Because the risks are high that individuals released from the bounds of home make bad choices when left to their own, colleges often require a certificate of insurance before you can get into your room. Many insurance companies offer student apartment home insurance policies. Most are a limited type of renter's insurance while others are just property coverage.
Property policies typically cover electronics like laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, books, clothes, musical instruments and more. If you are an art student, you can list your expensive non-expendable tools like cameras and photographic equipment. Most policies want you to itemize your possessions and their value. This helps you construct a policy that fits your budget. Policies typically cover your possessions from vandalism, accidental damage, theft, electrical or water damage, fire and water damage. Coverage goes beyond your dorm /apartment but also protects you on, off campus, or at home.
You should be aware that property coverage might not be enough for a particular university or college. Many require students to carry liability to cover their behavior. Students who play for the school athletic teams are often made aware that they can be sued individually for their actions on the field of play and the college bears no responsibility. Many schools suggest a minimum of $12,000 coverage per student per year. When you are asking about home insurance quotes, ask if they have a student renters policy that bundles the liability with the property. You should be able to compare quotes and options to find an affordable policy.