State insurance commissioners push renters insurance for college students
Why it matters: As students move away for college, protecting personal belongings becomes crucial. Renters insurance offers a safety net against theft, damage, or loss of valuable items.
The big picture: Insurance regulators across multiple states are urging college students to consider renters insurance, especially those living off-campus.
Between the lines: Many students don't realize many policies don't cover personal items.
The bottom line: Renters insurance provides peace of mind as students navigate their college journey.
What they're saying:
“While moving away from home is exciting, I highly recommend that college students take steps to protect themselves and their belongings as they move closer to campus this Fall,” said Commissioner King. “From cell phones to computers, televisions, furniture, and even clothing, ensuring your possessions are covered in the event of a theft or disaster can save time, money, and heartache.” - John F. King, Georgia Insurance Commissioner
"College students renting an off-campus apartment or house while away at school should consider purchasing renters insurance to protect their personal property, such as computers, electronics, televisions, bicycles, textbooks or furniture, in the event that it is damaged, destroyed or stolen." - North Dakota Insurance Department
"The State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance encourages Virginia families with college students to make sure their college prep checklist includes a thorough review of both their own insurance policies, as well as those of their students."
“College students, because they often own valuable personal property such as televisions, stereos, bicycles, etc., should consider obtaining a renters insurance policy,” stated Indiana Department of Insurance, before going on to add, “If you live in a rented apartment, house or condominium, your landlord’s insurance doesn’t cover your personal property in the event that it is stolen or damaged as a result of a fire, theft or other unexpected circumstance. College students living in off-campus housing are ideal candidates for needing renters insurance, since many students bring thousands of dollars worth of personal items, such as electronics, a computer, textbooks, clothes, furniture, and a bicycle, with them to school. It is the renter’s responsibility to provide coverage for these valuable items.” - Indiana Department of Insurance
“For students going away to college, personal possessions may be covered under a parent’s homeowners policy if your student is living on-campus. If living off-campus, your student may need renter’s insurance.” - Iowa Insurance Division
“A renters’ insurance policy is something that Gen Zers heading off to college or getting an apartment should have,” Causey said. “Many may not know that the landlord’s insurance policy will not cover the renter’s personal items, such as clothing, furniture, televisions and other appliances, cookware, laptops and other belongings in case they are lost in a fire, storm or stolen. Landlord policies only cover the building itself.” - North Carolina Insurance Commissioner, Mike Causey
