Well, folks, the day has finally come. It feels like just yesterday you were teaching your little one to ride a bike, and now you’re packing up the car for that big move to college. It’s a proud moment, filled with excitement, nostalgia, and maybe a few tears. But before you send your teen off into the wild world of higher education, let’s have a quick heart-to-heart about something important—insurance.
Health Insurance: Keeping Them Safe and Sound
First things first, let’s talk health insurance. Colleges usually require it, and luckily, your kiddo can stay on your health plan until they’re 26, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. But here’s the catch—make sure your plan meets the college’s specific requirements. If it doesn’t, or if your teen isn’t covered, you might need to look into other options, like the school’s health plan. Sure, it might be a bit on the pricey side, but peace of mind? That’s priceless.
5 More Types of Insurance Every College Parent Should Consider
Now, health insurance is just the start. To truly set your teen up for success (and avoid a few sleepless nights yourself), here are five other types of insurance to think about:
- Car Insurance: Hit the Road Safely If your teen is bringing their car to college, or even if it’s staying at home, it’s time for a chat with your insurance agent. Depending on where they’re headed, rates could change. The good news? Many insurance companies offer discounts for students who keep those grades up. So, a little extra study time could lead to some serious savings!
- Renter’s Insurance: Protect Their New Home Away from Home Whether they’re in a dorm or off-campus housing, renter’s insurance is a smart move. If they’re on campus, your homeowner’s insurance might cover their stuff—but it’s not a guarantee. And if they’re living off-campus, renter’s insurance is a must. Look for a policy that even covers temporary living expenses, just in case their place needs repairs and they have to crash somewhere else for a bit.
- Electronics Insurance: Safeguard Their Gadgets Let’s face it—today’s students are glued to their gadgets. Laptops, tablets, smartphones—they’re essential for everything from classwork to keeping in touch with home. But accidents happen, and these aren’t cheap to replace. A good electronics insurance plan can cover theft, damage, or loss, so you don’t have to worry about a high deductible every time their laptop takes a tumble.
- Identity Theft Insurance: Shield Them from Scammers College students are often prime targets for identity theft. Between shared living spaces, unsecured networks, and oversharing on social media, it’s easy for personal information to end up in the wrong hands. An identity theft plan can offer credit monitoring, recovery services, and even legal coverage if something goes awry. It’s a small investment that can protect your teen from a big headache.
- Personal Liability Insurance: Covering Life’s “Uh-Oh” Moments We’ve all been there—life happens, and sometimes it gets messy. Personal liability insurance is often part of your homeowner’s or renter’s policy, but it’s worth making sure it covers your college-bound student. Whether they accidentally damage property, or heaven forbid, cause an injury, this insurance can help cover the costs and keep things from spiraling out of control.
A Final Fatherly Word of Advice
Before you drop your teen off at college, take a few moments to review your insurance coverage together. This isn’t just about protecting their stuff—it’s about setting them up for success and making sure they’re ready for whatever life throws their way. And hey, if you need a little guidance, that’s what we’re here for.
At Evergreen Insurance Agency, we’re more than just insurance experts—we’re parents, too. So, if you have any questions, need help reviewing your policies, or just want to chat about how fast these kids grow up, give us a call. We’re here to help you and your family every step of the way. Safe travels, and here’s to a fantastic college journey ahead!