Back to School - Insurance with Kids Away at College

Posted: 6 years, 10 months ago

updated December 2025

School’s Back in Session! What College Season Means for Your 2025 Insurance Coverage

Back-to-school season is officially here—and for many families, that means kids heading off to college, new routines, and big changes to your household. It can also mean important updates to your insurance. Whether a student is leaving the nest, taking a car to campus, or moving into an apartment for the first time, now is the perfect time to make sure your policies still fit your life. Here’s what to review for 2025:

Auto Insurance: Keep Coverage Accurate and Up to Date

When students head to college, their auto insurance needs often change. Some will leave their vehicle at home. Others will take it to school—sometimes hours away from their primary residence. Both situations can impact your policy.

If your student is 100+ miles away without a vehicle

Many carriers still offer a Student Away at School rating, which can reduce your premium—while keeping the student covered when they’re home on breaks.

If your student is taking a vehicle with them

You’ll need to update the garaging address to wherever the car will be kept most of the year. This is required by most insurance contracts and helps ensure coverage responds correctly in the event of a claim.

Why this matters - Auto insurance contracts typically include language like:

“Notify your insurer within 30 days of changes to your address, garaging location, vehicle usage, or operators.”

Failing to update this information can affect how a claim is handled—so keep your agent in the loop. A quick phone call now can prevent headaches later.

Renters Insurance: A Must-Have for College Life in 2025

When packing for college, most students think about schedules, laptops, dorm essentials, and meeting roommates—not insurance. But the reality is: college living comes with risks. Even a “minimalist” student typically has thousands of dollars in personal belongings:

Laptop
Phone
Headphones
Clothing
Small appliances
Furniture
Sports equipment
Jewelry

And with shared spaces, busy dorms, and the occasional party, losses can happen quickly.

The good news? Renters insurance is extremely affordable in 2025.

For a low monthly cost, a renters policy includes:

✔ Personal Property Coverage

Covers belongings anywhere in the world for covered losses—like theft, fire, or certain weather events. (Flood and earthquake still require separate coverage.)

✔ Liability Protection

If someone is injured in your student’s space—or if they accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property—liability coverage can help protect against lawsuits and medical bills.

✔ Additional Living Expenses

If a covered loss makes their dorm or apartment unlivable, this coverage can pay for temporary housing and meals.

Does a Student Need Their Own Renters Policy?

It depends on where they’re living and what your homeowners policy extends.
Generally:

Living at home: Covered by the parents’ homeowners policy.
Living in a dorm: Often still covered, but usually with limits.
Living off-campus: Coverage through a parents’ policy is often limited or excluded.

To avoid gaps—or relying on low coverage caps—it’s smart to call your agent and confirm what applies. In most cases, having the student carry their own renters policy offers clearer protection and fewer surprises.

We’re Here to Help Your Family Transition Smoothly

Whether your student is leaving the driveway or moving into a new place across the state, your Top O’ Michigan team can help you review coverage and make updates before the semester kicks off. Call our Licensed Solution Providers at 800-686-8664 or email Service@TheSpireTeam.com. We’ll make sure your student is protected—and you can get back to helping them settle into their new adventure.