As we are getting into the “back to school” time of year, questions are beginning to arise regarding what is and is not covered when students return to college.  To that end, we offer the following information.

The contents of a student’s dorm or apartment are generally covered on their parent’s homeowner policy.  Clothing and other personal effects which accompany the student wherever they are currently residing are all typically included up to the Coverage C limit.  The 10% Coverage C limitation will be applied to those items that are usually at the dorm full time.   There is also a theft limitation for items left at the college residence when the student has been away for more than 45 days. Since residency schedules and arrangements can vary widely, in the event of a loss the adjustor will ultimately determine which property will be subject to the limitation and which will not.

To make matters easy, if parents are not comfortable with these limitations, they have the option to acquire an HO-4 or endorse the policy with Personal Property Increased Limits – Other Residence Occupied by Insured – All Forms (HO-0450). 

Laptops taken to school are also covered under Coverage C for the named perils in the policy.  For all risk coverage, be sure the student laptops are included in the Personal Computer Blanket coverage endorsed to the policy.