August means school buses on the roads, lunch boxes on the counter, and calendars filling up fast. But while you’re checking off the back-to-school supply list, there’s one more thing to add: making sure your insurance is ready for the new season of life.
If your teen is driving to school for the first time, or you’ve got a child heading off to college, a quick coverage review can save you stress, money, and even heartache later on.
Here’s what every parent should know before the first school bell rings.
1. Teen Drivers: More Than Just a Name on the Policy
Adding a new driver to your insurance can feel like handing over the keys to your bank account — premiums can jump 50% or more. But with the right approach, you can keep costs under control while still protecting your child (and your wallet).
Why You Need to Add Them Early:
Some parents delay officially adding their teen to avoid higher premiums. But if your teen is driving and isn’t listed, a claim could be denied or payout reduced. That’s a risk no family should take.
Ways to Save:
✅Good Student Discounts – Many companies offer 10–20% off if your teen maintains a B average or higher.
✅Driver Training – Completing a certified defensive driving course can lower rates.
✅Shared Vehicles – If possible, have your teen listed as the primary driver of the least expensive car in the household.
2. College Students: Dorm vs. Apartment Coverage
If your student is living in a dorm, their belongings are typically covered under your homeowner’s or renter’s policy — but there are limits. Most policies cap off-premises coverage at 10% of your personal property limit.
Example: If you have $100,000 in personal property coverage, your student’s dorm items are covered up to $10,000. That sounds like a lot, but laptops, phones, bikes, and clothes can add up fast.
If They’re Renting an Apartment:
A separate renter’s policy is a must. It’s inexpensive (often under $20/month) and covers their stuff against theft, fire, or water damage — plus liability if someone gets hurt in their space.
3. The “Good Student Away” Discount
If your child goes to school more than 100 miles from home and doesn’t have a car on campus, many insurance carriers will reduce their rate since they won’t be driving regularly.
It’s an easy discount to miss, so tell your agent where your student is going to school and whether they’re taking a car with them.
4. Liability Protection: The Most Overlooked Back-to-School Need
Parents often think about insuring the car or the dorm room, but not about increasing liability coverage. One accident with a teen driver can quickly exceed the minimum state limits.
Pro Tip: Consider raising liability limits or adding an umbrella policy. Umbrella coverage typically starts at $1 million and can cost as little as $150–$300 per year — a small price for peace of mind.
5. Quick Back-to-School Insurance Checklist
Here’s a fast, five-minute checklist you can run through today:
✅ Add any new drivers to your auto policy.
✅ Ask about good student and driver training discounts.
✅ Verify coverage for students’ belongings (dorm or apartment).
✅ Update your address and garaging location for accurate rating.
✅ Review liability limits and consider an umbrella policy.
Real-Life Example: How One Family Saved $420
Last fall, a client called because their daughter was starting college three hours away. After reviewing their policies, we found three opportunities:
• Applied the “student away” discount since she wasn’t taking a car.
• Increased their liability limits but bundled with a renter’s policy for her apartment.
• Added a good student discount after she emailed her transcripts.
Result? Better coverage and $420 saved for the year — enough to buy those extra textbooks without stress.
Bottom Line
Back-to-school season is about new beginnings — and that’s the perfect time to make sure your insurance keeps up with life changes. A quick review now can prevent costly surprises later, and often puts money back in your pocket.
We make it simple: no jargon, no pressure — just a friendly chat to make sure your coverage fits your current life.
📲 Call or message us today to schedule your free back-to-school insurance checkup.
