Some advice from your agent. A child leaving for college has become a routine “end of the summer” event at our house – since August 2000 we have sent at least one child off to further their education.
We’ve been through the process 10 times and if everything works out we’ll only face two more of these summer ending rituals.
Shirlee and I know all too well that this is a very stressful time for parents. Aside from the “I need” stress (new clothes, new shoes, supplies, appliances, cars, computers, printers, etc), and the stress of writing a check for that fall semester tuition/housing bill there is the “emotional stress” of seeing your “little boy” or “little girl” leave the nest. We adjust to them leaving – then re-adjust our lives when they come home – only to find the need to adjust again when they head back to campus.
At Clevenger Insurance, we do not sell an insurance policy to handle these specific challenges but we do have some experience in answering questions that come with such a life bending event.
Questions like “Is my child’s stuff covered in an apartment while he/she is away at college?” The answer is “yes” - as long as this is a temporary residence for your child. “How about their computer, is it covered and do I need special coverage?”
It too is covered but as “personal property” and only by the perils your homeowners policy addresses. Any loss would be subject to your homeowner policy deductible and other policy provisions. We recommend that you specifically insure laptop computers and special electronic devices on a “Scheduled Property Endorsement” to your homeowners policy. The best protection for these devices is good “risk management” – always lock the dorm room door and never leave a computer unattended in a public place (that includes the library or dorm lobby).
If you have other questions regarding your child’s personal property as it “goes to campus,” our knowledgeable staff is available to assist you. Call us at either of our two convenient locations – 574-267-2181 for our Warsaw location or 574-353-7531 to Roger in Mentone, IN. Our goal is to keep your stress at a manageable level – your homeowners policy offers some “stress relief” and “peace of mind”.
